Relative Distribution Patterns Research Articles

Diversity and abundance of large old trees in Hainan Island: Spatial analysis and environmental correlations

AbstractLarge old trees (LOTs) are invaluable natural treasures and cultural legacies, holding ecological, historical, social, and economic significance. However, climate change and human impacts threaten their existence. Understanding their species composition, age structure, biomass, and distribution patterns in relation to environmental factors is essential for effective conservation. In Hainan Island, South China, we analyzed 1081 LOTs from 74 species across 35 families, using a combination of field surveys and government data. The dominant families were Moraceae, Sapindaceae, and Fagaceae, with key species including Ficus altissima, Litchi chinensis, and Tamarindus indica. The age distribution followed a reverse J‐shape, indicating a prevalence of trees aged 300–399 years. In contrast, diameter at breast height (DBH) and height distributions were unimodal, favoring medium to large‐sized trees. Spatial analysis revealed uneven distribution patterns: the western zone exhibited the highest species diversity, the central zone moderate diversity, and the eastern zone low diversity, reflecting uneven urban and agricultural impacts. Most LOTs were concentrated at elevations of 0–50 m. Factors such as GDP, urbanization, and forest cover positively correlated with LOT abundance and diversity, with forest cover and average annual temperature particularly favoring these trees. The findings emphasize the intricate relationship between environmental factors and LOT distribution. They advocate for tailored conservation strategies that address the complex interplay of ecological, socioeconomic, and cultural influences on their preservation.Abstract in Chinese is available with online material.

MAPPING GLIOMAS: A RADIOGRAPHIC AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS ACCORDING TO THE 2021 WHO CLASSIfiCATION

Abstract AIMS The spatial positioning of gliomas within the brain significantly influences prognosis, potentially mirroring the genetic landscape of their precursor cells. Furthermore, the association between glioma subtypes and their spatial distribution underscores a complex interplay that may illuminate underlying pathogenetic mechanisms. This study explores the intricate relationship between the location of gliomas and their classification according to the 2021 WHO guidelines, aiming to unravel the spatial and genetic nuances that define glioma heterogeneity. METHOD In this study, preoperative anatomical MRI data from 242 glioma patients were meticulously analyzed to elucidate spatial distribution patterns in relation to tumor genetics. The imaging data underwent registration to the MNI-152 standard brain space, facilitating uniform analysis. Subsequent tumor segmentation and division of the brain into 84 distinct subregions allowed for a detailed examination of tumor locations. A statistical analysis was conducted to explore the stereospecific frequency of glioma occurrence across these subregions, correlating findings with tumor grade and pivotal genetic markers, including MGMT promoter methylation, IDH1 mutation, 1p/19q co-deletion, and CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion. RESULTS We developed 21 distinct tumor frequency atlases based on subtypes (Glioblastoma, Oligodendroglioma, Astrocytoma), biomarker status (IDH, 1p19q, MGMT, CDKN2A/B), and grade (2, 3, 4). Employing probability vectors for statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation among different subtypes, locations and overall survival. Furthermore, we used a Visualization tool to build a 3D heatmap for each tumor subtype, more intuitively illustrating spatial correlations. CONCLUSION Our study underscores the prognostic value of tumor location and its correlation with glioma subtypes and patient outcomes, suggesting a potential pathway to personalized treatments. Future efforts will focus on incorporating multi-omics data into spatial radiographic analyses.

Depositional Environment and Ecological Response of Bioconstructions: A Case Study of Southern China (Guizhou Province) in Moscovian-Gzhelian.

