Northwestern Part Of China Research Articles

Celebration to Professor Zhong-Jian Jia’s 6-Decade Work in the Northwestern Part of China

Celebration to Professor Zhong-Jian Jia’s 6-Decade Work in the Northwestern Part of China

GW26-e2341 Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease in Xinjiang Multi-Ethnic Region of China

This multiple-ethnic, community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and distribution of congenital heart disease (CHD) in Xinjiang, northwestern part of China. Four major ethnics, Han, Uygur, Kazakh, and Hui Chinese in this region were investigated during February

Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease in Xinjiang Multi-Ethnic Region of China.

BackgroundThe prevalence and risk factors of congenital heart disease among Xinjiang, northwestern part of China is currently unknown.MethodsThis multiple-ethnic, community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and distribution of congenital heart disease (CHD) in Xinjiang, northwestern part of China. Four major ethnics, Uygur, Han, Kazak, and Hui children in this region were investigated during February 2010 and May 2012.ResultsA total of 14,530 children (0–18 yr) were examined. Of these children, 240 (boys, 43.8%, and girls, 56.3%) were identified with CHD, giving an overall prevalence of 16.5‰ (17.7‰ in Uygur, 6.9‰ in Han, 11.4‰ in Kazak, and 38.1‰ in Hui Chinese, respectively). Ventricular septal defect (VSD, 29.2%), atrial septal defect (ASD, 20.8%), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA, 13.7%), acleistocardia (13.7%), Bicuspid aortic valve (7.9%), pulmonary valve stenosis (5.4%), and tetralogy of fallot (TOF, 4.2%) were common cyanotic and cyanotic defects observed. Compared to non-CHD children, children with CHD had a higher percentage of history of abortion, CHD history of family, consanguinity and premature birth (all P<0.05). In CHD children, 24% of mothers caught a cold, 10% had a febrile illness and 6.7% received antibiotic treatment during the first trimester of pregnancy, that were higher than non-CHD group (all P<0.05).ConclusionThe overall prevalence of CHD in four ethnic children at ages 0–18 yr in Xinjiang was 16.5‰. VSD, ASD and TOF were the most common acyanotic and cyanotic congenital heart defects, respectively. This study also identified some modifiable risk factors that may contribute to the incidence of CHD among the 4 ethnic groups.

The spatial and temporal analysis of precipitation concentration and dry spell in Qinghai, northwest China

Understanding precipitation variations from various aspects is important for the assessment of drought risk and the utilization of water resources. The precipitation concentration index (PCI) and the concentration index (CI) were used to investigate/quantify the heterogeneity of the monthly and daily rainfall in Qinghai province that is part of northwestern China, respectively. The precipitation concentration in Qinghai shows a significant irregularity of the monthly rainfall distribution and highly homogeneous distribution of the daily rainfall. It is found that PCI and CI show negative trends at most stations. Meanwhile, the spatial and temporal variation of nine dry spell (DS) indices are analyzed. From the spatial perspective, drought in the northwestern area is much severer than that in other areas of Qinghai. According to the results of temporal analysis by using the Mann–Kendall test, the number of very long DSs, maximum length of DS, mean length of DSs, and the total dry days of extreme DS all decrease. All these results verify that the warm dry climatic pattern in Qinghai can be changed into the warm wet climatic pattern.

Mountainous Farming Villages and Agricultural Participation in an Area Supplying Migrant Laborers in the Northwestern Part of China : The Case of Pengyang County, Guyuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

Mountainous Farming Villages and Agricultural Participation in an Area Supplying Migrant Laborers in the Northwestern Part of China : The Case of Pengyang County, Guyuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

The influence of natural and human factors in the shrinking of the Ebinur Lake, Xinjiang, China, during the 1972-2013 period.

The Ebinur Lake is a closed inland lake located within the arid region of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region in the northwestern part of China, near the Kazakhstan border. The shrinkage of the lake area is believed to be caused by ecological environmental deterioration and has become an important restraining factor for the social development of the local population. Of all the lakes in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, the Ebinur Lake is the most severely impacted water body. The lake has undergone change in size naturally for over thousands of years due to natural causes. However, the authors observed the dramatic changes in the freshwater resources of this region from the aerial images from 1972 to 2013. Thus, this paper traces and analyzes the change in the Ebinur Lake surface area in the past 41 years. A set of six satellite images acquired between 1972 and 2013 was employed to map the change in the surface area of the Ebinur Lake using the water index approach. The authors applied the traditional normalized difference water index (NDWI) and the modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI) to quantify the change in the water body area of the Ebinur Lake during the study period. The results indicate that the lake area has experienced a dramatic decrease of 31.4% from 1972 to 2013. The paper also examines the natural processes and human activities that may have contributed to the decrease in the lake area. The results show that the decrease in total lake area appears to coincide with periods of rapid land reclamation in the study area. Moreover, the uncontrolled land reclamation activities, such as irrigation, can increase the sedimentation in the Ebinur Lake thereby reducing the lake size. Reduction of the lake area has a negative ecological impact on the environment and on human life and property. The lake area is the most important factor to ensure the environment of the watershed and the key index to measure the environment balance.

