Patch Types Research Articles

Ecological Security Pattern Construction in Typical Oasis Area Based on Ant Colony Optimization: A Case Study in Yili River Valley, China

Establishing Ecological Security Pattern (ESP) is crucial for the harmonious development of society and the environment. Currently, the principal challenges in ecological planning include large contiguous ecological source areas and the accurate determination of ecological corridor widths. This study utilized the InVEST-MSPA-Conefor model, circuit theory, MATLAB, and the ArcGIS platform to analyze the Yili River Valley’s ESP, assess habitat quality, and identify habitat patch types. Results indicate that: (1) Habitat quality is higher in the southern and eastern parts of the river valley. The core area, vital for ecological connectivity, constituted 50.69 % of the study area. (2) Increased ecological resistance was predominantly observed in valley hills and near major transportation routes. (3) Seventy ecological corridors were identified, covering 3671.68 km2 of major and 6968.31 km2 of potential corridors, thus expanding the analysis from “source-line-point” to “source-line-point-plane” and strengthening ecological protection and management strategies. (4) The study proposes an optimization and management strategy of “Three Belts, Two Axes, and One Cluster” grounded in ESP results and local policies. The study advances the understanding of the Yili River Valley’s ecosystem structure, provides strategies for biodiversity conservation and ecological service optimization, and emphasizes the value of integrated, multi-dimensional modeling in ecological planning.

Efficacy of transdermal anti-inflammatory patches for musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: To determine the efficacy of transdermal anti-inflammatory patches in the treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain.Methods: A comprehensive search of: Cochrane Central register of controlled trials, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PubMed, for studies using transdermal anti-inflammatory patches vs placebo for management of musculoskeletal pain, e.g. soft tissue injuries or tendonitis (last search January 2024). Cochrane Risk of Bias Tools v1 was used for quality assessment and GRADE determined certainty of evidence. Meta-analysis was performed.Results: Twenty-three randomized placebo-controlled trials (n=4729) were included. There was low-certainty evidence that transdermal patches provided statistically and clinically significant pain relief on movement at long-term follow-up for chronic musculoskeletal pain (effect size -2-69 (95% CI: -4.14, -1.24) and at short-term follow-up which was non-clinically significant, (-1.24: 95% CI: -1.78, -0.69).Conclusion: Several types of transdermal anti-inflammatory patches may offer short-term and long-term pain relief for acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. However, the clinical significance of this effect for the long-term pain relief was based on low-certainty evidence of transdermal anti-inflammatory patches versus placebo; for short-term pain there was an overall non-clinically significant improvement. Performing a meta-analysis for all outcomes was not possible due to insufficiency in the evidence-base.Protocol registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero identifier is CRD42020185944.

Numerical investigation of patch geometry effect on the fatigue life of aluminum panels containing cracks repaired with CFRP composite patch using XFEM and CZM approach

This study investigated numerically the effect of using composite patches with various geometric shapes to improve the fatigue life of aluminum panels of AA7075-T6 and AA2024-T3 containing cracks and compared with the available experimental results. The Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) and Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) were applied to static and fatigue analyses. Four types of rectangular, trapezoidal, left-oriented triangular and right-oriented triangular composite patches were used in the numerical analysis. With the combination of XFEM and CZM methods, and using the Paris equation, the fatigue crack propagation and fatigue life of aluminum panels containing cracks can be reasonably predicted. A composite patch with a suitable shape and geometry, fatigue life of the repaired panel can be improved considerably. With a 204 % improvement in fatigue life in comparison to the unrepaired panel, the repaired sample made of aluminum alloy AA2024-T3 alloy achieved the most significant improvement in fatigue life. In AA7075-T6 alloy samples repaired with composite patches, the samples repaired with rectangular and trapezoidal patches experienced the highest fatigue life increases, respectively with 342 % and 290 % compared to the unrepaired samples. The comparison of numerical simulation results with the available experiment results shows a good agreement.

