Hebei Province Research Articles

The First Report of Tritrichomonas Foetus and Tetratrichomonas Buttreyi in Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes Procyonoides) in China.

In recent years, the trichomonosis in raccoon dogs in China had occurred frequently. Pentatrichomonas hominis had been described in raccoon dogs in China in some previous studies. PURPOSE TO REVEAL: whether raccoon dogs can be infected by other trichomonad species besides P. hominis, and clarify the prevalence and species distribution of trichomonad in raccoon dogs. Herein, the 389 fecal samples were collected from farm-raised raccoon dogs in Hebei Province, all the samples were detected using the microscopic examination and several fecal samples containing trichomonad-like organisms were processed, cultured, stained, and photographed. Meanwhile, all the samples were screened by the species-specific nested PCR based on the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of P. hominis,Tritrichomonas foetus and Tetratrichomonas buttreyi, respectively, and all positive secondary PCR amplications obtained in this study were sequenced, aligned and analysed. 62 fecal samples (15.9%,62/389) were trichomonad-positive under light microscopy, and the trichomonad-like cells were clearly observed in the culture contents. The PCR results showed that 100 samples were trichomonad-positive, including 45 P. hominis-positive samples (11.6%,45/389), 32 T. foetus-positive samples (8.2%,32/389), and 33 T. buttreyi-positive samples (8.5%,33/389), respectively. Double mixed infections were observed in 10 samples. The prevalence of T. foetus and P. hominis were both significantly higher in raccoon dogs with diarrhea (13.9%, and 25.0%) than that in raccoon dogs without diarrhea (7.6%, and 9.3%) (p < 0.05).All samples confirmed as trichomonad-positive under microscopy were also found to be trichomonad-positive by PCR analysis. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the sequences obtained in this study belonged to P. hominis, T. foetus and T. buttreyi SSU rRNA, respectively. Among them, the T. buttreyi SSU rRNA sequences obtained in this study harbored the new sequence polymorphisms. Based on preliminary morphological and molecular analyses, raccoon dogs are considered as the new host of T. foetus and T. buttreyi. This is the first report about the identifcation and prevalence of T. foetus and T. buttreyi in raccoon dogs in China, and the results increase our knowledge about the host range and prevalence of trichomonad species.

First report of Fusarium commune Causing Bulb Rot on Lily (Lilium brownii var. Viridulum Baker) in Hunan Province of China.

