Deposition Area Research Articles

Automated Detection and Analysis of Massive Mining Waste Deposits Using Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery and Artificial Intelligence

This article presents a method to detect and segment mine waste deposits, specifically waste rock dumps and leaching wasted dumps, in Sentinel-2 satellite imagery using artificial intelligence. This challenging task has important implications for mining companies and regulators like the National Geology and Mining Service in Chile. Challenges include limited knowledge of mine waste deposit numbers, as well as logistical and technical difficulties in conducting inspections and surveying physical stability parameters. The proposed method combines YOLOv7 object detection with a vision transformer classifier to locate mine waste deposits, as well as a deep generative model for data augmentation to enhance detection and segmentation accuracy. The ViT classifier achieved 98% accuracy in differentiating five satellite imagery scene types, while the YOLOv7 model achieved an average precision of 81% for detection and 79% for segmentation of mine waste deposits. Finally, the model was used to calculate mine waste deposit areas, with an absolute error of 6.6% compared to Google Earth API results.

Effect of a portable light emitting diode device on wound healing in a rat model.

Light-emitting diode (LED) lights produce a variety of wavelengths that have demonstrable efficacy in therapeutic and aesthetic fields. However, a repetitive treatment regimen is required to produce treatment outcomes, which has created a need for portable LED devices. In this study, we aimed to develop a portable therapeutic LED device and investigate its healing effect on excisional wounds in a rat model. The 35 × 35 mm-sized LED device was used on a total of 30 rats with full-thickness wounds that were divided into two groups depending on radiation intensity (11.1 and 22.2 mW/cm2 group). LED irradiation was performed every 24 h for 30 min, over 14 days, in direct contact with the wound. Percentage wound closure was measured by photographic quantification and was assessed histologically using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's Trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry for Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31. Percentage wound closure was significantly higher in 22.2 mW/cm2 irradiated wounds than that in the control wounds on days 7 and 10. The area of collagen deposition was remarkably larger in 22.2 mW/cm2 irradiated wounds than that in the control, with more horizontally organized fibres. CD31 immunostaining confirmed a significant increase in the number of microvessels in 22.2 mW/cm2 irradiated wounds than that in the control wounds, although there was no difference in VEGF immunostaining. Our novel portable LED device accelerates wound healing in a rat model, raising the possibility that portable LED devices can combine convenience with accessibility to play an innovative role in wound dressing.

Rivers in Constrasted climates React Differently to dams: Geomorphological evidence from Chile

More than twenty large reservoirs (>20 hm3) are located along the latitudinal range of Chile and, so far, only a few investigations have been carried out into the geomorphological effects of reservoirs on this region. This research examines the morphological changes that occurred within the active channel downstream of two dams in gravel-bed rivers under contrasting climates in Chile: The Elqui River in the semiarid north of Chile and the Biobío River in the humid south. The former has been regulated by the Puclaro reservoir since 1999 and is used for irrigation, while the latter is regulated by three reservoirs: Pangue (closed in 1996), Ralco (closed in 2004), and Angostura (closed in 2014), and is used for hydropower generation. The morphological changes were evaluated using satellite images, in a 16 km-long segment on the Elqui River and an 88 km-long segment on the Biobío River. Analyses were carried out to quantify the changes in the morphological units (bars, islands), channel patterns, and flow magnitude and frequency alterations. The results show a 15% reduction in the magnitude of Q2 flows in the Elqui River and a 64% reduction in the Biobío River. The active channel areas were reduced by 58% in the Elqui (1994–2011) and by 26% in the Biobío (1994–2018). In both rivers, the active depositional areas (central bars) practically disappeared, which led to a simplification of the channel pattern. The main differences, in terms of geomorphological changes, were observed in the areas covered by vegetation; while in the Elqui, a decrease of 87% was detected and, in the Biobío, an increase of 20% was observed. Results support the working hypothesis, showing a higher intensity of morphological changes in the river of the semiarid zone, in line with the hydrological alteration identified in previous research. This research represents the first case study on the geomorphological effects of reservoirs on climatically contrasted Chilean rivers. These analyses provide relevant information to improve the understanding of these effects, as well as provide information on the undisturbed state of river systems that could serve as a reference for restoring and mitigating future river regulation projects.