From the late Carboniferous to the early Permian, multiple pulses of glaciation and deglaciation have been caused by the LPIA. The Pennsylvanian period experienced phases of recovery, proliferation, and decline, ultimately forming a reef system distinctly different from that of the Mississippian period. During the late Bashkirian to Moscovian, the metazoan reef experienced a limited resurgence, with reef predominantly formed by chaetetid developing in the United States, northern China, and Japan. During the Kasimovian to Gzhelian, the phylloid algal reef dominated the global reef systems. In the late Pennsylvanian, bioconstruction cases and paleoenvironmental proxies in southern Guizhou Province were studied to investigate the composition, recovery, and evolutionary processes of the bioconstructions as well as their response to environmental variations during this period. Several bioconstructions have been reported in the Lumazhai section of Houchang Town, Guizhou Province, southern China, from the Moscovian to the Gzhelian. The upper Carboniferous strata are well-preserved and continuously exposed. The continuous strata, abundant fossils, and diverse bioconstructions provide excellent research materials for exploring the mutual constraints between organisms and their environment. This study identified ten microfacies, whose vertical evolution indicated significant changes in the depositional environment related to relative sea-level fluctuations. Skeletal grains are widely present in these facies. Among them, foraminifera, algae, bryozoans, crinoids, and Tubiphytes are the most common and exhibit distinct distribution characteristics in various environments. Quantitative statistics, CCA and theoretical ecospace have been utilized to examine and interpret environmental impact factors. Quantitative analysis of their relative abundance and distribution patterns provides insights into the complex interactions between organisms and environmental factors. The relative abundances of different organisms and factors controlling their bioconstructions are influenced by relative sea-level changes. CCA analysis reveal that hydrodynamic conditions are the primary influencing factor. Variation trends in average tiering and motility reveal the characteristics of biological communities during environmental changes in phylloid algae and microbial bioconstructions. These bioconstructions are not directly correlated with changes in environmental factors, and the biological communities in phylloid algae mounds and biostromes exhibit similar organism compositions and ecological niches across different environments.

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The Zagros Mountain range in western Iran is an area of species endemism within the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot. A couple of relict and morphologically isolated species have been reported for the Zagros Mountains, yet their distribution patterns in relation to the geological and climatic history of the region are not fully understood. Clinopodium kallaricum (Jamzad) Bordbar, 2019 (Lamiaceae), Hypericum dogonbadanicum Assadi, 1984 (Hypericaceae), and Iranoaster bachtiaricus (Mozaff.) Kaz. Osaloo, Farhani & Mozaff. 2018 (Asteraceae) are local endemic species restricted to Zagros with no clear affinities to the Irano-Turanian or other Northern Hemisphere temperate species. Previous studies suggested some afromontane relations for these species, beyond the Saharo-Sindian lowlands. Here, we provide dated phylogenies for these three species, to assess the most probable drivers behind this pattern of distribution. Our results represent that the split between these taxa and their relatives is not contemporaneous, implying different biogeographical histories. I. bachtiaricus originated in the Middle Miocene, while C. kallaricum and H. dogonbadanicum are relatively younger (late Miocene early Pliocene). The divergence of these taxa coincided with the major geological and climatic events of the Miocene, mainly the collision of the Afro-Arabia and Eurasia plates in 18-16 Mya and the aridification of the Sahara (started in 11-7 Mya), followed by a shift in the vegetation of the Sahara from subtropical/steppe to arid desert. The possible relict nature of these species is discussed, and the role of the Saharo-Sindian Region as a vicariant agent is highlighted, which could have subdivided formerly uniform populations and subsequently accelerated the allopatric speciation.

Plant community formation and species distribution pattern in relation to environmental variables in Endiras Natural Forest, northwest Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Endiras Forest, northwest Ethiopia, to evaluate the effects of environmental variables on the patterns of plant community formation. A systematic random sampling technique was used to collect vegetation data from 56 (20 m × 20 m) plots laid at 100 m intervals on ten transects. In each plot, the species encountered and its percent cover abundance were recorded, which was later transformed into a modified Braun-Blanquet scale. The composite soil samples collected from 15 cm × 15 cm subplots were examined for 13 soil parameters. Communities were determined using cluster analysis. The Shannon-Wiener index was employed to quantify species diversity. The relationships between species and environmental variables were evaluated using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Seventy-three woody plant species, distributed in 40 families, were documented. Fabaceae was found to be the most species-rich family (20.55%). Five communities were generated from the cluster analyses that vary in diversity. Nine environmental variables were found to be significant in determining patterns of community formation (P < 0.05). Organic matter, pH, and altitude, highly correlated with CCA axis 1, largely shaped the community formation patterns. Various patterns of community formation demonstrate the need to design different conservation measures.

