Distribution Area Research Articles

Discrete Adjoint Optimization Method for Low-Boom Aircraft Design Using Equivalent Area Distribution

This paper introduces a low-boom aircraft optimization design method guided by equivalent area distribution, which effectively improves the intuitiveness and refinement of inverse design. A gradient optimization method based on discrete adjoint equations is proposed to achieve the fast solution of the gradient information of target equivalent area distribution relative to design variables and to drive the aerodynamic shape update to the optimal solution. An optimization experiment is carried out based on a self-developed supersonic civil aircraft configuration with engines. The results show that the equivalent area distribution adjoint equation can accurately solve the gradient information. After optimization, the sonic boom level of the aircraft was reduced by 13.2 PLdB, and the drag coefficient was reduced by 60.75 counts. Moreover, the equivalent area distribution adjoint optimization method has outstanding advantages, such as high sensitivity and fast convergence speed, and can take both the low sonic boom and the low drag force of the aircraft into account, providing a powerful tool for the comprehensive optimization design of supersonic civil aircraft by considering sonic boom and aerodynamic force.

Hidden diversity of Aegla (Decapoda, Anomura) in a priority area for conservation

AbstractAegla is a genus of freshwater anomuran crabs encompassing 94 described species occurring in meridional South America. Brazil harbours the greatest diversity of species, mainly in its southern region, which becomes a priority area for Aegla conservation due to high species richness and phylogenetic diversity, elevated endemism and threats to the Atlantic Forest. Here, we assessed Aegla richness and distribution in this priority area and tested the hypothesis of crypticism in the region's species. Sampling sites were distributed inside and in the surroundings of five protected areas, covering the major distribution range of several species described for southern Brazil. We applied three species delimitation methods to COI mitochondrial gene data, coupled with phylogenetic and morphological analyses. By integrating species delimitation based on the COI data and traditional taxonomy, we uncovered a high proportion of hidden diversity among Aegla in our study area and identified ten known species besides impressive 17 new putative species. Of these, eight are possible new taxonomic units that do not conform to any known species, and nine are divided into three cryptic groups: Aegla jarai complex, Aegla franciscana complex and Aegla camargoi complex. Most of these species have a narrow spatial distribution, making them highly vulnerable to habitat degradation. Despite the real richness of the genus still being largely unknown, the high diversity revealed here makes our study area the richest known region regarding the number of Aegla species within its distribution, making this area even more worthy for conservation efforts.

Study on multifunctional magnesium copper zinc spinel ferrite nanoparticles prepared by hydrothermal route; Physical, electrical, and anti-microbial investigation

Polycrystalline spinel ferrite nanoparticles of Mg0.70-XCuXZn0.30Fe2O4(X=0.0,0.15,0.30,0.45,0.60) were prepared by hydrothermal approach. The structural modification by X-ray diffraction of Mg-Zn spinel ferrite with Cu2+ substitution was recorded through crystallite size (11–14 nm), Lattice dimension (8.34–8.38 A°), strain (7×10−3-9×10−3) and dislocation density (4×1015-7×1015) respectively. The formation of spinel structure (Fe-O) was identified by FTIR with a vibration band around 400–600 cm−1. Also, the Rietveld refined XRD pattern confirmed the presence of a cubical spinel structure. The electron microscopic (SEM) analysis revealed sphere-cubical agglomerates of the prepared material. TEM analysis revealed that the particles were inside the nanoscale range, with an average particle size of 15.97 nm determined using a lognormal histogram. The existence of the expected elements is confirmed by EDS spectra. From BET data, surface parameters including surface area (39.938–92.643 m2/gm), volume (2.355 × 10−1 to 2.52 × 10−1 gm/cm3), pore radius (5.0831–12.650 nm), and pore size distribution were determined. The magnetic parameters Ms (20–34 emu/g), Hc (30–39 Oe), and Mr (1.3–2.8 emu/g) obtained by VSM measurements indicate the single domain, pseudo single domain and multi-domain nature of as prepared nanoparticles and lower dielectric parameters at high frequency obtain from dielectric spectroscopy indicate the suitability of the material for switching devices, power application energy storage, and high-frequency applications. The antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) was evaluated against different harmful bacteria and demonstrated the desired zone of inhibition (ZOI).

