To achieve rational and precise seismic response predictions of large span spatial structures(LSSSs),the inherent non-uniformity and multidimensionality characteristics of earthquake ground motions should be properly ...To achieve rational and precise seismic response predictions of large span spatial structures(LSSSs),the inherent non-uniformity and multidimensionality characteristics of earthquake ground motions should be properly taken into consideration.However,due to the limitations of available earthquake stations to record seismic rotational components,the effects of rocking and torsional earthquake components are commonly neglected in the seismic analyses of LSSSs.In this study,a newly developed method to extract the rocking and torsion components at any point along the area of a deployed dense array from the translational earthquake recordings is applied to obtain the rotational seismic inputs for a LSSS.The numerical model of an actual LSSS,the Dalian International Conference Center(DICC),is developed to study the influences of multi-support and multidimensional excitations on the seismic responses of LSSSs.The numerical results reveal that the non-uniformity and multidimensionality of ground motion input can considerably affect the dynamic response of the DICC.The specific degree of influence on the overall and local structural displacements,deformations and forces are comprehensively investigated and discussed.展开更多
The swelling behavior and stability in solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)have been proved to determine the battery cycle life.A high swollen,unstable SEI shows a high permeability to electrolyte,which results in the ra...The swelling behavior and stability in solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)have been proved to determine the battery cycle life.A high swollen,unstable SEI shows a high permeability to electrolyte,which results in the rapid battery performance degradation.Here,we customize two SEIs with different spatial structures(bilayer and mosaic)by simply regulating the proportion of additive fluoroethylene carbonate.Surprisingly,due to the uniform distribution of dense inorganic nano-crystals in the inner,the bilayer SEI exhibits low-swelling and excellent mechanical properties,so the undesirable side reactions of the electrolyte are effectively suppressed.In addition,we put forward the growth rate of swelling ratio(GSR)as a key indicator to reveal the swelling change in SEI.The GSR of bilayer SEI merely increases from1.73 to 3.16 after the 300th cycle,which enables the corresponding graphite‖Li battery to achieve longer cycle stability.The capacity retention is improved by 47.5% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C.The correlation among SEI spatial structure,swelling behavior,and battery performance provides a new direction for electrolyte optimization and interphase structure design of high energy density batteries.展开更多
We investigate the chaotic and regular spatial structures of Bose–Einstein condensates(BECs)with a spatially modulated atom-atom interaction and without an external trapping potential.A BEC with a spatially modulated...We investigate the chaotic and regular spatial structures of Bose–Einstein condensates(BECs)with a spatially modulated atom-atom interaction and without an external trapping potential.A BEC with a spatially modulated atom-atom interaction is equivalent to being constrained by a nonlinear optical lattice.Theoretical analyses show the existence of a steady atomic current in the BEC with a spatially varying phase.Under perturbative conditions,the Melnikov chaos criteria of BECs with a spatially varying phase and a constant one are theoretically obtained,respectively.When the perturbative conditions cannot be satisfied,for a repulsive BEC with a spatially varying phase,numerical simulations demonstrate that changing the initial condition can eliminate the chaotic spatial structure and then the system transitions into a biperiodic spatial structure.Increasing the chemical potential can result in a transition from the biperiodic spatial structure to a single-periodic spatial structure.For an attractive BEC with a spatially varying phase,numerical simulations show that decreasing the chemical potential can lead to a high atomic density,but when the wave number of the laser inducing the optical Feshbach resonance exceeds a critical value,the atomic density falls back to a finite range.Regardless of whether the BEC has a spatially varying phase or a constant one,modulating the laser wave number can effectively suppress the chaotic spatial structure in the BEC and then force it into a regular spatial structure.展开更多
Multi-source data fusion provides high-precision spatial situational awareness essential for analyzing granular urban social activities.This study used Shanghai’s catering industry as a case study,leveraging electron...Multi-source data fusion provides high-precision spatial situational awareness essential for analyzing granular urban social activities.This study used Shanghai’s catering industry as a case study,leveraging electronic reviews and consumer data sourced from third-party restaurant platforms collected in 2021.By performing weighted processing on two-dimensional point-of-interest(POI)data,clustering hotspots of high-dimensional restaurant data were identified.A hierarchical network of restaurant hotspots was constructed following the Central Place Theory(CPT)framework,while the Geo-Informatic Tupu method was employed to resolve the challenges posed by network deformation in multi-scale processes.These findings suggest the necessity of enhancing the spatial balance of Shanghai’s urban centers by moderately increasing the number and service capacity of suburban centers at the urban periphery.Such measures would contribute to a more optimized urban structure and facilitate the outward dispersion of comfort-oriented facilities such as the restaurant industry.At a finer spatial scale,the distribution of restaurant hotspots demonstrates a polycentric and symmetric spatial pattern,with a developmental trend radiating outward along the city’s ring roads.This trend can be attributed to the efforts of restaurants to establish connections with other urban functional spaces,leading to the reconfiguration of urban spaces,expansion of restaurant-dedicated land use,and the reorganization of associated commercial activities.The results validate the existence of a polycentric urban structure in Shanghai but also highlight the instability of the restaurant hotspot network during cross-scale transitions.展开更多
We tested the effectiveness of the gradual removal of Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris L.)in former plantations of this species in Roztocze National Park(SE Poland)to support the restoration of natural herbaceous flora and...We tested the effectiveness of the gradual removal of Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris L.)in former plantations of this species in Roztocze National Park(SE Poland)to support the restoration of natural herbaceous flora and forest structure.We compared 0.5-ha study plots subjected to selective removal of pine trees with control plots excluded from any kind of human intervention for half a century.The observed changes in forest floor vegetation in the converted plots showed naturalization towards habitat-specific species.However,differences in the spatial distribution of trees between the treatment and control plots showed no universal pattern and revealed subtle but positive shifts from regular to random or clustered patterns.The mean tree diameters were higher in plots subjected to Scots pine removal,which resulted from the vigorous growth of tree species,consistent with habitat types.We conclude that forest restoration through the removal of planted trees can support the naturalization of former Scots pine plantations in protected areas.However,the selection of an appropriate method and its intensity are of vital importance.Methods that resemble typical management practices,such as selection thinning,are not always the best approach,as they may preserve or even increase the regular distribution of trees.Therefore,for restoration purposes,we recommend testing other methods that increase spatial heterogeneity,including systematic cutting or emulating natural disturbances.In addition,low-intensity thinning may not be sufficient to support the restoration of natural forest floor vegetation and the variability in forest stand structure.展开更多
