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Background: Due to the rarity of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC), the distribution patterns of lymph node metastasis (LNM), the relationship between LNM and prognosis, and the optimal treatment of LNM lack sufficient evidence-based support. Objectives: To investigate the patterns of LNM in SNSCC and evaluate the impact of LNM on prognosis. Design: This was a retrospective cohort study. Methods: The medical records of 441 patients with SNSCC between 2009 and 2022 in one institution were retrospectively reviewed. We assessed the incidence, the distribution of LNM, and the relationship between LNM and long-term survival. Results: Seventy-three out of 441 patients (16.6%) presented LNM initially. Among the 73 patients, 34 patients (46.6%) had LNM in the region of ipsilateral level II; 22 patients (30.1%) had positive retropharyngeal lymph nodes; 20 patients (27.4%) had LNM in the region of ipsilateral level Ib; and nine patients (12.3%) had evidence of parotid LNM. Poor differentiation (p = 0.001), nasal cavity (p = 0.018), skin involvement (p = 0.036), and nasopharynx involvement (p = 0.009) were the risk factors for LNM. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, the overall survival (p = 0.25), progression-free survival (p = 0.22), regional failure-free survival (p = 0.20), and distant metastasis-free survival (p = 0.14) rates were not significantly decreased by the LNM. After the propensity score matching, LNM was still not correlated with poor long-term survival. Conclusions: The incidence of retropharyngeal and parotid LNM was higher than in previous studies. At initial diagnosis, the risk factors for LNM were identified, and LNM was not associated with poor survival outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biotropica is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Spontaneous vegetation is an important component of urban biodiversity and an excellent agent for exploring the mutual feedback mechanism between urbanization and urban ecosystems. Rapid urbanization has had a significant impact on the composition, structure, and distribution patterns of urban spontaneous vegetation diversity. Studying the diversity distribution patterns and causes of urban plant communities is beneficial for understanding the formation and maintenance mechanisms of plant diversity in specific urban habitats. This study selected five cities in different climate subregions of Heilongjiang Province as research targets and conducted field research using uniform sampling and typical sampling methods. The composition, distribution pattern, and driving factors of spontaneous vegetation were analyzed. The results showed the following: (1) A total of 633 examples of spontaneous vegetation were recorded, belonging to 93 families and 341 genera, mainly consisting of herbaceous plants and native plants. (2) The diversity index and similarity index of spontaneous vegetation in gravel-type abandoned land habitats are higher than those in other habitat types, while the diversity index of spontaneous vegetation in trees and shrubs is lower, and there is no significant difference in regards to different habitats. (3) Urban population density is a key factor affecting the diversity of native plants, while woody plant coverage, patch area, and landscape trait index are key factors affecting non-native plants. (4) The results of canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that the total explanatory power of environmental characteristic factors in regards to the distribution pattern of spontaneous vegetation was 7.5%. The closest distance between adjacent patches, the coverage of woody plants in patches, the distance from the city edge, the patch area, and the surface impermeability of the buffer zones were key factors affecting the distribution of dominant species in spontaneous vegetation communities. The research results will provide an important reference for the conservation of urban biodiversity and the construction of low-maintenance urban green space plant landscapes in Heilongjiang Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The burgeoning prevalence of food allergy-related diseases is closely associated with geographical allergen distribution and societal lifestyle paradigms. This study aims to shed light on the distribution patterns of specific IgE (sIgE) and total IgE (tIgE) reactivity to common food allergens in the Southern Chinese populace. Methods: Employing an analytical technique spanning two decades, we conducted specific IgE and total IgE on serum samples harvested from patients with food allergy-related pathologies at First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from 2004 to 2023. This comprehensive examination of eight prototypical food allergens: egg white, milk, wheat, sesame, peanut, soybean, shrimp, and crab. Results: Our analysis showed a 100% positivity rate for sIgE and an 86.54% positivity rate for tIgE. Milk had the highest positive response rate, followed by egg white and shrimp. Age-stratified data indicated that milk sensitization peaked in children aged 2 years or younger, while egg white sensitization peaked between 3 and 5 years of age. Sensitization rates for the remaining six allergens increased with age. Additionally, co-sensitization was observed between milk, egg white, crab, and shrimp with other allergens. Conclusion: In common allergens of Southern China, egg white, milk, and shrimp ascend as the dominant subjects, underlining their imperative role in food allergy pathogenesis. This landscape-wide allergenic profiling, segregated across age clusters and enhanced by co-sensitization data, augments our power for early diagnosis and strategic intervention in food allergy diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using gas and rock samples from major petroliferous basins in the world, the helium content, composition, isotopic compositions and the U and Th contents in rocks are analyzed to clarify the helium enrichment mechanism and distribution pattern and the exploration ideas for helium-rich gas reservoirs. It is believed that the formation of helium-rich gas reservoirs depends on the amount of helium supplied to the reservoir and the degree of helium dilution by natural gas, and that the reservoir-forming process can be summarized as "multi-source helium supply, main-source helium enrichment, helium-nitrogen coupling, and homogeneous symbiosis". Helium mainly comes from the radioactive decay of U and Th in rocks. All rocks contain trace amounts of U and Th, so they are effective helium sources. Especially, large-scale ancient basement dominated by granite or metamorphic rocks is the main helium source. The helium generated by the decay of U and Th in the ancient basement in a long geologic history, together with the nitrogen generated by the cracking of the inorganic nitrogenous compounds in the basement rocks, is dissolved in the water and preserved. With the tectonic uplift, the ground water is transported upward along the fracture to the gas reservoirs, with helium and nitrogen released. Thus, the reservoirs are enriched with both helium and nitrogen, which present a clear concomitant and coupling relationship. In tensional basins in eastern China, where tectonic activities are strong, a certain proportion of mantle-derived helium is mixed in the natural gas. The helium-rich gas reservoirs are mostly located in normal or low-pressure zones above ancient basement with fracture communication, which later experience substantial tectonic uplift and present relatively weak seal, low intensity of natural gas charging, and active groundwater. Helium exploration should focus on gas reservoirs with fractures connecting ancient basement, large tectonic uplift, relatively weak sealing capacity, insufficient natural gas charging intensity, and rich ancient formation water, depending on the characteristics of helium enrichment, beyond the traditional idea of searching for natural gas sweetspots and high-yield giant gas fields simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional grass-roofed dwellings are important components of Chinese vernacular architecture. Building a comprehensive nationwide database of traditional grass-roofed dwellings is crucial for the inherence of this cultural heritage and its traditional ecological technologies. This study proposes classifying traditional Chinese grass-roofed dwellings into three types according to recognizable appearance features. Based on the YOLOv8 deep learning framework, a recognition model is constructed to recognize and spatially locate various grass-roofed dwellings from the image dataset on a county-level. Further, by conducting spatial overlap analysis with a variety of natural and socio-environmental factors