Victoria West-like Core Technology from Fengshudao, an Early–Middle Pleistocene Site in Bose Basin, South China

ABSTRACT The Victoria West core technology (VWCT) has long been regarded as an important and uniquely prepared core tradition in the Acheulean. This technology is currently the earliest prepared core technology (0.8–1.1 Ma) to appear during the Paleolithic. The VWCT is thought to have many conceptual and technological similarities with the Levallois technology and is sometimes considered to be a “proto-Levallois” tradition. The discovery and subsequent analyses of VWCT have led to extensive discussion among Paleolithic archaeologists about the origin and development of prepared core technologies and associated complex cognitive abilities of early hominins. Unfortunately, VWCT has only been reported from one restricted area of the world, central South Africa. This has made it difficult to determine how widespread this behavior may have been. Here, we report evidence of a similar technology to the VWCT outside South Africa, from the Bose (Baise) Basin in southern China, a basin that has long been considered a core large cutting tool-bearing region in eastern Asia. Eight stone artifacts from the Middle Pleistocene Fengshudao site in Bose appear to be quite similar to the VWCT from the Canteen Kopje site in South Africa. These findings from Fengshudao potentially expand the distribution area of this technologyto eastern Asia and for the first time demonstrate that prepared core technology, along with the required cognitive abilities, also exists in the East Asian Early Paleolithic. The Fengshudao evidence from southern China, being so far east of South Africa suggests this may be a case of convergent evolution.

Collaborative Planning and Comprehensive Evaluation Method for Energy Storage System and Flexible Interconnection in Distribution Networks Considering Island Operation

Introduction: When the superior power grid fails and loses power, due to the traditional single power supply radial grid structure of low-voltage substation areas, all loads in the lowvoltage substation area will lose power, causing a poor electricity consumption experience for low-voltage users. To enhance the resilience of low-voltage distribution areas against faults and power outages from higher-tier power grids, a collaborative planning and comprehensive evaluation method for grid-forming energy storage systems (GFM-ESS) and flexible interconnection in distribution networks, considering island operation, is proposed. Method: This method integrates GFM-ESS and flexible interconnections, taking islanding operations into account. Firstly, the structure of GFM-ESS and voltage source converters is analyzed. The control modes of GFM-ESS in parallel or off-grid scenarios are also scrutinized. Secondly, minimizing the annual comprehensive cost and the annual power outage load are the objective functions. A bilevel programming model for GFM-ESS and flexible interconnection of lowvoltage distribution networks, considering island operation, has been established. Moreover, a comprehensive evaluation method based on the analytic hierarchy process for proposed lowvoltage distribution network structural schemes is introduced. An evaluation index system is established to assess the rationality of these proposed network structural planning schemes. Finally, the superiority of the proposed collaborative planning method is verified through a comparative analysis of three planning methods. Result: The proposed collaborative planning method can effectively ensure the continuous power supply of low-voltage distribution networks under the fault scenario of the upper power network. Conclusion: Moreover, the rationality of the results obtained from the proposed collaborative planning method is verified through a comprehensive evaluation method of grid structure schemes based on the analytic hierarchy process. The proposed comprehensive evaluation method can determine which two areas are optimal for grid planning. result: The superiority of the proposed collaborative planning method was verified by comparative analysis of three planning methods. And the rationality of the proposed collaborative planning method results was verified by the comprehensive evaluation method of grid structure schemes based on analytic hierarchy process.

