The formation of continents involves a combination of magmatic and metamorphic processes. These processes become indistinguishable at the crust-mantle interface, where the pressure-temperature（P-T）conditions of（ul...The formation of continents involves a combination of magmatic and metamorphic processes. These processes become indistinguishable at the crust-mantle interface, where the pressure-temperature（P-T）conditions of（ultra） high-temperature granulites and magmatic rocks are similar. Continents grow laterally, by magmatic activity above oceanic subduction zones（high-pressure metamorphic setting）, and vertically by accumulation of mantle-derived magmas at the base of the crust（high-temperature metamorphic setting）. Both events are separated from each other in time; the vertical accretion postdating lateral growth by several tens of millions of years. Fluid inclusion data indicate that during the high-temperature metamorphic episode the granulite lower crust is invaded by large amounts of low H2O-activity fluids including high-density CO2 and concentrated saline solutions（brines）. These fluids are expelled from the lower crust to higher crustal levels at the end of the high-grade metamorphic event. The final amalgamation of supercontinents corresponds to episodes of ultra-high temperature metamorphism involving large-scale accumulation of these low-water activity fluids in the lower crust.This accumulation causes tectonic instability, which together with the heat input from the subcontinental lithospheric mantle, leads to the disruption of supercontinents. Thus, the fragmentation of a supercontinent is already programmed at the time of its amalgamation.展开更多
The Hadean history of Earth is shrouded in mystery and it is considered that the planet was born dry with no water or atmosphere.The Earth-Moon system had many features in common during the birth stage.Solidification ...The Hadean history of Earth is shrouded in mystery and it is considered that the planet was born dry with no water or atmosphere.The Earth-Moon system had many features in common during the birth stage.Solidification of the dry magma ocean at 4.53 Ga generated primordial continents with komatiite.We speculate that the upper crust was composed of fractionated gabbros and the middle felsic crust by anorthosite at ca.21 km depth boundary,underlain by meta-anorthosite（grossular ＋ kyanite 4 quartz）down to 50-60 km in depth.The thickness of the mafic KREEP basalt in the lower crust,separating it from the underlying upper mantle is not well-constrained and might have been up to ca.100-200 km depending on the degree of fractionation and gravitational stability versus surrounding mantle density.The primordial continents must have been composed of the final residue of dry magma ocean and enriched in several critical elements including Ca,Mg,Fe,Mn,P,K,and Cl which were exposed on the surface of the dry Earth.Around 190 million years after the solidification of the magma ocean, ＂ABEL bombardment＂ delivered volatiles including H_2O,CO_2,N_2 as well as silicate components through the addition of icy asteroids.This event continued for 200 Myr with subordinate bombardments until 3.9 Ga,preparing the Earth for the prebiotic chemical evolution and as the cradle of first life.Due to vigorous convection arising from high mantle potential temperatures,the primordial continents disintegrated and were dragged down to the deep mantle,marking the onset of Hadean plate tectonics.展开更多
WEI Jianguo is a familiar name in Africa. A star in the con- temporary history of Chinese-African relations, Wei＇s experience is notable in many ways. He has worked in the field for 40 years, which marks the longest ...WEI Jianguo is a familiar name in Africa. A star in the con- temporary history of Chinese-African relations, Wei＇s experience is notable in many ways. He has worked in the field for 40 years, which marks the longest tenure among his peers.展开更多
Panama International Merchandise Mart (PIMM) is to become the first and largest tax-free wholesale center in Latin America.By providing a platform for overseas manufacturers and industrialists to showcase their produc...Panama International Merchandise Mart (PIMM) is to become the first and largest tax-free wholesale center in Latin America.By providing a platform for overseas manufacturers and industrialists to showcase their products and interact directly with buyers in the Americas, the $1 billion PIMM project is based on a vision to revolutionize the way that goods are traded in the Western Hemisphere.展开更多