Postharvest hot water dipping reduces decay by inducing disease resistance and maintaining firmness in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit

Muskmelons (Cucumis melo L.) are major economic crops in the northwestern part of China, and postharvest decay of fruit is serious. In order to reduce postharvest decay and prolong the storage time, the effect of hot water dipping (HWD) on nature decay and mechanisms involved were studied when muskmelon fruit (cv. Yujinxiang) were dipped in hot water at 53°C for 3min. The results showed that postharvest HWD effectively (p<0.01) reduced the decay incidence, 18.9% lower than that in control fruit after 18 days of storage. HWD noticeably enhanced the activities of phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H), 4-Coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL), polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD), and accumulated phenolic compounds, flavonoid, lignin and hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs). The treatment effectively maintained fruit firmness by suppressing the activities of endo-1,4-β-d-glucanase (EGase), β-glucosidase (β-Glu), polygalacturonase (PG) and pectinesterase (PME), and promoting the accumulation of suberin and callose. And the data showed a higher correlation between fruit firmness and decay incidence (R2=0.8933). Furthermore, HWD could clean the surface of fruits, melt the epicuticular waxes, cover and seal the stomata. These results indicated that postharvest HWD reduced decay incidence by inducing disease resistance and maintaining the firmness in muskmelon fruit. Our data suggest that HWD has the potential to reduce or/and substitute chemical fungicides to control postharvest decay of muskmelon fruits.

Environmental changes detected from the high resolution satellite images on/near the ruins in the arid region, north western part of China, from the historical geography, archeology and Quaternary studies

Environmental changes detected from the high resolution satellite images on/near the ruins in the arid region, north western part of China, from the historical geography, archeology and Quaternary studies

The Uplift History of the Haiyuan-Liupan Shan Region Northeast of the Present Tibetan Plateau: Integrated Constraint from Stratigraphy and Thermochronology

AbstractThe Haiyuan-Liupan Shan delimits the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. We present the integrated results of new stratigraphic investigations, apatite fission track analyses, and related thermal history modeling tied to the structural fabric of this region. These constraints provide insight into the timing of northward propagation of the plateau with (1) local relief creation and enhanced erosion in the latest Jurassic to earliest Cretaceous, representing the local element of a complex, regional, far-field deformation response to the Lhasa-Qiangtang collision with the south Asian margin; (2) evidence for likely Late Cretaceous exhumation, but this is uncertain given the regional sedimentary gap that exists across this interval; (3) Eocene relief generation as a first likely response to far-field effects of the India-Asia collision and related to wider regional events recognized in this part of northwestern China; and (4) the latest deformation episode propagating strongly into the Haiyuan...

Research on Eco-Compensation System in China

Lack of eco-compensation system is an important reason for ecological degradation in our country to solve the problem on conservation, the establishment of eco-compensation system and finalization of the relevant rules thereof must be undertaken. The eco-compensation system in China covers three main parts: eco-functioning area, river basin catchments, and natural resources exploitation. Different part corresponds to different mechanism. To expedite the process, China should give priority to north western part of China and focus her effort mainly in the three aspects: to further finalize the governmental compensation mechanism; to push strongly the market mechanism and to strengthen the basic work.

Intercropping alleviates the inhibitory effect of N fertilization on nodulation and symbiotic N2 fixation of faba bean

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation is commonly inhibited by N fertilization in intensive farming systems. We hypothesized that intercropping alleviates the inhibitory effect of N fertilization on nodulation and N2 fixation of legumes. Two years of field experiments (2006–2007) with different N-fertilizer rates (0, 75, 150, 225, 300 kg N ha−1) were carried out to test the hypothesis in a faba bean (Vicia faba L.)/maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping system in the north-western part of China. The results show that both the nodule biomass and nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (Ndfa) in intercropped faba bean were increased by 7–58% and 8–33% at the start of flowering, 8–72% and 54–61% at peak flowering, 4–73% and 18–50% at grain filling, and 7–62% and −7–72% at maturity, respectively, compared with sole faba bean. Intercropping with maize significantly alleviated the inhibitory effect of N fertilization on nodulation and N2 fixation, and improved the productivity of intercropping.