In the new phase of sustainable development,agriculture is seeking sustainable management of the water-land-energy-economy-environment-food nexus.At present,there are few studies on optimizing crop planting structure ...In the new phase of sustainable development,agriculture is seeking sustainable management of the water-land-energy-economy-environment-food nexus.At present,there are few studies on optimizing crop planting structure and analyzing its spatial layout with consideration of natural and socio-economic factors.Herein,we proposed a framework for addressing this issue.In this framework,the NSGA-II algorithm was used to construct the multi-objective optimization model of crop planting structures with consideration of water and energy consumption,greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,economic benefits,as well as food,land,and water security constraints,while the model for planting spatial layout optimization was established with consideration of crop suitability using the MaxEnt model and the improved Hungarian algorithm.This framework was further applied in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China(BSRNC)for analyzing optimized crop planting structures and spatial layouts of three main crops(rice,maize,and soybean)under various scenarios.This study showed that the sown area of rice in the BSRNC decreased by up to 40.73%and 35.30%in the environmental priority scenario and economic-environmental balance scenario,respectively,whereas that of soybean increased by up to 112.44%and 63.31%,respectively.In the economic priority scenario,the sown area of rice increased by up to 93.98%.Expanding the sown area of soybean was effective in reducing GHG emissions.On the contrary,rice production led to greater environmental costs though it provided higher economic returns.Among the three crops,maize exhibited an advantage in balancing environmental and economic benefits.Hegang-Jixi area in the northeast of the BSRNC was identified as the key area with the most intense crop planting transfer among different scenarios.Overall,this framework provides a new methodology for optimizing crop planting structures and spatial layouts with con-sideration of the nexus of various factors.Moreover,the case study demonstrates the applicability and expansion potential of the framework in the fields of sustainable agricultural development and food security assurance.展开更多
Spatial structure of overlying strata existed and evolved dynamically with the exploitation scope （boundary conditions） changes in coal mines and to induce rockburst. Based on the“key strata”theory, the integrated...Spatial structure of overlying strata existed and evolved dynamically with the exploitation scope （boundary conditions） changes in coal mines and to induce rockburst. Based on the“key strata”theory, the integrated spatial structure of overlying strata was put forward, which was composed of “O-X” structure in the plane section and “F” structure in the vertical section. The formation and ongoing instability of the“O-X”and“F”structures were called as dynamic evolution cycle of the overlying strata. Three basic categories of “O-X”, “F” and “T” structures were defined, and the strata behaviors of each spatial structure were analyzed. According to energy theory, mechanism of rockburst induced by spatial structure instability was discussed. The research expanded the scope of traditional ground pressure theory and provided a guide for the prevention of rockburst and mining tremors induced by structure instability of overlying展开更多
[Objective] Surveys of phytoplankton were taken during the autumn of 2009 along Anhui-Jiangsu reaches of the Yangtze River to understand the species com- position and their spatial distributions. [Method] Phytoplankto...[Objective] Surveys of phytoplankton were taken during the autumn of 2009 along Anhui-Jiangsu reaches of the Yangtze River to understand the species com- position and their spatial distributions. [Method] Phytoplankton species, their quanti- ties, biomass and the Mcnaughton＇s dominance indices were all measured and their spatial distribution characteristics were determined using cluster analysis. [Result] There were 27 species, belonging to 5 phyla, namely Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta, Cyanophyta, Euglenophyta and Cryptophyta, of phytoplankton collected and identified from the surveys. Results showed that Bacillariophyta was the predominant phyto- plankton with 16 species collected which accounted for 59.3% of the total species identified. The number of species collected belonging to Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, Cryptophyta and Euglenophyta were 6, 2, 2, and 1, accounting for 22.2%, 7.4%, 7.4% and 3.7% of the total number identified, respectively. At the species level, the predominant species were Fragilaria crotonensis, Melosira italica, Navicula crypto- cephala, Cyclotella striata and Chroomonas acuta. Phytoplankton abundance was ranging from 5.68×10^4 to 7.08×10^4 cells/L with its average of 6.01×10^4 cells/L. Phyto- plankton biomass was ranging from 30.43 to 34.73 μg/L with its average of 32.46 μg/L. Compared with the previous reports, the number of phytoplankton species was decreased but its abundance and biomass was increased along the Jiangsu reach of the Yangtze River. However, Bacillariophyta species were still the predominant species and the phytoplankton community structure had not significantly changed from the previous studies. [Conclusion] These results might be explained as that the water quality in the Yangtze River was deteriorated but had not come to the worst. The results of similarity analysis gave two clusters of phytoplankton community as Nanjing, Wuhu and Jiangyin sampling sites were clustered into one group and Tongling and Anqing were clustered into another group.展开更多
Along with the coming of the low-carbon era, people have paid more and more attention to the natural environment and eco-tourism will embrace a huge development. From the perspectives of the market relationship of sup...Along with the coming of the low-carbon era, people have paid more and more attention to the natural environment and eco-tourism will embrace a huge development. From the perspectives of the market relationship of supply-demand in economics and of field competition in physics, this paper has discussed upon the present status of the spatial structure of eco-tourism, and analyzed the relationship between supply-demand and field, in order to clarify the direction for the balance between supply and demand in the field and to guide eco-tourism to the way of sustainable development.展开更多
Spatial structure of rural tourism in the urban agglomerations of Wuhan was analyzed by comprehensively studying relevant documents about rural tourism,and reviewing previous researches on the concept and spatial stru...Spatial structure of rural tourism in the urban agglomerations of Wuhan was analyzed by comprehensively studying relevant documents about rural tourism,and reviewing previous researches on the concept and spatial structure of rural tourism.Through investigating rural tourist resources in the study area,resource advantages and characteristics of 9 cities were introduced,and the Gini Coefficient was taken to quantitatively analyze spatial patterns of its rural tourist villages,the obviously imbalanced concentration of these villages was pointed out.By measuring connectivity and accessibility of regional spaces in the study area,its traffic connectivity was proved moderate,and accessibility of each tourist village and town was fine.Then an optimized spatial structure was proposed for the rural tourism development in Wuhan Urban Agglomerations,that is,"one core,one belt and three districts".展开更多