Lily (Lilium brownii var. Viridulum Baker) is a well-known edible plant with large, white and sweet bulb scales that has important medicinal value (Zhou et al. 2021) and is grown mainly in the Hebei, Shanxi and Henan provinces of China. In May 2021, a case of bulb rot was discovered in a 3.33 hm2 plantation in Huaihua, Hunan Province, affecting 20% of the area (27°59'30″N, 110°32'20″E). The disease is most severe during the rainy season in May and June. In the early stage, irregular brown spots appeared on the lily scales, the necrosis was depressed and gradually enlarges, and in the later stage, the scales were scattered from the base of the disc and slough off. Ten samples were taken randomly from different plants in the plantation area to isolate the pathogens. After washing with sterile water, they were cut into small pieces and sterilised with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 s, 75% ethanol for 90 s, rinsed three times with sterile water and dried on sterile filter paper, then placed on a water agar plate and incubated in the dark in a constant temperature incubator at 28℃ for 3 to 5 days. After 2 days, the mycelium at the edge of the colony was transferred to a PDA plate and incubated for 3-5 days at 28°C in the dark to obtain pure fungal isolates. Eighteen purified fungal isolates were obtained, of which sixteen looked like Fusarium (88.9% isolation rate) and three representative isolates (BHBR2, BHBR3 and BHBR5) were selected for further study. The surface of this fungus was white with dense aerial mycelium. Some had an orange centre in the medium. Microconidia were oval in shape and appeared either straight or slightly curved. These microconidia were colourless, had 0-1 septa and measured 3.334 to 14.724 × 2.216 to 5.385 μm (n=100). Macroconidia were predominantly three-septate, crescent-shaped structures that were thin-walled and slightly curved. Cells at the apex and base were similarly curved. Macroconidia measured 17.956 to 32.150 × 2.788 to 4.492 μm (n=100). The mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1) genes were amplified and sequenced using the NMS1/NMS2 and TEF-R/TEF-F primers to verify the identity of the pathogens (Stewart et al. 2006). The sequences were submitted to GenBank (BHBR2: mtSSU, PP273435; TEF, OR900976; BHBR3: mtSSU, PP277729; TEF, OR900977; BHBR5: mtSSU, PP277728; TEF, OR900978). A concatenated phylogenetic tree of the two genes was constructed and analysis showed that BHBR2, BHBR3 and BHBR5 were significantly clustered with Fusarium commune. Based on the results of morphological identification and phylogenetic tree analysis, the three isolates were identified as Fusarium commune. We carried out pathogenicity tests using two methods, one in which 6 × 6 mm fungal blocks were inoculated on lily (L. brownie var. viridulum Baker) scales and controls inoculated with sterile blocks, and the other in which strain BHBR2 was selected to carry out pathogenicity tests on bulbs of live plants soaked with 50 ml of a 1 × 106 conidial suspension and bulbs of control plants soaked with sterile water, all in three replicates. They were placed in a growth chamber at 28°C and 80% relative humidity, and the scales were moistened with moistened sterile filter paper. After 3 days of rearing treated scales, lesions appeared on lily scales inoculated with mycelial blocks and expanded with time, whereas no lesions appeared on lily scales inoculated with sterile blocks. One month later, whole plants soaked in the spore suspension wilted, while the control plants grew well. The pathogens re-isolated from the diseased tissues had the same morphological characteristics as representative isolates. This confirms Koch's hypothesis. Fusarium commune has been shown to be the most important pathogenic fungus causing root rot in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) (Yang et al. 2022) and blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) (Li et al. 2023) in China. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Fusarium commune causing lily bulb rot in the world, which will lay the foundation for future control of lily bulb rot.

Radiocarbon evidence of organic carbon turnover response to grassland grazing: A soil aggregate fraction perspective

Grassland grazing, driven human activities, represents a prevalent form of land use conversion. While numerous studies have examined the impact of such conversions on soil carbon cycling, they primarily focus on the content and storage of soil organic carbon (SOC). However, research on the turnover dynamics of SOC and the underlying mechanisms triggered by land use conversions remains relatively scarce. In this study, radiocarbon (14C) tracing technology was applied to investigate the effects of grassland grazing on SOC turnover in the Saihanba area of Hebei province, China. The results revealed that the turnover time of SOC in pasture grassland was shortened by approximately 250 years compared to meadow grassland, suggesting that grazing diminishes the ability of topsoil to stabilize SOC. Furthermore, our findings indicate that grazing leads to a decrease in soil CO2 flux by 0.50 g C m−2 y−1 under aggregates larger than 250 μm and those between 63 and 250 μm. Conversely, the CO2 flux under aggregates, specifically those between 2 and 63 μm and less than 2 μm, increased by 0.96 g C m−2 y−1. This shift suggests a significant increase in the contribution of older SOC pools to the overall soil CO2 flux. Our study provides novel insights into SOC cycling in the context of grassland grazing, highlighting the importance of understanding SOC turnover dynamics for effective land management.

Study on Spatial-Temporal Evolution, Decoupling Effect and Influencing Factors of Tourism Transportation Carbon Emissions: Taking North China as an Example

As global warming intensifies, reducing carbon emissions has become a global common mission. Tourism transportation is one of the important sources of carbon emissions, and reducing its carbon emissions is a key part of achieving China’s carbon reduction goals. Based on the panel data of various provinces and cities in North China from 2000 to 2022, this paper calculates the carbon emissions of tourism transportation by using the carbon emission coefficients of different transportation modes in different segments. Moreover, the temporal and spatial evolution of the tourism economy is systematically analyzed. The Tapio decoupling model and LMDI addition decomposition model are used to analyze the relationship between carbon emissions and tourism economic growth and the effects of 11 influencing factors on carbon emissions. The results show that: ① The carbon emission of tourism transportation in North China has experienced four stages: a steady growth period, a transitional adaptation period, a stable equilibrium period, and a drastic decline period. The overall carbon emission level of tourism transportation is as follows: Hebei Province &gt; Shanxi Province &gt; Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region &gt; Beijing City &gt; Tianjin City. ② The decoupling coefficient between tourism traffic carbon emissions and economic development fluctuates but mainly shows a weak decoupling state. ③ In terms of influencing factors, passenger size and passenger density have the greatest impact on the carbon emissions of tourism transportation.