Eurasian countries unite to seek a way out of the global financial crisis How should the world cope with the raging financial storm? That question topped the agenda of the Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting(ASEM), held on Oc...Eurasian countries unite to seek a way out of the global financial crisis How should the world cope with the raging financial storm? That question topped the agenda of the Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting(ASEM), held on October 24-25 in Beijing.At the biennial summit, leaders from展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and user satisfaction of the MAIA^(TM)telemedicine platform for postoperative telemonitoring and telerehabilitation in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP)....Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and user satisfaction of the MAIA^(TM)telemedicine platform for postoperative telemonitoring and telerehabilitation in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP).Methods:Patients undergoing RARP(from April 2022 to January 2023)were divided into Group A,following the standard rehabilitation protocol,and Group B using the MAIA^(TM)platform for the first 30-day post-intervention period.Perioperative,pathological,and functional variables(continence and potency rates,assessed via validated questionnaires)were collected and telerehabilitation protocol’s adherence was monitored.The telerehabilitation system included an online platform for medical providers and a patient application,facilitating data acquisition,management,treatment planning,and monitoring.Patient and provider satisfactionwere evaluated using the visual analogue scale score and validated telemedicine satisfaction questionnaire.Results:Totally,227 patients were enrolled.No differences in perioperative or pathological variables were found.Group B had higher potency recovery rates than Group A(p=0.031);the potency recovery rates at 1 month and 3 months for Group B were 45%and 57%,respectively,and in Group A were 34%and 48%,respectively.At the multivariate analysis,MAIA^(TM)use and the nerve-sparing(NS)were independent predictors of erectile function at both 1 month(MAIA^(TM)use:odd ratio[OR]2.03,95%confidence interval[CI]1.13-3.63,p=0.018;NS:OR 2.08,95%CI 1.06-4.12,p=0.034)and 3 months(MAIA^(TM)use:OR 1.89,95%CI 1.07-3.34,p=0.028;NS:OR 1.90;95%CI 1.02-3.54,p=0.044).Adherencemonitoring revealed 4.6%of patients in Group B reported exercise issues due to pelvic pain onset and 10%did not take oral phosphodiesterase 5-inhibitors due to myalgia.All those patients restarted the rehabilitation program after televisit to address the causing problem,allowing restarting of a rehabilitation program.Patients reported high satisfaction with the MAIA^(TM)platform use(mean visual analogue scale score:88.7).Conclusion:The MAIA^(TM)telemedicine platform seems to have a role in optimizing early potency recovery after RARP.Patient and provider satisfaction levels were high,emphasizing the user-friendliness of the platform.展开更多
1 Three hundred years ago,merchants from Shanxi Province exported tea to foreign countries on the Eurasian continent,and in turn they brought back the secrets of glassware manufacturing.Luo Qinqin,a 40‑year‑old native...1 Three hundred years ago,merchants from Shanxi Province exported tea to foreign countries on the Eurasian continent,and in turn they brought back the secrets of glassware manufacturing.Luo Qinqin,a 40‑year‑old native of Qixian county in Shanxi,is a skilled glass worker in Shanxi.She is one of the few female artisans who have mastered the craft of glass pulling.展开更多
It’s that time of the year again when we find ourselves reflecting on the year that was and the year ahead.On the African continent,many countries are still recovering from the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic an...It’s that time of the year again when we find ourselves reflecting on the year that was and the year ahead.On the African continent,many countries are still recovering from the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and are doing so amid a fraught geopolitical environment.These tensions have,to some extent,created hurdles in the path of Africa’s recovery.The African Development Bank has attributed the economic slowdown on the continent toastronomical inflation caused by soaring food andenergy prices. These issues have been aggravatedby the current geopolitical chaos and climatechange. Nevertheless, the continent is projectedto grow at a steady rate of 4.3 percent in 2025.This means that Africa will retain its positionas the fastest-growing region after Asia. This isdriven by several positive factors.展开更多
The Madden-Julian Oscillation(MJO)is a key atmospheric component connecting global weather and climate.It func-tions as a primary source for subseasonal forecasts.Previous studies have highlighted the vital impact of ...The Madden-Julian Oscillation(MJO)is a key atmospheric component connecting global weather and climate.It func-tions as a primary source for subseasonal forecasts.Previous studies have highlighted the vital impact of oceanic processes on MJO propagation.However,few existing MJO prediction approaches adequately consider these factors.This study determines the critical region for the oceanic processes affecting MJO propagation by utilizing 22-year Climate Forecast System Reanalysis data.By intro-ducing surface and subsurface oceanic temperature within this critical region into a lagged multiple linear regression model,the MJO forecasting skill is considerably optimized.This optimization leads to a 12 h enhancement in the forecasting skill of the first principal component and efficiently decreases prediction errors for the total predictions.Further analysis suggests that,during the years in which MJO events propagate across the Maritime Continent over a more southerly path,the optimized statistical forecasting model obtains better improvements in MJO prediction.展开更多