Rotifer distribution patterns in relation to dissolved organic matter in the middle reaches of Huai River Basin during the dry season.

Increased dissolved organic matter (DOM) may induce water browning and affect zooplankton communities by changing photochemical environment, microbial food web, and bioavailability of organic carbon supply. However, little is known about the relationship between DOM components and rotifers in natural rivers, relative to the cladocerans and copepods. Here, we investigated the spatial patterns of rotifer distribution in relation to DOM by collecting forty-four water samples from four areas in the middle reaches of Huai River Basin. Results revealed that DOM was described by two humic-like and two protein-like components. There were significant differences in the composition and diversity of rotifer communities among areas, which might be related to autochthonous and allochthonous DOM as well as geographical distances. Specifically, rotifer communities were mainly related to molecular weight, substituents on the aromatic ring, humification level, and protein-like materials. Autochthonous and fresh DOM was positively associated with rotifer abundance and richness, and terrigenous humic-like substances were positively associated with rotifer diversity and evenness. There was a reciprocal effect between rotifer and DOM. Our findings will contribute to the understanding of the possible effects of water browning on rotifer communities, providing new insights into the key role of DOM and rotifer in the energy transfer of aquatic systems.

Increased expression of human antiviral protein MxA in FUS proteinopathy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

FUS mutations are one of the major mutations in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The pathological hallmark is FUS-positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (FUS-NCI), known as FUS proteinopathy. Human myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MxA) is an IFN-induced dynamin-like GTPase that acts as antiviral factor. In this study, we examined the expression of MxA in neurons bearing FUS-NCI. We performed immunohistochemistry for FUS and MxA to examine the expression of MxA in two autopsy cases with different FUS gene mutations localized at the nuclear localization signal site (Case 1, H517P; Case 2, R521C). MxA. Most neurons bearing FUS-NCI have increased cytoplasmic MxA expression. Increased cytoplasmic MxA showed several distribution patterns in relation to FUS-NCIs such as the following: colocalization with NCI, distribution more widely than NCI, and different distribution peaks from NCI. Our results suggested that antiviral signaling IFNs are involved upstream in the formation of FUS-NCI in ALS-FUS patients.

Radiomics for the detection of diffusely impaired myocardial perfusion: A proof-of-concept study using 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography

AimThe current proof-of-concept study investigates the value of radiomic features from normal 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial retention images to identify patients with reduced global myocardial flow reserve (MFR). MethodsData from 100 patients with normal retention 13N-ammonia PET scans were divided into two groups, according to global MFR (i.e., < 2 and ≥ 2), as derived from quantitative PET analysis. We extracted radiomic features from retention images at each of five different gray-level (GL) discretization (8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 bins). Outcome independent and dependent feature selection and subsequent univariate and multivariate analyses was performed to identify image features predicting reduced global MFR. ResultsA total of 475 radiomic features were extracted per patient. Outcome independent and dependent feature selection resulted in a remainder of 35 features. Discretization at 16 bins (GL16) yielded the highest number of significant predictors of reduced MFR and was chosen for the final analysis. GLRLM_GLNU was the most robust parameter and at a cut-off of 948 yielded an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value of 67%, 74%, 58%, 64%, and 69%, respectively, to detect diffusely impaired myocardial perfusion. ConclusionA single radiomic feature (GLRLM_GLNU) extracted from visually normal 13N-ammonia PET retention images independently predicts reduced global MFR with moderate accuracy. This concept could potentially be applied to other myocardial perfusion imaging modalities based purely on relative distribution patterns to allow for better detection of diffuse disease.

Cortical bone distribution of the proximal phalanges in great apes: implications for reconstructing manual behaviours.