on ArcGIS, their influences on the distribution pattern of traditional grass-roofed dwellings were examined. The study findings are as follows: (1) Traditional grass-roofed dwellings are concentrated on the southeast side of the Hu Line with different distribution patterns according to their types. (2) The natural environment influences the original construction and distribution of traditional grass-roofed dwellings in terms of the growth of grass resources and the ecological adaptability of grass material. (3) The development of economy, population, and urbanization pose challenges to the retention of grass-roofed dwellings. This research provides useful references for the precise preservation of various grass-roofed dwellings and introduced a novel approach for the classification of traditional buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semiconductor industry is a pivotal hub in the global information sector, in which superpowers compete for technological dominance. As a strategic, leading, and foundational sector, it is vital for advancing China's manufacturing ambitions through new waves of transformation and upgrades. Therefore, of particular concern is the crisis surrounding China's semiconductor supply chain insecurity and the intensifying U.S. sanctions on China's high-tech companies. As such, in this study, we utilize data from China's semiconductor enterprises, investments, and related statistics from 2002 to 2020; industrial agglomeration indicators; and a social network analysis to examine the spatiotemporal pattern, industrial agglomeration, and investment networks of six key value chain segments: wafer materials, packaging materials, semiconductor equipment, integrated circuit (IC) design, manufacturing, and testing/packaging. The research focuses on how these sectors can contribute to sustainable growth and economic responsibility within China's semiconductor industry. Accordingly, the core questions explored were as follows: what are the provincial-level spatial production dynamics and evolutionary characteristics within China's semiconductor industry, and how do the inter-provincial investment patterns manifest? The findings reveal the following: (1) The findings reveal a strong concentration of firms in the Eastern Coastal region, particularly in Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Guangdong. Additionally, IC design exhibits the highest clustering, and other segments such as wafer materials, manufacturing, and packaging/testing are relatively concentrated, whereas equipment distribution is more dispersed. (2) The industry expanded steadily from 2002 to 2013, with a rapid expansion from 2014 to 2020, particularly in Guangdong. (3) Investment patterns are characterized by local and regional focus, strongly influenced by geographical proximity. This study aims to reveal the geographic concentration patterns of China's semiconductor industry and to explore its investment networks. The findings are intended to provide theoretical support for optimizing sustainable industrial layouts, promoting sustainable industrial practices, and guiding policy formulation. Furthermore, in the broader context of de-globalization, this study offers insights and recommendations for strengthening industrial autonomy and sustainability in response to external challenges, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of a more robust domestic semiconductor supply chain. These insights are particularly significant in safeguarding China's technological independence and future economic stability amid global tensions. Furthermore, by integrating sustainability into its semiconductor industry, China can create a more resilient, self-sufficient, and environmentally responsible industrial sector, capable of meeting both domestic and global demands. As China continues to expand its semiconductor industry, incorporating sustainable development principles will be essential for long-term success. The sustainable practices not only ensures compliance with environmental regulations but also enhances industrial competitiveness, promotes green techniques and contributes to broader societal goals. This aligns with China's broader ambitions for sustainable development and positions the country as a key player in the global green technology revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore variations in carbon storage and distribution patterns across various layers(vegetation layer, litter layer, and soil layer)of different age classes and different densities of Picea schrenkiana var. tianschanica natural forest ecosystem in the northern foot of Tianshan Mountains, a total of 9 kinds of P. schrenkiana var. tianschanica natural forest with low(300～500 tree·hm-2), medium(500～600 tree·hm-2)and high(600～800 tree·hm-2)stand densities under three age classes of the middle-aged forest, near-mature forest and mature forest were selected as the research objects. Carbon storage at different levels in the natural forest ecosystem of P. schrenkiana var. tianschanica was estimated by field investigation and indoor analysis. The results showed that for the aboveground and belowground biomass of tree layer components in P. schrenkiana var. tianschanica, natural forest increased with an increase in stand density in middle-aged and near-mature forests. In contrast, in mature forests, it increased first and then decreased with an increase in stand density. In the herb and litter layers of the natural forest of P. schrenkiana var. tianschanica, the biomass of the litter layer was the main component, accounting for 74. 46%～99. 45%; the herb layer components accounted for only 0. 55%～25. 54%. The vegetation carbon storage of the P. schrenkiana var. tianschanica natural forest increased with an increase in stand density in the middle-aged forest but decreased first and then increased with an increase in stand density in near-mature and mature forests. Soil carbon storage in the P. schrenkiana var. tianschanica natural forest first decreased and then increased with an increase in age class and stand density. The ecosystem carbon storage was the highest in the middle-aged high-density stand(570. 65 t·hm-2)and the lowest in the middle-aged low-density stand(287. 21 t·hm-2). The spatial distribution pattern of carbon storage in the P. schrenkiana var. tianschanica natural forest ecosystem was as follows: carbon storage in the soil layer accounted for the highest proportion, which was 49. 74%～72. 92%, followed by carbon storage in the tree layer(30. 22%～49. 54%), and the proportion of carbon storage in the herb and litter layers was only 0. 32%～2. 28%. The soil layer serves as the primary carbon reservoir in the natural Schrenkiana spruce forest ecosystem, allowing it to effectively store organic carbon as it grows. Middle-to-high-density forests contribute to the accumulation of biomass and carbon. High-density forests in near-mature and mature forests should be moderately thinned to increase the carbon sequestration capacity of the stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Environmental factors varying widely across altitudinal gradients contribute significantly to the intricate and diverse distribution patterns observed in insect communities. Investigating the diversity patterns in the grasshopper community along altitudinal gradients in Xizang is crucial for understanding broader trends in insect diversity. This study revealed a strong effect of altitude on grasshopper community diversity distribution in Xizang, showing that grasshopper species richness, Margalef richness index, Shannon–Wiener index, and Simpson dominance index decreased with an increase in altitude. The results of Pearson correlation analysis and hierarchical partitioning showed that temperature, moisture, and soil properties are closely related to the altitude distribution patterns of grasshopper communities. The key factors driving changes in grasshopper community diversity along altitudinal gradients include the mean annual temperature range, precipitation in the coldest season, and precipitation in the driest month. To summarize, the interplay between elevation and environmental variables significantly influences grasshopper community structure, distribution patterns, and diversity. To determine the grasshopper species composition, altitudinal distribution patterns, and their main drivers, we conducted a study in Xizang using 33 sample plots ranging from 600 to 4100 m. Grasshoppers were collected from August to October during 2020–2022 using sweep nets. A total of 1159 grasshoppers from six families, 28 genera, and 44 species were identified, with Omocestus cuonaensis and Aserratus eminifrontus as the dominant species, comprising 30.03% and 10.26% of total grasshoppers, respectively. The results showed that species richness and the