Fragments of Proto-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere are well-preserved along the southern belt of the North Qilian suture,and the origin and emplacement of these ophiolites have become subjects of intense debate.In this st...Fragments of Proto-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere are well-preserved along the southern belt of the North Qilian suture,and the origin and emplacement of these ophiolites have become subjects of intense debate.In this study,we integrate field observations,mineralogical and geochemical analyses,zircon U-Pb dating,and isotopic data to investigate the Yanglong ophiolite.The Yanglong ophiolitic rocks are found as tectonic slices resting on the Neoproterozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks.These rocks are composed of Cambrian serpentinized peridotite,gabbro,dolerite,and rodingite.The spinels in the serpentinized peridotites have variable Cr^(#)values(21,38-46,and 59-61)and display affinity to those in abyssal and forearc peridotites.The dolerites show slight enrichment in Th and have elevated(La/Sm)_(N) ratios(1.19-2.01),indicating a subduction-related geochemical affinity.The Yanglong ophiolitic rocks have positive zirconεHf(t)values(+10.3 to+18.4)and whole-rockεNd(t)values(+5.3 to+6.7)indicating derivation from partial melting of a depleted mantle source.These results,together with the regional geology,collectively suggest that the Yanglong ophiolite was generated in a forearc setting during the Early Cambrian northward intra-oceanic subduction.It was emplaced onto the Central Qilian Block during the subsequent arc-continent collision,no later than the Early Ordovician.展开更多
Since the end of the Cold War,the core goal of U.S.policy toward Africa has been to build its influence on the continent through development assistance and trade preferences attached with political conditionalities,de...Since the end of the Cold War,the core goal of U.S.policy toward Africa has been to build its influence on the continent through development assistance and trade preferences attached with political conditionalities,defined as“assistance for concessions”.After the September 11 attacks,counterterrorism became a priority in U.S.national security strategy,being one of the three pillars of U.S.policy toward Africa alongside assistance and trade.展开更多
The Central Asian region serves as a strategic hub of the Eurasian continent and stands as one of the key areas for China’s promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)and for building a community with a shared fut...The Central Asian region serves as a strategic hub of the Eurasian continent and stands as one of the key areas for China’s promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)and for building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries.At the first China-Central Asia Summit in 2023,President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of adhering to the“four principles”in advancing the China-Central Asia community with a shared future.展开更多
Objective:Radical prostatectomy(RP)is considered the gold standard treatment for patients with localized prostate cancer(PCa).All patients undergoing RP,either open,laparoscopic,or robotic,are at risk of developing ur...Objective:Radical prostatectomy(RP)is considered the gold standard treatment for patients with localized prostate cancer(PCa).All patients undergoing RP,either open,laparoscopic,or robotic,are at risk of developing urinary incontinence after RP.Our study aimed to analyze possible predictors of early postoperative(within 3 months)urinary continence(UC)outcomes following extraperitoneal single-site robot-assisted RP(ss-RARP)for localized PCa.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed data from 113 patients with localized PCa who were operated on by a highly experienced surgeon between September 2022 and December 2023.Patient characteristics(age,body mass index,prostate volume,prostate dimensions,preoperative and postoperative membranous urethral length,and percentage of membranous urethra removed)were analyzed using logistic regression to determine the independent factors contributing to short-term UC recovery after extraperitoneal ss-RARP.From the time of urinary catheter removal after surgery,the recovery of UC was followed up every month,and UC was defined as using≤1 safety pad daily,known as social continence.Results:The proportions of continent patients immediately after urinary catheter removal,1 month,and 3 months after extraperitoneal ss-RARP were 22%,49%,and 82%,respectively.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the percentage of membranous urethra removed(p=0.016)and prostate volume(p=0.049)were associated with social UC recovery immediately after urinary catheter removal,and craniocaudal dimension of the prostate(p=0.042)and age(p=0.014)were associated with social UC recovery 1 month and 3 months after extraperitoneal ss-RARP,respectively.Conclusion:The percentage of membranous urethra removed,prostate volume,craniocaudal dimension of the prostate,and age are independent risk factors for social UC early after extraperitoneal ss-RARP.展开更多