Ovine theileriosis in China: a new look at an old story

A fatal disease of sheep and goats in the northwestern part of China has in the past been reported to be due to Theileria lestoquardi. However, some characteristics of the causative agent are not in accordance with attributes ascribed to this parasite. We therefore determined the nucleotide sequence of the 18 small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene of T. lestoquardi and the parasite identified in China and compared it with that of other Theileria and Babesia species. In the inferred phylogenetic tree, the 18S rRNA sequence of the Chinese parasite falls inside the clade consisting of Theileria species evidencing that it belongs to this genus. The 18S rRNA sequence of the Chinese parasite was found to be most closely related to Theileria buffeli and clearly divergent to T. lestoquardi, suggesting that it was a yet unrecognized Theileria species. The phylogenetic relationship of Theileria species infecting sheep and goats on the basis of their 18S rRNA gene structure was addressed. We report on the existence of at least two additional ovine and caprine piroplasm species, designated T. luwenshuni and T. uilenbergi.

Identification and Characterization of Merozoite Antigens of a Theileria Species Highly Pathogenic for Small Ruminants in China

A new pathogenic Theileria species transmitted by Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis was identified in the Northwestern part of China and was shown to be highly pathogenic for small ruminants. The present article aimed at identifying merozoite antigens that might be suitable for developing diagnostic methods and designing a potential vaccine. Absence of other theilerial or babesial infections was confirmed by reverse line blot in all antigen samples used. Extensive Western blot analyses using serum from infected and noninfected animals led to the identification of four potential merozoite immunoreactive proteins at different molecular weights. Further protein characterization using peptide mass mapping by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) followed by database searching resulted in two significant hits that identified two proteins of parasite origin, one homologous to a possible MO25-family protein from Cryptosporidium parvum and the other with an HSP70 from Theileria annulata. Another protein was also identified as a parasite protein but without significant homology. Immunization of rabbits with selected proteins produced antisera that reacted specifically on Western blots with merozoite antigens of the corresponding sizes. This article represents the first identification and characterization of potential antigenic proteins of Theileria sp. (China) for veterinary purposes.

Evaluating Methods of Estimation and Modelling Spatial Distribution of Evapotranspiration in the Middle Heihe River Basin, China

Seven models commonly used to estimate the daily reference evapotranspiration (ET0) were evaluated in the middle Heihe River Basin of the arid northwestern part of China. The objectives of the study are to choose the appropriate model for estimating the areal distribution of ET0 and to explain the spatial-temporal distribution of the same through GIS in the study area. The results indicated that the FAO-Penman model is the best way to estimate ET0; its RMSE ranged from 1.11 to 1.70 mm, and r2 from 0.59 to 0.93. The spatial variations of ET0 are higher in the western part than in the middle-eastern part of the study area. The temporal variations of daily differences in ET0 rates are mainly due to the differences in irradiance (Rn) and to daily differences in the vapor pressure deficit (D). The spatially modeled ET0 results (r2 = 0.88) are in agreement with the corresponding data in situ on the 15th of each month.

Outbreaks of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and control in China

Outbreaks of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria L., occurred in the northwestern part of China. The processes leading to the outbreaks and successful control are described based on locusts collected in infested areas and information obtained from local experts and scientists. Swarms of adults landed on the grazing and farming lands of Jiminay County, Altay Prefecture, the Xingjian Uygur Autonomous Region in 2003 and 2004, and caused substantial damage to agricultural crops and pastures. In the spring of 2004, numerous nymphs that had developed black patterns appeared in Jiminay. They and migrants from the north were sprayed with insecticides during the period from July 20 to August 6, 2004. A total of 4,200 personnel were involved in this mission. As a result, further damage to crops and migration to other areas were prevented. Morphometric measurements indicated that the migrants had reached the body dimensions typical for gregarious forms.

A study of long‐term trends in mineral dust aerosol distributions in Asia using a general circulation model

Dust events have been observed in Japan with high frequency since 2000. On the other hand, the frequency of dust storms is said to have decreased in the desert regions of China since about the middle of the 1970s. This study simulates dust storms and transportation of mineral dust aerosols in the east Asia region from 1981 to 2001 using an aerosol transport model, Spectral Radiation‐Transport Model for Aerosol Species (SPRINTARS), implemented in the Center for Climate System Research/National Institute for Environmental Studies atmospheric global circulation model, in order to investigate the main factors that control a dust event and its long‐term variation. The model was forced to simulate a real atmospheric condition by a nudging technique using European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis data on wind velocities, temperature, specific humidity, soil wetness, and snow depth. From a comparison between the long‐term change in the dust emission and model parameters, it is found that the wind speed near the surface level had a significant influence on the dust emission, and snow is also an important factor in the early spring dust emission. The simulated results suggested that dust emissions from northeast China have a great impact on dust mass concentration in downwind regions, such as the cities of northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. When the frequency of dust events was high in Japan, a low‐pressure system tended to develop over the northeast China region that caused strong winds. From 2000 to 2001 the simulated dust emission flux decreased in the Taklimakan desert and the northwestern part of China, while it increased in the Gobi desert and the northeastern part of China. Consequently, dust particles seem to be transported more from the latter region by prevailing westerlies in the springtime to downwind areas as actually observed. In spite of the similarity, however, there is still a large disagreement between observed and simulated dust frequencies and concentrations. A more realistic land surface and uplift mechanism of dust particles should be modeled to improve the model simulation. Desertification of the northeastern China region may be another reason for this disagreement.

