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【Objective】 Water ascent in plant is driven by water evaporation from leaves, influenced by meteorological factors. Understanding its variation with these factors is important to unveil the mechanisms underlying plant transpiration. This paper is to investigate the correlation between sap flow and meteorological factors in a plantation located in the Chaohe mountain area. 【Method】 The experimental site is at the Dadaigou Experimental Station in Fengning County. Sap flow from May to October in different tree species including Larix principis-rupprechtii, Pinus tabulaeformis and Hippophae rhamnoides, was measured using the Granier-type thermal dissipation probe. Meteorological data measured during the same period were used to analyze their impact on the sap flows. 【Result】 ① In sunny days, sap flow measured in all species increased in daytime and decreased in evening; it was larger in sunny days than in rainy days. Sap flow in Hippophae rhamnoides was faster and more sensitive to rainfall than other two species. ② Hourly sap flow in all species was positively correlated to atmospheric temperature (Ta), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), net radiation (Rn) and wind velocity (W), and negatively correlated to rainfall and relative humidity (Rh). Rn is the factor affecting sap flow most, followed by VPD, Ta and Rh. ③ Daily sap flow in Larix principis-rupprechtii, Pinus tabulaeformis and Hippophae rhamnoides was 2.78, 1.44 and 5.27 mL/(cm2·h) separately, affected significantly by Rn, VPD and Ta. ④ There was a significant delay in the response of sap flow to changes in meteorological factors for all three species, with the response to changes in VPD and Rn delayed by 20 min and 60 min for Larix principis-rupprechtii, 40 min and 50 min for Pinus tabulaeformis, and 20 min and 50 min for Hippophae rhamnoides, respectively. 【Conclusion】 The meteorological factors that affect sap flow in the three species in the Chaohe mountain area were net radiation (Rn) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD). There was a significant delay in the response of sap flow to changes in meteorological factors. Studying plant transpiration and its variation with meteorological factors should consider such a delay.

Since the Overall Planning of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project was approved 20 years ago, the supply and demand situation of water resources and water ecological environment problems in North China has undergone profound changes. Therefore, optimizing the subsequent route becomes significant for adapting to the new development situation in North China and for implementing major national strategies. The Beijing‒Tianjin‒Hebei region is the major water-receiving area of the follow-up project of the eastern route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Analyses of the long-term supply and demand trend, spatial distribution, and structural characteristics of the Beijing‒Tianjin‒Hebei region exhibit that from the long-term supply and demand trend, the gap of water resources in this region is 3.9×109~6×109 m3, and the growth of water demand is mainly contributed by the central and western urban areas, which are also key areas for implementing national strategies such as the construction of the Xiongan New Area. Moving water supply centers westward by establishing a new route into Beijing via Baiyang Lake while usingexisting river channels allows the route of the project to cover the shallow groundwater overexploitation areas to the largest extent, which is also conducive to the supply of ecological water for rivers and lakes. By this means, the eastern route can satisfy the requirement of the region for high-quality development owing to its comparative advantages of multiple series water systems, wide coverage of artesian water, strong capacity of regulation and storage, and high comprehensive benefits. Considering the new situation of the follow-up project planning and construction, we reviewed the major issues including the function positioning, overall layout, and route orientation of the project, and proposed a conception for optimizing the follow-up project of the eastern route, thereby providing a reference for promoting the high-quality development of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.

【Background and objective】 Evapotranspiration is an important component in the hydrological cycle in terrestrial ecosystems, and it is often calculated based on reference evapotranspiration (ET0) multiplied by a crop coefficient. In this paper, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variation of ET0 and its underlying determining factors in Guanzhong region. 【Method】 Daily meteorological data measured from 1980 to 2019 from 43 weather stations in the region were used to calculate ET0 using the Penman-Monteith model. Spatiotemporal change in ET0 and its underlying determinants were calculated using the inverse distance weight, stepwise regression analysis and path analysis. 【Result】 The maximum air temperature (Tmax), minimum air temperature (Tmin) and average air temperature (T) had been increasing at rates of 1.68~2.85 ℃, while the average relative humidity (RH) and wind speed (WS) had been declining in the studied period. In contrast, there was no noticeable change in sunshine hours (SSD). The meteorological factors varied spatially due to the difference in altitude and topography. The annual average ET0 from 1980 to 2019 was 959 mm, and had been increasing at a rate of 1.43 mm/a. Across the region, ET0 varied from 852~1 099 mm in 1980—2019, and decreased from the northeast to the southwest. In all regions, seasonal differences in ET0 were noticeable. The influence of meteorological factors on ET0 was ranked in the order of T>SSD>RH>WS. We also found that ET0 was positively correlated with SSD, T, and WS and negatively with RH. 【Conclusion】 Temporally, ET0 in Guanzhong region had been increasing from 1980—2019. Spatially, it decreased from the northeast to the southwest. The meteorological factors that affected ET0 most were T, SSD, RH and WS , in descending order.