When plate tectonics began on the Earth has been long debated and here we argue this topic based on the records of Earth-Moon geology and asteroid belt to conclude that the onset of plate tectonics was during the midd...When plate tectonics began on the Earth has been long debated and here we argue this topic based on the records of Earth-Moon geology and asteroid belt to conclude that the onset of plate tectonics was during the middle Hadean（4.37-4.20 Ga）. The trigger of the initiation of plate tectonics is the ABEL Bombardment, which delivered oceanic and atmospheric components on a completely dry reductive Earth, originally comprised of enstatite chondrite-like materials. Through the accretion of volatiles, shock metamorphism processed with vaporization of both CI chondrite and supracrustal rocks at the bombarded location, and significant recrystallization went through under wet conditions, caused considerable eclogitization in the primordial continents composed of felsic upper crust of 21 km thick anorthosite, and 50 km or even thicker KREEP lower crust. Eclogitization must have yielded a powerful slab-pull force to initiate plate tectonics in the middle Hadean. Another important factor is the size of the bombardment. By creating Pacific Ocean class crater by 1000 km across impactor, rigid plate operating stagnant lid tectonics since the early Hadean was severely destroyed, and oceanic lithosphere was generated to have bi-modal lithosphere on the Earth to enable the operation of plate tectonics.Considering the importance of the ABEL Bombardment event which initiated plate tectonics including the appearance of ocean and atmosphere, we propose that the Hadean Eon can be subdivided into three periods：（1） early Hadean（4.57-4.37 Ga）,（2） middle Hadean（4.37-4.20 Ga）, and（3） late Hadean（4.20-4.00 Ga）.展开更多
Earth is the only planet known to be habitable,and is also unique with its liquid water,and the operation of plate tectonics.The geological record shows that the habitability of our planet can rapidly recover from maj...Earth is the only planet known to be habitable,and is also unique with its liquid water,and the operation of plate tectonics.The geological record shows that the habitability of our planet can rapidly recover from major disasters or catastrophes,even those that cause mass extinctions.We suggest that plate tectonics,which acts as a link between the shallow and deep,is pivotal for the formation,evolution,and long-term stability of the hydrosphere,atmosphere,lithosphere,and thus life.Plate tectonics links the surface environment with the deep interior of high viscosity,low Reynolds number,low entropy,and low chaos,able to produce a strong healing effect to neutralize catastrophic events.It can transfer the bio-essential elements from the deep interior to the near-surface environment and can recycle toxic elements to the deep.This unique planetary energy and material transfer process of Earth is a continuous,slow-release,and bidirectional cycle,where a change in the surface is slowly buffered by a reaction from the deep,shaping a long-term and stable habitable environment.Therefore,it is considered that plate tectonics is the basic condition for the long-term stable evolution of the Earth’s biosphere and the stabilizer of the Earth’s habitability.展开更多
文摘The formation of continents involves a combination of magmatic and metamorphic processes. These processes become indistinguishable at the crust-mantle interface, where the pressure-temperature（P-T）conditions of（ultra） high-temperature granulites and magmatic rocks are similar. Continents grow laterally, by magmatic activity above oceanic subduction zones（high-pressure metamorphic setting）, and vertically by accumulation of mantle-derived magmas at the base of the crust（high-temperature metamorphic setting）. Both events are separated from each other in time; the vertical accretion postdating lateral growth by several tens of millions of years. Fluid inclusion data indicate that during the high-temperature metamorphic episode the granulite lower crust is invaded by large amounts of low H2O-activity fluids including high-density CO2 and concentrated saline solutions（brines）. These fluids are expelled from the lower crust to higher crustal levels at the end of the high-grade metamorphic event. The final amalgamation of supercontinents corresponds to episodes of ultra-high temperature metamorphism involving large-scale accumulation of these low-water activity fluids in the lower crust.This accumulation causes tectonic instability, which together with the heat input from the subcontinental lithospheric mantle, leads to the disruption of supercontinents. Thus, the fragmentation of a supercontinent is already programmed at the time of its amalgamation.