Optimization of micropore fabrication on the surface of ultrathick polyimide film based on picosecond UV laser

Micropores fabricated on organic polymer films have a wide range of applications in fields such as microfiltration, new energy, and biomedical separation. The use of laser processing technology can complete the processing of micropores on the surface of ultrathin films with high precision, but there is still some difficulty in the processing of ultrathick films. In this paper, a picosecond ultraviolet (UV) laser was used to explore the high-precision manufacturing process of micropores on the surface of ultrathick polyimide (PI) films. The effects of laser power, laser frequency, and scanning speed on the cone angle and spatter deposition area of micropores’ fabrication on ultrathick PI were studied based on orthogonal experiments. The mechanism of processing micropores on ultrathick PI was analyzed by studying the deposition area and morphology of the spatter generated during the laser ablation process. It was found that high-quality micropores can be fabricated at low laser frequency and high power.

Mineral prospectivity modelling to delineate potential areas for gold deposits: a case study of Lupa Goldfield, South West Tanzania

ABSTRACT This study used the weight of evidence model to delineate prospective areas for gold deposits in the Lupa Goldfield. The method establishes a spatial relationship between known mineral deposits and evidential maps to create a mineral prospectivity map. Four evidential maps derived from geochemical, geological, geophysical, and topographical Digital Elevation Model (DEM) datasets were analysed and integrated to create a mineral prospectivity map. Results have revealed five classes ranked from the highest, high, medium, low, and lowest favourability patterns with probability values of 0.051, 0.0426, 0.0225, 0.0172, and 0.0091, respectively. The highest favourable areas have the best gold potentials based on the presence of predictor patterns from all four evidential maps. The posterior probability map revealed good prediction, existing gold deposits, such as Saza Mine and Shanta Gold Mine, were mapped. Results have shown that the weight of evidence model was successful and can be applied in mineral exploration targeting.

Total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides alleviate atherosclerosis by regulating macrophage pyroptosis induced by reactive oxygen species-NLRP3 signaling axis

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are common diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides (TASA) in atherosclerosis and exploring the underlying mechanism. Mice were given normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), and TASA plus ND or HFD. The mice were further administered with NLRP3 shRNA and shControl. After treatment, Hematoxylin and Eosin and Oil Red O staining assessed histological changes. CD31/caspase-1 double staining was detected by fluorescent staining and pyroptosis expression assessed by CD31/TUNEL double staining. Western blot results determined caspase-1 expression in HFD mice. TASA treatment suppressed plaque formation in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice but insignificantly altered the lesion area in ND-fed ApoE-/- mice. Caspase-1 content and TUNEL positive cells were significantly elevated in mice fed with HFD or ND, whilst advent of TASA further enhanced the activation of caspase-1 in HFD mice. TASA treatment reduced activity of ROS, inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome and regulated macrophage pyroptosis. Inhibition of NLRP3 decreased the lesion area of atherosclerosis and lipid deposition. TASA inhibited the expression of ROS to reduce macrophages necrosis and secretion of inflammatory mediators, thereby alleviating inflammation, delaying plaque formation and stabilizing plaques in atherosclerosis.

