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Net radiation (Rn), a critical component in land surface energy cycling, is calculated as the difference between net shortwave radiation and longwave radiation at the Earth's surface and holds significant importance in crop models for precision agriculture management. In this study, we examined the performance of four machine learning models, including extreme learning machine (ELM), hybrid artificial neural networks with genetic algorithm models (GANN), generalized regression neural networks (GRNN), and random forests (RF), in estimating daily Rn at four representative sites across different climatic zones of China. The input variables included common meteorological factors such as minimum and maximum temperature, relative humidity, sunshine duration, and shortwave solar radiation. Model performance was assessed and compared using statistical parameters such as the correlation coefficient (R2), root mean square errors (RMSE), mean absolute errors (MAE), and Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient (NS). The results indicated that all models slightly underestimated actual Rn, with linear regression slopes ranging from 0.810 to 0.870 across different zones. The estimated Rn was found to be comparable to observed values in terms of data distribution characteristics. Among the models, the ELM and GANN demonstrated higher consistency with observed values, exhibiting R2 values ranging from 0.838 to 0.963 and 0.836 to 0.963, respectively, across varying climatic zones. These values surpassed those of the RF (0.809–0.959) and GRNN (0.812–0.949) models. Additionally, the ELM and GANN models showed smaller simulation errors in terms of RMSE, MAE, and NS across the four climatic zones compared to the RF and GRNN models. Overall, the ELM and GANN models outperformed the RF and GRNN models. Notably, the ELM model's faster computational speed makes it a strong recommendation for Rn estimates across different climatic zones of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although overall survival data are still premature, the PROpel study found radiological progression-free survival (PFS) benefits of abiraterone and olaparib in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, for patients who have not been genetically tested or lack BRCA1/2 mutations (BRCAm), this combination therapy has been questioned as a first-line conventional treatment for mCRPC, mainly due to significant health economics and side effects. In our retrospective study, we found that treatment with low-dose abiraterone plus olaparib as a late-line treatment for mCRPC could lead to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and symptom PFS in selective cases even without BRCAm. The median PSA–PFS was 8 months (IQR: 6.5–11.5), with a median follow-up duration of 39.0 months (IQR: 27.5–64.5). Gene tests were conducted in all patients, identifying non-BRCA mutations through ctDNA testing (24%), tumor tissue testing (12%), or both (64%). Adverse events occurred in 72% of patients, with 16% experiencing Grade ≥ 3 events. Common adverse events included anemia (64%), decreased appetite (48%), and fatigue (25%). Our findings support low-dose abiraterone plus olaparib as a potential option for mCRPC patients without BRCAm, offering manageable safety and efficacy profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) is one of the main disasters in the process of coal mining. In this paper, the important role of high-latent heat phase change material CH3COONa·3H2O (SAT) in controlling CSC was studied and compared with common inhibitors (NaCl, CaCl2, ascorbic acid (VC)). The thermal performance characteristics of SAT were revealed by the C80 micromanometer, and the effects of different inhibitors on the thermal behavior of Shengli lignite were analyzed and compared. Furthermore, the gas–solid coaxial fixed bed measurement system was used in conjunction with the Pfeiffer online mass spectrometer, to design the natural temperature rise experiment of coal after the heating interruption in the same programmed temperature rise interval, investigating the effects of different inhibitors on the temperature and gas production in the process of coal oxidation. The results show that the heat absorption effect of SAT is more significant than common inhibitors, which not only improves the heat absorption rate of the samples but also increases the total heat absorption of the sample by 236.6 J·g−1 compared with the raw coal. In the programmed temperature rise experiment, the maximum temperature point of the SAT-inhibited coal sample is reduced by 15.5% compared with raw coal, the time to reach the maximum temperature point is delayed by 20.5%, and the SAT inhibitor effectively inhibits the production of CO and CO2 gases. The method described in this paper provides a new idea for the prevention and control of CSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature coal oxidation generates a substantial amount of CO and CO2, especially CO, rapidly, which is a primary factor leading to casualties. The oxygen concentration is the predominant factor affecting the high-temperature oxidation of coal, particularly in the generation of CO and CO2. Understanding the generation patterns and relationship