Margalef richness index of grasshopper communities decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing altitude, peaking at 1100–1600 m and lowest values at 2600–3100 m. Similarly, the Shannon–Wiener index and Simpson dominance index also decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with an increase in altitude, showing the highest and lowest values at 600–1100 m and 3100–3600 m, respectively. The Jaccard similarity coefficients among grasshopper communities varied from 0 to 0.40 across altitudinal gradients, indicating different degrees of dissimilarity. The results of Pearson correlation analyses showed that the Shannon–Wiener index, species richness, Margalef richness index, and Simpson dominance index of grasshopper communities were significantly negatively correlated with the temperature factors and soil pH, but they were significantly positively correlated with the moisture factors. Hierarchical partitioning identified annual mean temperature–daily difference, precipitation in the coldest season, and driest month precipitation as the primary factors explaining variance in grasshopper community diversity in Xizang. These findings provided greater insights into the mechanisms underlying insect community structure, distribution patterns, and diversity in Xizang ecosystems, including implications for the effects of global warming on insect communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Uranium Geology is the property of Uranium Geology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background/Aim: Benign and tumor-like lesions of the hindfoot and ankle are common, whereas malignant entities are rare. Accurate evaluation and timely management of these lesions can be challenging, making it crucial to understand their incidence and anatomic localization. This study retrospectively analyzed the distribution of benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumors in the hindfoot and ankle. Patients and Methods: This study included patient data from a single center, such as age, sex, histologic diagnosis, and anatomic location over a 12.5 year period. Results: Of the 105 cases reviewed, 19 cases (18.1%) were osseous lesions and 86 cases (81.9%) were soft tissue lesions. The latter were divided into 77 benign and 9 malignant cases, resulting in an overall malignancy rate of 8.6%. The most common osseous lesion was the intraosseous ganglion (n=12). The majority of benign soft tissue lesions (75.3%) were located in the hindfoot, with TGCT, schwannoma, and ganglion cysts being the most common types. The nine malignant cases were distributed among seven entities and were evenly distributed among both regions and sexes. Malignant cases had a higher mean age (59.2 years) compared to benign cases (40.8 years; p=0.001). Conclusion: Tumors, tumor-like lesions, and pseudotumors represent an important aspect of ankle pathology. The majority of focal masses and swellings are benign soft tissue or osseous lesions, but malignant entities can occur and may be mistaken for benign conditions. Preoperative imaging and histopathologic examination are essential, and preoperative presentation to a multidisciplinary tumor board is recommended in unclear cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Resources & Ecology is the property of Journal of Resources & Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background The burgeoning prevalence of food allergy-related diseases is closely associated with geographical allergen distribution and societal lifestyle paradigms. This study aims to shed light on the distribution patterns of specific IgE (sIgE) and total IgE (tIgE) reactivity to common food allergens in the Southern Chinese populace. Methods Employing an analytical technique spanning two decades, we conducted specific IgE and total IgE on serum samples harvested from patients with food allergy-related pathologies at First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from 2004 to 2023. This comprehensive examination of eight prototypical food allergens: egg white, milk, wheat, sesame, peanut, soybean, shrimp, and crab. Results Our analysis showed a 100% positivity rate for sIgE and an 86.54% positivity rate for tIgE. Milk had the highest positive response rate, followed by egg white and shrimp. Age-stratified data indicated that milk sensitization peaked in children aged 2 years or younger, while egg white sensitization peaked between 3 and 5 years of age. Sensitization rates for the remaining six allergens increased with age. Additionally, co-sensitization was observed between milk, egg white, crab, and shrimp with other allergens. Conclusion In common allergens of Southern China, egg white, milk, and shrimp ascend as the dominant subjects, underlining their imperative role in food allergy pathogenesis. This landscape-wide allergenic profiling, segregated across age clusters and enhanced by co-sensitization data, augments our power for early diagnosis and strategic intervention in food allergy diseases.

This is an article in the field of process mineralogy. Cobalt is a strategic metal primarily found as an associated element in metal deposits. The Panxi region's vanadium-titanium magnetite deposit, the largest of its kind in China, also contains significant cobalt resources. Yet, the distribution and microscopic occurrence of cobalt within the mineral phases of cobalt-rich ores remain unexplored. This paper focuses on the Taihe vanadium-titanium magnetite deposit in Panxi area as the research object, and uses chemical analysis, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-BSE), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), advanced mineral identification and characterization system (AMICS), electron probe microscopy (EPMA) and other analytical techniques to study the chemical composition, mineral composition and distribution law and occurrence state of Co element in different minerals of typical cobalt-rich ores in the deposit. The research results show that the sulfide in the cobalt-rich sample mineral has a higher cobalt content, while the cobalt content in the iron-titanium oxide is lower, and other minerals contain almost no cobalt. The distribution law of cobalt shows that it is mainly distributed in sulfides, and a small amount is distributed in iron-titanium oxides and gangue minerals. The cobalt element in the sample has two occurrence states: independent mineral-sulfur cobalt nickel ores and isomorphous. The research results provide a mineralogical foundation for the comprehensive utilization of cobalt resources in the area.

Using gas and rock samples from major petroliferous basins in the world, the helium content, composition, isotopic compositions and the U and Th contents in rocks are analyzed to clarify the helium enrichment mechanism and distribution pattern and the exploration ideas for helium-rich gas reservoirs. It is believed that the formation of helium-rich gas reservoirs depends on the amount of helium supplied to the reservoir and the degree of helium dilution by natural gas, and that the reservoir-forming process can be summarized as “multi-source helium supply, main-source helium enrichment, helium-nitrogen coupling, and homogeneous symbiosis”. Helium mainly comes from the radioactive decay of U and Th in rocks. All rocks contain trace amounts of U and Th, so they are effective helium sources. Especially, large-scale ancient basement dominated by granite or metamorphic rocks is the main helium source. The helium generated by the decay of U and Th in the ancient basement in a long geologic history, together with the nitrogen generated by the cracking of the inorganic nitrogenous compounds in the basement rocks, is dissolved in the water and preserved. With the tectonic uplift, the ground water is transported upward along the fracture to the gas reservoirs, with helium and nitrogen released. Thus, the reservoirs are enriched with both helium and nitrogen, which present a clear concomitant and coupling relationship. In tensional basins in eastern China, where tectonic activities are strong, a certain proportion of mantle-derived helium is mixed in the natural gas. The helium-rich gas reservoirs are mostly located in normal or low-pressure zones above ancient basement with fracture communication, which later experience substantial tectonic uplift and present relatively weak seal, low intensity of natural gas charging, and active groundwater. Helium exploration should focus on gas reservoirs with fractures connecting ancient basement, large tectonic uplift, relatively weak sealing capacity, insufficient natural gas charging intensity, and rich ancient formation water, depending on the characteristics of helium enrichment, beyond the traditional idea of searching for natural gas sweetspots and high-yield giant gas fields simultaneously.

