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[Objective] The influences of plants on reducing ditch erosion and C, N and P loss were studied in order to provide technical support for the prevention of ditch erosion and pollution control. [Methods] The study was conducted on ditches of the Nala River basin in the intensive sugarcane growing area of Southern Subtropical China. Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides, a herbaceous plant) was planted at different vegetation coverage amounts 〔bare ground. vegetation coverage of 0% (BG); somewhat covered, vegetation coverage of 1%—40% (SC); mostly covered, vegetation coverage of 41%—80% (MC); completely covered, vegetation coverage of 81%—100% (CC)〕 in the ditches. Regular field investigation and monitoring of planted ditches were conducted after rainfall events from April to October, and the characteristics of erosion and nutrient loss under different vegetation coverage were quantified. [Results] ① From April to October, the width, erosion amount, and nutrient loss of ditches with different vegetation coverage gradually increased over time. Values for all three parameters followed the same order of BG>SC>MC>CC; ② Compared with BG, the erosion amounts for SC, MC, and CC decreased by 37.01%, 71.60% and 75.04%; C loss decreased by 35.56%, 70.91% and 75.23%; N loss decreased by 35.89%, 71.01% and 74.39%, and P loss decreased by 34.22%, 70.59% and 77.01%, respectively; ③ Correlation analysis showed that the erosion amount for ditches was significantly negatively correlated with vetiver grass coverage and plant root density (p

[Objective] The suitable configuration ratios for contour planting and replanted sugarcane on slopes were determined in order to provide technical support for reducing slope ditch erosion and nutrient loss, improving cultivated land quality and rational sugarcane planting in sugarcane planting area. [Methods] Three configuration ratios (high, medium, and low) for contour planting and replanted sugarcane were evaluated. Slope-gully erosion and nutrient losses were determined by field measurements and laboratory experiments at the growth stages of establishment growth (EG), vegetative growth (VG), grand growth (GG), and ripening growth (RG), and the factors influencing erosion and nutrient loss were determined. [Results] ① During the total growth (TG) of sugarcane, the total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) losses caused by gully erosion on slopes planted to sugarcane in the Nala River basin were 31.3—66.3 t/hm2, 39.0—82.5 kg/hm2 and 18.0—38.4 kg/hm2, respectively. ② EG was the main stage of gully erosion and nutrient losses in the Nala River basin, accounting for 47.7%—57.7% of the total erosion and nutrient losses. ③ During TG, gully erosion and associated nutrient losses for higher contour ratios (HC) were 33.03%—35.42% lower than for lower contour ratios (LC) (p

[Objective] The spatial and temporal characteristics and influencing factors of soil organic carbon loss from sugarcane in a typical small watershed in the red soil area of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were determined, and the spatial and temporal changes of organic carbon from watershed sediment entering the river during different growth periods of sugarcane were analyzed in order to identify the factors influencing soil organic carbon loss under natural rainfall erosion. [Methods] The experimental area was located in the Nala sub-basin of the water source area of Kailan Reservoir at Fusui County, Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The watershed was divided into the lower sub-basin (S1) and the upper sub-basins (S2 and S3). The organic carbon of incoming sediment and vegetation cover were monitored during four growth periods (seedling, tillering, elongation, and maturity) of sugarcane using UAV technology and an automatic runoff sediment monitoring-sampling system. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between organic carbon of incoming sediment and influencing factors such as rainfall runoff, vegetation cover, and fertilizer application. [Results] ① The organic carbon load of sediment into the river during the seedling stage of sugarcane accounted for 61.1% of the total loss during the entire growing season, and this value was significantly greater than values observed in the other growing periods. Organic carbon load followed the order of seedling stage (5.1 kg/hm2) > maturity stage (1.6 kg/hm2) > elongation stage (1.4 kg/hm2) > tillering stage (0.3 kg/hm2); ② rainfall runoff and vegetation cover were significantly correlated with organic carbon loss from incoming sediment, explaining 45% and 54%, respectively, of the variation in organic carbon loss from incoming sediment during the growing season. Fertilizer application and soil bulk density were significantly correlated with organic carbon loss from incoming sediment in the watershed, explaining 79% and 36%, respectively, of the variation in organic carbon loss from incoming sediment during the growing season. [Conclusion] Studies have shown that organic carbon loss from watershed sediments is mainly influenced by rainfall runoff, vegetation cover, fertilizer application, and soil bulk density. In small watersheds in sugarcane areas, increasing vegetation cover to reduce surface runoff and regulating the timing of fertilizer application can play an important role in reducing soil organic carbon loss.