Taking Dongzhai Town in Ningwu County of Shanxi Province as example, this essay explores the spatial structure of towns and villages system from the following perspectives: scale structure, function structure, structu...Taking Dongzhai Town in Ningwu County of Shanxi Province as example, this essay explores the spatial structure of towns and villages system from the following perspectives: scale structure, function structure, structural characteristics of village land-use, and spatial distribution characteristics of Dongzhai villages. There are 5 grades of villages according to their scales, that is, villages have a population over 1 000, between 500 and 1 000, between 100 and 500, less than 100, less than 50. The function structure of Dongzhai Town is divided into 3 grades, Grade 1 (core village), is village with such functions as tourist service, transportation and distribution function. Grade 2 (characteristic village), is agricultural settlement with functions such as industrial function, transportation service, tourist service, and forestry function. Grade 3 (general village), is agricultural settlements with prominent agricultural functions (dry farming). This essay also predicts the change and responses of this town based on the population forecast models. It is predicted that the population of Jiancheng District will reach 4 750 in 2010, 6 400 in 2015, 8 700 in 2020. Returning farmland to forests in Fenhe River valley can ensure the conservation of water resources and the development of tourist service. The proportion of forest land, especially bushes land, and proportion of grassland, especially artificial grass will increase dramatically. The number of slope land will be down a bit. The Lands for settlement and transportation will increase with the development of ecological migration and tourist service. Specialized land such as water area and places of interest will skyrocket. Village patterns and spatial distribution under the system of towns and villages will be improved as well.展开更多
Many attentions for structural synthesis are paid to planar linkages and parallel mechanisms, while design novel pyramid deployable truss structure（PDTS） of satellite SAR mainly depends on experience of designer. To...Many attentions for structural synthesis are paid to planar linkages and parallel mechanisms, while design novel pyramid deployable truss structure（PDTS） of satellite SAR mainly depends on experience of designer. To design novel configuration of PDTS, a two-step topology structure synthesis and analysis approach is proposed. Firstly, a conceptual configuration of PDTS is synthesized. Weighted graph and weighted adjacency matrix are established to realize topological description for PDTS. Graph properties are then summarized to distinguish differentia between PDTS and other type structures. According to graph properties, a procedure for synthesis conceptual configuration of PDTS is presented. Secondly, join relationship of components in a PDTS is analyzed. Kinematic chain and corresponding incidence/adjacency matrix are employed to analyze join relationship of PDTS. Properties and simplified rules of kinematic chain are extracted to construct kinematic chain. A procedure for construction kinematic chain of PDTS is then established. Finally, with this two-step approach all 11 rectangular pyramid deployable structures whose folded state is planar are discovered and their kinematic chains are constructed. Based on synthesis results, a novel deployable support structure for satellite SAR is designed. The proposed research can be applied to obtain some novel PDTSs, which is of great importance to design some novel deployable support structures for satellite SAR antenna.展开更多
A theoretical model of a friction pendulum system （FPS） is introduced to examine its application for the seismic isolation of spatial lattice shell structures. An equation of motion of the lattice shell with FPS bea...A theoretical model of a friction pendulum system （FPS） is introduced to examine its application for the seismic isolation of spatial lattice shell structures. An equation of motion of the lattice shell with FPS bearings is developed. Then, seismic isolation studies are performed for both double-layer and single-layer lattice shell structures under different seismic input and design parameters of the FPS. The influence of frictional coefficients and radius of the FPS on seismic performance are discussed. Based on the study, some suggestions for seismic isolation design of lattice shells with FPS bearings are given and conclusions are made which could be helpful in the application of FPS.展开更多
Using a sample of 14 prefecture-level cities in Liaoning Province, this study first explored the spatial hierarchy and structural characteristics of energy efficiency from the following three viewpoints： energy techn...Using a sample of 14 prefecture-level cities in Liaoning Province, this study first explored the spatial hierarchy and structural characteristics of energy efficiency from the following three viewpoints： energy technical efficiency based on data envelopment analysis, energy consumption per unit of GDP, and energy utilization efficiency combining the previous two indexes After measuring and analyzing the advancement, rationality, and concentration of the industrial structure in each city, we made some generalizations about the coupling features of the energy efficiency and industrial structure in Liaoning, using the coupling degree rating model Some of our conclusions are as follows： （1） The 14 cities differ significantly in their en- ergy efficiency, with Shenyang, Dalian, Anshan, and Jinzhou enjoying the highest energy effi- ciency. Northwestern Liaoning and other heavy-industrial cities such as Fushun and Benxi belong to low-efficiency and high-consumption areas. （2） In areas with higher efficiency, the spatial patterns of the energy technical efficiency, energy consumption per unit of GDP, and energy utilization efficiency are, respectively, ＂π ＂-, ＂Ⅱ＂- and ＂H＂- shaped. Geographically, the energy utilization efficiency shows different trends from east to west and from north to south. Factors such as the binuclear structure of economic development have a major effect on this spatial pattern of energy efficiency. （3） Southeastern Liaoning enjoys a highly advanced in- dustrial structure. Areas with a highly rational industrial structure form an ＂H＂ shape, with Shenyang and Dalian at the two poles. The urban agglomerations in middle and southern Liaoning have a highly concentrated industrial structure. （4） Overall, the coupling between energy efficiency and industrial structure is low in Liaoning, except for Shenyang and Dalian at both ends, where the coupling between an advanced industrial structure and energy efficiency is higher than in other cities.展开更多
Chinese railway has entered the ＂HSR era＂, while the structure of ＂four vertical and four horizontal＂ railways for transit passengers is almost completed. Taking the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Rail （hereinafter ...Chinese railway has entered the ＂HSR era＂, while the structure of ＂four vertical and four horizontal＂ railways for transit passengers is almost completed. Taking the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Rail （hereinafter referred to as HSR） as an example, this paper first explores HSR＇s effects on the spatial structure of regional tourist flows using the social network analysis. Next, it notes changes in the accessibility of regional transportation. After analyzing the factors including initial endowment of regional tourism resources, hospitality facilities, the density of the regional tourism transportation network, and locations, the paper discusses the mechanisms through which HSR affects regional tourist flows. The study shows the following： （1） HSR＇s effects on the spatial structure of regional tourist flows are manifested through the Matthew effect, the filtering effect, the diffusion effect and the overlying effect, and （2） the Matthew effect of HSR is manifested under an obvious interaction of the location, the initial endowment of tourism resources, hospitality capacity, tourist transportation network density and ＂time-space compression＂. The filtering effect of HSR is manifested for those tourism nodes without favorable location conditions, endowment of tourism resources, hospitality capacity, or tourist transportation network density and without obvious benefits from ＂time-space compression＂. Those tourism nodes that boast advantages in terms of lo- cation condition, endowment of tourism resources, hospitality capacity, tourist transportation network density and obvious ＂time-space compression＂ will become sources for the diffusion effect. HSR will strengthen the aggregation effects of tourist flow in these diffusion sources, which will thereafter diffuse to peripheral tourist areas, manifesting ＂aggregation-diffusion＂. HSR has overlapped tourists＇ spatial traveling range over large-scale spaces. However, the overlying effect is only generated in those tourism nodes with a favorable location condition, an endowment of tourism resources, hospitality capacity, tourist transportation network den- sity, and obvious ＂time-space compression＂.展开更多