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Large old trees (LOTs) are important ecological assets that contribute significantly to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and local culture. This study analyzed the abundance, species composition, spatial and altitudinal distribution patterns, and conservation needs of LOTs in Baisha County, tropical southern China. We conducted a comprehensive field survey of 301 LOTs and recorded their biological characteristics, geographical locations, and environmental conditions. Species importance values were calculated, and the spatial distribution was analyzed using GIS techniques. Redundancy analysis (RDA) examined the relationships between LOT diversity and environmental factors. The results indicated a complex and diverse stock dominated by species from the Moraceae family, particularly of the genus Ficus. The structural analysis displayed a skewed age distribution, with a higher frequency of younger trees and a decline in older classes. Spatial analysis showed that LOTs are concentrated in the northwestern and central areas and are favored by microclimatic conditions, soil types, and historical land-use practices. The abundance and species richness of LOTs were greater at intermediate elevations. Redundancy analysis highlighted the intricate relationships between LOT diversity, abundance, and socioeconomic factors. This study provided crucial insights into the ecology and conservation requirements for LOTs in Baisha. The findings underscored the importance of targeted conservation efforts, particularly for older trees and mid-elevation habitats. We recommended integrating ecological research, long-term monitoring, traditional ecological knowledge, and community involvement in formulating conservation strategies to preserve these ecologically and culturally significant trees for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The existence of striations, and scratches in Abrasive waterjet (AWJ) cutting surface necessitates an exploration of these features for enhancing the cutting accuracy of AWJ machining. This article investigates surface roughness and micro-scratch morphology characteristics on brass cutting surfaces. According to the variation law of surface roughness values, the cutting section can be divided into three regions: the initial region, smooth region, and rough region. Numerous micron-scale scratches were observed in the cutting section. The scratch length, width, and depth values all show an increasing trend as the cutting depth increases, with the scratch length experiencing the greatest growth and variability. The influence of position and traverse speed on scratch size was studied using variance analysis. Furthermore, the length and width of the scratches on the cutting surface are significantly influenced by their position, accounting for 89.19% and 81.13%, respectively. Traverse speed had a minor effect on scratch length and width, accounting for 0.01% and 2.64% respectively. The depth of the scratches is influenced by their position on the cutting surface at a rate of 41.12%, while traverse speed had an impact of 38.10%. Finally, a mathematical method based on standard scores was proposed to assess the quality of the cutting section based on micro-scratch dimension.

The existence of striations, and scratches in Abrasive waterjet (AWJ) cutting surface necessitates an exploration of these features for enhancing the cutting accuracy of AWJ machining. This article investigates surface roughness and micro-scratch morphology characteristics on brass cutting surfaces. According to the variation law of surface roughness values, the cutting section can be divided into three regions: the initial region, smooth region, and rough region. Numerous micron-scale scratches were observed in the cutting section. The scratch length, width, and depth values all show an increasing trend as the cutting depth increases, with the scratch length experiencing the greatest growth and variability. The influence of position and traverse speed on scratch size was studied using variance analysis. Furthermore, the length and width of the scratches on the cutting surface are significantly influenced by their position, accounting for 89.19% and 81.13%, respectively. Traverse speed had a minor effect on scratch length and width, accounting for 0.01% and 2.64% respectively. The depth of the scratches is influenced by their position on the cutting surface at a rate of 41.12%, while traverse speed had an impact of 38.10%. Finally, a mathematical method based on standard scores was proposed to assess the quality of the cutting section based on micro-scratch dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnostic work-up of musculoskeletal tumors is a multifactorial process. During the early phase, differential diagnoses are made using basic radiological imaging. In this phase, part of the decision making is based on the patient's age, as well as the incidence and predilection sites of different entities. Unfortunately, this information is based on older and fragmented data. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated all soft-tissue and bone tumors around the knee in children treated at our tertiary center in the last 20 years, with the aim of verifying the data used today. Methods: In this retrospective study, the databank of our tertiary center was used to give an overview of treated tumors around the knee in children. Results: We were able to include 224 children with bone and soft-tissue tumors around the knee. The cohort consisted of 184 bone tumors, of which 144 were benign and 40 malignant. The 40 soft-tissue tumors comprised 30 benign and 10 malignant masses. The most common lesions were osteochondromas (88) in the bone and tenosynovial giant-cell tumors (12) in the soft tissue. Conclusions: With this original work, we were able to verify and supplement earlier studies, as well as deepen our insight into these very rare diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future of marine ecosystems is at risk due to climate change and other human impacts. Specifically, due to ocean warming, some tropical species are expanding their populations while populations of temperate species are in regression, making the establishment of conservation measures imperative to maintain local biodiversity. In this study we establish a baseline on the distribution and abundance of the temperate coral Balanophyllia regia from the Canary Islands. We found that the main environmental factors determining B. regia's distribution and abundance were sea surface temperature and hydrodynamic conditions. Areas under large wave action and colder environments enhanced this warm-temperate species' development. Since its metabolic performance depends exclusively on the surrounding environment, we also propose a methodology to potentially monitor climate change on coastal habitats through this azooxanthellate calcified coral. Results of a tagging experiment showed that a concentration of 20 mg/mL of calcein during 6 h might be enough to in situ label polyps of B. regia without compromising corallite survival. Long-term monitoring of population abundances and growth rates of B. regia through calcein tagging will allow us to identify alterations in local ecosystems early and focus future conservation investments on the most vulnerable areas with higher ecological and economic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The traditional manual sampling method for detecting stored grain insect pests is labor-intensive and time-consuming, often yielding non-representative samples. However, to achieve more accurate monitoring, it is necessary to understand the distribution patterns of different insect pests within grain silo and their correlation with monitoring and sampling data. This study aimed to assess the population density and distribution of Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil) in bulk wheat grain to predict insect dynamics effectively. Utilizing a probe trap in a wheat silo, adult insects were tracked across different population densities. The traps recorded captured pests, alongside temperature and humidity data. The correlation analysis revealed that rice weevils were active throughout the silo but less prevalent at the bottom, with the highest distribution near the upper surface. Temperature and humidity significantly influenced their activity, particularly within the 22 °C to 32 °C range. Higher population densities correlated with increased relative humidity, impacting weevil activity. Trapping data aligned with overall population density changes in the silo. This study will provide an accurate assessment of the population density of adult rice weevils in grain silos based on temperature changes in the upper part of the grain silo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our team has modified Sihler's intramuscular nerve