Paleozoic rapid denudation of the Proterozoic Jinchuan Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposit, NW China: Insights from single-grain zircon (U-Th)/He thermochronology

The Proterozoic Jinchuan Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposit is one of the three largest magmatic sulfide deposits on the earth which was formed in either the Mesoproterozoic or Neoproterozoic. After mineralization of the giant Jinchuan Ni-Cu-PGE orebody, orogenic movements occurred frequently and strongly in a large-scale area. However, less is known on how the deposit denudated after mineralization yet. In this study, we report a new finding of the rapid uplift and denudation event during Late Paleozoic which is supported by single-grain zircon (U-Th)/He dating of 7 samples with elevations ranging between 1453 m and 2180 m collected from a vertical profile in the Jinchuan area. The numerical dating results cluster within 341.08 ± 14.63 – 262.60 ± 29.10 Ma for 7 samples with elevations ranging between 2180 and 1453 m, and 154.74 ± 11.54 Ma for the lherzolite with elevation of 1220 m. Confined with the published 40Ar-39Ar data, the inverse modelling results support that the Jinchuan deposit underwent a rapid cooling at ∼320 Ma. The numerical dating and inverse modelling results obtained in this study support that the Jinchuan deposit and adjacent area experienced a rapid uplift during 341 – 262 Ma (Late Paleozoic). The rapid denudation during the Late Paleozoic is likely a response to the southward subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean, inferred from the regional orogenic movements and magmatism in the adjacent areas. Besides, the zircon (U-Th)/He age of 154.74 ± 11.54 Ma obtained from lherzolite supports a cooling event which is to be further studied.

Effect of deposition path of electron beam freeform fabrication on residual stress and deformation of deposited parts

AbstractThe present work focused on the effect of deposition path on the transient temperature distribution, heat transfer, residual deformation and residual stress of a rectangular solid deposited by electron beam freeform fabrication technology. To achieve this aim, three representative deposition paths were involved to produce rectangular solid by electron beam freeform fabrication technology. Thermal‐mechanical decoupling simulations were carried out with respect to three different deposition paths. Both of the experimental and simulation results showed that a shorter deposition track can remarkably reduce the residual stress and warping. After separating the deposition area into small segments, remarkable local bulges were formed near the conjunction lines, and overheating was prone to occur at the turning points of the conjunction lines. The present work is helpful to the selection of deposition path for additive manufacturing process.

Infrared-based analysis of organic matter composition in liquid and solid runoff fractions collected during a single erosion event

Heavy rain events can cause soil material to be widely transported by surface runoff in arable soil landscapes. While soils of the eroded hilltop and backslope areas are affected by a loss of material, soil properties in deposition areas are affected by sedimentation of particulate and dissolved mineral and organic substances. During the event, the composition of mineral and organic matter (OM) fractions changes dynamically with runoff velocity. However, changes in OM composition during runoff have mostly been neglected. The objective was to identify changes of OM composition of runoff fractions with time and flow velocity during a single rainfall-runoff event. By the comparison of runoff from a conventionally-tilled (CT) plot and a no-till (NT) plot, we aimed at discussing process-based explanations for dynamic OM composition in runoff. Surface runoff was collected from CT and NT plots at the toe-slope of an experimental hillslope. Time-dependent runoff samples were compared with cumulative bulk samples obtained by Coshocton wheels and separated in a coarser sediment (sed>63 µm) and a finer fraction of < 63 µm-sized particles plus dissolved OM (<63 µm&diss). The OM composition was determined with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It was found to change with runoff volume due to contact with litter (NT) or soil minerals (CT) mainly for finer fractions from both CT and NT plots. Even during a single runoff event, the OM mass and composition in runoff changes characteristically. The OM composition dynamics was dominated by OMcat/C-O-C ratios in runoff from CT and by C-H/CO ratios in runoff from NT due to contact with soil minerals (CT) and litter (NT). The time-dependent collection schemes suggested that OM composition in runoff reflected the surface properties and could help to further improve explanations for spatial distribution of OM-related soil properties such as the potential wettability in arable soil landscapes.