Diel Greenhouse Gas Emissions Demonstrate a Strong Response to Vegetation Patch Types in a Freshwater Wetland

AbstractWetland methane (CH4) fluxes are highly variable over spatial and temporal scales due to variations in CH4 production, oxidation, and transport. While some aspects of temporal variability in CH4 fluxes are well documented, diel variability is poorly constrained, and studies report conflicting findings, making it difficult to generalize. Topographic, geochemical, hydroclimatic, and vegetative variability can result in characteristically different “patches” that likely influence differences in diel patterns. We investigated diel patterns of CH4 fluxes from a large seasonal‐mineral soil wetland in Maryland (USA) across three functionally unique patches: two with vegetation (emergent and submerged aquatic vegetation) and one without (open water) during the summer of 2021. To explore the relationships between vegetation, environmental conditions, and flux patterns, we also measured physiochemical variables (air and water temperature, pH, relative humidity, PAR, dissolved oxygen, and water depth). To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing diel variability using chambers across such distinct vegetation patch types. We found that diel patterns were strongly linked to patch types: CH4 fluxes from the emergent vegetation did not display a consistent diel pattern, while fluxes from the submerged vegetation and no vegetation patches frequently peaked at 13:00 and 05:00, respectively. These differences could be a direct result of vegetation impact on production, oxidation, and/or transport of CH4 or on conditions covarying with patch type. This study contributes to the growing understanding of how CH4 fluxes vary spatially over diel cycles and emphasizes the importance of considering spatially varying diel patterns when estimating fluxes.

A 3D Statistical Shape Model of the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract in Pulmonary Valve Replacement Patients Post-Surgical Repair.

Assessment of the right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary arteries (RVOT) for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) uses discrete measurements (diameters and lengths) from medical images. This multi-centre study identified the 3D RVOT shape features prevalent in patients late after surgical repair of congenital heart disease (CHD). A 3D RVOT statistical shape model (SSM) was computed from 81 retrospectively selected CHD patients (14.7 ± 6.8 years) who required pulmonary valve replacement late after surgical repair. A principal component analysis identified prevalent shape features (modes) within the population which were compared with standard geometric measurements (diameter, length and surface area) and between sub-groups of diagnosis, RVOT type and dysfunction. Shape mode 1 and 2 represented RVOT size and curvature and tapering and length, respectively. Shape modes 3-5 related to branch pulmonary artery calibre, conical vs. bulbous RVOTs and RVOT curvature, respectively. Tetralogy of Fallot, transannular patch type and regurgitant RVOTs were larger and straighter while conduit and stenotic types were longer and more cylindrical than other subgroups. This SSM analysed the main 3D shape features present in a population of RVOTs, exploiting the wide 3D anatomical information provided by routine imaging. This morphological information may have implications for PPVI patient selection and device design.

Distribution and landscape patterns of cultural heritage in monastic settlements on the Western Sichuan plateau: A case study of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

The cultural heritage of temples represents a visible achievement of civilization, engraved on the Chinese land. The unique geographical and cultural resources of the Western Sichuan plateau have given rise to numerous distinctive Tibetan Buddhist temple communities. This study focuses on the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture as a representative case, defining the research scope, area, boundaries, and landscape types based on land use and land cover data. Using ArcGIS and Fragstats, the study analyzed the generation and distribution of temple-related cultural heritage, as well as the composition characteristics of various landscape patches. The landscape pattern indices were calculated to examine the spatial arrangement and relationships between different landscape patch types. Furthermore, the research explored the pattern and fundamental characteristics of the landscape associated with temple communities. The findings offer theoretical insights into the protection, development, and spatial management of temple cultural heritage on the Western Sichuan plateau.

Effect of repair patch nature on J-integral reduction in notched plates

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of different repair patch materials in reducing the stresses at the crack tip of a 2024-T3 aluminum plate. This involves a numerical analysis using the finite element method (FEM) to estimate the reduction in the J-integral value, with the goal of identifying how various parameters related to the patch materials, adhesive properties and loading conditions influence the structural integrity of the repaired plate.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of this research involves conducting a numerical analysis using the FEM to estimate the reduction in the J-integral value at the crack tip of a 2024-T3 aluminum plate. Three types of patches – metal, composite and functionally graded material (FGM) – were examined under tensile loading conditions, and Adekit-A140 adhesive was used to bond these repair patches to the aluminum plate.FindingsThe analysis considered various parameters, including crack length, the nature of fibers in the composite material, the gradation exponent for FGM patches and the nature of the face in contact with the adhesive for the FGM patch. Additionally, stress analysis was conducted, examining the J-integral values for the plate, shear stress in the adhesive layer and peel stress in the composite patch. The findings highlight that modifying the nature of the repair patch used can significantly enhance the structural integrity of the repaired plate.Originality/valueThe study analyzed J-integral values, shear stress in the adhesive and peel stress in the composite patch. Various parameters, including crack length, fiber type, gradation exponent and adhesive contact face nature, were considered. Results demonstrate that the J-integral value can be significantly reduced by altering the repair patch type, highlighting the effectiveness of customized patch materials in enhancing structural integrity.