Primate fingers are typically in direct contact with the environment during both locomotion and manipulation, and aspects of external phalangeal morphology are known to reflect differences in hand use. Since bone is a living tissue that can adapt in response to loading through life, the internal bone architecture of the manual phalanges should also reflect differences in manual behaviours. Here, we use the R package Morphomap to analyse high-resolution microCT scans of hominid proximal phalanges of digits 2-5 to determine whether cortical bone structure reflects variation in manual behaviours between bipedal (Homo), knuckle-walking (Gorilla, Pan) and suspensory (Pongo) taxa. We test the hypothesis that relative cortical bone distribution patterns and cross-sectional geometric properties will differ both among extant great apes and across the four digits due to locomotor and postural differences. Results indicate that cortical bone structure reflects the varied hand postures employed by each taxon. The phalangeal cortices of Pongo are significantly thinner and have weaker cross-sectional properties relative to the African apes, yet thick cortical bone under their flexor sheath ridges corresponds with predicted loading during flexed finger grips. Knuckle-walking African apes have even thicker cortical bone under the flexor sheath ridges, as well as in the region proximal to the trochlea, but Pan also has thicker diaphyseal cortices than Gorilla. Humans display a distinct pattern of distodorsal thickening, as well as relatively thin cortices, which may reflect the lack of phalangeal curvature combined with frequent use of flexed fingered hand grips during manipulation. Within each taxon, digits 2-5 have a similar cortical distribution in Pongo, Gorilla and, unexpectedly, Homo, which suggest similar loading of all fingers during habitual locomotion or hand use. In Pan, however, cortical thickness differs between the fingers, potentially reflecting differential loading during knuckle-walking. Inter- and intra-generic variation in phalangeal cortical bone structure reflects differences in manual behaviours, offering a comparative framework for reconstructing hand use in fossil hominins.

The Clustering Characteristics and Driving Mechanisms of Tourist Preference for 5A Scenic Spots from the Dynamic Spatio-Temporal Perspective: A Case of Jiangsu in Eastern Coastal Area of China

In the era of tourism 4.0, the subjective preferences and experiences of tourists directly affects the future development of scenic spots. Among them, 5A scenic spots represent China’s world-class boutique tourist scenic ranking, which pays more attention to humanization and detailing, and better reflect tourists’ general psychological demand for tourist attractions. Therefore, it becomes an important scientific issue to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of 5A tourists’ preferences and their deeper reasons. China’s eastern coastal provinces have played a very important role in promoting regional tourism culture, promoting regional economic development, and building a strong coastal province. Taking Jiangsu as an example, this study introduces the standard deviation ellipse and kernel density estimation to explore the characteristics and trends of tourist preference clustering in 5A scenic spots and their internal and external driving mechanisms from 2012–2021, which is based on a new perspective of geotemporal dynamic analysis. The empirical results show that: (1) the network attention of 5A scenic spots in Jiangsu generally showed a “barb-type” trend in 2012–2021, the highest network attention is concentrated in April and October, accounting for 82%, and tourists pay the most attention to cultural relics scenic spots, peaking on Sunday; (2) the tourist preference for 5A scenic spots in Jiangsu shows a relative clustering distribution pattern in general, with a slightly higher clustering trend in the northwest-southeast direction than in the northeast-southwest direction. Furthermore, the nucleus of the density values range from 0 to 115.43, showing the spatial pattern of “one belt and two cores”; (3) the internal driving factors include the types, the culture nature, the characteristics nature, the spatial proximity, and the infrastructure of scenic spots, and the external driving factors include geographical location, industrial development policy, climate comfort, economic development level, traffic accessibility, and the impact of COVID-19 epidemic. On this basis, this study puts forward feasible suggestions for improving scenic area management and increasing the reception capacity, so as to provide fine scientific guidelines for the high-quality development of 5A scenic spots in Jiangsu and provide reference for further enhancing the attractiveness of 5A scenic spots and their synergistic development in the eastern coastal provinces.