Geomorphic Process Chains in High‐Mountain Regions—A Review and Classification Approach for Natural Hazards Assessment

AbstractPopulations and infrastructure in high mountain regions are exposed to a wide range of natural hazards, the frequency, magnitude, and location of which are extremely sensitive to climate change. In cases where several hazards can occur simultaneously or where the occurrence of one event will change the disposition of another, assessments need to account for complex process chains. While process chains are widely recognized as a major threat, no systematic analysis has hitherto been undertaken. We therefore establish new understanding on the factors that directly trigger or alter the disposition for subsequent events in the chain and derive a novel classification scheme and parameters to aid natural hazard assessment. Process chains in high mountains are commonly associated with glacier retreat or permafrost degradation. Regional differences exist in the nature and rate of sequencing—some process chains are almost instantaneous, while other linkages are delayed. Process chains involving rapid sequences are difficult to predict, and impacts are often devastating. We demonstrate that process chains are triggered most frequently by progressive failures, being the result of gradual landscape weakening and not due to the occurrence of a distinct process. If fluvial processes are part of the process chain the reach (or mobility) of process chains is increased. Increased mobility can also occur if sediment deposition areas along river channels are activated. As climate changes causes glacial environments to transform into sediment‐rich paraglacial and fluvial landscapes, it is expected that the mobility of process chains will increase in the future.

Mapping of the Structural Lineaments and Sedimentary Basement Relief Using Gravity Data to Guide Mineral Exploration in the Denizli Basin

The Aegean Graben System is a complex tectonic structure in Western Anatolia and the Denizli Graben is a member of this system that hosts many geothermal springs, ore deposits, and travertine areas. In this study, the gravity data were analyzed to determine the subsurface geological structures and the depth model of the basin. The Bouguer gravity anomaly has a NW–SE pattern that is consistent with the general trend of the Denizli Basin. The pre-Neogene basement depths range from 0.1 km to 2.3 km. The Denizli Basin is composed of the Çürüksu Basin and the Laodikia sub-basin. The basins have undulated structures with many depressions; the deepest depression region is in the northern part of the Çürüksu Basin, which is close to the Pamukkale Fault Zone. In addition, the new gravity lineament map was obtained by using new-generation edge detection techniques: the tilt angle of the horizontal gradient amplitude (TAHG), and fast sigmoid-edge detection (FSED) of gravity data. The new proposed lineament map shows that the Denizli Basin has complex structures consisting of NW–SE, E–W, and NE–SE trending lineaments, and the major NW–SE trending faults and NE–SW trending lineaments control the main structural configuration. The uplifts and depressions in the basin deposit and the intersection area of lineaments are promising prospective areas for mineral deposits and have energy resource potential.

Improving the application of UAV-LiDAR for erosion monitoring through accounting for uncertainty in DEM of difference

Successful control of erosion requires effective monitoring and an in-depth understanding of erosion processes over large areas. Data from repeated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) acquisitions have been one important option to derive erosion-related information across large areas for example by calculating a digital elevation model of difference (DoD). However, the lack of an efficient and practical DoD uncertainty derivation method constrains the use of repeated UAV- LiDAR acquisitions for erosion monitoring, particularly for erosion that induces relatively small changes (i.e. field scale erosion). This study employed repeated UAV-LiDAR acquisitions to promote the understanding of DoD uncertainties and integrate the gained understanding in an erosion monitoring approach. The uncertainty of DoD was derived based on the impacting factors (point density and topography) using the fuzzy inference system (FIS), with the rules established according to the empirical relationships between DoD uncertainty and impacting factors for one sloping field. The proposed method was then validated on another sloping field by using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data. Results showed that the absolute value of DoD uncertainty (DoDua) linearly increased with local roughness and decreased exponentially with increasing point density. The established DoD uncertainty derivation method was found to be able to account for over 96% of raw DoD uncertainty. A validation with TLS results showed that our method slightly underestimated erosion and deposition volume, respectively, (-0.29 m3 and 0.74 m3 compared to −0.94 m3 and 1.34 m3 measured by TLS) but the trends were comparable. The distribution of deposition (volume and area) in different parts of the validation slope was well captured by our method, while the distribution of detected erosion was less satisfactory. This may be explained by the fact that our method did not well capture subtle erosion, suggesting a direction for future improvement.