Microstrip Patch Antenna Design for 5G and Beyond Wireless Communication Systems

This paper gives a theoretical evaluation on how feeder lengths are appropriate for distinct conductor materials using rectangular microstrip patch antenna shape with the help of finite integration techniques (FIT). In this study, the ground surface width is 5.6mm and the ground surface length is 4.65 mm for the rectangular microstrip patch antenna. The length of the patch is 3.44 mm while the patch width is 4.40 mm. The substrate thickness is at 0.20 mm, the patch thickness is 0.035 mm the additional inner feed length is 1.05 mm and the microstrip line feed width is 0.6 mm. Antenna of rectangular microstrip patch type has been designed to work in the 20 – 36 frequency band and working frequency of the proposed antenna is 28 GHz. Compared to the use of a single conductor on the surface of the designed patch antenna, three different conductor materials-copper, gold, and aluminum-were applied to the patch surface of the antenna. The return loss (S11), voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), bandwidth (BW), directivity and gain of the microstrip antenna parameters are studied using finite integration method Computer Simulation Technology (CST) based on nine different feed lengths in microstrip antenna design. When analyzing the feature of the simulation, the optimal S11 can be observed at the 28 resonant frequencies in the copper conductor. According to the analysis results, for copper conductor the best S11 was obtained at a resonant frequency of 28.03 GHz. The value of S11 is -31.19 dB and the BW value is 968 MHz. For the gold conductor the high return loss is achieved using the at the resonated frequency of 28.01 GHz. S11 value is -32 dB and the BW value is 972 MHz Aluminum conductor has the highest value of S11 with a resonant frequency of 28.01 GHz as shown in -33.29 dB and BW value is 976 MHz. Unsurprisingly, the characterization of the conductor deposition on each structure shows that aluminum conductor yielded the best S11 among all the conductor types. The VSWR is equal to 1.05 for copper conductor at resonant frequency of 28.03 GHz, 1.05 at gold conductor at a resonant frequency of 28.01 and 1.04 for aluminum conductor at a resonant frequency of 28.01 GHz. The maximum directivity values that have been attained in the three-dimensional (3D) representation of the copper conductor, gold and aluminum conductor antennas are nearly 6.99 dBi, respectively. The maximum values of the gain are obtained for the 3D representation of copper, gold and aluminum conductor antennas are 6.61, 6.60 and 6.58 dBi, respectively.

Effects of Patchiness on Soil Properties and Degradation of Alpine Meadow on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

Patchiness is known to affect soil water and soil temperature, and may trigger or accelerate alpine meadow degradation. However, there is a lack of direct evidence concerning the role of the size and type of patches on soil conditions. Here, we estimated the effects of typical patch types on the critical factors of soil water and soil temperature through an in situ survey and then analyzed the potential impacts of patchiness on alpine meadow degradation. The results showed that (1) the soil water storage (SWS) of typical patch types was remarkably different, and vegetation patches had higher SWS than bare patches; (2) with abundant precipitation, the isolated vegetation patch (IV) had higher SWS than the original vegetation patch (OV), accompanied by a decrease in the SWS of the surrounding medium bare patch (MP); (3) patchiness significantly altered the surface soil temperature, with the IV having the highest soil temperature (ST), followed by the OV and bare patches; and (4) the maximum mean value of evapotranspiration was observed in IV (3.85 mm/day), about 12.78% and 46.66% higher than in the bare patches and OV. Our findings indicated that patchiness intensified the heterogeneity of soil water and soil temperature. The IV could absorb soil water from surrounding MP for excessive evapotranspiration through constant high ST, potentially inducing or aggravating degradation. Increasing the connectivity of IV and preventing the transition of OV to IV is important for the stability and restoration of alpine meadow.