characteristics of CO and CO2 under various oxygen concentrations is important for predicting high-temperature coal oxidation and ensuring personnel safety. The paper used TG–MS and FTIR to study the formation characteristics of isothermal oxidation of CO and CO2 in long-flame coal under different oxygen concentrations. The results indicate that there exists an optimal threshold for CO production when the oxygen concentration is about 9% during the isothermal temperature oxidation process at 200.00–350.00 °C. When the oxygen concentration is less than 13%, the influence of oxygen on CO2 production is weakened. As the temperature increases, the pattern of CO + CO2 production and CO/CO2 is reversed, with CO + CO2 increasing and CO/CO2 decreasing. The relationship between the total production of CO and CO2 and the loss of coal mass follows the function y = a + bx at the isothermal temperatures of 300.00 °C and 350.00 °C. An increase in oxygen concentration does not alter the linear relationship. In the isothermal oxidation process of coal, carbonyl and carboxyl groups are the key groups for CO and CO2 production. At 200.00 °C and 250.00 °C, carbonyl and carboxyl groups increase, and other groups are being converted to carbonyl and carboxyl groups while decomposing into CO and CO2. At 300.00 °C and 350.00 °C, the relative content of carboxyl groups decreases. The research findings play a fundamental role in coal mine disaster prevention and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on experiments and micro-modelling analyses, the interaction between the RC frame and the infill wall with/without openings under lateral loads was investigated. According to the load transmission mechanism and the stress states around the openings, a macro-model with multiple blocks around the opening was proposed. In a comparison with the experimental data, the proposed macro-model was proven to adequately simulate the different failure modes and hysteretic behaviours of masonry infilled RC frames with openings. By using the opening rate and opening position as variables, 52 macro-modelling analyses of masonry infilled RC frames with different window and door openings were carried out. The results showed that the presence of masonry infill walls greatly increased the initial stiffness and ultimate load bearing capacities of single-story, single-bay RC frame structures. A larger opening rate resulted in lower initial stiffness and ultimate load-carrying capacity values, which decreased more as the opening locations deviated further from the centre to the sides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the infection risk factors for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and establish predictive models to help make personalized treatment plans. Our study was designed one-center and retrospectively enrolled 1169 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. Risk factors were explored for postoperative infection. A TURP-postoperative infection (TURP-PI) model with infection prediction values was created. The improved-TURP-PI (I-TURP-PI) model, including extra new factors (pathogens species), was also built to see whether it could optimize the prediction abilities. At last, we developed a nomogram for better clinical application. Operation time, preoperative indwelling urinary catheter (PIUC), and positive preoperative urine culture were independent risk factors (all P < 0.05). Interestingly, pathogens species in pre-surgery urine (PEnterococcus faecium = 0.014, PPseudomonas aeruginosa = 0.086) were also independent risk factors. Patients with positive Enterococcus faecium (37.50%) were most likely to have postoperative infection. We built two models with AUCTURP-PI = 0.709 (95% CI 0.656–0.763) and AUCI-TURP-PI = 0.705 (95% CI 0.650–0.760). The nomogram could help improve the prediction ability. To our knowledge, our study is the first to use pathogen species in urine before surgery as risk factors for infection prediction after TURP. TURP-PI and I-TURP-PI models have essential roles in predicting patients' postoperative infections and in better postoperative antibiotic decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preoperative sleep loss can amplify post-operative mechanical hyperalgesia. However, the underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. In the current study, rats were randomly allocated to a control group and an acute sleep deprivation (ASD) group which experienced 6 h ASD before surgery. Then the variations in cerebral function and activity were investigated with multi-modal techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, functional magnetic resonance imaging, c-Fos immunofluorescence, and electrophysiology. The results indicated that ASD induced hyperalgesia, and the metabolic kinetics were remarkably decreased in the striatum and midbrain. The functional connectivity (FC) between the nucleus accumbens (NAc, a subregion of the ventral striatum) and the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vLPAG) was significantly reduced, and the c-Fos expression in the NAc and the vLPAG was suppressed. Furthermore, the electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that both the neuronal activity in the NAc and the vLPAG, and the coherence of the