This paper discusses the enrichment and depletion regularities for porphyry coppermolybdenum ore deposits in different regions and varied deposit genetic types in the same area, taking three porphyry copper-molybdenum...This paper discusses the enrichment and depletion regularities for porphyry coppermolybdenum ore deposits in different regions and varied deposit genetic types in the same area, taking three porphyry copper-molybdenum ore deposits （i.e., the Chengmenshan in Jiangxi, Wunugetushan in Inner Mongolia, Baishantang in Gansu） and two copper deposits in Gansu Province （the Huitongshan skarn deposit and Gongpoquan composite deposit） as case studies. The results show that porphyry Cu-Mo deposits or skarn copper deposits include both enrichment of the ore-forming elements and associated elements, and depletion of some lithophile dispersed elements, rare earth elements （REE） and some major elements. And the depleted elements vary with deposits, having generality and their own features. On a deposit scale, the positive anomalies of enriched elements and negative anomalies of depleted elements follow in a sequence to comprise regular anomaly models of spatial structures. The exploration in the Tongchang deposit in Jiangxi and Huitongshan deposit in Gansu suggests that anomaly models play a key role in the identification of mineral occurrences and deposits compared to one single enriched element anomaly. And the anomaly models exert a critical effect on the optimization of prospecting targets and their potential evaluation.展开更多
Piezoelectric sensor array-based spatial filter technology is a new promising method presented in research area of structural health monitoring （SHM） in the recent years. To apply this method to composite structures...Piezoelectric sensor array-based spatial filter technology is a new promising method presented in research area of structural health monitoring （SHM） in the recent years. To apply this method to composite structures and give the actual position of damage, this paper proposes a spatial filter-based damage imaging method improved by complex Shannon wavelet transform. The basic principle of spatial filter is analyzed first. Then, this paper proposes a method of using complex Shannon wavelet transform to construct analytic signals of time domain signals of PZT sensors array. The analytic signals are synthesized depending on the principle of the spatial filter to give a damage imaging in the form of angle-time. A method of converting the damage imaging to the form of angle-distance is discussed. Finally, an aircraft composite oil tank is adopted to validate the damage imaging method. The validating results show that this method can recognize angle and distance of damage successfully.展开更多
Valley economy is a new mode in mountainous area development that is defined by various characters of valley development, and is a distinguishing economical geographic pattern for mountainous area development. The spe...Valley economy is a new mode in mountainous area development that is defined by various characters of valley development, and is a distinguishing economical geographic pattern for mountainous area development. The special spatial coupling relations in the distribution of different mountainous elements in valleys are new subjects for the mountain development studies, and such studies are meaningful both for researches and practices. Based on the long term researches on mountainous area development and following a brief exploration into the connotations and the spatial organizing process of valley economy, the authors analyzed the present situations of the development of valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas, studied the characteristics and the impacts of the spatial structural changes of the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas, and finally proposed a rational arrangement of the spatial structure of the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas. It is considered in this study that valley economy plays an important role in the development and functional transformation in Beijing＇s mountainous areas in the new epoch. Firstly, valley economy is not outlined by the administrative boundaries, and it connects most of the villages in the mountainous areas roughly along the major transportation lines. Therefore, valley economy can exert positive influence on the development in the mountainous areas, at least in the aspects such as the rearrangement of industrial structure in the mountainous areas and the coordinated development of rural and urban areas. In addition, it is found that the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas is evolved in a spatial organizing stage of secondary concentration, which is characterized by resource-saving, ecological protection and industrial optimization. Therefore, the development of valley economy will be helpful to the coordination between ecological protection and economic development in the mountainous areas, and will promote the integrated development of the mountainous areas. The developing mode of the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas will provide the basis for the decision-making in the transformation of the functional roles of Beijing＇s mountainous areas, and on the other hand, will present experiences for the studies in the mountainous areas outside of Beijing.展开更多
In many arid ecosystems,vegetation frequently occurs in high-cover patches interspersed in a matrix of low plant cover.However,theoretical explanations for shrub patch pattern dynamics along climate gradients remain u...In many arid ecosystems,vegetation frequently occurs in high-cover patches interspersed in a matrix of low plant cover.However,theoretical explanations for shrub patch pattern dynamics along climate gradients remain unclear on a large scale.This context aimed to assess the variance of the Reaumuria soongorica patch structure along the precipitation gradient and the factors that affect patch structure formation in the middle and lower Heihe River Basin(HRB).Field investigations on vegetation patterns and heterogeneity in soil properties were conducted during 2014 and 2015.The results showed that patch height,size and plant-to-patch distance were smaller in high precipitation habitats than in low precipitation sites.Climate,soil and vegetation explained 82.5% of the variance in patch structure.Spatially,R.soongorica shifted from a clumped to a random pattern on the landscape towards the MAP gradient,and heterogeneity in the surface soil properties(the ratio of biological soil crust(BSC) to bare gravels(BG)) determined the R.soongorica population distribution pattern in the middle and lower HRB.A conceptual model,which integrated water availability and plant facilitation and competition effects,was revealed that R.soongorica changed from a flexible water use strategy in high precipitation regions to a consistent water use strategy in low precipitation areas.Our study provides a comprehensive quantification of the variance in shrub patch structure along a precipitation gradient and may improve our understanding of vegetation pattern dynamics in the Gobi Desert under future climate change.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos.51738007,51808099the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities under Grant No.DUT20RC(3)005。