基金supported by Foreign Expert Funding from China University of Geosciences Beijing
文摘The Hadean history of Earth is shrouded in mystery and it is considered that the planet was born dry with no water or atmosphere.The Earth-Moon system had many features in common during the birth stage.Solidification of the dry magma ocean at 4.53 Ga generated primordial continents with komatiite.We speculate that the upper crust was composed of fractionated gabbros and the middle felsic crust by anorthosite at ca.21 km depth boundary,underlain by meta-anorthosite（grossular ＋ kyanite 4 quartz）down to 50-60 km in depth.The thickness of the mafic KREEP basalt in the lower crust,separating it from the underlying upper mantle is not well-constrained and might have been up to ca.100-200 km depending on the degree of fractionation and gravitational stability versus surrounding mantle density.The primordial continents must have been composed of the final residue of dry magma ocean and enriched in several critical elements including Ca,Mg,Fe,Mn,P,K,and Cl which were exposed on the surface of the dry Earth.Around 190 million years after the solidification of the magma ocean, ＂ABEL bombardment＂ delivered volatiles including H_2O,CO_2,N_2 as well as silicate components through the addition of icy asteroids.This event continued for 200 Myr with subordinate bombardments until 3.9 Ga,preparing the Earth for the prebiotic chemical evolution and as the cradle of first life.Due to vigorous convection arising from high mantle potential temperatures,the primordial continents disintegrated and were dragged down to the deep mantle,marking the onset of Hadean plate tectonics.
文摘WEI Jianguo is a familiar name in Africa. A star in the con- temporary history of Chinese-African relations, Wei＇s experience is notable in many ways. He has worked in the field for 40 years, which marks the longest tenure among his peers.
文摘Panama International Merchandise Mart (PIMM) is to become the first and largest tax-free wholesale center in Latin America.By providing a platform for overseas manufacturers and industrialists to showcase their products and interact directly with buyers in the Americas, the $1 billion PIMM project is based on a vision to revolutionize the way that goods are traded in the Western Hemisphere.
文摘Eurasian countries unite to seek a way out of the global financial crisis How should the world cope with the raging financial storm? That question topped the agenda of the Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting(ASEM), held on October 24-25 in Beijing.At the biennial summit, leaders from
文摘Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and user satisfaction of the MAIA^(TM)telemedicine platform for postoperative telemonitoring and telerehabilitation in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP).Methods:Patients undergoing RARP(from April 2022 to January 2023)were divided into Group A,following the standard rehabilitation protocol,and Group B using the MAIA^(TM)platform for the first 30-day post-intervention period.Perioperative,pathological,and functional variables(continence and potency rates,assessed via validated questionnaires)were collected and telerehabilitation protocol’s adherence was monitored.The telerehabilitation system included an online platform for medical providers and a patient application,facilitating data acquisition,management,treatment planning,and monitoring.Patient and provider satisfactionwere evaluated using the visual analogue scale score and validated telemedicine satisfaction questionnaire.Results:Totally,227 patients were enrolled.No differences in perioperative or pathological variables were found.Group B had higher potency recovery rates than Group A(p=0.031);the potency recovery rates at 1 month and 3 months for Group B were 45%and 57%,respectively,and in Group A were 34%and 48%,respectively.At the multivariate analysis,MAIA^(TM)use and the nerve-sparing(NS)were independent predictors of erectile function at both 1 month(MAIA^(TM)use:odd ratio[OR]2.03,95%confidence interval[CI]1.13-3.63,p=0.018;NS:OR 2.08,95%CI 1.06-4.12,p=0.034)and 3 months(MAIA^(TM)use:OR 1.89,95%CI 1.07-3.34,p=0.028;NS:OR 1.90;95%CI 1.02-3.54,p=0.044).Adherencemonitoring revealed 4.6%of patients in Group B reported exercise issues due to pelvic pain onset and 10%did not take oral phosphodiesterase 5-inhibitors due to myalgia.All those patients restarted the rehabilitation program after televisit to address the causing problem,allowing restarting of a rehabilitation program.Patients reported high satisfaction with the MAIA^(TM)platform use(mean visual analogue scale score:88.7).Conclusion:The MAIA^(TM)telemedicine platform seems to have a role in optimizing early potency recovery after RARP.Patient and provider satisfaction levels were high,emphasizing the user-friendliness of the platform.