Invasive Plants Diversity, Ecological Status, and Distribution Pattern in Relation to Edaphic Factors in Different Habitat Types of District Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan

Our understanding of the diversity and distribution of living things is crucial to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Because biological invasions by alien species pose a significant threat to native biodiversity, tracking alien species at various geographical scales has recently gained prominence. The current study is designed to evaluate the diversity and composition of invasive plants in different habitats of Mandi Bahuddin, Punjab, Pakistan. The investigation explores the impact of environmental factors on the distribution of alien species in association with edaphic and geographic patterns. Diversity patterns, ecological impact, and the distribution of alien species with respect to environmental variables were recorded. A randomized sampling technique was used taking data from 120 sites with triplet quadrates in each, 360 overall, between 2019 and 2021 to record the data on alien flora and associated environmental variables. Important value indices for each alien species were determined with respect to environmental data, by cluster and ordination analysis. Overall, 43 invasive alien plants from 37 genera and 18 families were documented in the district Mandi Bahuddin. The prominent family was Poaceae with ten species (23.25%) followed by Leguuminosae with six species (13.95%), Compositae with five species (11.62%), Amaranthaceae with three species (6.97%), and Convolvulaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Polygonaceae, and Scrophulariaceae with two species each (4.65%). Out of 65 alien species comprised herbs 52.13%, grasses 23.25%, shrubs 9.30%, and trees 9.30%. In case life form Therophyte (48.83%) was leading, followed by Chamaephyte with (16.27%) species, Nanophanerophyte and Megaphanerophyte with (11.62%) species each, Geophyte with (6.97%) species, and Hemicryptophyte with (4.65%) species. With leaf size spectra, microphylls (41.86%) were dominating and followed by mesophylls (27.90%), leptophylls (13.95%), nanophylls (11.62%), and macrophylls (4.65%). PCA was applied in order to further understand the species distribution and abundance pattern and to find significant connections among the species with sampling locations comprising various habitats. Ward’s agglomerative clustering technique classified the one hundred and twenty transects into four major groups. Ordination analysis showed that different ecological factors had a significant (p ≤ 0.002) influence on vegetation. The current study provides a foundation from which to comprehend the influences of environmental variables on alien plants’ composition, diversity, structure, and links. These will be useful for developing scientifically informed management strategies for use by administrative agencies in the ecological restoration of the degraded habitat of the studied area.

Spatial distribution of fat infiltration within the paraspinal muscles: implications for chronic low back pain

PurposeFat infiltration (FI) of the paraspinal muscles (PSMs) measured using MRI is an aspect of muscle quality and is considered to be worse in chronic low back pain (cLBP) patients. However, there is not a clear association between paraspinal muscle FI and cLBP, leaving the clinical importance of paraspinal muscle composition unestablished. The spatial distribution of FI in the PSMs may inform mechanistic understanding of non-specific cLBP as it relates to degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) pathology. We hypothesized that paraspinal muscle fat-mapping would reveal distinct FI distribution patterns in relation to cLBP symptoms and proximity to symptomatic IVD degeneration.MethodsFrom advanced-sequence water-fat MRI of 40 axial cLBP patients and 21 controls, we examined the spatial distribution of paraspinal muscle FI in relation to the center of rotation at the L4L5 disc. Using statistical parametric mapping, we compared FI patterns for multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES), and psoas between patients and controls, and to the presence and severity of adjacent degenerative IVD pathology.ResultsThe spatial distribution of PSMs FI differs between PSMs and according to symptoms and the adjacent degenerative IVD pathology. Furthermore, the region of MF closest to the disc center of rotation appears most susceptible to FI in the presence of symptomatic IVD degeneration.ConclusionOur study identified spatial distribution patterns of FI in the PSMs as a potential diagnostic biomarker that may also provide granular mechanistic insights into spine biomechanics related to cLBP, as well as advancing the use of prior summary measures limited to overall muscle FI.