Insecticidal activity of deoxypodophyllotoxin, isolated from Juniperus sabina L, and related lignans against larvae of Pieris rapae L

In the course of screening for naturally occurring insecticides from plants from the northwestern part of China, a petroleum ether extract of Juniperus sabina L was found to show insecticidal activity against fifth-instar larvae of Pieris rapae L. From the extract, an insecticidal compound was isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation. The compound was identified as deoxypodophyllotoxin (1) by comparison of its spectroscopic characteristics with literature data. In bioassays, 1 showed antifeedant activity against fifth-instar larvae of P rapae at 0.05-1.00 g litre(-1) and its AFC50 (concentration for 50% antifeedant activity) values at 12 and 48h were 0.170 and 0.060 g litre(-1), respectively. In that concentration range, all treated insects died within 48 h after treatment and compound 1 showed delayed insecticidal activity. At 0.015-0.100 g litre(-1), 1 showed insecticidal activity, with an LC50 of 0.020 g litre(-1). The related compound deoxypicropodophyllotoxin (2), however, showed lower antifeedant and insecticidal activities than 1 in bioassay. This indicated that the trans-lactone ring is an important moiety for enhancing activity in these compounds. Comparison of the insecticidal activities of 1 and another related compound, podophyllotoxin (3), suggested that varying the substituent at C-4 is an exciting possibility for synthesizing more potent analogues.

SUN CITY

The main purpose of this article is to&#x0D; enlighten the architectural design process.&#x0D; This is done through the description of&#x0D; how the Danish architect office Møller &amp;&#x0D; Grønborg created a proposal for a new city&#x0D; in the North Western part of China. The&#x0D; city is called Sun City and is planned to&#x0D; be realised within the next 30 years. It is&#x0D; a city the size of Aarhus housing up to&#x0D; 300.000 inhabitants. The article is divided&#x0D; into two parts. Part 1 is the description of&#x0D; the practical creation of the competition&#x0D; entry to the Sun City competition. Part 2&#x0D; is an attempt to reformulate the understanding&#x0D; of the architectural practice on&#x0D; the basis of how architects actually work&#x0D; (Sun City competition works as a case&#x0D; here) and on the basis of actor-network&#x0D; theory as it is formulated by the French&#x0D; philosopher Bruno Latour.&#x0D;

Phylogenetic analysis by rRNA comparison of the highly pathogenic sheep-infecting parasites Theileria lestoquardi and a Theileria species identified in China.

In the Northwestern part of China there have been reports of clinical cases in small ruminants of a haemoparasite with the characteristics of Theileria hirci (T. lestoquardi). However, some properties of this parasites argue against its classification as T. lestoquardi. In this paper, we present evidence that T. lestoquardi and the Chinese Theileria isolate are distinct parasite species. Phylogenetic analysis of determined nucleotide sequences of small subunit ribosomal RNA (srRNA) genes of T. lestoquardi and the Chinese Theileria parasite show that they belong to different clades within the phylogenetic tree of piroplasms. The srRNA sequence of the Chinese parasite was found to be most closely related to T. buffeli, which, with T. sergenti, belongs to an evolutionary lineage of non-lymphoproliferative Theileria species. On the other hand, it was clearly divergent to a lineage of lymphoproliferative Theileria species; T. annulata, T. parva, T. taurotragi, and T. lestoquardi, the latter being most closely related to T. annulata.

Crustal movement in Chinese mainland observed from 1998 to 1999

In this paper, GPS observations during 1998 to 1999 at fiducial stations in the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) and GPS observation data processing with Bernese Software are briefly introduced. The processed results of crustal movement in the network during the period from early September 1998 to early July 1999, including the displacements at each fiducial station and strains in different part of the network, are discussed in detail. During the above mentioned period of observations, the eastern part of China was relatively stable. In contrast, the southwest part of China moved northwards about 17 mm with a dominant compression in NNE; the northwestern part of China moved northwestwards about 11 mm; and the Yunnan area moved southwards about 14 mm. The North-South seismic belt in the middle part of China is a belt of strong shear deformation. The maximum principal strain in the network is 2.9×10−8. The observation result shows that the northward push by the Indian Plate has still played the dominant role in the crustal movement in China.