Distributed Photovoltaic Site Selection and Capacity Planning Considering Power Mutual Support in Multiple Power Distribution Areas

Abstract With the rapid development of local economy, the form of independent power supply from a single power supply in the power distribution area is difficult to meet the demand for high reliability. The interconnection and power mutual assistance planning of power distribution areas under large-scale distributed photovoltaic access have attracted widespread attention. Due to the randomness and volatility of distributed photovoltaics, its different access methods and capacities will affect the safe and stable operation and power mutual assistance capabilities of the distribution area. In order to study the site selection and capacity planning problem of distributed photovoltaics, this paper builds a site selection and capacity model based on the three-phase power flow equation with the maximum external power of the station area as the optimization goal and the safe operation of the distribution area as constraints. Furthermore, an optimization method for distributed photovoltaic site selection and capacity based on improved particle swarm algorithm is proposed. Finally, this paper verified the effectiveness of the optimization method through simulation analysis on the IEEE33 three-phase grid model. The simulation results show that this method of site selection and capacity determination can achieve maximum power transmission in the power distribution area while ensuring the safe and stable operation of the area.

Higher thermal plasticity in flowering phenology increases flowering output.

Ongoing climate change poses an increasing threat to biodiversity. To avoid decline or extinction, species need to either adjust or adapt to new environmental conditions or track their climatic niches across space. In sessile organisms such as plants, phenotypic plasticity can help maintain fitness in variable and even novel environmental conditions and is therefore likely to play an important role in allowing them to survive climate change, particularly in the short term. Understanding a species' response to rising temperature is crucial for planning well-targeted and cost-effective conservation measures. We sampled seeds of three Hypericum species (H. maculatum, H. montanum, and H. perforatum), from a total of 23 populations originating from different parts of their native distribution areas in Europe. We grew them under four different temperature regimes in a greenhouse to simulate current and predicted future climatic conditions in the distribution areas. We measured flowering start, flower count, and subsequent seed weight, allowing us to study variations in the thermal plasticity of flowering phenology and its relation to fitness. Our results show that individuals flowered earlier with increasing temperature, while the degree of phenological plasticity varied among species. More specifically, the plasticity of H. maculatum varied depending on population origin, with individuals from the leading range edge being less plastic. Importantly, we show a positive relationship between higher plasticity and increased flower production, indicating adaptive phenological plasticity. The observed connection between plasticity and fitness supports the idea that plasticity may be adaptive. This study underlines the need for information on plasticity for predicting species' potential to thrive under global change and the need for studies on whether higher phenotypic plasticity is currently being selected as natural populations experience a rapidly changing climate.

Relationship between Synoptic Weather Patterns and Topography on Snowfall in the Idaho Mountainous Regions during the SNOWIE Project

Abstract Snowpack melting is a crucial water resource for local ecosystems, agriculture, and hydropower in the Intermountain West of the United States. Glaciogenic seeding, a method widely used in mountain regions to enhance precipitation, has been subject to numerous field studies aiming to understand and validate this mechanism. However, investigating precipitation distribution and amounts in mountainous areas is complicated due to the intricate interplay of synoptic circulation patterns and local complex topography. These interactions significantly influence microphysical processes, ultimately affecting the amount and distribution of surface precipitation. To address these challenges, this study leverages Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulations, providing high-resolution (900 m), hourly data, spanning the Payette region of Idaho from January to March 2017. We applied the self-organizing map approach to categorize the most representative synoptic circulation patterns and conducted a multiscale analysis to explore their associated environmental conditions and microphysical processes, aiming to assess the cloud seeding potential. The analysis identified four primary synoptic patterns: cold zonal flow (CZF), cold southwesterly flow (CSWF), warm zonal flow (WZF), and warm southwesterly flow (WSWF), constituting 21.3%, 23.1%, 30.0%, and 25.5%, respectively. CSWF and WSWF demonstrated efficiency in generating natural precipitation. These patterns were characterized by abundant supercooled liquid water (SLW) and ice particles, facilitating cloud droplet growth through seeder–feeder processes. On the other hand, CZF exhibited the least SLW and limited potential for cloud seeding, while WZF displayed a lower ice water content but substantial SLW in the diffusion/dendritic growth layer, suggesting a favorable scenario for cloud seeding. Significance Statement Understanding snowfall amounts and distribution in the mountains and how it is linked to topography, synoptic flow, and microphysical processes will help in the development of effective strategies for cloud seeding operations, managing runoff, reservoir, and mitigating flood risks, garnering substantial interest from stakeholders and the government agencies.