Impact of the mid-latitude zonal circulation on dynamic mechanism of anomalous precipitation over China in summer 2021

China was hit by extreme precipitation in July and August of 2021 along with significant monthly variation. The positive precipitation anomalies observed in July were mainly located in eastern China, but these anomalies shifted to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLYR) in August. In this study, we investigated the July and August precipitation anomaly dynamics based on the three-pattern decomposition of global atmospheric circulation (3P-DGAC) method. The results showed that the mid-latitude zonal circulation played a dominant role in July 2021, causing anomalous positive relative vorticity advection over the center of the positive precipitation anomalies, thus providing strong convective activity for the anomalous precipitation. Nevertheless, the August anomalies could be better explained from a climate perspective. The anomalous relative vorticity distribution patterns recorded in August were often accompanied by extreme precipitation in the MLYR, and the negative relative vorticity anomalies identified in Northeast Asia also played a crucial role. In conclusion, the mechanisms of precipitation anomalies in July and August 2021 were almost completely disparate. In this study, we emphasized the role of the mid-latitude zonal circulation in extreme precipitation events, and suggested that the impact of mid-latitude zonal circulation will be further accentuated under global warming.

Revisiting wild boar spatial models based on hunting yields to assess their predictive performance on interpolation and extrapolation areas

While reliable estimates of species abundance distribution are required for wildlife management and are greatly needed at broad spatial scales, such information is scarce. In this context, the usefulness of spatial modelling as a tool for predicting game species relative abundance and distribution from hunting yield data was studied. Hunting yield data is affected by several factors related to species management, hunting regulations, and hunting efficacy and some doubts have been raised about the use or reliability of this data for large-scale modelling. Some years ago, Acevedo et al. (2014) calibrated five spatially explicit models (one per bioregion) by using hunting yield data for wild boar Sus scrofa (from hunting seasons 2006 to 2009) for approximately 60% of mainland Spain. After internal validation, the models were extrapolated to produce predictions of species relative abundance for the whole mainland country. Here, we reviewed these previous models to evaluate their predictive performance on new data (from hunting seasons 2014 to 2018) in areas where the models had been calibrated (interpolation areas) and also when projected into new ones (extrapolation areas). Our results showed that the previous models were able to forecast current general patterns of wild boar relative abundance with population growth rates equivalent to those reported by other authors, although differences between bioregions were observed. Performance on interpolation areas was higher than that obtained on extrapolation areas. Accuracy of model predictions decreased when fine resolution assessment at hunting ground level was carried out. Our results suggest that spatial models calibrated on hunting yields could be a good option to predict general wild boar relative abundance distribution patterns, although critical assessment is needed, since models can fail when they are extrapolated to areas for which no information is available and at fine scale resolution. These results represent a step forward in the use of hunting yields for describing ranges of species relative abundance at large spatial scales.

Gazelle–livestock interactions and impact of water resource development in the Ouadi Rimé–Ouadi Achim Reserve, Chad

AbstractThe Ouadi Rimé–Ouadi Achim Reserve (Réserve de l'Ouadi Rimé–Ouadi Achim) in central Chad supports large numbers of livestock and rare antelopes, and is the site of ongoing reintroductions of the scimitar-horned oryxOryx dammahand addaxAddax nasomaculatus. We present results of surveys conducted during 2011–2019 to examine patterns of relative abundance and distribution of dorcas gazellesGazella dorcas, dama gazellesNanger damaand livestock in relation to each other and to water sources in a 3,500 km2area in the centre of the Reserve. Dorcas gazelles numbered 7,700–18,000, moving extensively across the area. Livestock varied between c. 2,000 and 68,000 tropical livestock units across surveys, with density doubling in the wet season. Dorcas gazelle distribution was negatively associated with livestock, and livestock density was positively associated with artificial water sources. Dorcas gazelle densities were positively associated with locations where there had been wild fires in the 6 months prior to a survey. Dama gazelles were encountered only 13 times, insufficient to estimate their population size reliably. Opportunistic observations suggest dama gazelles avoid livestock and burnt ground. Our findings highlight the importance of the Reserve. We recommend the designation of a large, well-managed conservation priority zone in the Reserve's core area in which no further development of water resources is permitted. Management of livestock numbers within this zone at or below current levels is essential to integrate national goals for both biodiversity conservation and pastoralism development.