staining method to allow for calculation of nerve density. Therefore, this study aimed to show the overall distribution pattern of the thoracic cutaneous nerves to provide a morphological basis for selecting and matching sensory reconstruction during skin flap transplantation. Twelve Chinese adult cadavers were dissected; the thoracic skin was removed, and the modified Sihler's staining method was performed. Centered around the nipple, the chest skin was divided into four regions: medial-superior, lateral-superior, lateral-inferior, and medial-inferior. The thoracic skin was not only innervated by the branches of the 1st to 7th intercostal and supraclavicular nerves, but also by a small number of nerves that directly reached the skin and passed through the pectoralis major muscle. There is a phenomenon of cross overlap between the branches of adjacent intercostal nerves. The branches of the 2nd to 7th intercostal nerves were distributed in the breast, and the branches of the lateral and anterior cutaneous branches were densely distributed around the nipple, forming a grid-like anastomosis. There was no cross-overlapping innervation between the anterior cutaneous branches on both sides. The density of nerve distribution in the four regions of the chest was in the order of the medial-superior, lateral-superior, lateral-inferior and medial-inferior region, respectively. These results may be used to map sensory regions when designing thoracic skin flaps for reconstruction surgery to obtain improved sensory recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Haruku Strait in the Central Moluccas is a potential marine resource located eastern Indonesia. Small pelagic fishes have been noted in abundance in the waters of this strait. Their abundance is mainly associated with the ample amount of plankton organisms serving as food for the former. To address the abundance of phytoplankton in Haruhu Strait, a study was carried out in September 2022. Sampling was achieved using a sample bottle from a depth of 1 meter. After that, the sample was filtered with a Kitahara net. Nineteen genera of phytoplankton were found in Haruku Strait during the study period. The phytoplankton abundance varied between 4,5 x 102 – 1,65 x 103 cells/l. Phytoplankton consists of Bacillariophyceae (Diatom) with 63% of the total genera, Dinoflagellata with 32 % of the total genera, and Cyanobacteria with 5%, while Chaetoceros, Rhizosolenia, Gonyaulax, Coscinodiscus, and Ceratium were the predominant phytoplankton genera in this area. The distribution pattern forms 8 groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Geology & Exploration is the property of Geology & Exploration Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nowadays, sunflower breeding needs new approaches and methods. Using computer-aided image analysis techniques combined with other data on the phenotyping subject creates a sound basis for selection. Selection work on the size and weight of sunflower seeds causes many complications related to the variety of seeds, even in one head. To solve this problem, field experiments, mathematical modelling, and computer processing of photographs were involved. As a result of combining the results of actual measurement and evaluation of photographic images, a method of measurement and determination of patterns of distribution of phenotypic characteristics of sunflower seeds in a head was developed. The methodology includes a developed mathematical model of the location of sunflower seeds in the head and a methodology for determining the geometric dimensions of the seeds from the image. The distribution patterns of geometric (length L, width W, thickness T) and mass (seed mass Ms, seed kernel mass Mk) parameters of seeds in the head were studied. The variability of the seed phenotype in the head was established depending on its location based on the material of four lines and the sunflower variety. A complex index of phenotypic characteristics of sunflower seeds I is introduced, defined as the product of the ranks of individual phenotypic parameters of seeds (L, W, T, Ms, Mk). A general pattern was determined, like three tiers with different phenotypic characteristics in each head. The possibilities of visualising the phenotype of seeds by their location in the head have been revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understory bird communities, especially those comprising insectivores, are highly sensitive to forest loss and fragmentation. Currently, there is little knowledge regarding the large‐scale diversity patterns of understory bird communities, particularly in Eastern Asia. Consequently, we aimed to identify the distribution patterns of understory birds in southern China and the factors underlying these patterns. We analysed the diversity distribution patterns of taxonomic and functional α and β diversity for understory Passeriformes birds in southern China utilising cluster and ordination analyses. Subsequently, we analysed the effects of geographic distance, annual mean temperature, annual temperature range, annual mean precipitation, and annual precipitation range on diversity distribution patterns. In total, 9282 individuals belonging to 11 orders, 48 families, and 297 species were captured over 98,544 net hours, with Alcippeidae being the most abundant family in southern China. The understory bird communities of the 25 sites were categorised into six sub‐regions of the Oriental Realm (Indo‐Malayan Realm). The pattern in the distribution of taxonomic and functional β‐diversity of understory birds in southern China was consistent with zoogeographical regionalisation. Three distinct geographical groups were identified: Group 1 was located in the Min‐Guang Coast and Hainan sub‐regions; Group 2 was located in the East Hilly Plain, Southwest Mountains, and Western Mountains and Plateaus sub‐regions; and Group 3 was located in the Southern Yunnan Mountain subregion. The most critical factors related to the distribution patterns of β‐diversity were geographical distance, annual mean temperature, and annual temperature range. Our results showed that the understory bird communities of the Southwest Mountain, East Hilly Plain, and Western Mountains, and Plateaus sub‐regions were similar, as were those of the Min‐Guang Coast and Hainan sub‐regions. Our results underscore the joint roles of distance, temperature, and historical evolution in understory bird communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gonga Mountains stretch latitudinally and locate at the eastern edge of the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau and the center of Hengduan Mountain Range, a global biodiversity hotspot. In this study, 20 amphibian species from seven families and twelve genera were identified in the Gongga Mountains through field investigation and museum specimen retrieval. For the horizontal dimension, the amphibian species composition in the western slope was significantly different from that in the eastern slope. For the vertical dimension, the amphibian species richness displayed a unimodal pattern, peaking at mid elevation, 3300–3700 vs. 1700–1900 m a.s.l. in the western and eastern slopes, respectively. The maximum species diversity occurred in different types of vegetation, i.e., alpine coniferous forests on the western slope, and evergreen broad-leaf forests and coniferous broad-leaf forests on the eastern slope. This discovery highlights the complex biodiversity in the Hengduan, Mountains and underscores the need for targeted management and protection. Amphibians serve as reliable indicators of ecosystem health and are the most threatened group of vertebrates. Studies on their spatial distribution pattern and threats are crucial to formulate conservation strategies. Gongga Mountains, with a peak at 7509 m a.s.l. and running latitudinally, are in the center of the Hengduan Mountains Range and at the eastern steep edge of the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau, providing heterogeneous habitats and varied niches for amphibians. In this study, we combined 83 days of field work with information from 3894 museum specimens that were collected over the past 80 years, and identified twenty amphibian species belonging to seven families and twelve genera by morphology. Of these species, seven were listed in the threatened categories of the Red List of China's Biodiversity and thirteen were endemic to China. Ten species were found on the plateau side (western slope) and eleven species were found on the other side close to the Sichuan Basin (eastern slope). Only one species was found on both sides, indicating different community structures horizontally. The species richness was unimodal vertically and peaking at mid elevation on both sides, with the maximum number (ten vs. nine) of species occurring at 3300–3700 vs. 1700–1900 m a.s.l. and in different types of vegetation. The elevation span and body