EVALUATION OF HEALTH FACILITIES LOCATION TO SUPPORT ACCESSIBILITY TO ESSENTIAL HEALTH SERVICES IN BANDAR LAMPUNG CITY, LAMPUNG PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Health remains one of the most important aspects of every human life, with access to quality healthcare services being a pivotal component of human well-being. In Indonesia, health facility distribution has been characterized by disparities, primarily concentrated on the populous Java Island. This distribution inequity underscores a significant challenge in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. Bandar Lampung, the most densely populated city in Lampung Province and one of Sumatra's most populated cities, experiences an intensified demand for healthcare facilities due to its substantial population. However, the city grapples with numerous infrastructural challenges, including suboptimal road conditions that hinder accessibility to essential healthcare services. These challenges further underscore the urgency of assessing and addressing the healthcare infrastructure within Bandar Lampung. This research seeks to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of health facility availability in Bandar Lampung City, as well as an in-depth analysis of the accessibility of healthcare services in different areas of the city. To achieve this, the study employs the Network Analysis Tool, which leverages road network data to model travel distances and times. In addition to road network data, geospatial population data sourced is integrated into the analysis to gauge the demand for healthcare facilities within Bandar Lampung. This multifaceted approach is essential in comprehensively addressing the complex interplay between supply and demand in the healthcare sector. The combination of these datasets culminates in the creation of an accessibility model that unveils the disparities in healthcare access across Bandar Lampung. The model highlights areas where accessibility to healthcare facilities remains surprisingly low, despite the city's high population density. Conversely, it also identifies regions with high accessibility, potentially serving as templates for improving healthcare distribution in underserved areas. By revealing these disparities, this research contributes valuable insights to healthcare planning and policy formulation in Bandar Lampung and offers a template for addressing similar challenges in other regions with uneven healthcare distribution.

Testing spatial transferability of species distribution models reveals differing habitat preferences for an endangered delphinid (Cephalorhynchus hectori) in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Species distribution models (SDMs) can be used to predict distributions in novel times or space (termed transferability) and fill knowledge gaps for areas that are data poor. In conservation, this can be used to determine the extent of spatial protection required. To understand how well a model transfers spatially, it needs to be independently tested, using data from novel habitats. Here, we test the transferability of SDMs for Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori), a culturally important (taonga) and endangered, coastal delphinid, endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand. We collected summer distribution data from three populations from 2021 to 2023. Using Generalised Additive Models, we built presence/absence SDMs for each population and validated the predictive ability of the top models (with TSS and AUC). Then, we tested the transferability of each top model by predicting the distribution of the remaining two populations. SDMs for two populations showed useful performance within their respective areas (Banks Peninsula and Otago), but when used to predict the two areas outside the models' source data, performance declined markedly. SDMs from the third area (Timaru) performed poorly, both for prediction within the source area and when transferred spatially. When data for model building were combined from two areas, results were mixed. Model interpolation was better when presence/absence data from Otago, an area of low density, were combined with data from areas of higher density, but was otherwise poor. The overall poor transferability of SDMs suggests that habitat preferences of Hector's dolphins vary between areas. For these dolphins, population-specific distribution data should be used for conservation planning. More generally, we demonstrate that a one model fits all approach is not always suitable. When SDMs are used to predict distribution in data-poor areas an assessment of performance in the new habitat is required, and results should be interpreted with caution.

