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Anthropogenic climate warming is predicted to increase the intensity of global tropical cyclones (TCs) on decadal timescales, known as the 'temperature-TC intensity' paradigm. However, no proxy is currently available to directly quantify TC intensity in the northwestern Pacific region over centennial to millennial timescales. Here, we reconstruct the intensity of past TCs inferred from event-beds detected in two sedimentary systems in eastern China spanning approximately 1910 to 645 yr BP using an instrumental-calibrated technique, thereby encompassing a sufficiently wide range of temperatures to test the paradigm in the time domain. Intriguingly, our two intensity indices, based on flooding depth and wind speed, provide the initial quantitative evidence that TC intensity in eastern China has been anomalously weak since around 1485 ± 45 yr BP, with a reduction of approximately 30 ± 8% in intensity, despite no concurrent temperature shift. This reduction appears to have been pre-conditioned by a combined influence of a weaker El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a stronger Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and an increased level of Saharan dust. We suggest that the magnitudes of these factors may have crossed a tipping point and have not reverted to their pre-shift levels since that time, resulting in their impact on TC intensity exceeding that of temperature by triggering changes in the oceanic and atmospheric state within the tropical Pacific region where TCs originate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type IV collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix in adipose tissue. It is secreted during the lipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, but its direct impact and mechanism on the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) into lipids are unclear. In this study, ASCs were obtained from human liposuction samples and cultured. Lipogenic induction of ASCs was achieved using lipogenic induction medium. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed differential expression of type IV collagen during the early and late stages of adipogenic induction, displaying a distinct morphological encapsulation of ASCs. Silencing of type IV collagen using siRNA resulted in a significant decrease in adipogenic capacity, as indicated by reduced lipid droplet formation and downregulation of adipogenic-related gene transcription. Conversely, supplementation of the culture medium with synthetic type IV collagen demonstrated enhanced adipogenic induction efficiency, accompanied by upregulation of YAP/TAZ protein expression and its downstream target gene transcription. Furthermore, inhibition of the YAP/TAZ pathway using the inhibitor Blebbistatin attenuated the functionality of type IV collagen, leading to decreased lipid droplet formation and downregulation of adipocyte maturation-related gene expression. These findings highlight the crucial role of type IV collagen in promoting adipogenic differentiation of ASCs and suggest its involvement in the YAP/TAZ-mediated Hippo pathway. No Level Assigned This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haplotype blocks greatly assist association-based mapping of casual candidate genes by significantly reducing genotyping effort. The gene haplotype could be used to evaluate variants of affected traits captured from the gene region. While there is a rising interest in gene haplotypes, much of the corresponding analysis was carried out manually. CandiHap allows rapid and robust haplotype analysis and candidate identification preselection of candidate causal single-nucleotide polymorphisms and InDels from Sanger or next-generation sequencing data. Investigators can use CandiHap to specify a gene or linkage sites based on genome-wide association studies and explore favorable haplotypes of candidate genes for target traits. CandiHap can be run on computers with Windows, Mac, or UNIX platforms in a graphical user interface or command line, and applied to any species, such as plant, animal, and microbial. The CandiHap software, user manual, and example datasets are freely available at BioCode (https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/biocode/tools/BT007080) or GitHub (https://github.com/xukaili/CandiHap). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil quality of coastal wetlands plays an important role in maintaining biological productivity, improving environmental quality, and promoting plant and animal health. Landscape pattern is the major factor affecting variations in soil quality of coastal wetland. However, the influence of landscapes on spatial variations in soil quality has not been fully explored in coastal wetlands with highly fragmented landscapes. Here, we established a composite indicator of soil quality of coastal wetland, used a series of analysis methods to explore the spatial characteristics of soil quality of coastal wetland and the intrinsic relationships between soil quality and landscape factors, and quantified the landscape factors affecting the spatial variation of soil quality. Chongming Island, a typical estuarine island coastal wetland in China, was selected as the study area. The results showed that coastal wetland soil quality had distinct spatial variations, and significant correlations were observed between soil quality indicators and landscape factors. Key landscape factors, including distance to coastline (DTC), distance to human-related landscape types (DTH), number of landscape types (NLT), natural index of landscape (NIL), number of landscape patches (NLP), total edge of landscape patches (TELP), net primary production (NPP), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil salinity index (SSI), and normalized difference build-up and bare soil index (NDBSI), were identified and quantified at the optimal spatial evaluation units. Among the landscape types, woodlands and farmlands showed better soil quality and landscape conditions in coastal wetlands. Among the landscape pattern factors, landscape function factors, rather than composition and structure factors, had a greater impact on the spatial variation of coastal wetland soil quality. The soil quality was good at positions with high DTC and NDVI and low DTH and SSI. These findings highlighted that landscape factors NDVI (19.93%), SSI (15.93%), DTC (15.28%), and DTH (11.16%) contributed the most to the spatial variation in soil quality on Chongming Island. This study reveals the intrinsic correlations between soil quality and landscape, and provides a reference for maintaining the coastal wetland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instrumental records reveal that intense tropical cyclone (TC) activity varies with tropical sea surface temperature (SST) on annual-decadal scales. Drivers