A 2D seismic reflection dataset of the Caosiyao giant porphyry Mo deposit in the shallow coverage area in Jining, Inner Mongolia, China

AbstractProspecting for and exploiting buried mineral deposits is currently challenging. Given their high precision and resolution, reflection seismic methods might be useful in such applications involving deep mineral deposits. However, there are few open seismic datasets available from mineral deposit exploration, especially in hardrock environments. The world‐class Caosiyao porphyry Molybdenum deposit (1.76 Mt) in the Jining area of Inner Mongolia, China, is largely covered by loess layers, which poses challenges to its exploration. Seismic reflection surveys were conducted to help delineate the deep granite porphyry intrusions and associated orebodies. This paper presents the raw seismic reflection dataset from three profiles on the Caosiyao deposit area, which can be used as a standard dataset for reflection seismic processing in shallow coverage and hardrock areas. Situated at the juxtaposition of the Khondalite Belt and the Trans‐North China Orogen in the northern North China Craton, the Jining region hosts considerable known porphyry Mo deposits. As such, this open dataset can assist in research on deep geological structures and hence increase prospecting efficiency in geologically similar areas.

Relating soil properties to soil losses by wind erosion in a cultivated organic soil in the southwest of Quebec, Canada

Cultivated organic soils are known to be highly susceptible to wind erosion. The aim of this research was to explore the relationships between organic soil properties and measured soil height variation (SHV) in a cultivated organic soil and to analyze field soil erodibility (wind erodibility index: WEI) from known models. In the fall, 81 georeferenced soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–10 cm and analyzed in the laboratory to determine different soil properties. At the same time, soil height variations were measured over a 35-day period. Simple and multiple linear regressions were used to explore relationships between soil properties and analyze SHV and WEI. The average SHV across the farm was −0.19 mm per day, equivalent to a loss of 0.665 cm during the measurement period. Simple linear regression showed weak relationships with SHV. Nevertheless, the analysis showed that soil loss areas had a larger fraction of macro-aggregates. Conversely, deposition areas with low bulk density (BD) contained more fine material (organic matter [OM] and erodible material [EM]), suggesting wind erosion effects, i.e., deposition of fine matter. Many soil properties were found to correlate significantly with one another. Applying multiple linear regression with SHV and WEI as dependent variables and soil properties as independent variables produced the following results: a) 24% of the SHV was significantly explained by 6 soil properties (α=5%,p=0.001), BD, EM, mean weight diameter (MWD), elevation (Z), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and volumetric water (VW); and b) 75% of the variation in WEI was explained by 5 variables (α=5%,p=0.001), BD, VW, OM, MWD and GMD. This result shows that BD, VW, OM, MWD, EM, GMD, elevation Z are key soil properties in sustainable management of organic soil with >80% OM and will be used in a wind erosion risk model adapted to organic soils.

HMGB1 released by mesothelial cells drives the development of asbestos-induced mesothelioma

Asbestos is the main cause of malignant mesothelioma. Previous studies have linked asbestos-induced mesothelioma to the release of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and from the cytoplasm to the extracellular space. In the cytoplasm, HMGB1 induces autophagy impairing asbestos-induced cell death. Extracellularly, HMGB1 stimulates the secretion of TNFα. Jointly, these two cytokines kick-start a chronic inflammatory process that over time promotes mesothelioma development. Whether the main source of extracellular HMGB1 were the mesothelial cells, the inflammatory cells, or both was unsolved. This information is critical to identify the targets and design preventive/therapeutic strategies to interfere with asbestos-induced mesothelioma. To address this issue, we developed the conditional mesothelial HMGB1-knockout (Hmgb1ΔpMeso) and the conditional myelomonocytic-lineage HMGB1-knockout (Hmgb1ΔMylc) mouse models. We establish here that HMGB1 is mainly produced and released by the mesothelial cells during the early phases of inflammation following asbestos exposure. The release of HMGB1 from mesothelial cells leads to atypical mesothelial hyperplasia, and in some animals, this evolves over the years into mesothelioma. We found that Hmgb1ΔpMeso, whose mesothelial cells cannot produce HMGB1, show a greatly reduced inflammatory response to asbestos, and their mesothelial cells express and secrete significantly reduced levels of TNFα. Moreover, the tissue microenvironment in areas of asbestos deposits displays an increased fraction of M1-polarized macrophages compared to M2 macrophages. Supporting the biological significance of these findings, Hmgb1ΔpMeso mice showed a delayed and reduced incidence of mesothelioma and an increased mesothelioma-specific survival. Altogether, our study provides a biological explanation for HMGB1 as a driver of asbestos-induced mesothelioma.