Microneedle Transdermal Patches- A Novel Painless Approach with Improved Bioavailability for the Treatment of Diseases with Special Prevalence to Neonatal Infection.

Microneedle transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) present a compelling substitute for parenteral and oral administration methods in the treatment of several illnesses. The past several decades have seen a revolution in technology that has changed the production of micro-structured devices, including the development of microneedles for transdermal patches. These devices are used to deliver drugs, proteins, insulin, antibiotics, vaccinations, and other therapies through the skin. They are proven to be beneficial for the prevention of newborn infections. Successful treatments for conditions like cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and migraines can be achieved with the use of transdermal microneedle patches. Microneedles have the potential to offer prolonged immunity, dosage sparing, and improved protection against viral challenges. The epidermis and dermis are immunologically rich layers, and because of the needles’ micron-size structure, these devices have shown to be significantly more effective at targeting these layers, indicating their potential utility in the creation of next-generation vaccines. Within the framework of developing vaccines. Microneedle transdermal patches’ main benefits are that they are easy to use, painless, and non-invasive. Here, we discuss the types of microneedle transdermal patches and how microneedle transdermal patches are now being used to treat infections in newborns and vaccination and as a more cost-effective self-administration approach. This also enhances the bioavailability when used in vaccination therapy. Next, we’ll go over how microneedle transdermal patches are currently used to treat a variety of illnesses effectively, including those that affect newborns.

Physically-guided temporal diffusion transformer for long-term time series forecasting

Transformer has shown excellent performance in long-term time series forecasting because of its capability to capture long-term dependencies. However, existing Transformer-based approaches often overlook the unique characteristics inherent to time series, particularly multi-scale periodicity, which leads to a gap in inductive biases. To address this oversight, the temporal diffusion Transformer (TDT) was developed in this study to reveal the intrinsic evolution processes of time series. First, to uncover the connections among the periods of multi-periodic time series, the series are transformed into various types of patches using a multi-scale Patch method. Inspired by the principles of heat conduction, TDT conceptualizes the evolution of a time series as a diffusion process. TDT aims to achieve global consistency by minimizing energy constraints, which is accomplished through the iterative updating of patches. Finally, the results of these iterations across multiple periods are aggregated to form the TDT output. Compared to previous advanced models, TDT achieved state-of-the-art predictive performance in our experiments. In most datasets, TDT outperformed the baseline model by approximately 2% in terms of mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). Its effectiveness was further validated through ablation, efficiency, and hyperparameter analyses. TDT offers intuitive explanations by elucidating the diffusion process of time series patches throughout the iterative procedure.

Transdermal drug delivery system recent advancements: A comprehensive review

"The transdermal route offers numerous benefits when compared to traditional drug delivery methods. These advantages encompass high bioavailability, the absence of first-pass hepatic metabolism, maintaining consistent drug plasma levels, and the non-invasive nature of therapy. Additionally, transdermal drug delivery systems [TDDS] provide prolonged therapeutic effects, reduced side effects, enhanced bioavailability, improved patient compliance, and easy termination of drug therapy. TDDS finds applications not only in pharmaceuticals but also in the skincare and cosmetics industries. Studies have shown that the transdermal route causes minimal skin irritation and demonstrates superior performance in various in vivo parameters compared to oral administration. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of TDDS, highlighting its advantages over conventional dosage forms, addressing limitations, discussing the components of transdermal patches, exploring different types of transdermal patches, describing methods of preparation, and outlining the ideal requirements for TDDS. Furthermore, it delves into regulatory considerations, physicochemical methods of evaluation, therapeutic applications, and recent advancements in the field of transdermal drug delivery systems."