of intense TC activity at the centennial-millennial scale are less clear, due to the sparseness of pre-observational reconstructions. Here, we present a new 2 kyr continuous activity record of intense TCs from offshore eastern China. Our reconstruction indicates that this site witnessed enhanced TC activity during relatively warm periods, with a widespread increase in TC activity during the later part of the Little Ice Age. This latter observation reveals that enhanced TC activity was synchronized with increased Asian dust emissions during the Little Ice Age. TC activity was also lower in the late Roman Warm Period, when SST was higher but Asian dust emissions were lower than in the early phase. Such patterns suggest a centennial-millennial link between TC climatology and a combination of SST changes and Asian dust levels. Here, the authors show that enhanced tropical cyclone activity was synchronized with increased Asian dust emissions during the Little Ice Age, implying a mechanism linking tropical cyclone climatology to Asian dust levels, at 100 to 1000 year scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardamine enshiensis is a well-known selenium (Se)-hyperaccumulating plant. Se is an essential trace element associated with many health benefits. Despite its critical importance, genomic information of this species is limited. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly of C. enshiensis, which consists of 443.4 Mb in 16 chromosomes with a scaffold N50 of 24 Mb. To elucidate the mechanism of Se tolerance and hyperaccumulation in C. enshiensis, we generated and analyzed a dataset encompassing genomes, transcriptomes, and metabolomes. The results reveal that flavonoid, glutathione, and lignin biosynthetic pathways may play important roles in protecting C. enshiensis from stress induced by Se. Hi-C analysis of chromatin interaction patterns showed that the chromatin of C. enshiensis is partitioned into A and B compartments, and strong interactions between the two telomeres of each chromosome were correlated with histone modifications, epigenetic markers, DNA methylation, and RNA abundance. Se supplementation could affect the 3D chromatin architecture of C. enshiensis at the compartment level. Genes with compartment changes after Se treatment were involved in selenocompound metabolism, and genes in regions with topologically associated domain insulation participated in cellular responses to Se, Se binding, and flavonoid biosynthesis. This multiomics research provides molecular insight into the mechanism underlying Se tolerance and hyperaccumulation in C. enshiensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the variations of soil organic matter and plant leaf cuticular waxes along an altitude gradient at two mountains in the east side of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Methods: Surface soils were sampled along an altitude gradient (2600, 3000, 3400, 3800 and 4200 m). We analyzed the soil total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), soil lipids and leaf cuticular waxes in Kobresia humilis which distributed at all tested altitudes. Results: A sharp concentration increase of TOC was observed when altitudes increased, whereas the proportions of DOC in TOC at low altitudes (3000 m and 2600 m) were significantly higher than those at higher altitudes. Altitudes also influenced the molecular weight, humification degree, aromaticity, and hydrophobicity of DOC molecular. Though soils at higher altitudes relatively had higher abundance of odd carbon alkanes and even carbon alcohols, soil lipid concentrations showed no significant difference between altitudes. Relatively higher total wax coverage at high and low altitude was observed on leaves of K. humilis. Conclusions: The changes of altitudes at alpine ecosystem were associated with alterations of both quantity and quality of soil organic matter as well as leaf cuticular wax coverage, which contributed to their environmental adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine sediment is the final sink of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from river input and atmospheric deposition. Such kind of pollutant cycles in the marine environment is usually controlled by hydrodynamic conditions. Many previous studies have explored how ocean currents influence pollutant distribution, but very few studies have focused on the relationships between the distribution patterns of pollutant and residual currents or sediment transport. In this study, 16 monomers of PAHs from 135 surface sediment samples collected in the Hangzhou Bay, a typical macrotidal bay, were systematically identified and their sources were analyzed. The sediment characteristics and distribution pattern were also comprehensively analyzed. The results showed the seabed sediments were moderately polluted by PAHs with a level of 38.58–1371.06 ng/g (median 186.70 ng/g). Most of the PAHs are composed of three to five rings, originated from combustion of coal and firewood. The combustion of oil also contributes to PAHs in seabed sediments for some areas. The PAHs are found to be concentrated within the estuary and the offshore areas, as well in coastal ocean. Fine-grained sediment transport is controlled by residual currents, which leads to PAH accumulation in the bay and the offshore areas, forming a high-value distribution pattern. Hence, we conclude that residual current is the main factors that control the long-term distribution of PAHs in the seabed sediments of the macrotidal bay. Temporal and spatial varying models of PAHs were needed in a further study to explore further the mechanisms how PAHs are transported in coastal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a common reproductive system disease worldwide that mainly causes chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite its high prevalence, the diagnosis of some patients with endometriosis is delayed for several years, which may be because the gold standard for diagnosis is an expensive and invasive surgical assessment by laparoscopy or laparotomy. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in a wide range of diseases, including endometriosis, and have been discovered to be potential diagnostic markers. This meta-analysis, which was designed to investigate the diagnostic value of circulating miRNAs for endometriosis, summarizes miRNA articles that met a set of inclusion criteria. Using a bivariate model, we calculated the sensitivities, specificities, and area under the curve (AUC) values of individual miRNAs and miRNA panels. The pooled diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve were 0.86 (95% CI 0.79–0.90), 0.88 (95% CI 0.80–0.93), 7.05 (95% CI 4.20–11.84), 0.16 (95% CI 11–0.24), and 0.93, respectively. Taken together, these findings indicate that circulating microRNAs may serve as potential noninvasive biomarkers of endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, Pt/Nb:SrTiO3/LaNiO3(Pt/NSTO/LNO) heterostructures are prepared by the sol–gel method, and the resistive switching (RS) characteristics of NSTO films are studied under different preparation conditions and Nb-doping content. It is shown from SEM images that the grain size of NSTO decreases with the increase of Nb-doping content. It is observed from electrical tests and analysis that the RS phenomenon of the Pt/NSTO/LNO structure can be attributed to the migration of internal oxygen vacancies, which are formed during the material preparation. J–V curves of Pt/NSTO/LNO, prepared under different heat treatment atmospheres, exhibit that pure nitrogen atmosphere results in optimal RS performance. In addition, the RS performance has shown an increasing trend with Nb content up to a threshold limit, followed by a gradual decrease. Furthermore, the RS performance of Pt/NSTO/LNO, prepared at different heat treatment temperatures, was investigated. The results demonstrate that the hysteresis window of RS for the Pt/NSTO/LNO structure first increased with increasing temperature, followed by a decrease. Moreover, the optimal RS performance is achieved at the heat treatment temperature of 700 °C. Highlights: All sol-gel process prepared the heteroepitaxial Nb:SrTiO3/LaNiO3 bilayer. The resistive switching characteristics of the Pt/Nb:SrTiO3/LaNiO3 are studied under different preparation conditions and Nb doping content. The effect mechanism of oxygen vacancies on the resistive switching characteristics of the Pt/Nb:SrTiO3/LaNiO3 is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic anisotropy is a fundamental key parameter of magnetic materials that determines their applications. For ferromagnetic materials, the magnetic anisotropy can be easily detected by using conventional magnetic characterization techniques. However, due to the magnetic compensated structure in antiferromagnetic materials, synchrotron measurements, such as X-ray magnetic linear dichroism, are often needed to probe their magnetic properties. In this work, we observed an imprinted fourfold magnetic anisotropy in the amorphous ferromagnetic layer of FeRh/CoFeB heterostructures. The MOKE and ferromagnetic resonance measurements show that the easy magnetization axes of the CoFeB layer are along the FeRh〈110〉 and FeRh〈100〉 directions for the epitaxially grown FeRh layer in the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic states, respectively. The combined Monte Carlo simulation and first-principles calculation indicate that the fourfold magnetic anisotropy of the amorphous CoFeB layer is imprinted due to the interfacial exchange coupling between the CoFeB and FeRh moments from the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of the epitaxial FeRh layer. This observation of imprinting the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of antiferromagnetic materials on easily detected ferromagnetic materials may be applied to probe the magnetic structures of antiferromagnetic materials without using synchrotron methods. Nanomagnets: Good impressions avoid need for X-rays Capturing magnetic structural information using nanoscale thin films can make it easier to spot materials that exploit the spin properties of electrons for use in spintronics devices. Most magnets have their electron spins aligned in one direction, but antiferromagnets have alternating up/down spins that are useful for sensors. Qingfeng Zhan from East China Normal University in Shanghai and Run-Wei Li at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Ningbo and colleagues now report a method that identifies antiferromagnets without the use of high-powered X-ray equipment. The team demonstrated that alloys with amorphous crystal structures can convert into ordered frameworks with distinct spin patterns after being thinly coated onto an antiferromagnet's surface. Using a combination of magnetometermicroscopy and computer simulations, the researchers showed that the antiferromagnet imprinted its magnetic ordering onto the alloy through quantum mechanical coupling effects. An imprinted four-fold magnetic anisotropy was observed in the amorphous ferromagnetic layer of FeRh/CoFeB heterostructures. The easy magnetization axes of the CoFeB layer are along the FeRh〈110〉 and FeRh〈100〉 directions for the epitaxially grown FeRh layer in the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic states, respectively. The fourfold magnetic anisotropy of the amorphous CoFeB layer is imprinted due to the interfacial exchange coupling between the CoFeB and FeRh moments from the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of the epitaxial FeRh layer, which may be applied to probe the magnetic structures of antiferromagnetic materials without using synchrotron methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In proxy re-signature scheme, the semi-trust proxy is given special information to convert user A's signature into another user B's signature on the same message m. This has numerous application, such as simplifying the certificate management by constructing a secure channel between two authentication centers, simplifying group signature management by making each signature transformed to the group's signature, helping relieve some common key management headaches by resigning without the authentication center, and constructing digital right management (DRM) interoperable system by sharing the certification. In this paper, we proposed a novel proxy re-signature scheme with universally composable security. The proposed scheme is unidirectional, single-use, key optimal, non-transitive and non-temporary. Its security is based on Computational Diffie–Hellman assumption in the random oracle model. Furthermore, we present the universal composable based security definition of proxy re-signature, as well as the equivalent game based definition. If a scheme is proved to be safe in our game, it will have the universally composable property, which will simplify the future security analysis. Finally, we support the proposed scheme with detailed security and performance analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO) superconducting film was prepared on Nb:SrTiO3 (NSTO) substrate via a sol-gel method, forming a YBCO/NSTO heterojunction. The YBCO/NSTO heterojunction was irradiated with UV light, and the photovoltaic characteristics of YBCO/NSTO heterojunction were studied within the temperature range 50-300 K. The results show that YBCO/NSTO/In has a significant photovoltaic effect with a high open-circuit voltage (VOC). At 300 K, the VOC of YBCO/NSTO/In was ~ 0.31 V (light intensity ~ 10 mw/mm2). The VOC of YBCO/NSTO/In increased with the decrease in temperature and reached 0.79 V when the temperature decreased to 50 K. The VOC measurement results under different light intensities