length of species distributed on both slopes did not show significant differences. These findings help to understand the horizontal and vertical distribution pattern of amphibian diversity, laying a foundation for future biogeographical and conservation research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zhaotong area in Yunnan Province stands out as one of the most susceptible areas to landslide disasters. The landslide susceptibility of the Zhaotong area can be attributed to its steep terrain, fractured rock formations and strong rainfall, compounded by its frequent seismic activity. This study utilized landslide data provided by the Zhaotong City Natural Resources and Planning Bureau and visually interpreted from high-resolution satellite images of Google Earth to establish the landslide database of the Zhaotong area, including 161 landslides and 3646 potential geological disasters. The distribution characteristics and possible influencing factors of landslides within the Zhaotong area were analyzed using the aforementioned data. The results show that the spatial distribution of landslides and potential geological disasters is roughly consistent; the most concentrated landslides occurred at the junction of Yiliang County, Zhaotong City, and Daguan County, indicating the necessity to enhance surveillance of these landslide-prone areas. The relationship of landslide locations and different influencing factors suggests that elevation, slope angle, and distance to rivers are closely related to landslide occurrence. Landslides are more likely to occur in areas with lower elevations with slope angles ranging from 10° to 40° and near river channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Boulenophrys is described from the coastal hills of eastern Fujian Province, China. The new taxon can be distinguished from all recognized congeners by a combination of discrete morphological character state differences and genetic divergences in the combined mitochondrial 16S + CO1 genes. We also provide a map showing the distribution pattern of Boulenophrys species in Fujian and a provincial-specific key, which will aid their conservation by helping the local authorities accurately identify species during field identifications and data collection efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Northeast Petroleum University is the property of Journal of Northeast Petroleum University Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the knowledge economy, innovation is playing an increasingly important role in urban sustainable development. Thus, how to strengthen the construction of innovation spaces has become a significant issue. Based on data from high-tech enterprises in the central urban area of Harbin, this study analyzes the distribution, agglomeration characteristics, and influencing factors of urban innovation spaces. The influencing factor index system was constructed based on four aspects: innovation support, service facilities, the social environment, and the natural environment. After analyzing these influencing factors through comparing the results obtained with an ordinary least squares (OLS) model and a geographical weighted regression (GWR) model, the GWR model was determined to have a better fitting effect and was thus used for further analysis. The findings are as follows: (1) Five closely related clusters of innovation spaces are identified. Innovation space has a significant agglomerating distribution pattern. (2) Overall, factors supporting innovation and transportation station factors have a positive effect on the agglomeration of innovation spaces, while natural environment factors have a negative effect on small innovation areas. (3) By region, the aggregation of innovation spaces in downtown areas is slightly negatively affected by service facilities, whereas those in the Harbin New District are mainly supported by policies and those in the Pingfang District are positively affected by the quantity of the labor force. Finally, based on the research results, some suggestions are put forward to promote the development of urban innovation spaces. This paper has certain guiding significance for optimizing and improving the construction and development of urban innovation spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) have attracted increasing attention worldwide owing to their widespread presence and potential risks to terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Estimating the pollution status and risk levels of MPs in coastal ecosystems is necessary; however, these are poorly understood in coastal megacities. Here, the abundance and characteristics of MPs in seawater, marine sediment, marine organisms, and beaches in the Shenzhen coastal ecosystems and land sources (river and sewage outfall) were simultaneously investigated, and the annual MPs load of rivers and MP-induced ecological risks were evaluated. The results showed that MPs pollution was prevalent in Shenzhen coastal ecosystems, with the average abundances of 2.40 ± 2.48 items/m3, 404.21 ± 431.48 items/kg, 1.66 ± 1.96 items/individual, and 1648.99 ± 1908.19 items/kg in seawater, marine sediment, marine organisms, and beach sands, respectively. The detected MPs were predominantly fibrous/granular, transparent/white, < 1 mm in size, and polyethylene terephthalate/polyethylene/polystyrene. The spatial distribution patterns of marine MPs are influenced mainly by anthropogenic activities and freshwater inflows (rivers and sewage outfalls). Pollution hotspots of MPs were identified in the Pearl River Estuary, which has a high population, gross domestic product, and river and wastewater discharge. Furthermore, the negative correlation between the abundance of MPs in seawater and salinity indicates that freshwater inflow carrying MPs to the sea is an important source of marine MPs pollution. It has been estimated that approximately 8320 billion MPs particles, weighing 274.55 tons, flow into the Shenzhen coast annually through river input. Based on the MPs polymer types and quantities, the ecological risk of MPs pollution in the Shenzhen coastal ecosystem is moderate and deserves further attention. These findings deepen the understanding of MPs pollution, sources, and ecological risks in the southern coastal region of China, and are helpful for employing effective management strategies to control marine MPs pollution.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the number of vanes, vane angle and disc peripheral speed on the uniformity of transverse and longitudinal distribution in two-disc granular spreaders. The experiments were carried out with spherical fertilizer, 3 different numbers of vanes (2 – 3 – 6), 5 different vane angles (17° – 30° – 43° – 56° – 69°) and 5 different peripheral speeds of the disc (13.85 – 15.05 – 16.26 – 17.46 – 18.67 m s−1) with a full factorial experimental design in accordance with ASAE 341.4 and TS 2541 standards. During the operation of the machine, the best working condition in terms of the uniformity of the transverse distribution (CVxvers, %) was obtained with a disc peripheral speed of 15.05 m s−1, an angle of 56° and the use of 2 vanes. In this working condition, the CVxvers (%) of 8.31 % was found, while the working width was calculated to be 16.22 m. Regarding the uniformity of fertilizer distribution in the longitudinal direction, the lowest CVlong (%) was found at a disc peripheral speed of 17.46 m s−1 and a vane angle of 69° when only 2 vanes were used.

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in road dust has considerable concern regarding their potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Despite the massive production of plastic, the erudition of MPs distribution patterns in various sizes of deposited road dust is still limited around the globe. Thus, the aim of this research is to provide an unambiguous picture of MPs distributional pattern, identification, classification, quantification, and features from road dust in various zones and types of roadways in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study examined MPs in road dust samples with particle sizes ranging from 300 to 150 μm (Group-A), 149-75 μm (Group-B), and unpaved road (325 items/5 g) > soil samples (294 items/5 g), roadside dust samples (284 items/5 g), and mid-road (283 items/5 g). By taking into account all sizes of road dust samples, the MPs were classified as fiber (70.26 %), fragment (26.12 %), beads (0.66 %), films (1.32 %), and foams (1.58 %). It was found that adults inhaled MPs an average of 1612 items/day, while they ingested an average of 880 items/day. Children had an inhalation rate of 1232 items/day and an ingestion rate of 10267 items/day, which was 4–17 times greater than in other countries. This study identified 22 MPs polymer types, and SEM results show that MPs surfaces are being weathered into nanoplastics, creating a more hazardous environment.