文摘1 Three hundred years ago,merchants from Shanxi Province exported tea to foreign countries on the Eurasian continent,and in turn they brought back the secrets of glassware manufacturing.Luo Qinqin,a 40‑year‑old native of Qixian county in Shanxi,is a skilled glass worker in Shanxi.She is one of the few female artisans who have mastered the craft of glass pulling.
文摘It’s that time of the year again when we find ourselves reflecting on the year that was and the year ahead.On the African continent,many countries are still recovering from the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and are doing so amid a fraught geopolitical environment.These tensions have,to some extent,created hurdles in the path of Africa’s recovery.The African Development Bank has attributed the economic slowdown on the continent toastronomical inflation caused by soaring food andenergy prices. These issues have been aggravatedby the current geopolitical chaos and climatechange. Nevertheless, the continent is projectedto grow at a steady rate of 4.3 percent in 2025.This means that Africa will retain its positionas the fastest-growing region after Asia. This isdriven by several positive factors.
基金supported by the National Key Program for Developing Basic Science(Nos.2022YFF0801702 and 2022YFE0106600)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42175060 and 42175021)the Jiangsu Province Science Foundation(No.BK20250200302).
文摘The Madden-Julian Oscillation(MJO)is a key atmospheric component connecting global weather and climate.It func-tions as a primary source for subseasonal forecasts.Previous studies have highlighted the vital impact of oceanic processes on MJO propagation.However,few existing MJO prediction approaches adequately consider these factors.This study determines the critical region for the oceanic processes affecting MJO propagation by utilizing 22-year Climate Forecast System Reanalysis data.By intro-ducing surface and subsurface oceanic temperature within this critical region into a lagged multiple linear regression model,the MJO forecasting skill is considerably optimized.This optimization leads to a 12 h enhancement in the forecasting skill of the first principal component and efficiently decreases prediction errors for the total predictions.Further analysis suggests that,during the years in which MJO events propagate across the Maritime Continent over a more southerly path,the optimized statistical forecasting model obtains better improvements in MJO prediction.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42230308,42072266,42102032,42362006)Bureau of Geological Exploration and Development of Qinghai Province(Grant Nos.[2023]33,[2022]32)China Geological Survey(Grant Nos.DD20221649,DD20242935,12120114079701).
文摘Fragments of Proto-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere are well-preserved along the southern belt of the North Qilian suture,and the origin and emplacement of these ophiolites have become subjects of intense debate.In this study,we integrate field observations,mineralogical and geochemical analyses,zircon U-Pb dating,and isotopic data to investigate the Yanglong ophiolite.The Yanglong ophiolitic rocks are found as tectonic slices resting on the Neoproterozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks.These rocks are composed of Cambrian serpentinized peridotite,gabbro,dolerite,and rodingite.The spinels in the serpentinized peridotites have variable Cr^(#)values(21,38-46,and 59-61)and display affinity to those in abyssal and forearc peridotites.The dolerites show slight enrichment in Th and have elevated(La/Sm)_(N) ratios(1.19-2.01),indicating a subduction-related geochemical affinity.The Yanglong ophiolitic rocks have positive zirconεHf(t)values(+10.3 to+18.4)and whole-rockεNd(t)values(+5.3 to+6.7)indicating derivation from partial melting of a depleted mantle source.These results,together with the regional geology,collectively suggest that the Yanglong ophiolite was generated in a forearc setting during the Early Cambrian northward intra-oceanic subduction.It was emplaced onto the Central Qilian Block during the subsequent arc-continent collision,no later than the Early Ordovician.
文摘Since the end of the Cold War,the core goal of U.S.policy toward Africa has been to build its influence on the continent through development assistance and trade preferences attached with political conditionalities,defined as“assistance for concessions”.After the September 11 attacks,counterterrorism became a priority in U.S.national security strategy,being one of the three pillars of U.S.policy toward Africa alongside assistance and trade.
文摘The Central Asian region serves as a strategic hub of the Eurasian continent and stands as one of the key areas for China’s promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)and for building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries.At the first China-Central Asia Summit in 2023,President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of adhering to the“four principles”in advancing the China-Central Asia community with a shared future.