indicate that the VOC decreased with the decrease in light intensity. The current density-voltage (J-V) curves were investigated at different temperatures (no light). The YBCO/NSTO/In heterojunction showed clear rectifying features above 200 K; with a decrease in temperature, the asymmetry of positive and negative current decreased. When YBCO underwent superconducting transition, because of the opening of YBCO superconducting energy gap, the VOC and turn-on voltage (Vt) of J-V curves changed suddenly, and the variations in VOC (when the light intensity is sufficient) and Vt were consistent with the superconducting energy gap of YBCO. With a decrease in the light intensity, the variations in VOC decreased; for example, the variation was only 2 mV when the light intensity decreased to ~ 20%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radionuclide 210Pb is suitable for century-scale dating and has been used to calculate the sedimentation rate in a variety of environments. However, two common ways to apply 210Pb dating techniques may give misleading results. One is “prolonging of age”, i.e., using the calculated sedimentation rate to date back to 200 or 300 years. This practice must be treated with caution because the 210Pb dating techniques do not guarantee direct dating for ages much older than 100 years. Another is “loss of age”, i.e., the calculated time span between the topmost layer and the 210Pb background layer in cores is less than 100 years when an apparent sedimentation rate is used in the calculation. Here, we propose that based on the principle of 210Pb dating, the upper limit of age suitable for direct 210Pb dating is between 110 and 155 years. The “prolonging” application is acceptable only if the sedimentary environment in the past several hundred years was stable and the sedimentation rate was generally constant, and verification with independent evidence (such as historical records or biomarker methodology) is needed. Furthermore, after analyzing many published and collected data, we found four possible reasons for the “loss of age”. First, the compaction effect of sediment should be corrected in laboratory analysis or else the calculated age will be underestimated. Second, the accuracy and uncertainty of 210Pb activity measurement affect the judgment of the background. To be cautious, researchers are apt to choose a background activity with a younger age. Third, use of a slightly smaller value of supported 210Pb activity in a calculation will lead to considerable underestimation of the time span. Finally, later-stage erosion and migration are common for sedimentation, which lead to loss of sedimentary records and are often reflected as a “loss of age” in cores. We believe that proper use of 210Pb dating data may provide helpful information on our understanding of sediment records and recent environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal lagoons with small catchment basins are highly sensitive to natural processes and anthropogenic activities. To figure out the environmental changes of a coastal lagoon and its contribution to carbon burial, two sediment cores were collected in Xincun Lagoon, southeastern Hainan Island and Pb activities, grain size parameters, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total inorganic carbon (TIC) and stable carbon isotopes (δC) were measured. The results show that in 1770-1815, the decreasing water exchange capacity with outer open water, probably caused by the shifting and narrowing of the tidal inlet, not only diminished the currents and fined the sediments in the lagoon, but also reduced the organic matter of marine sources. From 1815 to 1950, the sedimentary environment of Xincun Lagoon was frequently influenced by storm events. These extreme events resulted in the high fluctuation of sediment grain size and sorting, as well as the great variation in contributions of terrestrial (higher plants, soils) and marine sources (phytoplankton, algae, seagrass). The extremely high content of TIC, compared to TOC before 1950 could be attributed to the large-scale coverage of coral reefs. However, with the boost of seawater aquaculture activities after 1970, the health growth of coral species was severely threatened, and corresponding production and inorganic carbon burial flux reduced. The apparent enhanced inorganic carbon burial rate after 1990 might result from the concomitant carbonate debris produced by seawater aquaculture. This result is important for local government long-term coastal management and environmental planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response to the catchment changes of the sedimentary environment of the western intertidal flat of Yalu River Estuary was investigated by analyzing the vertical variations of the grain size of sediment cores, along with the hydrologic data and human activities in the catchment. The results demonstrated a stepwise decreasing trend for the variations of both the sediment load and water discharge into the sea, which could be divided into three stages as 1958-1970, 1971-1990 and 1991-2009. Reservoir construction and the changes of catchment vegetation coverage turned out to be the two predominant contributors to the changes. There are four periods for the variation of the sensitive components of the sediment cores from 1940 to 2010, i.e., 1940-1950, 1951-1980, 1981-1990 and 1991-2010. The vertical distribution of grain size in the cores mainly varied with the changes of vegetation coverage in the catchment and reservoir construction from 1960 to 1980, whereas it varied depending on the intensity of water and soil erosion in the catchment from 1980 to 1990. Despite the further reduction of the water and sediment input into the sea from 1990 to 2009, this period was characterized by coarsening trends for the grain size of sediment in the estuarine intertidal flat and correspondingly, the significantly increased silt contents of the sensitive component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, about 220 satellite images between 2000 and 2012 were obtained from FY-series, MODIS, CBERS, HJ-1A and HJ-1B to estimate the impact of duststorms on the South Yellow Sea (SYS), which serve as an important source of particles there. The analyzing results from the images support a total occurrence of 88 duststorms (including the locally-generated dusty weather) that affected the SYS during 2000-2012. The annual occurrence was about 4-10 times (10 times in 2000 and 2004; four times in 2009 and 2012), predominantly in March (29%), April (33%) and May (22%). By mapping the distribution of their frequency, the duststorms influencing the SYS were found primarily moving from the northwest (39 times, 44.3%) and west (37 times, 42%) to the study region with only 11 duststorms (12.5%) coming from the north and 1 duststorm (1%) from the southwest. We estimated