The distribution pattern of metals as active centers on a substrate can influence the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation and contaminants degradation. Herein, atomic layer deposition is applied to prepare Cu single atom (SA-Cu), cluster (C-Cu), and film (F-Cu) decorated MXene catalysts by regulating the number of deposition cycles. In comparison with SA-Cu-MXene (adsorption energy (Eads) = −4.236 eV) and F-Cu-MXene (Eads = −3.548 eV), PMS is shown to adsorb preferably on the C-Cu-MXene surface for activation (Eads = −5.435 eV), realizing higher utilization efficiency. More SO4·− are generated in C-Cu-MXene/PMS system with steady-state concentration and 1–3 orders of magnitude higher than those in the SA-Cu-MXene and F-Cu-MXene activated PMS systems. Particularly, the contribution of SO4·− oxidation to sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation followed the order, C-Cu-MXene (97.3%) > SA-Cu-MXene (90.4%) > F-Cu-MXene (71.9%), realizing the larger SMX degradation rate in the C-Cu-MXene/PMS system with the degradation rate constants (k) at 0.0485 min−1. Additionally, SMX degradation routes in C-Cu-MXene/PMS system are found with fewer toxic intermediates. Through this work, we highlighted the importance of guided design of heterogeneous catalysts in the PMS system. Appropriate metal distribution patterns need to be selected according to the actual water treatment demand. Metal sites could be then fully utilized to produce specific active species to improve the utilization efficiency of the oxidants.

Abstract Background Species and structural diversity are important for understanding the formation of forest communities, key ecological processes, and improving forest ecological functions and services, but their spatial characteristics have received little attention. Based on the spatial relationships among neighbouring trees, we proposed to divide trees within a structural unit into 15 structural types, and used the univariate distributions of the uniform angle index (W), mingling (M), and dominance (U), along with four common species diversity indices, to analyse the diversity of structural types in natural forests near the Tropic of Cancer. Results Only a portion of clumped class maintained aggregation, most exhibited a random pattern. Species mixture increased exponentially across distribution classes, and abundance and richness exhibited an initial increase followed by a slight decrease. The distribution patterns of mixture classes varied from highly clustered to random, and M distributions gradually shifted from an inverted J-shaped curve to a J-shaped curve. Abundance and richness exhibited an exponential distribution, whereas the Shannon–Wiener index increased linearly. The W distribution of differentiation classes approximated a normal distribution, whereas M distributions exhibited a J shape. The U distribution of each structure type was approximately 0.2. Conclusions These results reveal the species and structural diversity characteristics of trees at the structural type level and expand our knowledge of forest biodiversity. The new method proposed here should significantly contribute to biodiversity monitoring efforts in terrestrial ecosystems, and suggests that higher standards for the simulation and reconstruction of stand structure, as well as thinning in near-natural forests, is warranted.

Large old Ginkgo biloba trees (LOGTs), with profound ecological and cultural significance in China, face increasing threats from climate change and human activities. We employed the BIOCLIM and DOMAIN species distribution models to predict their spatial patterns under the present climate and doubled‐CO2 climate change scenario in 2100. We collected 604 validated LOGT occurrence records and data on 19 bioclimate factors for the analysis. Our study yielded a LOGT geographic distribution pattern covering a wide latitudinal belt extending from south subtropical to temperate zones in central and eastern China, concentrating in low elevations and coastal regions. The principal component analysis identified the dominant bioclimatic factors shaping their distribution, namely annual precipitation and low winter temperatures. BIOCLIM and DOMAIN generated predicted suitable habitats that match the present distribution range well. However, under the future climate scenario, the models indicated habitat retentions mainly in the core distribution areas and habitat losses mainly in the southern edge of the present range and scattered pockets elsewhere. Some retained habitats, including excellent ones, will suffer from fragmentation. The predicted new habitats may permit some range expansion and migration but are beset by small patch size and large interpatch distance, bringing fragmentation and gene flow restrictions. The anticipated projected range decline highlights considerable threats climate change poses to the long‐term survival of the precious natural‐cum‐cultural resource. Understanding the distribution patterns and underlying drivers and distillation of practical conservation measures can foster sustainable management vis‐a‐vis the looming global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Exploring species' potential suitable habitats is crucial for endangered species conservation, in particular under future global climate change conditions. The Wushan salamander (Liua shihi) is an endangered salamander in China, which is a national protected species (level II). Based on the distribution records of L. shihi, the main objective of this study was to predict the distribution of suitable habitats under current and future climate conditions for L. shihi. Our results showed that precipitation, cloud density, vegetation type, and ultraviolet radiation were the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of suitable habitat for L. shihi. At present, the suitable habitats are mainly distributed in the Daba Mountain area. Under the future climate conditions, the area of suitable habitats increased, which mainly occurred in central Guizhou Province. These findings provided important information for the conservation of L. shihi. Climate change has been considered to pose critical threats for wildlife. During the past decade, species distribution models were widely used to assess the effects of climate change on the distribution of species' suitable habitats. Among all the vertebrates, amphibians are most vulnerable to climate change. This is especially true for salamanders, which possess some specific traits such as cutaneous respiration and low vagility. The Wushan salamander (Liua shihi) is a threatened and protected salamander in China, with its wild population decreasing continuously. The main objective of this study was to predict the distribution of suitable habitat for L. shihi using the ENMeval parameter-optimized MaxEnt model under current and future climate conditions. Our results showed that precipitation, cloud density, vegetation type, and ultraviolet radiation were the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of L. shihi. Currently, the suitable habitats for L. shihi are mainly concentrated in the Daba Mountains, including northeastern Chongqing and western Hubei Provinces. Under the future climate conditions, the area of suitable habitats increased, which mainly occurred in central Guizhou Province. This study provided important information for the conservation of L. shihi. Future studies can incorporate more species distribution models to better understand the effects of climate change on the distribution of L. shihi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The spatiotemporal characteristics of temperature and precipitation are complex in northern China. It is an area of frequent droughts and floods. Climate warming has exacerbated the complexity of drought and flood incidences. Based on the actual observation data from meteorological stations in northern China, this study analyzed the hazard characteristics of drought and flood disasters and revealed the distribution pattern and variation characteristics of high-hazard areas of drought and flood disasters before and after an abrupt temperature jump in 1995. The results showed that, from 1970 to 2021, the annual average temperature in the study area showed a significant increasing trend (0.34 °C/10 years), and the summer monsoon-transition areas showed a drying trend in spring and summer and a wetting trend in autumn and winter, with the summer monsoon-affected areas mainly getting wetter. The high-drought-hazard area is primarily located in the west and northeast of the summer monsoon-transition areas and the northeast of the summer monsoon-affected areas. The high-flood-hazard area is mainly located in the northwest and south of the summer monsoon-affected areas. The high-hazard area with overlapping drought and floods is primarily located in the northeast of the study area. After a major abrupt temperature jump in 1995, the