Assessing human urinary clomiphene metabolites after consumption of eggs from clomiphene-treated laying hens using chromatographic-mass spectrometric approaches

The anti-estrogen clomiphene is prohibited in sports at all times. Yet, adverse analytical findings (AAFs) have increased since 2011. This is possibly due to improved analytical sensitivity, but also contamination of food of animal origin needs to be taken into consideration as a potential source of drug exposure. For instance, studies with laying hens that received orally administered clomiphene have shown a significantly increased egg production rate but, as a consequence, eggs were found to incorporate residues of clomiphene.In order to evaluate if the consumption of clomiphene-contaminated eggs can cause an AAF of a doping control sample, eggs obtained from an animal administration study with clomiphene were consumed by human volunteers. Each volunteer ate two eggs, and urine samples were collected and analyzed using routine doping control procedures. Subsequently, additional volunteers received a microdosed clomiphene capsule to compare the excretion profiles.Maximum urinary concentrations of hydroxy-clomiphene (HC) between 80 and 300 pg mL-1 were detected following the consumption of clomiphene-containing eggs, which would constitute AAFs if observed in athletes’ doping control samples. In order to support the differentiation of potential routes of drug exposure, a method was developed which allows for the chromatographic separation of (E)-3-, (Z)-3-, (E)-4-, and (Z)-4-HC using a derivatization step. By comparing the peak areas of these metabolites, characteristic relative distribution patterns were found that assist in identifying AAFs resulting from clomiphene ingested via contaminated eggs and, thus, enable to distinguish clomiphene intake via contaminated eggs from the intake of microdoses or therapeutic dosages, e.g. for doping purposes.

Unveiling direct and indirect impacts of the Three Gorges Project for supporting synergistic water-power management

Large-scale hydraulic projects (LHPs) have played an essential role in the development of the surrounding area. due to their multiple functions in both water and power systems. Various industries can benefit from LHPs through the supply chains differentially. However, systematic analysis to investigate such impacts at a sectoral level is lacking and the mechanism that how these LHPs can affect different sectors is still unknown. Herein a factorial top-down impact assessment model (FTIAM) is developed to evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of the Three Gorges Project (TGP) on the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) from the perspective of water and power supplies at a sectoral level, and screen the factors and their interactions affecting such impacts. The vital final demand and consumption sectors inducing the most water and power-use produced by the TGP (WTGP, ETGP), as well as the related distribution patterns at different production layers will be identified. Key supply chain paths for water and power flows will also be traced to reveal how the TGP affects the whole socio-economic system step by step. Some findings are revealed: 1) Final demand is dominant to control the distribution patterns of WTGP and ETGP. 2) The distribution patterns of WTGP would change from U to L shape as final demand increases. 3) The final demand of Hubei province induces most WTGP while the area outside the YREB consumes most ETGP respectively. 4) Manufacture of foods and tobacco, and Construction are two key sectors that have a high reliance on WTGP and ETGP indirectly. For the conservation of the resources, policies within the YREB focusing on water-use efficiency of agriculture and manufacturing sectors, and power-use efficiency of sector CON and TI are essential. The enormous final demand for WTGP and ETGP in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hubei, Sichuan province calls for immediate actions to promote a more water-saving and energy-saving lifestyle. For the economic benefits, small or medium-size hydraulic projects might be the mainstream for the YREB in the following decades. Such results are conductive to support the synergistic management of water and energy resources within the YREB and provide a reference for promoting regionally sustainable development assisted by LHPs.