Detection of dried jujube from fresh jujube with different variety and maturity after hot air drying based on hyperspectral imaging technology

The consistent quality of dried jujube has a significant impact on its economic value and consumer acceptance. Currently, the evaluation of dried jujube quality heavily relies on agricultural experts and advanced instrument analysis, which is time costly and is limited by many uncertainties. This study aims to develop a rapid and accurate method for classifying dried jujube produced from fresh jujube at different stages of maturity using hyperspectral imaging. Dried jujube samples were collected from two varieties (Zhongyang Muzao jujube and Yuanling jujube) in Hebei Province, representing two maturity stages: Kimri and Rutab. Linear partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and support vector machine (SVM)algorithms were combined with six pre-processing methods. the pretreatment spectra of Area Naturalization (AN), Baseline and Multiple scattering correction (MSC) were selected for further analysis. Successive projections algorithm (SPA), Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling （CARS）and Uninformative Variables Elimination (UVE)were combined to select characteristic variables. A total of 16 characteristic variables were selected by AN-UVE-SPA-SVM model. This model achieved the highest accuracies of 96.0 % and 93.1 % in the final discriminant accuracy for the calibration and Validation sets, respectively. The hardness, soluble solid content (SSC), and moisture of two categories of dried jujube derived from fresh jujube at various stages of maturity were analyzed. The results showed that dried jujube produced from fresh jujubes at the Rutab stage were more likely to exhibit characteristics of high SSC and low hardness' compared to those produced at the Kimri stage. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model established based on characteristic wavelengths extracted by AN-UVE-SPA showed the best results in predicting SSC and moisture. This study showcased the feasibility of identifying and classifying dried jujube using hyperspectral imaging technology, laying a solid foundation for further research in the rapid non-destructive testing of dried fruits and vegetables through the application of hyperspectral technology.

An exploration of the self-similarity of traditional settlements: the case of Xiaoliangjiang Village in Jingxing, Hebei, China

In order to retain the characteristics and style of traditional settlements and respect their layout and structure, it is necessary to carry out original planning and expansion of traditional settlements. This model of planning and expansion aims to protect the unique character of the settlement, maintain its original historical and cultural value, and integrate with the surrounding environment. Early research on the space complexity of settlements was dominated by qualitative analysis, and the depth of quantitative research on the spatial form of traditional settlements was insufficient. This article takes Xiaoliangjiang Village in Jingxing County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, which entered the fifth batch of the list of Chinese traditional villages list, as the research object. The spatial relationship of the settlement was obtained through field surveys and drone oblique photography, and the spatial morphological elements of Xiaoliangjiang Village were analyzed and extracted. Based on three quantitative theories of spatial form, namely topology theory, fractal theory, and space syntax, the self-similarity of settlements is analyzed from the perspectives of buildings, streets, and spaces. The research uses Matlab and DepthMap software to quantitatively analyze the spatial form of Xiaoliangjiang Village and obtains data. Through the analysis of data, it was found that Xiaoliangjiang Village has self-similarity at three levels: buildings, roads and settlement spaces. The buildings iteratively generate various forms of architectural courtyards through the basic “L”-shaped pattern. The spatial structures at all levels of roads and settlement space in Xiaoliangjiang Village are relatively similar, in line with the bottom-up traditional settlement evolutionary law. By studying settlement self-similarity, people can better understand the formation mechanism of traditional settlement space structure and its evolution law. At the same time, it enriches the research perspective of traditional settlements and provides technical support for analyzing the self-similarity of traditional settlements and settlement protection planning.