Bird Habitat Suitability Analysis of The New City Centre Gede Bage Bandung Using Landscape Metrics

Abstract One focus of landscape ecology studies is the study of landscape patterns. Understanding the landscape patterns can help to find suitable habitat for the development or restoration of wildlife habitats, which can partly be expressed quantitatively with measurable or computable indicators by Geographic Information System, i.e. landscape metrics. This paper aims to analyze suitable habitat for bird habitat in The New City Centre in Gede Bage Bandung using statistical relationships between the occurrence of birds and the landscape pattern. Our study focus on habitat for Javan Pond Heron (A. speciosa) and Cattle Egret (B. ibis), two bird species which has been lived since 1970 in Ranca Bayawak Village inside The New City Centre Gede Bage Bandung. This study using landscape metrics software FRAGSTAT 4.2, parameter characterising landscape pattern were determined for the UTM 4 km x 4 km cells covering the whole of The New City Centre Gede Bage Bandung. The characteristic bird habitat define based on three types of landscape pattern : built-up areas, green spaces and water bodies. The study results based on statistical calculations found green spaces landscape metrics especially paddy field, forest and green open spaces are suitable for bird habitat, the type of patch that has the second largest patch size from total area. From statistical calculations also known built-up areas landscape metrics has the highest probability of fragmentation and the highest edge effect as a result of The New City Centre Gede Bage Bandung development.

Effects of Patch Properties of Submerged Vegetation on Sediment Scouring and Deposition

Vegetation plays a key role in trapping sediments and further controlling pollutants. However, few studies were conducted to clarify the erosion and deposition laws of sediments and the influence factors caused by vegetation patch properties, which is not conducive to the revelation of riverbank protection and erosion prevention. Therefore, this study investigated the change in scouring and deposition characteristics around submerged vegetation patches of nine kinds of typical configurations and their influencing factors. Vegetation patches were assembled from three vegetation densities (G/d = 0.83, 1.3, and 1.77, representing dense, medium, and sparse, respectively), and three vegetation patch thicknesses (dn = 170, 400, and 630, representing narrow, usual, and wide, respectively), to measure vegetation patch property influences. Flow velocity, scouring, and deposition characteristics under nine patches were determined by a hydraulic flume experiment, three-dimensional acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV), and three-dimensional laser scanner, and then ten geometry and morphology indices were measured and calculated based on the results of laser scanning. Results showed that both vegetation patch density and thickness were positively related to the turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) above the vegetation canopy, and only vegetation patch density was negatively related to the flow velocity above the vegetation canopy. The relation between the product of density and vegetation patch thickness and erosion area in planform (EA) showed a power function (R2 = 0.644). Both density and vegetation patch thickness determined the scouring degree, but deposition location and amount did not rely on each one simply. On average, medium density showed the smallest maximum erosion length (MEL), EA, deposition area in planform (DA), and average deposition length (ADL) and a minimum of the above parameters also occurred at narrow vegetation patch thickness. The shape factor of the erosion volume (SFEV), the shape factor of the deposition volume (SFDV), ADL, and MEL of medium density and narrow thickness vegetation patch (G/d = 1.3, dn = 170) were significantly smaller than that of other types of patches. DA and equivalent prismatic erosion depth on the erosion area (EPED) were significantly linearly related (R2 = 0.766). Consequently, most sediment was deposited close to the vegetation patch edge. It is suggested that vegetation patch thickness and density should be given to control sediment transport. In particular, natural vegetation growth changes vegetation patch density and then alters vegetation patch thickness. Management and repair need to be first considered. The results of this study shed light on riparian zone recovery and vegetation filter strip mechanism.

Harnessing 3D Printing and Electrospinning for Multiscale Hybrid Patches Mimicking the Native Myocardium.

Engineered cardiac tissues show potential for regenerative therapy in ischemic heart disease. Yet, selection of soft biomaterials for scaffold manufacturing is primarily influenced by empirical and compositional factors, raising concerns about arrhythmic risks due to poor electrophysiological integration. Addressing this, we developed multiscale hybrid myocardial patches mimicking native myocardium's structural and biomechanical attributes, utilizing 3D printing and electrospinning techniques. We compared three patch types: pure silicone and silicone-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with random (S-PLGA-R) and aligned (S-PLGA-A) fibers. S-PLGA-A patches with fiber orientation angles of 95-115° are achieved by applying a secondary electrical field using two parallel aluminum enhancers. With bulk and localized moduli of 350-750 and 13-20 kPa resembling the native myocardium, S-PLGA-A patches demonstrate a sarcomere length of 2.1 ± 0.2 μm, ≥50% higher strain motions and diastolic phase, and a 50-70% slower rise of calcium handling compared to the other two patches. This enhanced maturation and improved synchronization phenomena are attributed to efficient force transmission and reduced stress concentration due to mechanical similarity and linear propagation of electrical signals. This study presents a promising strategy for advancing regenerative cardiac therapies by harnessing the capabilities of 3D printing and electrospinning, providing a proof-of-concept for their effectiveness.