normal probability distribution curve of the intensity of drought and floods at different levels generally moved to the dry side, the probability of occurrence of extreme drought and extreme flood events increased, the scale of high-hazard areas caused by drought and floods was significantly expanded, the high-hazard areas caused by drought and flood were transferred to the monsoon edge area, and the high-flood-hazard areas were transferred from the middle to the north to the south. The scale of the transition from low-hazard areas caused by drought and flood to high-hazard areas and from high-flood-hazard areas to high-drought-hazard areas was more extensive. The research results provided important scientific guidance for the formulation of drought and flood disaster prevention planning and agricultural production development strategies in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major earthquakes can cause extensive landsliding that poses a major threat to both property and human lives. In addition to co‐seismically triggered ground failure, the earthquake‐affected region remains vulnerable to landslides due to loosened and unstable materials and structures. Many researchers have studied landslide distributions and their controlling factors after earthquakes, but the function of ground motion is unclear. To investigate the connection in a strike‐slip earthquake, we analyzed the 5 September 2022 Luding earthquake (Mw 6.6) in Sichuan Province, China. We interpreted remote‐sensing images to obtain the landslide distribution before and after the earthquake, calculated surface deformation from D‐InSAR data (pre‐ and post‐earthquake), utilized a point‐source model for the focal mechanism inversion, and then constructed a finite fault model for the rupture slip. There are clear differences in the landslide distributions on the two sides of the fault before and after the earthquake. The density of co‐seismic landslides on the west side of the fault exceeded that on the east side. The patterns of surface deformation and ground motion indicated that the areas with larger deformation and motion were associated with more landslides. Furthermore, the landslide size decreased with distance from the fault. A new finding is that co‐seismic landslides induced by strike‐slip earthquakes result in high landslide concentration on both sides of the fault, while previous studies find that co‐seismic landslides triggered by thrust earthquakes present a hanging wall concentrated distribution pattern. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the connection between ground movement patterns and landslide distributions. Plain Language Summary: Our research focused on the 5 September 2022 Luding earthquake in Sichuan Province, China. The study identified distinct disparities in the distribution of landslides on either side of the fault, both landslides that happen before, during, and shortly after an earthquake. The western side of the fault exhibited a higher density of landslides following seismic activity compared with the eastern side during the Luding earthquake. The areas experiencing more significant deformation and motion during the earthquake were more prone to landslides. Moreover, landslides induced by strike‐slip earthquakes displayed high landslide concentrations on both sides of the fault. In contrast, landslides triggered by thrust earthquakes predominantly exhibited a concentrated hanging wall distribution pattern. Key Points: The type of fault is a primary controller of the landslide distribution patternMore landslides occurred in areas with more deformation and greater ground motion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forest Research is the property of Forest Research Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The depletion of the grey mullet population in the Taiwan Strait has generated interest in conservation initiatives and to enhance the effectiveness of restoration initiatives, it is essential to comprehend the specific habitat preferences of the species in question, particularly in relation to environmental changes. In this study, habitat suitability modelling was used to investigate the distribution patterns of grey mullet. Sea surface height (SSH) was the most significant predictor of the grey mullet standardized catch per unit effort (S.CPUE). Furthermore, sea surface temperature (SST) was the second most important oceanographic parameter, followed by mixed-layer depth (MLD). The grey mullet S.CPUE peaked in regions with the summed SST, Chla, salinity, SSH, MLD and current values being 20 °C, 0.9 mg/m3, 34.5 psu, 0.45 m, 18–38 m, and 0.25 m2/s2, respectively. From late October, HSI levels in the northern Taiwan ocean increased, with a consistent upward trend. The distribution expanded in November and December, focusing on the northern and mid-ocean regions west of Taiwan. HSI levels peak in January and February, especially in Taiwan's coastal region. High HSI distribution shifts away from coastlines and diminishes in April. The findings of this study will contribute to the understanding of this specific species and the approach used in this study may be applicable to other fisheries stocks also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suitable habitat of endangered Ephedra species has been severely threatened and affected by climate change and anthropogenic activities; however, their migration trends and restoration strategies are still relatively understudied. In this study, we utilized the MaxEnt model to simulate the suitable habitats of five endangered Ephedra species in China under current and future climate scenarios. Additionally, we identified significant ecological corridors by incorporating the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model. Under the current climate scenario, the suitable area of Ephedra equisetina Bunge, Ephedra intermedia Schrenk ex Mey, Ephedra sinica Stapf, and Ephedra monosperma Gmel ex Mey comprised 16% of the area in China, while Ephedra rhytidosperma Pachom comprised only 0.05%. The distribution patterns of these five Ephedra species were primarily influenced by altitude, salinity, temperature, and precipitation. Under future climate scenarios, the suitable areas of E. equisetina, E. intermedia, and E. sinica are projected to expand, while that of E. monosperma is expected to contract. Notably, E. rhytidosperma will lose its suitable area in the future. Our identified ecological corridors showed that the first-level corridors encompassed a wider geographical expanse, incorporating E. equisetina, E. intermedia, E. sinica, and E. monosperma, while that of E. rhytidosperma exhibited a shorter length and covered fewer geographical areas. Overall, our study provides novel insights into identifying priority protected areas and protection strategies targeting endangered Ephedra species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-one surface sediment samples from Dongshan Bay, China, were analyzed for heavy metals to evaluate their distribution, pollution status, and controlling factors. The enrichment factor is suggestive of the potential pollution status, ranging from minimal to moderate enrichment, for Pb, As, Zn, and Hg, with one site showing significant enrichment in As. A principal component analysis and the geochemical characteristics indicate that heavy metal concentrations are mainly influenced by clay minerals and Fe oxides, while Pb and Hg levels are also closely linked to the absorption of Mn oxides. Potential pollution is primarily from aquaculture (Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb) and industrial and domestic discharges. Approximately 270 tons of heavy metals were estimated to have been deposited in Dongshan Bay in 2021, highlighting the potential impact of human activities on coastal sediment quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban green spaces offer opportunity to detect the response of species to environmental variations by exploring population density and body size variations. In May 2022, we collected pillbugs from five urban green spaces in Yancheng, Jiangsu, P.R. China. One-way ANOVA, principal component analysis, Cramer's V. Mantel test and regression analysis were employed in this study. We found that the body size varied significantly among different urban spaces, while density did not. Most of the environmental properties were significantly different, except electrical conductivity and total nitrogen. The number of plant species and pH were distinguished as the main factors shaping the habitats. Body size related to the food resources, and density related to pH and vegetation coverage. Then body length and weight presented a significant positive correlation. A clumped distribution pattern of pillbugs was detected by Taylor's and Iwao's regressions. The environmental variations presented inconsistent effects on density and body size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]