【Objective】 Evaporation of groundwater via capillary rise could result in solute accumulation in the proximity of the soil surface, which increases steadily when the groundwater table rises above a critical depth. Knowing this critical depth is crucial for water and salt management but difficult to determine in situ as it depends not only on groundwater depth but also on soil textures and other factors. The purpose of this paper is to propose a remote-sensing method to estimate this critical depth. 【Method】 Based on remote sensing images and ground-truth data, we first calculated the relationship between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil salinization index (SI) and groundwater depth. We then proposed a salinization detection index (SDI) to determine the critical groundwater depth and validated it against data measured from a field at Minqin oasis. 【Result】 ①There was an exponential relationship between NDVI and SI; SDI correctly described the relationship between vegetation health and soil salinization across the studied region. ②The spatial distribution of SDI and groundwater depth were inversely correlated, indicating that SDI can be used as a proxy of soil salinization. Critical groundwater depth associated with mild, moderate and severe soil salinization was 4.7 m, 3.2 m and 1.8m respectively. 【Conclusion】 We proposed a remote sensing model to estimate soil salinity and the critical groundwater depth, above which a further rise in groundwater table would cause soil salinization. Application of the model to field data showed that it is accurate and reliable to predict soil salinization and the critical groundwater depths associated with different levels of soil salinization.

Introduction: High horseshoe-shaped anal fistula (HHAF) is a complicated and challenging condition that presents considerable obstacles in treatment. We are presently investigating a novel surgical technique involving a combination of multi-incision and tube-dragging therapy, and laser closure (MITD-LaC) for the management of HHAF. Due to the current scarcity of rigorous evidence evaluating this approach, it is essential to perform a well-designed randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of this new method with incision and thread-drawing therapy. Methods and analysis: This trial is a prospective, randomized, controlled and interventional study. After preliminary screening of qualified outpatients, a total of 64 adult patients will be enrolled in the trial and randomly allocated to either the MITD-LaC group or the control group (n = 32 per group). These patients will receive either MITD-LaC or incision and thread-drawing therapy. The design aims to allow for a robust comparison between the two treatment modalities. The primary endpoint is the wound healing time, while secondary endpoints include postoperative anal pain at 1, 3, and 5 days (measured with visual analogue scale), fecal incontinence score within 30 days after operation (measured with Cleveland Clinic Florida incontinence score), and the occurrence of postoperative complications within 1 month after surgery, and quality of life up to six months postoperatively (evaluated by The Quality of Life in patients with Anal Fistula Questionnaire Score). Discussion: This study represents the first randomized controlled trial evaluating the short-term outcomes of MITD-LaC, thereby aiming to contribute high-quality evidence to guide clinical practice. Moreover, this trial incorporates comprehensive outcome measures assessing both subjective and objective dimensions. Because of this multidimensional assessment, MITD-LaC offers a promising potential for broader application in the treatment of HHAF. Consequently, obtaining more definitive and authoritative evidence through scientifically rigorous clinical trials is of utmost importance in further validating this treatment approach. Ethics and dissemination: We have submitted the clinical study protocol to the Ethics Committee, and it has been approved under ethical approval number 2021-1036-111-01. The results of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed academic journals and presentations at professional conferences. Registration number: ChiCTR2100053556. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between anal fistula patients and colorectal cancer, as well as the potential pathophysiological mechanisms, remains unclear. To explore the relationship between anal fistula and colorectal cancer and its potential mechanisms. Analysis of GEO and TCGA databases. Disease‐related genes were also referenced from Coremine Medical, GeneCard and OMIM. Core hub genes were identified through protein–protein interaction analysis by intersecting differentially expressed genes from the datasets with disease data. On one hand, a prognostic model was developed using genes and its prognostic role was validated. On the other hand, the optimal diagnostic genes were selected through machine learning. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to explore the potential causal link between anal fistula and colorectal cancer. Thirteen core genes were identified (TMEM121B, PDGFRA, MID2, WNT10B, HOXD13, BARX1, SIX2, MMP1, SNAL1, CDKN2A, ITGB3, TIMP1, CALB2). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the intersecting genes between anal fistula and colorectal cancer were associated with extracellular matrix components, signalling pathways, cell growth, protein modification, as well as important roles in cellular activities, tissue and organ development, and biological function maintenance. These genes were also involved in pathways related to Wnt signalling and colorectal cancer development. Prognostic analysis and immune infiltration analysis indicated a close relationship between core hub genes and the prognosis and immune infiltration in colorectal cancer. Machine learning showed that core genes played an essential role in the diagnostic differentiation of colorectal cancer. MR results suggested no causal relationship between anal fistula and colorectal cancer. This study identified shared core genes between anal fistula and colorectal cancer, involved in various pathways related to tumour development. These genes play crucial roles in prognosis and diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Introduction] In order to increase the capacity of a 220 kV transmission line, conventional conductor and various heat-resistant conductors are selected to make comprehensive comparison. [Method] This article calculated the maximum operating temperature and power loss, compared effects of mechanical load and wire sag variation on tower foundation, analyzed difficulty of construction and maintenance, and calculated investment and annual cost. [Result] The results show that all selected conductors can meet the need of increasing capacity and maximum operating temperature; towers and foundations need rebuilding if using conventional conductor; mechanical load and wire sag of heat-resistant conductors meet the design conditions of original transmission line; conventional conductor and Aluminum Conductor Multi-strand Carbon Fiber Core (ACMCC Conductor) have lower annual costs and more convenience for maintenance. [Conclusion] Our work shows that ACMCC Conductor has excellent comprehensive performance and is suitable for enhancing transmission capability of transmission lines in operation without rebuilding, especially in urban or suburban areas where it is difficult to build new towers.