文摘Objective:Radical prostatectomy(RP)is considered the gold standard treatment for patients with localized prostate cancer(PCa).All patients undergoing RP,either open,laparoscopic,or robotic,are at risk of developing urinary incontinence after RP.Our study aimed to analyze possible predictors of early postoperative(within 3 months)urinary continence(UC)outcomes following extraperitoneal single-site robot-assisted RP(ss-RARP)for localized PCa.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed data from 113 patients with localized PCa who were operated on by a highly experienced surgeon between September 2022 and December 2023.Patient characteristics(age,body mass index,prostate volume,prostate dimensions,preoperative and postoperative membranous urethral length,and percentage of membranous urethra removed)were analyzed using logistic regression to determine the independent factors contributing to short-term UC recovery after extraperitoneal ss-RARP.From the time of urinary catheter removal after surgery,the recovery of UC was followed up every month,and UC was defined as using≤1 safety pad daily,known as social continence.Results:The proportions of continent patients immediately after urinary catheter removal,1 month,and 3 months after extraperitoneal ss-RARP were 22%,49%,and 82%,respectively.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the percentage of membranous urethra removed(p=0.016)and prostate volume(p=0.049)were associated with social UC recovery immediately after urinary catheter removal,and craniocaudal dimension of the prostate(p=0.042)and age(p=0.014)were associated with social UC recovery 1 month and 3 months after extraperitoneal ss-RARP,respectively.Conclusion:The percentage of membranous urethra removed,prostate volume,craniocaudal dimension of the prostate,and age are independent risk factors for social UC early after extraperitoneal ss-RARP.
基金supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas Grant Number 26106002
文摘When plate tectonics began on the Earth has been long debated and here we argue this topic based on the records of Earth-Moon geology and asteroid belt to conclude that the onset of plate tectonics was during the middle Hadean（4.37-4.20 Ga）. The trigger of the initiation of plate tectonics is the ABEL Bombardment, which delivered oceanic and atmospheric components on a completely dry reductive Earth, originally comprised of enstatite chondrite-like materials. Through the accretion of volatiles, shock metamorphism processed with vaporization of both CI chondrite and supracrustal rocks at the bombarded location, and significant recrystallization went through under wet conditions, caused considerable eclogitization in the primordial continents composed of felsic upper crust of 21 km thick anorthosite, and 50 km or even thicker KREEP lower crust. Eclogitization must have yielded a powerful slab-pull force to initiate plate tectonics in the middle Hadean. Another important factor is the size of the bombardment. By creating Pacific Ocean class crater by 1000 km across impactor, rigid plate operating stagnant lid tectonics since the early Hadean was severely destroyed, and oceanic lithosphere was generated to have bi-modal lithosphere on the Earth to enable the operation of plate tectonics.Considering the importance of the ABEL Bombardment event which initiated plate tectonics including the appearance of ocean and atmosphere, we propose that the Hadean Eon can be subdivided into three periods：（1） early Hadean（4.57-4.37 Ga）,（2） middle Hadean（4.37-4.20 Ga）, and（3） late Hadean（4.20-4.00 Ga）.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42272243,41802217,41888101,41890834,and 41961144020)the MOST Special Fund(No.MSFGPMR2022-7).
文摘Earth is the only planet known to be habitable,and is also unique with its liquid water,and the operation of plate tectonics.The geological record shows that the habitability of our planet can rapidly recover from major disasters or catastrophes,even those that cause mass extinctions.We suggest that plate tectonics,which acts as a link between the shallow and deep,is pivotal for the formation,evolution,and long-term stability of the hydrosphere,atmosphere,lithosphere,and thus life.Plate tectonics links the surface environment with the deep interior of high viscosity,low Reynolds number,low entropy,and low chaos,able to produce a strong healing effect to neutralize catastrophic events.It can transfer the bio-essential elements from the deep interior to the near-surface environment and can recycle toxic elements to the deep.This unique planetary energy and material transfer process of Earth is a continuous,slow-release,and bidirectional cycle,where a change in the surface is slowly buffered by a reaction from the deep,shaping a long-term and stable habitable environment.Therefore,it is considered that plate tectonics is the basic condition for the long-term stable evolution of the Earth’s biosphere and the stabilizer of the Earth’s habitability.