On the issue of improving forecasting and prospecting complexes for identifying new sources of acutely scarce mineral raw materials (using the example of placer boulder chromium ores)

Te purpose of the work is to improve forecasting and search complexes to identify new sources of extremely scarce mineral raw materials for the Russian industry. Research methodology. Analysis of the available information on the features of the geological structure and conditions for the placement of shallow slope placers of boulder chromium ores, reconstruction of the buried relief of the bedrock, study of the structural features of the bedrock and modern (daytime) surface of the placers using analytical methods (trend analysis, etc.), study of the spatial variability of the estimated parameters of placer objects, identifcation of factors controlling the distribution of placer productivity. Results. Te reconstruction of the bedrock surface of the most fully studied type placer of cobblestone chrome ores of the Saranovskaya group (placer no. 2) was performed, the spatial variability of the estimated parameters of the placer was studied in the plan, and the factors controlling the distribution of the productivity of loose deposits were determined. Te longitudinal profle of the bedrock surface of the placer is an alternation of slightly inclined and subhorizontal areas, the formation of which is probably due to the repeated manifestation of erosion cycles in the history of the development of the region. Te distribution of productive deposits thickness in the direction of placer elongation is periodic. Te increased thickness of the productive layer runs to areas where slightly inclined sections of the bedrock are replaced by more gentle (sub-horizontal) ones, to the bases of “terraced” steps in the relief. Overall, there is a general trend towards an increase in the thickness of the productive layer down the slope. Te distribution of placer productivity indicators is uneven; in the direction of the elongation of the placer, zones of increase, maximum and decrease in productivity are distinguished, which are typical features of the “elementary placer” according to N. A. Shilo. Tere is a clear confnement of the most productive areas to the subhorizontal morphostructural elements of the buried bedrock in the middle part of the placer. Te microforms of the buried relief, which are associated with the most productive areas of the slope deposits, manifest themselves as negative “remains” of the linear trend of the bedrock surface marks. Te morphostructural elements of the buried bedrock of the shallow placer are inherited in the modern relief. Conclusions. Te analysis of the presented materials emphasizes the importance of morphostructural studies in predicting and searching for placers of pebble chromium ores of close ablation. During prospecting, the task of ultra-precise surveying of the day surface relief with additional mathematical transformations of the obtained data seems to be an urgent task.

Geopark Gemer: Geodiverzita a banské dedičstvo v geoturistike

The integration of geological heritage conservation into a regional sustainable economic and cultural development strategy is a general objective of geoparks. A geopark is an area that contains one or more sites of scientific importance not only from a geological point of view, but also from the point of view of its archaeological, economic or cultural specificity of European significance. The main objective of the paper is to present knowledge review and option for the development and strengthening of the role of geodiversity in tourism through the proposal of inclusion of the Geopark Gemer among the Geoparks of Slovakia. In the Gemer-Malohont region, there are 69 significant geological sites, which are protected under Act No. 543/2002 Coll., 5th or 4th level of protection, or are declared under the UNESCO Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. There are 1,444 old mine workings and 42 protected deposit areas in the territory. There are also numerous caves, scrapes, scrape fields, sinkholes, karst plots, karst lakes, cave openings, karst vents, etc., a total of 207 of them have been recorded in the area. Based on these findings, we can confirm that the Gemer-Malohont region has the potential for geotourism development. The designation of Geopark Gemer would ensure the promotion and protection of the region's geological and cultural heritage.