Risk Assessment of Landfalling Tropical Cyclones in China Based on Hazard Risk Theory

As a frequent hazard, tropical cyclones have a great impact on the social and economic development of China, which is close to the origin of tropical cyclones in the western Pacific Ocean. The primary objective of this study was to construct a comprehensive risk assessment model for tropical cyclone hazards based on natural influencing factors, informing recommendations for hazard prevention and mitigation in affected regions. This research focused on tropical cyclones that made landfall in mainland China and Hainan from 1949 to 2023, utilizing hazard risk theory and classical extreme value theory. The wind speed and rainfall data during the peak cyclone periods (June to October) from 1997 to 2021 gathered from various meteorological stations, as well as altitude and vegetation cover data, were examined. Hierarchical analysis and ArcGIS spatial analysis methods were employed to study the characteristics of the spatiotemporal distribution of landfalling tropical cyclones and the comprehensive risk of tropical cyclone hazards, and the regions of China were delineated according to these methods. The results showed that, during the period from 1949 to 2023, the overall number of landfalling tropical cyclones decreased in a fluctuating manner, while the intensity of the cyclones increased. Furthermore, severe typhoons tended to occur more frequently in the summer than autumn with time, intensifying the challenge to resist short-term hazards. Moreover, the hazard-causing factors in areas affected by tropical cyclones displayed an increasing trend from north to south and from west to east. In detail, the regions sensitive to natural hazards were primarily located in the central part of Liaoning province, Tianjin, central and eastern Hebei province, Shandong province, eastern Henan province, central and northern Anhui province, Jiangsu province, and Shanghai, which are characterized by flat terrain and relatively low vegetation cover. Overall, the comprehensive risk of tropical cyclone hazards showed a geographical distribution that decreases from south to north and from east to west, with coastal cities in provinces such as Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Zhejiang—including Haikou, Zhanjiang, Xiamen, Beihai, and Taizhou—exhibiting the highest levels of risk.

Research on a multiobjective cooperative operation scheduling method for agricultural machinery across regions with time windows

This article aims to solve the problems of high cost, low efficiency, and task delay caused by the lack of scientific scheduling strategies during the agricultural harvest season. Considering the constraints of operation time windows, a multimachine multiobjective cross-regional collaborative operation scheduling model is constructed with the goal of minimizing the transfer distance of agricultural machinery and nonoperational scheduling costs. A multiobjective genetic algorithm (HTSMOGA) based on a hybrid time window priority rule and a tabu search strategy is designed. The initial population is generated by utilizing time window priority rules, genes with earlier operation start times are preferentially retained, and a mixed search strategy is introduced to avoid local optimal solutions. Experiments were conducted among 24 farms in a region of Hebei Province, and the results showed that, compared with other algorithms, the HTSMOGA achieved an average reduction of 17.18 % in the transfer distance of agricultural machine operations and 19.36 % in the nonoperational waiting time. Therefore, this study provides a rational and feasible solution for the cross-regional operation scheduling of agricultural machinery cooperatives and provides theoretical support for ensuring the timely completion of harvesting tasks and the cost savings and efficiency of agricultural machinery operations.

Identification of a new HIV-1 circulating recombinant form (CRF159_01103) derived from CRF103_01B and CRF01_AE in Hebei Province, China

Recombinant HIV-1 genomes identified in three or more epidemiological unrelated individuals are defined as circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). CRFs can further recombine with other pure subtypes or recombinants to produce secondary recombinants. In this study, a new HIV-1 intersubtype CRF, designated CRF159_01103, isolated from three men who have sex with men with no epidemiological linkage, was identified in Baoding city, Hebei Province, China. CRF159_01103 was derived from CRF103_01B and CRF01_AE. Bayesian molecular clock analysis was performed on the CRF01-AE and CRF103_01B regions of CRF159_01103. The time of origin of CRF159_01103 was predicted to be 2018–2019, indicating that it is a recent recombinant virus. The emergence of CRF159_01103 has increased the complexity of the HIV-1 epidemic in Hebei Province.