The sterile insect technique is one of the effective biological measures for mosquitoes control. In this paper, a model of competition between two mosquito species with sterile mosquitoes is presented. We first formulated a simple competitive model as our baseline model. Then, we formulated an interactive model with wild and sterile mosquitoes of one type of species, followed by the introduction of one type of sterile mosquitoes into the baseline competitive model. We have considered the case in which the amount of sterile mosquitoes released per unit time is constant. We have investigated the existence and stability of equilibria of the model and derived some release thresholds, based on which, we have investigated the impact of releasing sterile mosquitoes on the dynamics of competition between different species of mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐assembled peptides have been among the important biomaterials due to its excellent biocompatibility and diverse functions. Over the past decades, substantial progress and breakthroughs have been made in designing self‐assembled peptides with multifaceted biomedical applications. The techniques for quantitative analysis, including imaging‐based quantitative techniques, chromatographic technique and computational approach (molecular dynamics simulation), are becoming powerful tools for exploring the structure, properties, biomedical applications, and even supramolecular assembly processes of self‐assembled peptides. However, a comprehensive review concerning these quantitative techniques remains scarce. In this review, recent progress in techniques for quantitative investigation of biostability, cellular uptake, biodistribution, self‐assembly behaviors of self‐assembled peptide etc., are summarized. Specific applications and roles of these techniques are highlighted in detail. Finally, challenges and outlook in this field are concluded. It is believed that this review will provide technical guidance for researchers in the field of peptide‐based materials and pharmaceuticals, and facilitate related research for newcomers in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To estimate the long-term effect of the changing demography in China on blood supply and demand. Methods We developed a predictive model to estimate blood supply and demand during 2017-2036 in mainland China and in 31 province-level regions. Model parameters were obtained from World Population Prospects, China statistical yearbook 2016, China's report on blood safety and records from a large tertiary hospital. Our main assumptions were stable age-specific per capita blood supply and demand over time. Findings We estimated that the change in demographic structure between 2016 (baseline year) and 2036 would result in a 16.0% decrease in blood supply (from 43.2 million units of 200 mL to 36.3 million units) and a 33.1% increase in demand (from 43.2 million units to 57.5 million units). In 2036, there would be an estimated shortage of 21.2 million units. An annual increase in supply between 0.9% and 1.8% is required to maintain a balance in blood supply and demand. This increase is not enough for every region as regional differences will increase, e.g. a blood demand/supply ratio > 1.45 by 2036 is predicted in regions with large populations older than 65 years. Sensitivity analyses showed that increasing donations by 4.0% annually by people aged 18-34 years or decreasing the overall blood discard rate from 5.0% to 2.0% would not offset but help reduce the blood shortage. Conclusion Multidimensional strategies and tailored, coordinated actions are needed to deal with growing pressures on blood services because of China's ageing population. Objectif Estimer I'effet a long terme de revolution demographique en Chine sur l'approvisionnement et la demande en produits sanguins. Methodes Nous avons elabore un modele de prevision pour estimer l'approvisionnement et la demande en produits sanguins en Chine continentale et dans 31 provinces entre 2017 et 2036. Les parametres du modele ont ete definis a partir des Perspectives de la population mondiale, de l'Annuaire statistique 2016 de la Chine, du Rapport de la Chine sur la securite transfusionnelle et des dossiers d'un important hopital de soins tertiaires. Nous sommes partis de l'hypothese que l'approvisionnement et la demande en produits sanguins par habitant et par groupe d'age etaient stables dans le temps. Resultats Nous avons estime que Revolution de la structure demographique entre 2016 (annee de reference) et 2036 entrainerait une diminution de l'approvisionnement en produits sanguins de 16,0% (de 43,2 millions d'unites de 200 mL a 36,3 millions d'unites) et une augmentation de la demande de 33,1% (de 43,2 millions d'unites a 57,5 millions d'unites). Nous estimons qu'en 2036, il manquera 21,2 millions d'unites. Une augmentation annuelle de l'approvisionnement de 0,9% a 1,8% est necessaire pour maintenir un equilibre entre l'approvisionnement et la demande en produits sanguins. Cette augmentation n'est pas suffisante pour toutes les regions, car les differences regionales vont s'accentuer. Par exemple, un rapport demande/approvisionnement en produits sanguins [greater than or equal to] 1,45 d'ici a 2036 est prevu dans les regions qui comptent un nombre eleve d'habitants ages de plus de 65 ans. Les analyses de sensibilite ont montre qu'une augmentation des dons de 4,0% chaque annee par des individus ages de 18 a 34 ans ou une diminution du taux global de rejet de produits sanguins de 5,0% a 2,0% ne permettrait pas de reduire a neant la penurie de produits sanguins, mais aiderait a la resorber. Conclusion Des strategies multidimensionnelles et des actions adaptees et concertees sont necessaires pour faire face aux pressions croissantes qui pesent sur les services de transfusion sanguine en raison du vieillissement