NAc-vLPAG were suppressed in both resting and task states. This study showed that neuronal activity in the NAc and the vLPAG were weakened and the FC between the NAc and the vLPAG was also suppressed in rats with ASD-induced hyperalgesia. This study highlights the importance of preoperative sleep management for surgical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paired associated stimulation (PAS) has been confirmed to play a role in motor recovery after stroke, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we employed a comprehensive battery of measurements, including behavioral test, electrophysiology and 1H-NMR approaches, to investigate the therapeutic effects of PAS in rat model of cerebral ischemia and its underlying mechanism. Rats were randomly divided into a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion group (tMCAO group), a tMCAO + PAS group (PAS group), and a sham group. PAS was applied over 7 consecutive days in PAS group. The behavioral function of rats was evaluated by modified Garcia Scores and Rota-rod test. Electrophysiological changes were measured by motor evoked potentials (MEP). Metabolic changes of ischemic penumbra were detected by 1H-NMR. After PAS intervention, the performances on Rota-rod test and Garcia test improved and the amplitude of MEP increased significantly. The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in penumbra cortex was decreased significantly, whereas the glutamate showed the opposite changes. The results suggested that post-stroke recovery promoted by PAS may be related to the metabolites alteration in ischemic penumbra and also regulate the excitability of motor cortex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of heavy metals continue to increase in soil environments as a result of both anthropogenic activities and natural processes. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic heavy metals and poses health risks to both humans and the ecosystem. Herein, we explore the impacts of Cd on a soil–plant system composed of oilseed rapes (Brassica napus and Brassica juncea) and bacteria. The results showed that Cd accumulation within tissues of two species of oilseed rapes enhanced with increasing concentrations of Cd in soils, and Cd treatment decreased their chlorophyll content and suppressed rapeseeds growth. Meanwhile, Cd stress induced the changes of antioxidative enzymes activities of both B. napus and B. juncea. Response to Cd of bacterial community was similar in soil-two species of oilseed rapes system. The impact of Cd on the bacterial communities of soils was greater than bacterial communities of plants (phyllosphere and endophyte). The α-diversity of bacterial community in soils declined significantly under higher Cd concentration (30 mg/kg). In addition, soil bacterial communities composition and structure were altered in the presence of higher Cd concentration. Meanwhile, the bacterial communities of bulk soils were significantly correlated with Cd, while the variation of rhizosphere soils bacterial communities were markedly correlated with Cd and other environmental factors of both soils and plants. These results suggested that Cd could affect both the growth of plants and the indigenous bacterial community in soil–plant system, which might further change ecosystem functions in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin fibrosis is one of the major features of scleroderma. WNT/β-catenin signaling is associated with the progression of skin fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of icaritin (IT), a natural compound, on scleroderma-related skin fibrosis and its mechanisms. We found that IT could reduce the expression of COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, CTGF, and α-SMA in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF-1 cells), scleroderma skin fibroblasts (SSF cells), and TGF-β-induced HFF-1 cells. Wnt/β-catenin signaling was shown to be suppressed by IT. Additionally, IT activated AMPK signaling in HFF-1 cells. In conclusion, IT has an anti-skin fibrotic effect through activation of AMPK signaling and inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling. Our findings indicate the potential role of IT in the treatment of scleroderma and provide novel insight for the selection of drug therapy for scleroderma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of complex terrains and current forest transportation equipment, a forest tracked vehicle prototype LY1352JP was developed. The road model and the virtual prototype of the chassis were constructed using dynamic simulation software RecurDyn. The optimal tension of the vehicle as well as its capabilities for crossing trenches, climbing vertical walls, uphill and downhill slopes were simulated. The simulation results showed that the optimum tension force of the chassis of the vehicle was 63 kN (kilonewton), accounting for 45% of the total vehicle weight. The maximum trench crossing width and vertical obstacle climbing height were 1.35 m and 0.45 m, respectively. The maximum uphill and downhill angles were 50° and 45°, respectively. Tests on the prototype capacity for crossing trenches, and uphill and downhill driving were carried out. The test results were in agreement with the simulation results. A