Current situation and influencing factors of wheezing among children and adolescents aged 3-18 years in 11 cities in China from 2022 to 2023

Objective: To explore the incidence and influencing factors of wheezing among children and adolescents aged 3-18 years in 11 cities in China from 2022 to 2023. Methods: From October 2022 to August 2023, 11 cities including Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province, Suqian in Jiangsu Province, Chifeng and Hohhot in Inner Mongolia, Tangshan in Hebei Province, Changzhi in Shanxi Province, Yinchuan in Ningxia Province, Lanzhou and Dingxi in Gansu Province, Linyi in Shandong Province, and Tonghua in Jilin Province were selected as research sites to recruit kindergarten children and primary and secondary school adolescents in local urban areas. A total of 21 959 children and adolescents were included in this study. Demographic information, wheezing data (whether wheezing has occurred in the past and whether wheezing attacks have occurred in the past one year), personal history, family history and other information were collected through questionnaires. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of wheezing attacks in the past one year. Results: The mean age of 21 959 children and adolescents was (12.09±3.65) years old, and 52.3% (11 480) were boys. The incidence of wheezing history was 3.7% (816 cases), and the incidence of wheezing attacks in the past year was 2.5% (556 cases). The multivariate logistic regression model analysis results showed that compared with older age, girls, full-term natural delivery, no allergic rhinitis, no family history of allergic diseases, no passive smoking, partial diet, natural conception and childbirth, the children aged 3-18 years with young age, male, partial diet, passive smoking, family history of allergic diseases, allergic rhinitis, cesarean section, premature birth, and assisted reproduction had a higher risk of wheezing [OR (95%CI): 0.86(0.84-0.88), 1.27(1.07-1.51), 2.31(1.95-2.75), 2.09(1.76-2.47), 3.5(2.80-4.37), 4.05(3.39-4.83), 1.20(1.02-1.43), 2.26(1.66-3.09), and 1.67(1.01-2.78)]. Conclusion: From 2022 to 2023, the incidence of wheezing among children aged 3-18 years in China is not significantly higher than before, and childhood wheezing may be related to factors such as children's age, gender, dietary habits, family and personal history of allergic diseases, passive smoking, and perinatal period.

Corrigendum to: Effects of Long Noncoding RNA AK093407 on the Biological Behavior of Colon Cancer Cells and the Underlying Mechanism

The funding details have been incorporated upon author’s request in the funding section of this article entitled “Effects of Long Noncoding RNA AK093407 on the Biological Behavior of Colon Cancer Cells and the Underlying Mechanism,” 2023, 26(2), 289-300 [1]. &lt;p&gt; Details of the error and a correction are provided here. &lt;p&gt; Original: &lt;p&gt; This work was supported by the important project of the Hebei Province education department (ZD20180004, QN2016017, QN2020208), Hebei Province population and family planning commission technological project (20160009), Chengde Medical University project (202014, 201806). &lt;p&gt; Corrected: &lt;p&gt; This work was supported by The Natural Science Research Youth Fund for Higher Education of Hebei Province (QN2020208), the Hebei Province population and family planning commission technological project (20160009), Chengde Medical University project (202014, 201806), Key Discipline of College and Universities in Hebei Province, China ([2013]04), Technology Innovation Guidance Project-Science and Technology Work Conference (Hebei Provincial Department of Science and Technology). &lt;p&gt; We regret the error and apologize to readers. &lt;p&gt; The original article can be found online at www.eurekaselect.com/article/122378.