文摘To achieve rational and precise seismic response predictions of large span spatial structures(LSSSs),the inherent non-uniformity and multidimensionality characteristics of earthquake ground motions should be properly taken into consideration.However,due to the limitations of available earthquake stations to record seismic rotational components,the effects of rocking and torsional earthquake components are commonly neglected in the seismic analyses of LSSSs.In this study,a newly developed method to extract the rocking and torsion components at any point along the area of a deployed dense array from the translational earthquake recordings is applied to obtain the rotational seismic inputs for a LSSS.The numerical model of an actual LSSS,the Dalian International Conference Center(DICC),is developed to study the influences of multi-support and multidimensional excitations on the seismic responses of LSSSs.The numerical results reveal that the non-uniformity and multidimensionality of ground motion input can considerably affect the dynamic response of the DICC.The specific degree of influence on the overall and local structural displacements,deformations and forces are comprehensively investigated and discussed.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22369011)the Gansu Key Research and Development Program(23YFGA0053 and 24YFGA025)the Hongliu Outstanding Youth Talent Support Program of Lanzhou University of Technology and Postgraduate research exploration project of Lanzhou University of Technology(256017)。
文摘The swelling behavior and stability in solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)have been proved to determine the battery cycle life.A high swollen,unstable SEI shows a high permeability to electrolyte,which results in the rapid battery performance degradation.Here,we customize two SEIs with different spatial structures(bilayer and mosaic)by simply regulating the proportion of additive fluoroethylene carbonate.Surprisingly,due to the uniform distribution of dense inorganic nano-crystals in the inner,the bilayer SEI exhibits low-swelling and excellent mechanical properties,so the undesirable side reactions of the electrolyte are effectively suppressed.In addition,we put forward the growth rate of swelling ratio(GSR)as a key indicator to reveal the swelling change in SEI.The GSR of bilayer SEI merely increases from1.73 to 3.16 after the 300th cycle,which enables the corresponding graphite‖Li battery to achieve longer cycle stability.The capacity retention is improved by 47.5% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C.The correlation among SEI spatial structure,swelling behavior,and battery performance provides a new direction for electrolyte optimization and interphase structure design of high energy density batteries.
基金Projects supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(2016JJ6020)the Scientific Research Fund of Hunan Provincial Education Department(18A436)the Scientific Research Fund of Hunan First normal University(XYS13N16)。
文摘We investigate the chaotic and regular spatial structures of Bose–Einstein condensates(BECs)with a spatially modulated atom-atom interaction and without an external trapping potential.A BEC with a spatially modulated atom-atom interaction is equivalent to being constrained by a nonlinear optical lattice.Theoretical analyses show the existence of a steady atomic current in the BEC with a spatially varying phase.Under perturbative conditions,the Melnikov chaos criteria of BECs with a spatially varying phase and a constant one are theoretically obtained,respectively.When the perturbative conditions cannot be satisfied,for a repulsive BEC with a spatially varying phase,numerical simulations demonstrate that changing the initial condition can eliminate the chaotic spatial structure and then the system transitions into a biperiodic spatial structure.Increasing the chemical potential can result in a transition from the biperiodic spatial structure to a single-periodic spatial structure.For an attractive BEC with a spatially varying phase,numerical simulations show that decreasing the chemical potential can lead to a high atomic density,but when the wave number of the laser inducing the optical Feshbach resonance exceeds a critical value,the atomic density falls back to a finite range.Regardless of whether the BEC has a spatially varying phase or a constant one,modulating the laser wave number can effectively suppress the chaotic spatial structure in the BEC and then force it into a regular spatial structure.
基金Under the auspices of the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42030409)。
文摘Multi-source data fusion provides high-precision spatial situational awareness essential for analyzing granular urban social activities.This study used Shanghai’s catering industry as a case study,leveraging electronic reviews and consumer data sourced from third-party restaurant platforms collected in 2021.By performing weighted processing on two-dimensional point-of-interest(POI)data,clustering hotspots of high-dimensional restaurant data were identified.A hierarchical network of restaurant hotspots was constructed following the Central Place Theory(CPT)framework,while the Geo-Informatic Tupu method was employed to resolve the challenges posed by network deformation in multi-scale processes.These findings suggest the necessity of enhancing the spatial balance of Shanghai’s urban centers by moderately increasing the number and service capacity of suburban centers at the urban periphery.Such measures would contribute to a more optimized urban structure and facilitate the outward dispersion of comfort-oriented facilities such as the restaurant industry.At a finer spatial scale,the distribution of restaurant hotspots demonstrates a polycentric and symmetric spatial pattern,with a developmental trend radiating outward along the city’s ring roads.This trend can be attributed to the efforts of restaurants to establish connections with other urban functional spaces,leading to the reconfiguration of urban spaces,expansion of restaurant-dedicated land use,and the reorganization of associated commercial activities.The results validate the existence of a polycentric urban structure in Shanghai but also highlight the instability of the restaurant hotspot network during cross-scale transitions.
基金financially supported by a grant from the Forest Fund of the Polish State Forests(Grant No.EZ.0290.1.16.2021).
文摘We tested the effectiveness of the gradual removal of Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris L.)in former plantations of this species in Roztocze National Park(SE Poland)to support the restoration of natural herbaceous flora and forest structure.We compared 0.5-ha study plots subjected to selective removal of pine trees with control plots excluded from any kind of human intervention for half a century.The observed changes in forest floor vegetation in the converted plots showed naturalization towards habitat-specific species.However,differences in the spatial distribution of trees between the treatment and control plots showed no universal pattern and revealed subtle but positive shifts from regular to random or clustered patterns.The mean tree diameters were higher in plots subjected to Scots pine removal,which resulted from the vigorous growth of tree species,consistent with habitat types.We conclude that forest restoration through the removal of planted trees can support the naturalization of former Scots pine plantations in protected areas.However,the selection of an appropriate method and its intensity are of vital importance.Methods that resemble typical management practices,such as selection thinning,are not always the best approach,as they may preserve or even increase the regular distribution of trees.Therefore,for restoration purposes,we recommend testing other methods that increase spatial heterogeneity,including systematic cutting or emulating natural disturbances.In addition,low-intensity thinning may not be sufficient to support the restoration of natural forest floor vegetation and the variability in forest stand structure.