cross-country performance of a fire truck based on the tracked vehicle chassis was conducted in an old-growth forest. Tests verified that the vehicle has a strong forest trafficability performance and can meet the needs for forest transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trade-offs between sexual reproduction and clonal propagation are of great significance in terms of ecology and evolution for clonal plants, and they vary with environmental change. Nitrogen (N) deposition can increase litter accumulation in grassland and promote litter decomposition and consequently increase nutrient availability. However, the response of plant reproduction to N and litter addition in grasslands remains unclear. We examined the combined effects of N addition and litter manipulation (i.e. initial litter, removal, addition) on sexual reproduction and clonal propagation of a perennial clonal grass, Leymus chinensis, at the population (total number) and individual (number per ramet) levels in an 11-year field experiment. Nitrogen addition and litter additionally decreased spike and seed number at the population level, and N addition reduced those at the individual level. Nitrogen addition and litter interactively affected bud number at the two levels, and N addition decreased bud number in the litter removal treatments and increased that in the litter addition treatments. The increased soil available N, rather than light and soil water content, explained the change in sexual reproduction and clonal propagation. The positive effects of litter addition on bud number in the treatments with N addition, suggested that the N deposition increased litter accumulation could intensify clonal propagation of perennial grasses and increase their dominance in grasslands. Grassland management that reduces litter accumulation, such as grazing and mowing, can therefore, help alleviate the negative effects of N deposition on plant diversity through decreasing clonal propagation of the dominant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A resting-state network centered at the precuneus has been recently proposed as a precuneus network (PCUN) or "parietal memory network". Due to its spatial adjacency and overlapping with the default mode network (DMN), it is still not consensus to consider PCUN and DMN separately. Whether considering PCUN and DMN as different networks is a critical question that influences our understanding of brain functions and impairments. Previous resting-state studies using multiple methodologies have demonstrated a robust separation of the two networks. However, since there is no gold standard in justifying the functional difference between the networks in resting-state, we still lack of biological evidence to directly support the separation of the two networks. This study compared the responses and functional couplings of PCUN and DMN when participants were watching a movie and examined how the continuity of the movie context modulated the response of the networks. We identified PCUN and DMN in resting-state fMRI of 48 healthy subjects. The networks' response to a context-rich video and its context-shuffled version was characterized using the variance of temporal fluctuations and functional connectivity metrics. The results showed that (1) scrambling the contextual information altered the fluctuation level of DMN and PCUN in reversed ways; (2) compared to DMN, the FC within PCUN showed significantly higher sensitivity to the contextual continuity; (3) PCUN exhibited a significantly stronger functional network connectivity with the primary visual regions than DMN. These findings provide evidence for the distinct functional roles of PCUN and DMN in processing context-rich information and call for separately considering the functions and impairments of these networks in resting-state studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Introduction: Enhanced recovery after surgery can reduce immunosuppression and inflammation in patients with laparoscopic distal gastrectomy Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fast-track surgery on inflammatory response and immune function in patients with laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Methods: A total of 244 patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer from January 2014 to December 2017 were collected. The patients were divided into fast-track surgery (FTS) and traditional groups. The inflammatory index, immune index, and postoperative complications were measured before and after the operation. Materials and methods: There was no significant difference in immune index between the two groups on the day before operation and one day after operation, all P > 0.05. On POD3 and POD6, the expression of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, IgG, IgM, and IgA in the FTS group was higher than that in the traditional group and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).There was no significant difference in inflammation index between the two groups on the day before operation; on POD1, POD3, and POD6, the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP in the FTS group was lower than in the traditional group and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The total postoperative complications in