that an annual amount of 0.5-3.5 million tons of sediment particles was brought to the SYS by the duststorms during 2000-2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of coastline changes and vulnerability is of great importance to local government departments that are responsible for the management and development of coastal zones. To study the nature of change and vulnerability along the coasts of the Hainan Island, we collected a large number of sediment samples through the last few years, and reconstructed the changes of the coastline by combining the data of sediment grain-size analysis and the nautical charts/TM RS imaginary. Contrary to being almost free from erosion (as expected from the findings that the coastlines are in a relatively stable state), four major cities in Hainan (i.e., Haikou, Wenchang, Sanya and Changjiang) turned out to be suffered from a moderate coastal vulnerability primarily because of the large populations that impose considerable pressure on the coastlines. Thus, the assessment methodology utilized in this study, including both anthropogenic and natural factors, serves as a useful tool to obtain a comprehensive understanding of coastline vulnerability for local government, in terms of coastal management and adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intertidal (tidal flat) reclamation along the Chinese coastline, especially which is in Jiangsu Province, has increased markedly in recent years. However, the hydrodynamic disturbance and environmental impacts of this activity are not yet fully understood. In this study, a process-based depth-averaged model is used to evaluate quantitatively the possible impacts of intertidal reclamation for the southern Yellow Sea region. The simulation results show that reclamation of both inshore and offshore intertidal areas of ~1800 km (according to the approved governmental reclamation scheme) would result in three remarkable changes in tidal patterns: enhanced M and M tidal amplitudes in coastal areas, strengthened negative tidal asymmetry in the southern region of the sand ridge system, and an enhanced tidal energy flux toward offshore through the main channels in the south. These changes would result in some negative impacts. The enhancement in local tidal amplitude could increase the probability of coastal hazards, and the offshore sediment transport tendency resulting from negative tidal asymmetry in the south could lead to severe erosion. The enhanced energy flux transported offshore may also affect far-field regions. On the other hand, alternative reclamation of ~400 km of offshore intertidal area could significantly minimize hydrodynamic disturbances to the local tidal system. Offshore reclamation with lower environment impacts may be the future for coastal development. To cope with the potential environmental risks caused by reclamation, it is recommended to strengthen environmental impact assessment and overseeing of reclamation plans, and advance international cooperation in terms of coastal management. Our findings provide a reference for coastal management in countries with substantial areas of tidal flats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time observations in the field and numerical simulations (with Delft3D) were combined to study the formation, distribution and the relevant influencing factors of turbidity maximum (TM) in the Zhujiang (Pearl River) Estuary (ZE). The spatial distribution pattern of the TM varies with the longitudinal distributions of salinity and suspended sediment concentration (SSC). The SSC is enhanced and the TM is intensified during dry seasons, whereas the center of the TM moves upstream by a distance of 10 km during wet seasons. The formation of the TM is influenced by a complex combination of numerous factors, including tides, river discharges and topography, wherein sediment resuspension and vertical circulation dominate the formations and variability of the TM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adipose tissue engineering chamber model of spontaneous adipose tissue generation from an existing fat flap has been described. However, the chamber does not completely fill with adipose tissue in this model. Here, the effect of adipose tissue extract (ATE) on adipose tissue regeneration was investigated. In vitro, the adipogenic and angiogenic capacities of ATE were evaluated using Oil Red O and tube formation assays on adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs), respectively. In vivo, saline or ATE was injected into the adipose tissue engineering chamber 1 week after its implantation. At different time points post-injection, the contents were morphometrically, histologically, and immunohistochemically evaluated, and the expression of growth factors and adipogenic genes was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time PCR. With the exception of the baseline control group, in which fat flaps were not inserted into a chamber, the total volume of fat flap tissue increased significantly in all groups, especially in the ATE group. Better morphology and structure, a thinner capsule, and more vessels were observed in the ATE group than in the control group. Expression of angiogenic growth factors and adipogenic markers were significantly higher in the ATE group. ATE therefore significantly promoted adipose tissue regeneration and reduced capsule formation in an adipose tissue engineering chamber model. These data suggest that ATE provides a more angiogenic and adipogenic microenvironment for adipose tissue formation by releasing various cytokines and growth factors that also inhibit capsule formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in structural fat transplantation technology have significantly improved the survival rate and stability of grafts. This study investigated the importance of the spatial structural integrity of adipose tissue for adipose regeneration after fat transplantation. We sought to enhance understanding of structural fat transplantation and optimize procedures used for the clinical acquisition, purification, and transplantation of adipose tissue. In an inactivated structuration adipose tissue model established by freezing at −20 °C for 3 days, nearly all cells were dead but the structure was intact. We transplanted this adipose tissue model (group A) or non-treated adipose tissue (group B) into GFP-expressing mice. Group B showed a higher graft survival percentage and less fibrosis than group A. The macrophage infiltration (F4/80) peak period was longer in group A than in group B. The change in vessel density (CD31) was similar in the two groups: it peaked at 4 weeks after transplantation and decreased thereafter. In both groups, the number of Ki67+ cells showed a similar trend. In comparison to group B, group A had more Ki67+ cells at 4-8 weeks after transplantation, but fewer of these