The optimized Maxent model reveals the pattern of distribution and changes in the suitable cultivation areas for Reaumuria songarica being driven by climate change.

Reaumuria songarica, a drought-resistant shrub, is widely distributed and plays a crucial role in the northern deserts of China. It is a key species for desert rehabilitation and afforestation efforts. Using the Maxent model to predict suitable planting areas for R. songarica is an important strategy for combating desertification. With 184 occurrence points of R. songarica and 13 environmental variables, the optimized Maxent model has identified the main limiting factors for its distribution. Distribution patterns and variation trends of R. songarica were projected for current and future climates (2030s, 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) and different scenarios (ssp_126, ssp_370, and ssp_585). Results show that setting parameters to RM (regulation multiplier) = 4 and FC (feature combination) = LQHPT yields a model with good accuracy and high reliability. Currently, R. songarica is primarily suitable for desert control in eight provinces and autonomous regions, including Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Ningxia. The total suitable planting area is 148.80 × 104 km2, representing 15.45% of China's land area. Precipitation (Precipitation of the wettest month, Precipitation of the warmest quarter, and Annual precipitation) and Ultraviolet-B seasonality are the primary environmental factors limiting the growth and distribution of R. songarica. Mean temperature of the warmest quarter is the primary factor driving changes in the distribution of suitable areas for R. songarica under future climate scenarios. In future climate scenarios, the suitable planting area of R. songarica will shrink, and the distribution center will shift towards higher latitude, potentially indicate further desertification. The area of highly suitable habitat has increased, while moderately and less suitable habitat areas have decreased. Increased precipitation within R. songarica's water tolerance range is favorable for its growth and reproduction. With changes in the suitable cultivation area for R. songarica, priority should be given to exploring and utilizing its germplasm resources. Introduction and cultivation can be conducted in expanding regions, while scientifically effective measures should be implemented to protect germplasm resources in contracting regions. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for addressing desertification resulting from climate change and offer practical insights for the development, utilization, introduction, and cultivation of R. songarica germplasm resources.

Electrosynthesis of Unusual Nonfcc Palladium Hydride Nanoparticles.

Intercalation of hydrogen into the palladium atomic layers during the growth of Pd nanoparticles can lead to the synthesis of unique palladium hydride phases. Here, we discover an unusual nonfcc palladium hydride nanoparticle, a structure that is not face-centered cubic (fcc), formed through coreduction of water molecules and Pd ions in solution. Crystal structure determination based on atomic electron tomography points to potential triclinic unit cells, indicating the presence of more than one nonfcc phase, with some of those being a stack of loosened and distorted close-packed layer of atoms. The probability of finding the nonfcc phase in single-crystalline particles varies depending on the number and distribution of contact area with other particles. Roughly half of the isolated and one side-coalesced single-crystal particles exhibit a nonfcc structure, while fcc dominates multiple side-coalesced single crystals as well as polycrystal particles. These observations suggest a coalescence-induced phase transition from a nonfcc to a stable fcc structure, due to the metastable nature of the nonfcc phases. While hydrogen is proven to be a key component for the synthesis of the nonfcc structure, there was limited formation of the unusual phase in a H2 gas bubbling system. Thus, electrochemical pathways can be promising for the in situ creation and study of unique metastable nanomaterials.

Assessing the social risks of flooding for coastal societies: a case study for Prince Edward Island, Canada