the FTS group were significantly lower than those in the traditional group and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Results: Fast-track surgery can effectively reduce the degree of postoperative inflammatory reaction and the incidence of postoperative complications compared with the traditional group and has a smaller impact on the body's immune function, which is worthy of promotion in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive and notorious skin cancer, and metastatic disease is associated with very poor long-term survival outcomes. Although metastatic melanoma patients with oncogenic mutations in the BRAF gene initially respond well to the treatment with specific BRAF inhibitors, most of them will eventually develop resistance to this targeted therapy. As a highly conserved catabolic process, autophagy is responsible for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and cell survival, and is involved in multiple diseases, including cancer. Recent study results have indicated that autophagy might play a decisive role in the resistance to BRAF inhibitors in BRAF-mutated melanomas. In this review, we will discuss how autophagy is up-regulated by BRAF inhibitors, and how autophagy induces the resistance to these agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has a high morbidity in China and its treatment depends greatly on adjuvant chemotherapy. However, DNA damage repair in cancer cells severely affects the outcome of treatment. This study investigated the potential mechanism regarding mediator of DNA-damage checkpoint 1 (MDC1) and minichromosome maintenance proteins (MCMs) during DNA damage in ESCC. Recombinant vectors of MDC1 and MCMs with tags were constructed and transfected into human ESCC cell line TE-1. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were performed to screen the MCMs interacting with MDC1, and direct interaction was confirmed by glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown assay in vitro. MCM2 and MCM6 were knocked down by shRNAs, after which chromatin fraction and foci forming of MDC1 upon bleomycin-induced DNA damage were examined. The results showed that MCM2/3/5/6 were immunoprecipitated by antibodies against the tag of MDC1 in TE-1 nuclei, and the GST pull-down assay indicated the direct interaction. Knockdown of MCM2 or MCM6 reduced the chromatin fraction of MDC1 according to Western blot results. Moreover, knockdown of MCM2 or MCM6 could significantly inhibit foci forming of MDC1 in TE-1 nuclei in response to bleomycin-induced DNA damage ( p < 0.001). This study indicates the direct interaction between MDC1 and MCMs in TE-1 nuclei. Downregulation of MCMs can inhibit chromatin fraction and foci forming of MDC1 in TE-1 cells upon DNA damage, which suggests MCMs and MDC1 as potential targets to improve the outcome of chemotherapy in ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mesocosm experiment was conducted to study the effects of commercial microbial agents (probiotics) on the phytoplankton community structure in a shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei) farm located in Yinzhou-Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the phytoplankton were examined along with physico-chemical parameters in the ponds treated with microbial agents and in the untreated ponds without microbial agents. A total of 18 well-diversified species of phytoplankton belonging to Bacillariophyta, Dinoflagellata, Cyanophyta and Chlorophyta were investigated during the study period. The average phytoplankton abundance in the treated ponds (6.08 × 10 cells L in HJW ponds and 7.11 × 10 cells L in JK27 ponds) was significantly less than that in the control ponds (1.27 × 10 cells L, P < 0.05). The dominant group in both the treated ponds was Bacillariophyta (70.84 % in HJW and 64.36 % in JK27), whereas the dominant group in the control ponds was Cyanobacteria (37.05 %). The analysis showed that the addition of probiotics significantly increased ( P < 0.05) the concentration of Coscinodiscus species from Bacillariophyta in the treated ponds (HJW and JK27) and significantly decreased ( P < 0.05) the concentration of Oscillatoria species compared with the control ponds. None of the water quality parameter results differed significantly between the treatments ( P > 0.05). The findings of the present study suggest that the application of commercial probiotics in shrimp farms could positively influence the growth of beneficial algae, such as Bacillariophyta rather than harmful algae, such as Cyanobacteria, and thus improves the water quality, the health of the shrimp and increases production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to our experience, no matter what kind of operation was chosen to repair recurrent hernia, it was very likely to cause more serious tissue adhesion than primary repair. Dear Editor, We are very pleased to read this article by Fernandez-Alberti et al. [[1]], in this paper, the authors demonstrated that the repeated TAPP was a promising solution for patients with recurrence after transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP). [Extracted from the article]