基金funded by the Foundation for Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.72221002)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDA28060200)National Natural Science Foundation of Youth Project(Grant No.72303087).
文摘In the new phase of sustainable development,agriculture is seeking sustainable management of the water-land-energy-economy-environment-food nexus.At present,there are few studies on optimizing crop planting structure and analyzing its spatial layout with consideration of natural and socio-economic factors.Herein,we proposed a framework for addressing this issue.In this framework,the NSGA-II algorithm was used to construct the multi-objective optimization model of crop planting structures with consideration of water and energy consumption,greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,economic benefits,as well as food,land,and water security constraints,while the model for planting spatial layout optimization was established with consideration of crop suitability using the MaxEnt model and the improved Hungarian algorithm.This framework was further applied in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China(BSRNC)for analyzing optimized crop planting structures and spatial layouts of three main crops(rice,maize,and soybean)under various scenarios.This study showed that the sown area of rice in the BSRNC decreased by up to 40.73%and 35.30%in the environmental priority scenario and economic-environmental balance scenario,respectively,whereas that of soybean increased by up to 112.44%and 63.31%,respectively.In the economic priority scenario,the sown area of rice increased by up to 93.98%.Expanding the sown area of soybean was effective in reducing GHG emissions.On the contrary,rice production led to greater environmental costs though it provided higher economic returns.Among the three crops,maize exhibited an advantage in balancing environmental and economic benefits.Hegang-Jixi area in the northeast of the BSRNC was identified as the key area with the most intense crop planting transfer among different scenarios.Overall,this framework provides a new methodology for optimizing crop planting structures and spatial layouts with con-sideration of the nexus of various factors.Moreover,the case study demonstrates the applicability and expansion potential of the framework in the fields of sustainable agricultural development and food security assurance.
基金Project (2013QNB30) supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities,ChinaProject (2010CB226805) supported by the National Basic Research Program of China+3 种基金Project (51174285) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject (2012BAK09B01) supported by the Twelfth Five-Year National Key Technology R&D Program,ChinaProject (SZBF2011-6-B35) supported by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions,ChinaProject (SKLCRSM10X05) supported by the Independent Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining,China
文摘Spatial structure of overlying strata existed and evolved dynamically with the exploitation scope （boundary conditions） changes in coal mines and to induce rockburst. Based on the“key strata”theory, the integrated spatial structure of overlying strata was put forward, which was composed of “O-X” structure in the plane section and “F” structure in the vertical section. The formation and ongoing instability of the“O-X”and“F”structures were called as dynamic evolution cycle of the overlying strata. Three basic categories of “O-X”, “F” and “T” structures were defined, and the strata behaviors of each spatial structure were analyzed. According to energy theory, mechanism of rockburst induced by spatial structure instability was discussed. The research expanded the scope of traditional ground pressure theory and provided a guide for the prevention of rockburst and mining tremors induced by structure instability of overlying
基金Supported by Fishery Germplasm Conservation Project of the Ministry of Agriculture(MOA)(No.6115048)State Specific Project on Fundamental Scientific Research Financed to Public Institutes(No.2009JBFB10)~~
文摘[Objective] Surveys of phytoplankton were taken during the autumn of 2009 along Anhui-Jiangsu reaches of the Yangtze River to understand the species com- position and their spatial distributions. [Method] Phytoplankton species, their quanti- ties, biomass and the Mcnaughton＇s dominance indices were all measured and their spatial distribution characteristics were determined using cluster analysis. [Result] There were 27 species, belonging to 5 phyla, namely Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta, Cyanophyta, Euglenophyta and Cryptophyta, of phytoplankton collected and identified from the surveys. Results showed that Bacillariophyta was the predominant phyto- plankton with 16 species collected which accounted for 59.3% of the total species identified. The number of species collected belonging to Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, Cryptophyta and Euglenophyta were 6, 2, 2, and 1, accounting for 22.2%, 7.4%, 7.4% and 3.7% of the total number identified, respectively. At the species level, the predominant species were Fragilaria crotonensis, Melosira italica, Navicula crypto- cephala, Cyclotella striata and Chroomonas acuta. Phytoplankton abundance was ranging from 5.68×10^4 to 7.08×10^4 cells/L with its average of 6.01×10^4 cells/L. Phyto- plankton biomass was ranging from 30.43 to 34.73 μg/L with its average of 32.46 μg/L. Compared with the previous reports, the number of phytoplankton species was decreased but its abundance and biomass was increased along the Jiangsu reach of the Yangtze River. However, Bacillariophyta species were still the predominant species and the phytoplankton community structure had not significantly changed from the previous studies. [Conclusion] These results might be explained as that the water quality in the Yangtze River was deteriorated but had not come to the worst. The results of similarity analysis gave two clusters of phytoplankton community as Nanjing, Wuhu and Jiangyin sampling sites were clustered into one group and Tongling and Anqing were clustered into another group.
文摘Along with the coming of the low-carbon era, people have paid more and more attention to the natural environment and eco-tourism will embrace a huge development. From the perspectives of the market relationship of supply-demand in economics and of field competition in physics, this paper has discussed upon the present status of the spatial structure of eco-tourism, and analyzed the relationship between supply-demand and field, in order to clarify the direction for the balance between supply and demand in the field and to guide eco-tourism to the way of sustainable development.
基金Supported by Scientific Resarch Program of Humanities and Social Sciences launched by Hubei Provincial Department of Education(2009b530)~~
文摘Spatial structure of rural tourism in the urban agglomerations of Wuhan was analyzed by comprehensively studying relevant documents about rural tourism,and reviewing previous researches on the concept and spatial structure of rural tourism.Through investigating rural tourist resources in the study area,resource advantages and characteristics of 9 cities were introduced,and the Gini Coefficient was taken to quantitatively analyze spatial patterns of its rural tourist villages,the obviously imbalanced concentration of these villages was pointed out.By measuring connectivity and accessibility of regional spaces in the study area,its traffic connectivity was proved moderate,and accessibility of each tourist village and town was fine.Then an optimized spatial structure was proposed for the rural tourism development in Wuhan Urban Agglomerations,that is,"one core,one belt and three districts".