Exploring Differences and Evolution of Coordination Level of the Industrial Structure, Economy and Ecological Environment Complex System in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Urban Agglomeration

Industrial structure (IS), economy (EC), and ecological environment (EE) could influence each other and constitute a complex system (IS-EC-EE). This study is to explore the differences and evolution of the coordination level of the IS-EC-EE complex system of 13 cities in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration by coupling coordination degree model, Markov chain, GM (1,1) model, Dagum Gini coefficient, and Kernel density estimation method to provide a reference for regional sustainable development. The results show that the comprehensive evaluation index of IS, EC, and EE had significant differences among the 13 cities in the BTH region. The IS-EC-EE system of the whole BTH region was in a highly coupled and low-coordinated development state. And the coordination degrees of the 13 cities in the BTH region had spatial differences, which were mainly due to inter-regional differences, and the differences became larger. Furthermore, the coordinated development of the 13 cities had the probability of keeping high, moderate, and low coordination. It was predicted that the coordination degree of the IS-EC-EE system in the whole BTH region in 2020–2030 was roughly similar to the trend in 2009–2019. The coordination levels of Beijing and Tianjin were higher than in Hebei Province, so optimizations need to be considered for regional overall sustainable development.

Higgs boson decays h→MZ in the TNMSSM* *Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NNSFC) (12075074, 12235008), Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Autonomous Region (2022GXNSFDA035068), Hebei Natural Science Foundation (A2022201017, A2023201041), the youth top-notch talent support program of the Hebei Province

We study the SM-like Higgs boson decays in the triplet extended NMSSM (TNMSSM), where M is a vector meson . Compared to the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM), the TNMSSM includes two new (2) triplets with hypercharge ±1 and an SM gauge singlet, which are coupled to each other. The indirect contributions to the decays are produced from the effective vertex, and they are more important than the direct contributions. The results of this work could encourage a detection on at the future high energy colliders for exploring new physics beyond the SM.

Top-quark rare decays with flavor violation* *This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12075074), the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province, China (A2020201002, A2022201022, A2022201017, A2023201040), the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Education Department, China (QN2022173), the Post-graduate's Innovation Fund Project of Hebei University (HBU2024SS042), and the Youth Top-notch Talent Support Program of the Hebei

In the present study, we investigated the decays of the top quark: , , , and . They are extremely rare processes in the standard model (SM). As the extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM), the SSM features new superfields such as the right-handed neutrinos and three Higgs singlets. We analyzed the effects of different sensitive parameters on the results and made reasonable theoretical predictions, thereby providing a useful reference for future experimental development. Considering the constraint set by the updated experimental data, the numerical results show that the branching ratios of the four processes, i.e., , can reach the same order of magnitude as their experimental upper limits. Among them, has the most evident effect on these processes and is the main parameter; , , , , , , and are also important parameters for the processes, and have effects on the numerical results.

The REE occurrence state in claystone in the Wu' an area, Hebei Province

The REE occurrence state in claystone in the Wu' an area, Hebei Province

Prediction of Dust Emissions in Highway Subgrade-Filling Construction Based on Deep Neural Network

Dust pollution can harm the urban environment and the health of citizens. Each stage in highway construction generates unorganized dust emissions to varying degrees, which complicates their quantification. To precisely forecast dust emissions during the construction of highway subgrades and reduce the associated pollution risks, this study introduces a predictive model based on a deep neural network (DNN) for dust emissions during highway subgrade-filling operations. Dust concentration is treated as a nonlinear multivariate problem, with predictive indicators encompassing particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), particulate matter 10 (PM10), ground surface temperature, wind speed, air temperature, surface pressure, and relative humidity. Using a DNN model, this study forecasts the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 at highway construction sites. Based on a highway project in Hebei Province, this study predicts dust-emission concentrations via field monitoring conducted using self-developed equipment. The model’s predictions exhibit a small mean-absolute-percentage error and root-mean-square error compared with the actual values, and the model’s accuracy significantly surpasses that of conventional regression models. Accurate forecasting can facilitate the timely control of dust concentrations at construction sites, thus facilitating more environmentally friendly and efficient construction. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2024-05-02-03 Full Text: PDF

"Point by point" source: The Chinese pine plantations in North China by evidence from mtDNA.