Increasing evidence has revealed a close association between intestinal bacterial communities and human health. However, given that host phylogeny shapes the composition of intestinal microbiota, it is unclear whether changes in intestinal microbiota structure in relation to shrimp health status. In this study, we collected shrimp and seawater samples from ponds with healthy and diseased shrimps to understand variations in bacterial communities among habitats (water and intestine) and/or health status. The bacterial communities were clustered according to the original habitat and health status. Habitat and health status constrained 14.6 and 7.7 % of the variation in bacterial communities, respectively. Changes in shrimp intestinal bacterial communities occurred in parallel with changes in disease severity, reflecting the transition from a healthy to a diseased state. This pattern was further evidenced by 38 bacterial families that were significantly different in abundance between healthy and diseased shrimps; moderate changes were observed in shrimps with sub-optimal health. In addition, within a given bacterial family, the patterns of enrichment or decrease were consistent with the known functions of those bacteria. Furthermore, the identified 119 indicator taxa exhibited a discriminative pattern similar to the variation in the community as a whole. Overall, this study suggests that changes in intestinal bacterial communities are closely associated with the severity of shrimp disease and that indicator taxa can be used to evaluate shrimp health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections on ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged mice via regulation of Th17/Treg cell responses. BALB/c mice were challenged with OVA, followed by RSV infections twice. In OVA-challenged mice, the secretion of Th2/Th17-type cytokines, airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation were significantly inhibited by initial RSV infection. Moreover, the in vivo findings demonstrated that initial RSV infection reversed the imbalance of Th17/Treg responses. In contrast, RSV re-infection strengthened Th2/Th17-type cytokine secretion, airway hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation, especially for lymphocyte infiltration in OVA-challenged mice. Meanwhile, RSV re-infection enhanced the imbalanced Th17/Treg responses. Upon all results reveal that RSV-induced respiratory infections may lead to dual effects pertaining to allergic airway inflammation by regulation of Th17/Treg responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridge-borne noise pollution caused by train-induced bridge vibration has attracted more and more attentions due to its low-frequency characteristic. In order to investigate the numerical simulation technique of bridge-borne noise and noise reduction methods, a simply supported prestressed concrete (PC) box-girder bridge is adopted for study. Based on train-track-bridge interaction theory, the dynamic response of the bridge under a moving high-speed train is calculated in time-domain and assumed as the sound source of bridge-borne noise. Then bridge-borne noise is estimated according to boundary element method (BEM) in frequency-domain. The time-frequency transform is conducted by fast Fourier transformation (FFT). The validity of the numerical simulation technique is verified through comparison with field measurement results. Furthermore, noise reduction methods are proposed and corresponding effects are discussed. Results show that the proposed numerical simulation method is feasible and accurate in assessing bridge-borne noise. The dominant frequencies of bridge vibration and bridge-borne noise range from 40 Hz to125 Hz and from 31.5 Hz to 100 Hz, respectively. The peak frequency of bridge-borne noise near the bottom plate is 63 Hz. Increasing the thickness of deck plate, adjusting the inclination of webs to 0°-12°, strengthening the boundary constraints and adding a longitudinal clapboard are very effective noise control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique linear dunes in the northern Kumtagh Desert of northwest China have inspired enthusiastic debate among aeolian geomorphologists over their origins and classification. Their uniqueness lies not only in their morphology, but also in their geomorphological patterns. In this paper, the geomorphological patterns and ages of the linear dunes in the northern Kumtagh Desert are analyzed using the pattern analysis method that was recently adopted by geomorphologists. The analysis suggests that these linear dunes have developed since 13 ka BP, during the late part of the most recent deglaciation stage, when the region's dry climate was favorable for dune formation. The differences in dune construction time within this region result from the complex factors that control their formation and spatial variations in the local environment, but these factors were not strong enough to prevent us from estimating the dune age recorded by the geomorphological patterns with acceptable precision. It is also suggested that the pattern analysis method can be used to estimate dune ages in the absence of more reliable dating methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two 60-day experiments were conducted to study the influence of photon flux density (PFD) and temperature on the attachment and development of Gloiopeltis