With the worldwide growing threat of flooding, assessing flood risks for human societies and the associated social vulnerability has become a necessary but challenging task. Earlier research indicates that islands usually face heightened flood risks due to higher population density, isolation, and oceanic activities, while there is an existing lack of experience in assessing the island-focused flood risk under complex interactions between geography and socioeconomics. In this context, our study employs high-resolution flood hazard data and the principal component analysis (PCA) method to comprehensively assess the social risk of flood exposure and social vulnerability in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, where limited research has been delivered on flood risk assessments. The findings reveal that exposed populations are closely related to the distribution of flood areas, with increasingly severe impact from current to future climate conditions, especially on the island’s north shore. Exposed buildings exhibit a concentrated distribution at different levels of community centers, with climate change projected to significantly worsen building exposure compared to population, possibly due to the urban agglomeration effect. The most populated cities and towns show the highest social vulnerabilities in PEI, and the results reflect a relatively less complex economic structure of islands. Recommendations for research and management in the coming stage include the necessity of particular climate actions, recognizing community centers as critical sites for flood hazard responses, and incorporating flood hazards into urban planning and management to mitigate the impacts of continuous urbanization on ecosystem services for flood prevention.

PEMODELAN SPASIAL DALAM MENGIDENTIFIKASI TINGKAT KERENTANAN BANJIR DI KECAMATAN MEJOBO, KABUPATEN KUDUS, JAWA TENGAH, INDONESIA

The occurrence of flood disasters is an annual unavoidable event in the Mejobo District, Kudus Regency. This study aims to map the vulnerable areas to floods in the Mejobo District using spatial modelling. The parameters used to determine the vulnerability areas include soil type, elevation, population density, river buffer, rainfall, and land use. The research location is situated in the Mejobo District. The research method employed is the models and multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, with the assistance of ArcGIS software for data processing and analysis. The research findings yield a final map depicting flood vulnerability, which indicates the distribution of flood-prone areas. Areas with a high level of flood vulnerability are dispersed across agricultural fields and areas adjacent to rivers, covering an area of 1,770 hectares. Meanwhile, areas with a moderate level of vulnerability are predominantly distributed in residential areas, covering an area of 1,907 hectares.

Distribution of Manganese Ore Deposit in Sukaagung Village, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung

Abstract Manganese ore deposits are one of the most widely used metal alloys in everyday life. Generally, manganese ore deposits are present as residual deposits along with iron ore at certain pH and Eh conditions. These deposits can come from the chemical weathering of crystalline schist, limestone, and dolomite rocks or earlier manganese deposits. In Lampung, the presence of manganese ore can be found in Sukaagung Village, Tanggamus Regency, but little research has been done to determine the distribution and potential of manganese ore in this area. Therefore, this study aims to determine manganese ore distribution and enrichment process in the study area using field data and petrography. In general, manganese ore deposits in Sukaagung Village are present as veins that fill fractures and nodules. Manganese ore deposits that were present as fracture fillers were found intersecting marble, quartzite, and mica schist of the Complex of Gunungkasih Tak Terpisahkan, tuffaceous siltstone from Menanga Formation, and the lapilli tuff and andesite of the Hulusimpang Formation. These deposits are present in manganese as botryoidal and dendritic forms in rock fractures. Meanwhile, manganese ore deposits in the form of nodules are present in submarine volcanic sedimentary rocks in the Menanga Formation. The presence of manganese ore deposits in the study area is thought to be the result of the leaching of manganese elements from the banded iron formation which is associated with the Permian-Cretaceous magmatism, hydrothermal submarine, and rift basin. The acidic fluid dissolves other elements and leaves manganese ore as an economical mineral. Manganese ore is then carried by subsurface fluids, filling fractures in Paleozoic-Tertiary rocks. Even though the distribution of manganese ore in Sukaagung Village is quite wide, further research is needed to determine the potential and reserves of manganese ore in the study area.