The geographical variation and domestication of tree species are an important part of the theory of forest introduction, and the tracing of the germplasm is the theoretical basis for the establishment of high-quality plantations. Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) is an important native timber tree species widely distributed in northern China, but it is unclear exactly where germplasm of the main Chinese pine plantation populations originated. Here, using two mtDNA markers, we analyzed 796 individuals representing 35 populations (matR marker), and 873 individuals representing 38 populations (nad5-1 marker) of the major natural and artificial populations in northern China, respectively (Shanxi, Hebei and Liaoning provinces). The results confirmed that the core position of natural SX* populations ("*" means natural population) in the Chinese pine populations of northern China, the genetic diversity of HB and LN plantations was higher than that of natural SX* populations, and there was a large difference in genetic background within the groups of SX* and LN, HB showed the opposite. More importantly, we completed the "point by point" tracing of the HB and LN plantings. The results indicated that almost all HB populations originated from SX* (GDS*, ZTS*, GCS*, and THS*), which resulted in homogeneity of the genetic background of HB populations. Most of germplasm of the LN plantations originated from LN* (ZJS* and WF*), and the other part originated from GDS* (SX*), resulting in the large differences in the genetic background within the LN group. Our results provided a reliable theoretical basis for the scientific allocation, management, and utilization of Chinese pine populations in northern China, and for promoting the high-quality establishment of Chinese pine plantations.

Analysis on influencing factors of total retail sales of consumer goods in Hebei Province from 2010 to 2022

Analysis on influencing factors of total retail sales of consumer goods in Hebei Province from 2010 to 2022

Investigating the Hydrological Relationship between the North Taihang Tunnel and Tianshengqiao Nine Falls

The impact of a tunnel construction on the groundwater system depends on various parameters and cannot be easily predicted. Along these lines, a deep understanding of the hydrological relationship between tunnels and surface water is considered of vital importance for ensuring safety during railway construction. Upon completion, the North Taihang Tunnel will be one of four extra-long railway tunnels running through the natural ecotope and level-3 protection areas of the Tianshengqiao National Geological Park in Fuping County, Hebei Province. It will be 1 km away from the Tianshengqiao Nine Falls, which is known as a breathtaking landscape feature in Northern China. Local government, societies, and railway design units have raised concerns about whether the construction and operation of the North Taihang Tunnel will affect the Tianshengqiao Nine Falls. To effectively address this issue, in this work, hydrogeological mapping and hydraulic potential-energy calculations were performed in conjunction with hydrochemical and geological structure analyses. The groundwater system units in the study area were divided and the water source of the nine-level waterfall was determined retrospectively. In addition, the recharge of groundwater to the nine-level waterfall was calculated, the hydrogeological properties of the linear structure were analyzed, and the dominant channels of underwater discharge in surface water were compared and studied. The extracted results indicated that: (1) The Tianshengqiao Nine Falls represent a seasonal fall landscape, which is mainly supplied by surface water formed by precipitation and a low proportion of groundwater supply. (2) The water bodies of the North Taihang Tunnel project and Tianshengqiao Nine Falls belong to two independent groundwater systems. (3) No linear structure that connects these two groundwater systems has yet been discovered. It is widely accepted that a minor possibility of hydraulic connection might be present between the North Taihang Tunnel and Tianshengqiao Nine Falls. This work analyzed the water quantity of Nine Falls, determined the hydraulic relationship between the tunnel project and the waterhead of the Nine Falls, and addressed all stakeholder concerns. The conclusions could provide technological support for the scheduled construction projects.

Long-term exposure to PM2.5 compositions and O3 and their interactive effects on DNA methylation of peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor promoter

ABSTRACT This study examined the associations of long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) compositions/ozone with methylation of peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promoters. A total of 101 participants were recruited from a cohort in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, China. They underwent baseline and follow-up surveys in 2011 and 2015. DNA methylation levels were detected by bisulfite-PCR amplification and pyrosequencing. Participants‘ three-year average levels of PM2.5 compositions and ozone were estimated. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were used to examine the joint effects of pollutants on methylation levels. Exposure to PM2.5 compositions and ozone mixtures at the 75th percentile was associated with increased methylation levels at CpG2 of BDNF promoter (203%, 95% CI: 89, 316) than the lowest level of exposure, and sulfate dominated the effect in the BKMR models.Our findings provide clues to the epigenetic mechanisms for the associations of PM2.5 compositions and ozone with BDNF.