基金Supported by Soft Science Research Project of Shanxi Province(2008041034-02 )Institutions and Enterprises Entrusted Project(0908045+1 种基金 0908046 0908043)~~
文摘Taking Dongzhai Town in Ningwu County of Shanxi Province as example, this essay explores the spatial structure of towns and villages system from the following perspectives: scale structure, function structure, structural characteristics of village land-use, and spatial distribution characteristics of Dongzhai villages. There are 5 grades of villages according to their scales, that is, villages have a population over 1 000, between 500 and 1 000, between 100 and 500, less than 100, less than 50. The function structure of Dongzhai Town is divided into 3 grades, Grade 1 (core village), is village with such functions as tourist service, transportation and distribution function. Grade 2 (characteristic village), is agricultural settlement with functions such as industrial function, transportation service, tourist service, and forestry function. Grade 3 (general village), is agricultural settlements with prominent agricultural functions (dry farming). This essay also predicts the change and responses of this town based on the population forecast models. It is predicted that the population of Jiancheng District will reach 4 750 in 2010, 6 400 in 2015, 8 700 in 2020. Returning farmland to forests in Fenhe River valley can ensure the conservation of water resources and the development of tourist service. The proportion of forest land, especially bushes land, and proportion of grassland, especially artificial grass will increase dramatically. The number of slope land will be down a bit. The Lands for settlement and transportation will increase with the development of ecological migration and tourist service. Specialized land such as water area and places of interest will skyrocket. Village patterns and spatial distribution under the system of towns and villages will be improved as well.
基金Supported by the College Discipline Innovation Wisdom Plan in China(Grant No.B07018)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.50935002,11002039)
文摘Many attentions for structural synthesis are paid to planar linkages and parallel mechanisms, while design novel pyramid deployable truss structure（PDTS） of satellite SAR mainly depends on experience of designer. To design novel configuration of PDTS, a two-step topology structure synthesis and analysis approach is proposed. Firstly, a conceptual configuration of PDTS is synthesized. Weighted graph and weighted adjacency matrix are established to realize topological description for PDTS. Graph properties are then summarized to distinguish differentia between PDTS and other type structures. According to graph properties, a procedure for synthesis conceptual configuration of PDTS is presented. Secondly, join relationship of components in a PDTS is analyzed. Kinematic chain and corresponding incidence/adjacency matrix are employed to analyze join relationship of PDTS. Properties and simplified rules of kinematic chain are extracted to construct kinematic chain. A procedure for construction kinematic chain of PDTS is then established. Finally, with this two-step approach all 11 rectangular pyramid deployable structures whose folded state is planar are discovered and their kinematic chains are constructed. Based on synthesis results, a novel deployable support structure for satellite SAR is designed. The proposed research can be applied to obtain some novel PDTSs, which is of great importance to design some novel deployable support structures for satellite SAR antenna.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China Under Grand No.50778006Funding Project for Academic Human Resources Development in Institutions of Higher Learning Under the Jurisdiction of Beijing Municipality
文摘A theoretical model of a friction pendulum system （FPS） is introduced to examine its application for the seismic isolation of spatial lattice shell structures. An equation of motion of the lattice shell with FPS bearings is developed. Then, seismic isolation studies are performed for both double-layer and single-layer lattice shell structures under different seismic input and design parameters of the FPS. The influence of frictional coefficients and radius of the FPS on seismic performance are discussed. Based on the study, some suggestions for seismic isolation design of lattice shells with FPS bearings are given and conclusions are made which could be helpful in the application of FPS.
基金The MOE Project of Key Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences in University,No.14JJD790044Science and Technology Research Program Supported by the Education Department of Liaoning Province,No.L2013411
文摘Using a sample of 14 prefecture-level cities in Liaoning Province, this study first explored the spatial hierarchy and structural characteristics of energy efficiency from the following three viewpoints： energy technical efficiency based on data envelopment analysis, energy consumption per unit of GDP, and energy utilization efficiency combining the previous two indexes After measuring and analyzing the advancement, rationality, and concentration of the industrial structure in each city, we made some generalizations about the coupling features of the energy efficiency and industrial structure in Liaoning, using the coupling degree rating model Some of our conclusions are as follows： （1） The 14 cities differ significantly in their en- ergy efficiency, with Shenyang, Dalian, Anshan, and Jinzhou enjoying the highest energy effi- ciency. Northwestern Liaoning and other heavy-industrial cities such as Fushun and Benxi belong to low-efficiency and high-consumption areas. （2） In areas with higher efficiency, the spatial patterns of the energy technical efficiency, energy consumption per unit of GDP, and energy utilization efficiency are, respectively, ＂π ＂-, ＂Ⅱ＂- and ＂H＂- shaped. Geographically, the energy utilization efficiency shows different trends from east to west and from north to south. Factors such as the binuclear structure of economic development have a major effect on this spatial pattern of energy efficiency. （3） Southeastern Liaoning enjoys a highly advanced in- dustrial structure. Areas with a highly rational industrial structure form an ＂H＂ shape, with Shenyang and Dalian at the two poles. The urban agglomerations in middle and southern Liaoning have a highly concentrated industrial structure. （4） Overall, the coupling between energy efficiency and industrial structure is low in Liaoning, except for Shenyang and Dalian at both ends, where the coupling between an advanced industrial structure and energy efficiency is higher than in other cities.