Generative Modelling of Cortical Receptor Distributions from Cytoarchitectonic Images in the Macaque Brain

Neurotransmitter receptor densities are relevant for understanding the molecular architecture of brain regions. Quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography, has been introduced to map neurotransmitter receptor distributions of brain areas. However, it is very time and cost-intensive, which makes it challenging to obtain whole-brain distributions. At the same time, high-throughput light microscopy and 3D reconstructions have enabled high-resolution brain maps capturing measures of cell density across the whole human brain. Aiming to bridge gaps in receptor measurements for building detailed whole-brain atlases, we study the feasibility of predicting realistic neurotransmitter density distributions from cell-body stainings. Specifically, we utilize conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (cGANs) to predict the density distributions of the M2 receptor of acetylcholine and the kainate receptor for glutamate in the macaque monkey’s primary visual (V1) and motor cortex (M1), based on light microscopic scans of cell-body stained sections. Our model is trained on corresponding patches from aligned consecutive sections that display cell-body and receptor distributions, ensuring a mapping between the two modalities. Evaluations of our cGANs, both qualitative and quantitative, show their capability to predict receptor densities from cell-body stained sections while maintaining cortical features such as laminar thickness and curvature. Our work underscores the feasibility of cross-modality image translation problems to address data gaps in multi-modal brain atlases.

Highly stable mesoporous Ni-phyllosilicate particle under high temperature hydrothermal and base conditions towards industrial catalytic applications

Two mesoporous nickel phyllosilicate (Ni-PS) samples with Ni/Si ratios of 0.3 and 1 were used to compare high-temperature hydrothermal stability. The Ni-PS structures have well-developed porosity and pore size distributions mainly ranging from 2 to 20 nm. To assess their hydrothermal resistance as a reusable heterogeneous catalyst in high-temperature reactions, the samples were exposed to 800 °C for 7 days using steam-supplied muffle furnaces. Three types of mesoporous silica samples (i.e. MCM-41, SBA-15, and mesoporous benzene-silica) and two zeolites (i.e. ZSM-5 and zeolite-Y) were compared under the same conditions. The hydrothermal resistance was primarily confirmed based on changes in pore size distribution and surface area through nitrogen-sorption isotherm analysis. The crystal structure and the binding energy of each sample were investigated by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The Ni-PS structures displayed excellent stability (i.e. BET surface area retained over 77 % and 65 % after 1-d and 7-d treatment, respectively.) compared with other mesoporous samples, and even higher stability than zeolite Y. In addition, structural stability at pH = 10 is much higher than that of ZSM-5. This suggests that it could be used for various catalytic chemical reactions including hydrogenation and cracking processes because NiO and Ni nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the surface, maintaining their particle shape even after a reduction process.

Becoming a World Champion Powerlifter at 71Years of Age: It Is Never Too Late to Start Exercising.

This case study assessed body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic health of the present female world champion powerlifter in the 70+ age category who started resistance exercise training at 63years of age with no prior experience with structured exercise training. Measures of body composition (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning, leg volume); strength (one-repetition maximum leg press and extension, maximum voluntary contraction, and handgrip strength); physical function (short physical performance battery); cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption); and metabolic health (oral glucose tolerance test) were assessed. In addition, a muscle biopsy was collected to assess muscle fiber type distribution and cross-sectional area (CSA). Where possible, data were compared with previously (un)published sex- and age-matched data using z scores. Skeletal muscle mass index was calculated by dividing limb muscle mass by height squared. Data from the control groups are expressed as mean ± 95% confidence interval. Our participant (age: 71years; body mass: 64.5kg; body mass index: 27.6kg/m2) reported a good bone mineral density of 1.09g/cm2 (T score between -1 and +1) and very low values of abdominal and organ body fat (i.e.,between 20% and 70% lower compared with a reference group of postmenopausal women). In addition, she showed a 33% greater skeletal muscle mass index when compared with healthy, older female control subjects (7.9 vs. 5.9 [5.7-6.2] kg/m2; n = 61) as well as 37% greater muscle quadriceps CSA (63.8 vs. 46.6 [44.5-48.7] cm2; n = 48) and 46% greater Type II muscle fiber CSA (4,536 vs. 3,097 [2,707-3,488] μm2; n = 19). Absolute leg press muscle strength was 36% greater (190 vs. 140 [132-147] kg; n = 30) and handgrip strength was 33% greater (33 vs. 25 [23-26] kg; n = 48) when compared with healthy, age-matched controls. In conclusion, even for resistance exercise naïve individuals, starting exercise at an advanced age can lead to improvements in body composition and muscle strength allowing older adults to reduce the risk for developing metabolic syndrome, live independently, and even compete at a world class level.