cells at 12 weeks after transplantation. The intact spatial structure of adipose tissue, which is supported by adipocytes and extracellular matrix, provides a niche for adipogenesis and angiogenesis after fat transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities, such as tidal sluice gate construction and reclamation, are prevalent along northern coastline of China and influence significantly sedimentary environments. The Sheyang River estuary is a small estuary situated on the Jiangsu coast. For the objective of storing fresh water, maintaining river channel depth and managing the land resource, a tidal sluice gate was constructed. At the same time, estuarine wetlands have been reclaimed extremely in recent decades. A numerical model based upon Delft3D was developed to quantify the impact of these human activities, and four simulation schemes were designed (a) tidal sluice gate present, but always closed; (b) tidal sluice gate not present; (c) tidal sluice gate present, but closed during flood and open during the ebb; and (d) intertidal area reclamation taking place in the estuary. A bathymetric survey confirmed the erosion and deposition results of the simulation. The rate of sediment deposition increased significantly after the gate was closed. However, during the third scheme, the sediment deposition rate reduced considerably; that was because the ebb current increased the scouring force when the gate was open, especially within the channel area close to the gate. Meanwhile, reclamation lessened erosion behind the gates and may have been enhanced by siltation. The coastline shifted seaward as the siltation area increased; it extended farther because of reclamation. Appropriate coastal management planning strategies must be developed to reduce negative effects of the channel siltation, resulting from the various forms of human activity. The results of this study can provide input to governmental recommendations on more effective tidal gate management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The source and processes controlling the deposition of the sand fraction of muddy seafloor sediments remain poorly understood. Surficial seafloor sediments were collected offshore of the Eastern Shandong Peninsula and were analyzed regarding their detrital heavy mineral constituents and grain size distributions to determine their spatial distribution patterns, sand fraction provenance, and transport pathways. Five sediment types were identified in the study area: clayey silt, silt, sandy silt, silty sand, and sand. Each of these sediment types displayed distinct grain size parameters of their corresponding sand fractions. Moreover, three statistical clusters of sand grains were identified, suggesting variations in provenances and sedimentary processes from one cluster to the next. Twenty-five species of detrital heavy minerals in the sand fraction were identified and then assigned to four categories based on their mineral stability (i.e., ultrastable, stable, moderately stable, and unstable). The sandy sediments were enriched in ultrastable and stable heavy minerals, indicating that these sand grains mostly originated from coastal erosion of granitic and/or metamorphic rocks. In contrast, the muddy sediments were characterized by unstable heavy minerals dominated by hornblende and epidote. The results of principal component analysis further suggested that these sand grains are similar in terms of their provenance (coastal erosion) but have undergone complex sedimentary processes. Relative sea level changes during the late Quaternary caused shifts in the sediment sources and supplies, which were the primary factors controlling the grain sizes of the sand fractions and heavy mineral assemblages in the surficial sediments of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypouricemic actions of exopolysaccharide produced by Cordyceps militaris (EPCM) in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia in mice were examined. Hyperuricemic mice were administered intragastrically with EPCM (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight) or allopurinol (5 mg/kg body weight) once daily. Serum uric acid, blood urea nitrogen and liver xanthine oxidase (XOD) activities of each treatment were measured after administration for 7 days. EPCM showed dose-dependent uric acid-lowering actions. EPCM at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight and allopurinol showed the same effect in serum uric acid, blood urea nitrogen and liver XOD activities in hyperuricemic mice. An increase in liver XOD activities was observed in hyperuricemic mice due to administration of EPCM at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. EPCM at a dose of 800 mg/kg body weight did not show significant effects on serum uric acid and XOD activities. We conclude that EPCM has a hypouricemic effect caused by decreases in urate production and the inhibition of XOD activities in hyperuricemic mice, and this natural product exhibited more potential efficacy than allopurinol in renal protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the affiliation details for Dongdong Chu were incorrectly given as 'Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China'. but should have been 'Institute of Physical Oceanography and Remote Sensing, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316000, China'. The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-29386-2. [Extracted from the article]

The rapid spread of residential broadband connections and Internet-capable consumer devices in home networks has changed the landscape of Internet traffic. To gain a deep understanding of Internet traffic for home networks, this paper develops a traffic monitoring platform that collects and analyzes home network traffic via programmable home routers and traffic profiling servers. Using traffic data captured from real home networks, we present traffic characteristics in home networks and then apply principal component analysis to uncover temporal correlations among application ports. In light of prevalent unwanted traffic on the Internet, we characterize the intensity, sources, and port diversity of unwanted traffic toward home networks. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first study to characterize network traffic of Internet-capable devices from inside home network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pu activities and Pu/Pu atom ratios were analyzed using a double-focusing SF-ICP-MS for sediment core samples obtained in 2007-2008 from the North Jiangsu tidal flats in the Yellow Sea in China. Particular attention was focused on the Pu/Pu atom ratios in the sediment to identify the origins of Pu isotopes. The profiles of Pu activities in the sediment cores are similar to those of the Cs activities. The Pu/Pu atom ratios in the tidal flats showed typical global fallout values, indicating that this area did not receive the possible early direct close-in fallout or oceanic current transported Pu from the Pacific Proving Grounds (PPG). If any, the contribution of the PPG source Pu to the total Pu inventory is negligible. This is different from the sediments in the Yangtze River estuary in the East China Sea, where the PPG source Pu contributed ca. 45 % to the total inventory. In addition, the observation of the global fallout origin Pu in the North Jiangsu tidal flats indicated that the nuclear power plant in the region was not causing any alteration/contamination to the Pu/Pu atom ratios. The Pu and Cs activities/inventories in the sediment cores showed correlation to the mean clay sediment compositions (fine particles) in the tidal flats. Therefore, mud deposits are served as sinks for the anthropogenic radionuclides in the tidal flats and the Yellow Sea. Integrated with the previously reported spatial distributions of Pu and Cs activities in the surface sediments of the Yellow Sea, the mechanism of Pu transport with the ocean currents and the scavenging characteristics in the Yellow Sea were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autologous fat grafting has rapidly become an important treatment for soft tissue defects in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. However, consensus is lacking on the ideal donor site for harvesting and isolating stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells to improve survival of fat grafts. We aimed to determine the best donor site for tissue harvesting and isolation of SVF cells for fat graft survival. Methods: Adipose tissue samples were harvested from six women who underwent an aesthetic procedure. The samples were harvested by needle aspiration of five commonly used donor sites: flank, upper and lower abdomen, and lateral and inner thigh. The adipose tissue was injected subcutaneously into nude mice and grafts were harvested at 12 weeks. We evaluated graft volume, weight, and histologic parameters of the grafts: integrity, cysts/vacuoles, inflammation, fibrosis, and neovascularization. SVF cells isolated from donor sites were counted and assayed by flow cytometry. Results: At 12 weeks post-transplantation, weight, volume, and histologic parameters did not differ among the grafts from the five tissue donor sites. Also, SVF and levels of cell surface markers did not differ by donor site. Conclusions: This study revealed no ideal tissue donor site for fat grafting and SVF isolation. Choosing a site should be based on ease and safety of access and the preference and request of the patient. Level of Evidence I: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clay minerology of sediments are useful in determining distribution, sources and dispersal routes of fine-grained sediments. In the present paper, clay minerals of surface sediments throughout the eastern part of Beibu Gulf has been investigated to reveal sources and transport of detrital finegrained sediments. Four distinct clay mineral suites were observed from cluster analysis of clay mineral compositions of the samples. From the distribution pattern of clay minerals, we conclude that kaolinte in the eastern gulf is mainly derived from South China Landmass; Smectite could not be transported mainly by surface current from north-western Hainan Island, and maybe minor portion of it from Red River; Illite is mainly transported by the currents from South China Sea. Chlorite has two sources, namely South China Sea and South China Landmass. The Zhujiang River derived sediments could not be one of the sources for the clay mineral here, because of very different composition and ratios. The distribution pattern of clay minerals in the eastern Beibu Gulf is mainly controlled by fine-grained sediment source and local currents. The Silt/Clay, Smectite/Kaolinte, and Smetite/(Chlorite+Illite) ratios could be used as indicators of fine-grained sediment dispersal in the gulf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven cores were collected from different sediment zones of tidal flats at Xinyanggang in north Jiangsu province in August 2007. Sediment grain-size distribution and radioisotopes of 137Cs and 210Pb analysis were carried out for these cores. Sediment rates of the cores and radioisotopes distribution in surface sediment in different zones of the tidal flat were calculated from the 137Cs and 210Pb activities in sediments cores. The results indicated that each tidal zone had experienced different evolution phases, hydrological dynamics in the tidal flats made the grain-size of the surface sediment change gradually. 137Cs and 210Pb activities on the superficial layer of the cores varied spatially and the reason was discussed. On tidal flats, the fluctuation of 137Cs and 210Pb activities in the cores reflected the special sedimentary characteristics. Vegetation affects the grain-size distribution and the vertical profiles of 137Cs and 210Pb in the upper depths. 137Cs and 210Pb chronology got the comparable average sediment rates on the tidal flat. The characteristics of 137Cs and 210Pb in the cores reflected various depositional dynamical environments in different tidal zones and gave information on the different evolvement phases of the tidal zones. Based on the information of grain-size distribution, texture of the cores, sediment rates and topography, the evolution lines of the tidal flat were reconstructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoporous Al2O3 with well-defined pore structure, crystallized framework and spherical morphology has been prepared by a facile template-free approach, which involves the preparation via homogeneous precipitation and subsequent decomposition of spherical basic aluminium sulphate particles. The particle size of the spheres can be tuned by controlling the holding time from the beginning of precipitation, and a proper decomposition temperature is important to get high surface area, high pore volume and well-defined pore structures. By the similar way, nanoporous ZrO2 and TiO2 spherical particles can also be prepared. These nanoporous oxides all have moderately high surface area (50–70 m2/g) and well-defined nanopores of around 4–12 nm with very narrow pore size distribution. The frameworks of these oxide spheres consist of many small nanocrystallites, between which the nanopores exist. Compared with the soft and hard template routes, this decomposition strategy of sulphates for nanoporous oxides has the advantages of simplicity and low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference 1 Huang C. The Cardamine enshiensis genome reveals whole genome duplication and insight into selenium hyperaccumulation and tolerance. Previous incorrect name: Hongqin Ying Corrected name: Hongqing Yin Previous incorrect name: These authors contributed equally: Chuying Huang, Hongqin Ying, Xibiao Yang, Li Wang. [Extracted from the article]