Formation of calcium-phosphate-based coatings on titanium by laser-induced deposition in liquid environment

Herein, a laser-induced chemical liquid-phase deposition (LCLD) technology was developed to synthesize a calcium phosphate (CaP)-based coating on Ti. Petal-like deposits were formed directly on the recast layer of Ti in a solution containing Ca and P under laser irradiation. The recast layer, containing elements in the deposit and Ti, acted as an interfacial layer between the coating and substrate. An increase in the laser power density increased the uniformity and size of the deposits. Zn ions can be incorporated into CaP deposits during LCLD, providing antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and improving the corrosion resistance of Ti. Both CaP and Zn-doped CaP coatings exhibited good bioactivity owing to the high surface area of the petal-like deposits.

Adrenomedullin, transcriptionally regulated by vitamin D receptors, alleviates atherosclerosis in mice through suppressing AMPK-mediated endothelial ferroptosis.

Vitamin D receptors (VDR) play important roles in cardiovascular, immune, metabolic and other functions. Activation of VDR may help improve endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, and cardiac hypertrophy. However, the specific target genes and mechanisms of VDR in improving Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC) functions remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the function and mechanism of VDR in HUVECs. Endothelial dysfunction cell model was constructed by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). An animal model of atherosclerosis was established in male homozygous Apoe-/- mice (6 weeks) on a high fat diet for 6 weeks. The relationship between VDR and adrenomedullin (ADM) was studied by bioinformatics analysis, ChIP, and luciferase reporter gene analysis. Endothelial cell function was evaluated by Transwell migration and Tube Formation tests. Ferroptosis was detected by measuring intracellular iron content, levels of oxidative stress markers, and ferroptosis related proteins. Overexpression of VDR in HUVECs inhibits ox-LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction and ferroptosis. VDR binds to the ADM promoter sequence and regulates the transcription of ADM. Inhibition of ADM promotes ox-LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction and ferroptosis. ADM regulates ox-LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction and ferroptosis through the AMPK signaling pathway. Overexpression of VDR in Apoe-/- mice inhibited lipid deposition and plaque area in atherosclerotic mice. VDR inhibits ox-LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction and ferroptosis by regulating ADM transcription and acting on AMPK signaling pathway. Overexpression of VDR in Apoe-/- mice reduced lipid deposition and plaque area in the thoracic aorta of atherosclerotic mice.

Assessment of morphological changes of river bank erosion using landsat satellite time-series images

River morphology is one of the most important fields of river engineering and the study of the changes in the flow direction and cross-sections of a river. Over the past years, using the unique properties of remote sensing (RS) and satellite images, many studies have been conducted on rivers' morphological changes. In this study, the morphological changes of the river boundary displacement and the changes in river width resulting from deposition and erosion during 30 years period (1985 to 2015) in the Bazoft River, one of the North sub-basins of the Karun River basin in Iran, using 26 satellite images of TM, ETM+, and OLI Landsat in the ENVI 5.3 and ArcGIS 10.3 software have been assessed. The results indicated that the greatest change in the river bank takes place in the distance between 62 and 84 km from Karun-4 Dam to the upstream. Besides, analyzing long-term periods indicated that in the time intervals of 1985–1994, 1994–2005, and 2005–2015 the sediment had deposited along river banks. For 30 years, the river's average deposition and erosion levels areas are estimated to be 69.4 and 42.4 ha, respectively, meaning that ground with 27.1 ha is formed by virtue of deposition. According to the assessments, it was indicated that there is no significant difference between average deposition and erosion on the left bank in short periods, and the deposition bank is approximately 2% greater than bank erosion. However, on the right bank, the deposition level is approximately 8% greater than erosion, which is significant at a confidence level of 95%. The results of this study perfectly indicated the ability of sub-pixels and the use of water indicators in revealing the river form changes using Satellite Images Time Series (SITS).