tenax and Gloiopeltis furcata tetraspores. In the first experiment, tetraspores of the two Gloiopeltis species were incubated at five temperature ranges (8°C, 12°C, 16°C, 20°C, 24°C) under a constant PFD of 80 μmol photons m s with a photoperiod of 12:12. In a second experiment, tetraspores were incubated under five PFD gradients (30, 55, 80, 105, 130 μmol photons m s) at a constant temperature of 16°C with a photoperiod of 12:12. Maximum density of attached tetraspores was observed at 16°C for both species. Maximum per cent of spore germinating into disc was recorded at 12-16°C for G. tenax and 8-12°C for G. furcata. Maximum per cent of discs producing erect axes for G. tenax and G. furcata were recorded at 24°C and 20°C, respectively. Light had no significant effect on tetraspore attachment and developing into disc, but it affected the growth, sprouting and survival of its discs. Under 30-55 μmol photons m s, the discs of the two species of Gloiopeltis did not form thallus until the end of the experiment. Optimum PFD range for G. tenax discs was 80-105 μmol photons m s, whilst it was 80-130 μmol photons m s for G. furcata. Results presented in this study are expected to assist the progress of artificial seeding of Gloiopeltis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the results of a large-scale survey, we construct an agent-based network model for the China independent inbound tourism system and, by the approach of numerical simulation, investigate the responses of the tourist behaviors to perturbations in different scenarios, including the closure of a tourism city, the opening of a new port city in western China, and the increase of the tourism attractiveness of a specific city. Numerical results show that: (1) the closure of a single city in general will affect the tourist visitations of many other cities and, comparing to the non-port cities, the overall visitation volume of the system is more influenced by closing a port city; (2) the opening of a new port city in western China will attract more tourists to the western cities, but has a negligible impact on either the overall visitation volume or the imbalanced tourist distribution; and (3) the increase of the tourism attractiveness of a non-port (port) city normally increases (decreases) the overall visitation volume, yet there are exceptions due to the spillover effect. Furthermore, by increasing the tourism attractiveness of a few cities simultaneously, we investigate also the strategy of multiple-city-upgrade in tourism development. We find that the overall tourist volume is better improved by upgrading important non-port cities that are geographically distant from each other. The study reveals the rich dynamic inherent in complex tourism network, and the findings could be helpful to the development and management of China inbound tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress, which occurs after ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually results in Glucocorticoid (GC) resistance and the subsequent development of skin inflammation. One approach to protecting the skin against UV radiation is the use of antioxidants. The ginsenoside Rg1 is a novel natural antioxidant isolated from the medicinal plant Panax ginseng C.A. Mey. We demonstrated that UVB exposure exacerbated inflammation and reduced both the level of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the efficacy of dexamethasone (Dex) in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Pretreatment with Rg1 increased the expression of GR and restored Dex responsiveness to inflammation in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Mechanistically, Rg1 rescued UVB-induced HDAC2 degradation. HDAC2 knockdown partially abolished the Rg1-induced up-regulation of GR and the enhancement of GC sensitivity. In addition, Rg1 reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which preceded the up-regulation of HDAC2, and consequent sensitization of cells to Dex. Moreover, Rg1 treatment promoted the translocation and activation of Nrf2. Nrf2 knockdown partially abolished the Rg1-induced decrease of ROS production and increase of HDAC2. Rg1 also potentiated the anti-inflammatory effects of Dex in UVB-irradiated mouse skin. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Rg1 attenuated UVB-induced GC insensitivity. Notably, these effects were partially mediated by the Nrf2/HDAC2 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Litter input plays an important role in maintaining soil phosphorus (P) availability in terrestrial ecosystems. Moreover, nitrogen (N) deposition can alter litter accumulation and decomposition and, consequently, soil P availability. However, the combined effects of N and litter addition on soil P availability remain unclear.We examined how N addition (0 and 10 g N m−2 yr−1) and litter manipulation (initial litter, litter removal and litter addition) affected the seasonal dynamics of soil P availability in an 11-year grassland experiment.During the mid-growing season, N addition significantly increased soil available P but decreased soil total P, while litter addition increased soil total P. At the end of the growing season, litter addition increased soil available P, while N addition increased soil total P. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that N addition increased soil available P by increasing aboveground biomass and decreasing soil pH during the mid-growing season. At the end of the growing season, litter addition increased soil available P by enhancing microbial biomass P.Our findings suggested that N and litter addition increased soil P availability from the middle to the end of the growing season. Moreover, the positive effects of litter on soil available and total P under N addition at the end of the growing season indicated that grassland management that reduce litter accumulation, such as grazing and mowing, may decrease the soil P supply under increased N deposition.Methods: Litter input plays an important role in maintaining soil phosphorus (P) availability in terrestrial ecosystems. Moreover, nitrogen (N) deposition can alter litter accumulation and decomposition and, consequently, soil P availability. However, the combined effects of N and litter addition on soil P availability remain unclear.We examined how N addition (0 and 10 g N m−2 yr−1) and litter manipulation (initial litter, litter removal and litter addition) affected the seasonal dynamics of soil P availability in an 11-year grassland experiment.During the mid-growing season, N addition significantly increased soil available P but decreased soil total P, while litter addition increased soil total P. At the end of the growing season, litter addition increased soil available P, while N addition increased soil total P. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that N addition increased soil available P by increasing aboveground biomass and decreasing soil pH during the mid-growing season. At the end of the growing season, litter addition increased soil available P by enhancing microbial biomass P.Our findings suggested that N and litter addition increased soil P availability from the middle to the end of the growing season. Moreover, the positive effects of litter on soil available and total P under N addition at the end of the growing season indicated that grassland management that reduce litter accumulation, such as grazing and mowing, may decrease the soil P supply under increased N deposition.Results: Litter input plays an important role in maintaining soil phosphorus (P) availability in terrestrial ecosystems. Moreover, nitrogen (N) deposition can alter litter accumulation and decomposition and, consequently, soil P availability. However, the combined effects of N and litter addition on soil P availability remain unclear.We examined how N addition (0 and 10 g N m−2 yr−1) and litter manipulation (initial litter, litter removal and litter addition) affected the seasonal dynamics of soil P availability in an 11-year grassland experiment.During the mid-growing season, N addition significantly increased soil available P but decreased soil total P, while litter addition increased soil total P. At the end of the growing season, litter addition increased soil available P, while N addition increased soil total P. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that N addition increased soil available P by increasing aboveground biomass and decreasing soil pH during the mid-growing season. At the end of the growing season, litter addition increased soil available P by enhancing microbial biomass P.Our findings suggested that N and litter addition increased soil P availability from the middle to the end of the growing season. Moreover, the positive effects of litter on soil available and total P under N addition at the end of the growing season indicated that grassland management that reduce litter accumulation, such as grazing and mowing, may decrease the soil P supply under increased N deposition.Conclusion: Litter input plays an important role in maintaining soil phosphorus (P) availability in terrestrial ecosystems. Moreover, nitrogen (N) deposition can alter litter accumulation and decomposition and, consequently, soil P availability. However, the combined effects of N and litter addition on soil P availability remain unclear.We examined how N addition (0 and 10 g N m−2 yr−1) and litter manipulation (initial litter, litter removal and litter addition) affected the seasonal dynamics of soil P availability in an 11-year grassland experiment.During the mid-growing season, N addition significantly increased soil available P but decreased soil total P, while litter addition increased soil total P. At the end of the growing season, litter addition increased soil available P, while N addition increased soil total P. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that N addition increased soil available P by increasing aboveground biomass and decreasing soil pH during the mid-growing season. At the end of the growing season, litter addition increased soil available P by enhancing microbial biomass P.Our findings suggested that N and litter addition increased soil P availability from the middle to the end of the growing season. Moreover, the positive effects of litter on soil available and total P under N addition at the end of the growing season indicated that grassland management that reduce litter accumulation, such as grazing and mowing, may decrease the soil P supply under increased N deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]