de la population chinoise. Conclusion Se necesitan estrategias multidimensionales y acciones coordinadas y adaptadas para hacer frente a la creciente presion sobre los servicios de transfusion de sangre debido al envejecimiento de la poblacion de China. Objetivo Estimar el efecto a largo plazo de los cambios demograficos en China sobre la oferta y la demanda de sangre. Metodos Se desarrollo un modelo predictivo para estimar la oferta y la demanda de sangre durante el periodo en China continental y en 31 provincias. Los parametros del modelo se obtuvieron de World Population Prospects (Perspectivas mundiales de poblacion), China statistical yearbook 2016 (Anuario estadistico de China 2016), China's report on blood safety (Informe de China sobre seguridad de la sangre) y de registros de un gran hospital terciario. Los supuestos principales eran la estabilidad de la oferta y la demanda de sangre per capita especifica de la edad a lo largo del tiempo. Resultados Se estimo que el cambio en la estructura demografica entre 2016 (ano inicial) y 2036 resultaria en una disminucion del 16,0% en el suministro de sangre (de 43,2 millones de unidades de 200 ml a 36,3 millones de unidades) y un aumento del 33,1% en la demanda (de 43,2 millones de unidades a 57,5 millones de unidades). En 2036, habria una escasez estimada de 21,2 millones de unidades. Se requiere un aumento anual de la oferta de entre el 0,9% y el 1,8% para mantener un equilibrio entre la oferta y la demanda de sangre. Este aumento no es suficiente para todas las regiones, ya que las diferencias regionales aumentaran, por ejemplo, se pronostica una relacion entre la demanda y la oferta de sangre [mayor que o igual a] = 1,45 para el ano 2036 en regiones con grandes poblaciones mayores de 65 anos. Los analisis de sensibilidad mostraron que el aumento de las donaciones en un 4,0% anual por parte de las personas de 18 a 34 anos o la disminucion de la tasa general de descarte de sangre del 5,0% al 2,0% no compensaria sino que ayudaria a reducir la escasez de sangre., Introduction Maintaining a safe and adequate supply of blood for health services is an important responsibility of every World Health Organization Member State. (1,2) Demographic changes are a threat to [...]

Tumor–immune system interactions are very complicated, being highly nonlinear and not well understood. A large number of tumors can potentially weaken the immune system through various mechanisms such as secreting cytokines that suppress the immune response. In this paper, we propose a tumor–immune system interaction model with a nonmonotonic immune response function and adoptive cellular immunotherapy (ACI). The model has a tumor-free equilibrium and at most three tumor-presence equilibria (low, moderate and high ones). The stability of all equilibria is studied by analyzing their characteristic equations. The consideration of nonmonotonic immune response results in a series of bifurcations such as the saddle-node bifurcation, transcritical bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation. In addition, numerical simulation results show the coexistence of periodic orbits and homoclinic orbits. Interestingly, along with various bifurcations, we also found two bistable scenarios: the coexistence of a stable tumor-free as well as a high-tumor-presence equilibrium and the coexistence of a stable-low as well as a high-tumor-presence equilibrium, which can show symmetric and antisymmetric properties in a range of model parameters and initial cell concentrations. The new findings indicate that under ACI, patients can possibly reach either a stable tumor-free state or a low-tumor-presence state in the presence of nonmonotonic immune response once the immune system is activated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital service trade has emerged as a pivotal engine for global economic transformation and development. However, the implementation of differentiated regulatory measures for trade in digital services among economies has led to increasingly frequent trade disputes. This paper constructs a regulatory homogeneity network for digital service trade in 60 major economies, and systematically evaluates the structural characteristics of the network and the regulatory homogeneity among economies from 2014 to 2021. Furthermore, this paper empirically examines the impact of the partnership characteristics of regulatory homogenization in the network of major economies on their exports. The analysis of the network structure shows that major economies are more inclined to optimize and simplify existing trade partnerships, and are moving towards more diversified restrictive measures in the regulatory model of digital services trade, which has led to the rise of trade protectionism. The empirical text results show that expanding and deepening the regulatory homogeneous partnership of trade in digital services promotes the export of digital services in major economies. This promotion effect is mainly achieved by reducing the cost of digital service trade and enhancing business trust. In addition, the export promotion effect of developing regulatory homogenization partnerships is better than that of increasing the openness of digital service trade, and the homogenization of policies between openness and protection is more important. This paper provides important implications for coordinating the openness and security of digital services trade: China should actively cooperate with multilateral and bilateral digital service trade partners to jointly build a homogeneous environment for regulatory regulations. In particular, it is necessary to deepen the regulatory homogeneity partnership with Asian and developing economies to expand the influence of the "China model" in the global regulation of digital services trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]