Analysis of imaging features of rare tumors in nasal cavity and paranasal sinus

Objective:To explore the imaging features of rare tumors of nasal cavity and sinuses, and to improve the understanding of these diseases, thereby aiding clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods:The CT and MRI findings of 79 cases of rare neoplasm of nasal cavity and sinuses confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed, and the imaging features were summarized. Results:Among the 79 cases, there were 16 cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma, most showing expansive and infiltrative bone destruction without hyperosteogeny and sclerosis. The sphenoid sinus exhibited a "pigeon" shape. In 28 cases of malignant melanoma, MRI signals were diverse, typical signals were rare, but mixed signals were more common. In 12 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma, MRI enhancement mostly showed "grape-like" enhancement and partial ring enhancement; There were 10 cases of olfactory neuroblastoma, the lesions were consistent with the distribution area of olfactory mucosa, most of them were lobulated, marginal nodules, and "flower ring" enhancement, and 2 cases grew across intracranial and external, with multiple cystic lesions and surrounding flaky edema bands. In 5 cases of solitary fibrous tumor, Benign tumors had regular shape and uniform density, while malignant tumors had irregular shape and uneven density, The enhancement was obviously uneven and showed a "pattern" change. There were 2 cases of sarcomatoid carcinoma, both with lobed appearance, uneven density, lamellar low-density shadow, and osteolytic bone destruction. In 4 cases of schwannoma, the enhancement showed obvious inhomogeneous enhancement. One case showed cystic necrosis, one case showed calcification, and the surrounding structure was compressed without damage. There was 1 case of neurofibroma, with many cystic components, low signal separation and compartmentalized enhancement. One case of paraganglioma showed moderate enhancement in the arterial phase and progressive enhancement in the venous phase, accompanied by significant swelling bone destruction. Conclusion:Rare tumors of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses have distinctive imaging features. CT and MRI can effectively show the extent of the lesions and the degree of infiltration into adjacent tissues and organs, which is helpful for early clinical diagnosis and staging. However, definitive diagnosis still depends on pathology and immunohistochemistry.

Spatial difference of salt dynamics within burrows in high salinity zone (high intertidal zone & supratidal zone) of mudflat

Surface evaporation and seawater concentration in the tidal flat have been demonstrated as sources of salt for phreatic brine layers. However, the mechanisms of salt replenishment in such layers remain unclear. Here, the transport processes and factors influencing surface salt in mudflat under the influence of bioturbation were examined in the high salinity zone (high intertidal zone & supratidal zone) along the southern coast of Laizhou Bay, China. In this study, the laboratory model and numerical model of salt transport in the mudflat brine distribution area under the influence of crab burrows were constructed through in-situ investigation to simulate the salt transport process in the mudflat brine distribution area under different tidal amplitudes and different beach salinity, and the influence of the diameter and density of crab burrows on the water-salt exchange process was analyzed. The results indicate that in the salt-crust-free region, the salinity change in burrow-dense area (BDA) lags behind that of independent burrow (IB). At the same time, the salinity increase of IB is at most 17 ppt higher than that of BDA, and the salinity decrease of IB is at most 9 ppt lower than that of BDA, which made BDA promoting more salt accumulation and facilitating the salt transport to deeper layers. In the salt-crust-bearing region, due to the high salt content on the beach surface and the weak tidal amplitude, salt is continuously released and accumulated in the surface during multiple tidal cycles, but the ability to transport to the deep layer is weak. In this case, burrows characterized by larger diameters become the preferential paths for salt transport. In addition, crab burrows affect the evaporation of sediments. In this study, the surface salinity of sediments under the influence of burrows is around 10–45 ppt higher than that without burrows.