Geochemical characteristics and origins of biodegraded oils in the Bongor Basin (Chad) and their implications for petroleum exploration

The Bongor Basin is a typical lacustrine passive-rifted basin situated in the West and Central African Rift System (WCARS). It has experienced two phases of tectonic inversion and features a complex process of petroleum generation and accumulation. A total of 41 crude oil samples from the basin were geochemically analyzed to investigate their compositions of molecular markers. The results show that the oils have similar origins and are likely to belong to the same oil population. However, there are significant differences in geochemical characteristics and physical properties, caused by the secondary alteration. The relative contents and distribution patterns of normal alkanes and acyclic isoprenoids indicate that some of the oils have suffered biodegradation to varying degrees. The samples can be divided into three categories according to their relative degrees of degradation: normal oil, slightly biodegraded oil (PM 1–3), and severely biodegraded oil (PM 5–7). The burial depth of oil reservoirs in this area is the predominant factor impacting on the level of biodegradation. Crude oils in reservoirs with burial depths of less than 800 m are all severely biodegraded, while oils in reservoirs with burial depths greater than 1300 m have experienced no evident biodegradation. In reservoirs with burial depths between 800 m and 1300 m, the biodegradation degrees vary from normal to severely biodegraded. Oil reservoirs with burial depths less than 1300 m and adjacent to major faults are readily subject to biodegradation, while reservoirs with similar burial depths, but a certain distance away from major faults, have suffered no evident biodegradation. Moreover, if primary reservoirs have been modified by tectonic activity after accumulation, the crude oils are more likely to be biodegraded. Faulted anticline traps may create more favorable geological conditions for preservation of crude oil than reverse extrusion anticline reservoirs. This study may provide practical guidance for the assessment and prediction of oil quality in future oil exploration.

Tonotopic distribution and inferior colliculus projection pattern of inhibitory and excitatory cell types in the lateral superior olive of Mongolian gerbils.

Sound localization critically relies on brainstem neurons that compare information from the two ears. The conventional role of the lateral superior olive (LSO) is extraction of intensity differences; however, it is increasingly clear that relative timing, especially of transients, is also an important function. Cellular diversity within the LSO that is not well understood may underlie its multiple roles. There are glycinergic inhibitory and glutamatergic excitatory principal neurons in the LSO, however, there is some disagreement regarding their relative distribution and projection pattern. Here we employ in situ hybridization to definitively identify transmitter types combined with retrograde labeling of projections to the inferior colliculus (IC) to address these questions. Excitatory LSO neurons were more numerous (76%) than inhibitory ones. A smaller proportion of inhibitory neurons were IC-projecting (45% vs. 64% for excitatory) suggesting that inhibitory LSO neurons may have more projections to other regions such the lateral lemniscus or more distributed IC projections. Inhibitory LSO neurons almost exclusively projected ipsilaterally making up a sizeable proportion (41%) of the transmitter type-labeled ipsilateral IC projection from LSO and exhibited a moderate low frequency bias (10% difference H-L). Two thirds of excitatory neurons projected contralaterally and had a slight high frequency bias (4%). One third of excitatory LSO neurons projected ipsilaterally to the IC and these cells were strongly biased toward the low frequency limb of the LSO (37%). This projection appears to be species specific in animals with good low frequency hearing suggesting that it may be a specialization for such ability.

Artificial nectar feeders reduce sunbird abundance and plant visitation in Cape Fynbos adjacent to suburban areas

Globally, people feed wild animals to interact with nature. Attracting nectarivorous birds to gardens using artificial nectar feeders is increasingly popular, yet little is known about its influence on birds and the plants they pollinate. We investigated effects of nectar feeders on African birds and their plant mutualists, by conducting feeding experiments in gardens and natural vegetation along the suburban edge of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. We compared relative abundance and local distribution patterns of nectar-specialist, nectar-opportunist and non-nectarivore bird species between feeder and control treatments. We then tested whether nectar feeders in gardens affected visitation rates to two sunbird-pollinated Erica species in neighbouring vegetation compared to control sites. Nectar feeders increased the density of nectarivores (but not non-nectarivores) in gardens but decreased their density in neighbouring vegetation, even in winter when floral abundance was high. These changes in sunbird distribution patterns had no detectible influence on visitation rates to E. abietina, but decreased visitation to E. plukenetii flowers by on average 16% at least up to 300 m of gardens with feeders. Thus, although supplementary nectar feeding may have conservation value for nectarivorous birds by reducing their urban sensitivity, it can inadvertently interfere with bird-plant pollination networks by competing with native flowers for birds’ attention.