基金Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.41230631National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.41271134
文摘Chinese railway has entered the ＂HSR era＂, while the structure of ＂four vertical and four horizontal＂ railways for transit passengers is almost completed. Taking the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Rail （hereinafter referred to as HSR） as an example, this paper first explores HSR＇s effects on the spatial structure of regional tourist flows using the social network analysis. Next, it notes changes in the accessibility of regional transportation. After analyzing the factors including initial endowment of regional tourism resources, hospitality facilities, the density of the regional tourism transportation network, and locations, the paper discusses the mechanisms through which HSR affects regional tourist flows. The study shows the following： （1） HSR＇s effects on the spatial structure of regional tourist flows are manifested through the Matthew effect, the filtering effect, the diffusion effect and the overlying effect, and （2） the Matthew effect of HSR is manifested under an obvious interaction of the location, the initial endowment of tourism resources, hospitality capacity, tourist transportation network density and ＂time-space compression＂. The filtering effect of HSR is manifested for those tourism nodes without favorable location conditions, endowment of tourism resources, hospitality capacity, or tourist transportation network density and without obvious benefits from ＂time-space compression＂. Those tourism nodes that boast advantages in terms of lo- cation condition, endowment of tourism resources, hospitality capacity, tourist transportation network density and obvious ＂time-space compression＂ will become sources for the diffusion effect. HSR will strengthen the aggregation effects of tourist flow in these diffusion sources, which will thereafter diffuse to peripheral tourist areas, manifesting ＂aggregation-diffusion＂. HSR has overlapped tourists＇ spatial traveling range over large-scale spaces. However, the overlying effect is only generated in those tourism nodes with a favorable location condition, an endowment of tourism resources, hospitality capacity, tourist transportation network den- sity, and obvious ＂time-space compression＂.
基金financially supported by the research special fund of public service sector from the Ministry of Land and Resources (No. 201111008)
文摘This paper discusses the enrichment and depletion regularities for porphyry coppermolybdenum ore deposits in different regions and varied deposit genetic types in the same area, taking three porphyry copper-molybdenum ore deposits （i.e., the Chengmenshan in Jiangxi, Wunugetushan in Inner Mongolia, Baishantang in Gansu） and two copper deposits in Gansu Province （the Huitongshan skarn deposit and Gongpoquan composite deposit） as case studies. The results show that porphyry Cu-Mo deposits or skarn copper deposits include both enrichment of the ore-forming elements and associated elements, and depletion of some lithophile dispersed elements, rare earth elements （REE） and some major elements. And the depleted elements vary with deposits, having generality and their own features. On a deposit scale, the positive anomalies of enriched elements and negative anomalies of depleted elements follow in a sequence to comprise regular anomaly models of spatial structures. The exploration in the Tongchang deposit in Jiangxi and Huitongshan deposit in Gansu suggests that anomaly models play a key role in the identification of mineral occurrences and deposits compared to one single enriched element anomaly. And the anomaly models exert a critical effect on the optimization of prospecting targets and their potential evaluation.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (50830201,10872217)Aeronautical Science Foundation of China (20090952015)+1 种基金Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education(20103218110005)National Science Foundation of the General Program of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (09KJD520005)
文摘Piezoelectric sensor array-based spatial filter technology is a new promising method presented in research area of structural health monitoring （SHM） in the recent years. To apply this method to composite structures and give the actual position of damage, this paper proposes a spatial filter-based damage imaging method improved by complex Shannon wavelet transform. The basic principle of spatial filter is analyzed first. Then, this paper proposes a method of using complex Shannon wavelet transform to construct analytic signals of time domain signals of PZT sensors array. The analytic signals are synthesized depending on the principle of the spatial filter to give a damage imaging in the form of angle-time. A method of converting the damage imaging to the form of angle-distance is discussed. Finally, an aircraft composite oil tank is adopted to validate the damage imaging method. The validating results show that this method can recognize angle and distance of damage successfully.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.40635029
文摘Valley economy is a new mode in mountainous area development that is defined by various characters of valley development, and is a distinguishing economical geographic pattern for mountainous area development. The special spatial coupling relations in the distribution of different mountainous elements in valleys are new subjects for the mountain development studies, and such studies are meaningful both for researches and practices. Based on the long term researches on mountainous area development and following a brief exploration into the connotations and the spatial organizing process of valley economy, the authors analyzed the present situations of the development of valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas, studied the characteristics and the impacts of the spatial structural changes of the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas, and finally proposed a rational arrangement of the spatial structure of the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas. It is considered in this study that valley economy plays an important role in the development and functional transformation in Beijing＇s mountainous areas in the new epoch. Firstly, valley economy is not outlined by the administrative boundaries, and it connects most of the villages in the mountainous areas roughly along the major transportation lines. Therefore, valley economy can exert positive influence on the development in the mountainous areas, at least in the aspects such as the rearrangement of industrial structure in the mountainous areas and the coordinated development of rural and urban areas. In addition, it is found that the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas is evolved in a spatial organizing stage of secondary concentration, which is characterized by resource-saving, ecological protection and industrial optimization. Therefore, the development of valley economy will be helpful to the coordination between ecological protection and economic development in the mountainous areas, and will promote the integrated development of the mountainous areas. The developing mode of the valley economy in Beijing＇s mountainous areas will provide the basis for the decision-making in the transformation of the functional roles of Beijing＇s mountainous areas, and on the other hand, will present experiences for the studies in the mountainous areas outside of Beijing.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.91425301,No.41730854The PCSIRT,No.IRT-15R06Scientific Research Starting Foundation for Doctors in Hebei GEO University,No.BQ2017003
文摘In many arid ecosystems,vegetation frequently occurs in high-cover patches interspersed in a matrix of low plant cover.However,theoretical explanations for shrub patch pattern dynamics along climate gradients remain unclear on a large scale.This context aimed to assess the variance of the Reaumuria soongorica patch structure along the precipitation gradient and the factors that affect patch structure formation in the middle and lower Heihe River Basin(HRB).Field investigations on vegetation patterns and heterogeneity in soil properties were conducted during 2014 and 2015.The results showed that patch height,size and plant-to-patch distance were smaller in high precipitation habitats than in low precipitation sites.Climate,soil and vegetation explained 82.5% of the variance in patch structure.Spatially,R.soongorica shifted from a clumped to a random pattern on the landscape towards the MAP gradient,and heterogeneity in the surface soil properties(the ratio of biological soil crust(BSC) to bare gravels(BG)) determined the R.soongorica population distribution pattern in the middle and lower HRB.A conceptual model,which integrated water availability and plant facilitation and competition effects,was revealed that R.soongorica changed from a flexible water use strategy in high precipitation regions to a consistent water use strategy in low precipitation areas.Our study provides a comprehensive quantification of the variance in shrub patch structure along a precipitation gradient and may improve our understanding of vegetation pattern dynamics in the Gobi Desert under future climate change.