High-resolution current velocity and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) data were collected by using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) at two anchor stations and a cross-section in the South Channel of the Changjiang River mouth during meso and neap tides on Nov. 16, 2003. In addition, tidal cycle (13-hour) observation at two stations was carried out with traditional methods during the spring tide. Results indicated that resuspension occurred not only at the flood and ebb maximum, but also in the early phase of ebb in the meso and neap tide. When tidal current transited from high to ebb phase, current speed accelerated. Subsequently, fine-grained sediment with low critical threshold was resuspended and increased concentration. The river mouth area remained in siltation in the meso and neap tidal phase during the observation season, with calculated resuspension flux in the order of magnitude of 10−4–10−7 kg·m−2/s. Suspended sediment transport in the South Channel was dominated by freshwater discharge, but the Storks drift, vertical circulation and vertical shear effect due to tidal oscillation also played an important role in resuspension and associated sediment transport. In contrast, resuspension sediment flux in the spring tide was larger than that in meso and neap tide, especially at the ebb maximum and flood maximum. The present study revealed that intensive resuspension corresponded well with the larger current velocity during winter. In addition, the ‘tidal pumping’ effect and tidal gravity circulation were also vital for forming the turbidity maximum in the Changjiang River estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the effect of different ecological zones and their above plants in the organic matter cycling of the whole tidal salt marsh, indicators such as total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), C/N ratio, δ13C and δ15N of surface, core sediments, and plants of tidal salt marshes in North Jiangsu Province are analyzed. Subsequently, distribution regularities of these measurement indicators are discussed, and the biogeochemistry processes between sediments and plants are also analyzed. Lastly, the organic matter sources of different ecologic zones in tidal salt marsh are evaluated, and the organic matter accumulations in different ecologic zones induced by their plants are also compared. These results indicate that TOC, TN, C/N ratio and δ13C showed obvious zonal distribution. The organic matter sources are dominated by marine input in the silt flat, artemisia schrenkiana flat, and the transition zone between silt and spartina alterniflora flat, and are controlled by terrigenous input in spartina alterniflora flat. Spartina alterniflora plays an important role in the accumulation of organic matter in the whole tidal salt marshes ecosystem. In the study area, the annually increased TOC, organic matter and TN in the spartina alterniflora, artemisia schrenkiana and reed flats reach 6,451, 12,043 and 536 t, respectively. The amount of TOC, organic matter and TN accumulated in the spartina alterniflora flat is more than that in other ecological zones, which shows that the spartina alterniflora flat exert a non-replaceable effect on the material cycle and exchange in the whole tidal salt marshes ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distribution patterns of total organic carbon and total nitrogen show significant correlations with currents of the East China Sea Shelf. Corresponding to distributions of these currents, the study area could be divided into four different parts. Total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and organic carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in sediments show linear correlations with mean grain size, respectively, thus “grain size effect” is an important factor that influences their distributions. C/N ratios can reflect source information of organic matter to a certain degree. In contrast, nitrogen stable isotope shows different spatial distribution patterns with C/N and organic carbon stable isotope, according to their relationships and regional distributions. The highest contribution (up to 50%) of terrestrial organic carbon appears near the Changjiang Estuary with isolines projecting towards northeast, indicating the influence of the Changjiang dilution water. Terrestrial particulate organic matter suffers from effects of diagenesis, benthos and incessant inputting of dead organic matter of plankton, after depositing in seabed. Therefore, the contribution of terrestrial organic carbon to particulate organic matter is obviously greater than that to organic matter in sediments in the same place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydrographic-sedimentological investigation was conducted in May 2001, aimed at assessing dynamic sedimentation patterns near and off the Changjiang River mouth, East China Sea. Current speed/direction, suspended sediment concentration (SSC), and turbidity were measured at eight nearshore and offshore sites, spanning a distance of ca. 150 km. The results identified a high-speed current ranging from 0.9 to 1.6 m/s at lower low water in the front of the turbidity maximum zone. This anomalous current, lasting about 4 h, was the fastest recorded over two semi-diurnal tidal cycles. Simultaneous measurements showed a high SSC (0.5 g/l) and high turbidity (>230 ppm) near the seafloor. This phenomenon would help explain periodic enhancement of sediment resuspension in the area, and an associated southward transport route from the Changjiang River mouth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of resistance development of insect pests is of great importance for continued utilization of Bt crop. The high-dose/refuge and pyramid (gene stacking) strategy are commonly employed to delay the evolution of insect resistance. Due to the anticipated difficulty for deployment of mandatory refuge for transgenic crops in China, where the size of farmer is quite small, stacking of genes with different modes of action is a more feasible strategy. Here we report the development of transgenic rice expressing a fusion protein of Cry1Ab and Vip3A toxin. Analysis of trypsin proteolysis suggested that the fusion protein is equivalent to the combination of Cry1Ab and Vip3A protein. The transgenic plants expressing the fusion protein were found to be highly resistant to two major rice pests, Asiatic rice borer Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and rice leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), while their agronomic performances showed no significant difference compared to the non-transgenic recipient rice. Therefore, the transgenic rice may be utilized for rice pest control in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]