Soil nutrient heterogeneity affects community stability through changing asynchrony in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Soil nutrients are ubiquitously heterogeneously distributed and such heterogeneity can greatly influence plant and population growth, interspecific competition and community structure and productivity. Despite these impacts, it is still unknown how soil nutrient heterogeneity affects community stability. We conducted a three-year experiment in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, involving one homogeneous and six heterogeneous treatments of N, P, and K addition. The heterogeneous treatments varied in patch size, patch contrast, and number of patch types. Community stability in the homogeneous treatment tended to be the highest, likely due to high asynchrony among functional groups. However, such effects varied with patch size, patch contrast and number of patch types. Also, the effects of patch contrast and number of patch types on community stability and asynchrony among functional groups depended on patch size. The grass proportion was significantly affected by soil nutrient heterogeneity, and greater number of patch types increased the grass proportion at the small patch size, but not at the large one. Additionally, species richness, Shannon-Weiner index and Simpson index were greater in high patch contrast compared to the homogeneous treatment, but community evenness was not. These results suggest that soil nutrient heterogeneity can influence community stability by modifying functional group asynchrony and community evenness, rather than biomass proportions or other plant diversity indices. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating soil nutrient heterogeneity in modeling the responses of alpine ecosystems to continuous nitrogen deposition and climate warming.

A reaction-diffusion model for population dynamics in patchy landscapes

We address the linear eigenvalue problem associated with reaction-diffusion models for patchy linear domains with any finite number of unique patches. Interface conditions between adjacent patches may be chosen independently to accurately reflect organism behavior. We show that there exists a real principal eigenvalue with a corresponding non-negative eigenfunction that is non-zero interior to the domain. We demonstrate that our model is a generalization of several existing two-patch models. We consider simple three- and four-patch landscapes representing fragmented reserves to illustrate how our model can be used to analyze population persistence, spatial distribution, and migration dynamics. Fragmented landscapes with increased heterogeneity capture migration dynamics not found in landscapes with only two patch types, such as favorable habitat patches that experience net immigration. Conditions for the existence and non-existence of zero-flux conditions interior to three-patch systems are shown, which provide insight to the location of sources and direction(s) of migration.

Multilevel Change of Urban Green Space and Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity Analysis of Driving Factors

Analyzing the change trend of urban green space (UGS) and exploring related driving forces can provide scientific reference for sustainable development in rapidly urbanizing areas. However, the spatial and temporal driving mechanisms of the drivers on UGS patterns at different scales are still not deeply understood. Based on the GlobeLand30 land cover data, nighttime lighting data and spatial statistics from 2000 to 2020, this study analyzed the size, shape and diversity of UGS in Guangzhou at the urban level, gradient level and township level with multiple landscape indices. Diversity means the richness of UGS patch types. The selected indices include percent of landscape (PLAND), largest path index (LPI), landscape shape index (LSI), aggregation index (AI) and Shannon’s diversity index (SHDI). The spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the drivers was then explored using the spatiotemporal weighted regression (GTWR) method. Results showed the following: (1) During 2000−2020, the total amount of UGS in Guangzhou increased slightly and then decreased gradually. UGS was mainly transferred into artificial surfaces (lands modified by human activities). (2) The UGS landscape showed a non-linear trend along the urban–rural gradient and fluctuated more in the interval of 20–60% urbanization level. PLAND, LPI and AI decreased significantly in areas with higher levels of urbanization. LSI increased and SHDI decreased significantly in areas with lower levels of urbanization. At township level, the landscape indices showed significant spatial autocorrelation. They transformed from discrete changes at the edge and at the junction of the administrative district to large-scale aggregated change, especially in northern areas. (3) The size of UGSs was mainly influenced by natural factors and population density, but their shape and diversity were mainly influenced by socio-economic factors. More regular shapes of green patches were expected in higher urbanization areas. Population agglomeration positively influenced green space patterns in the northeastern and southern regions (Zengcheng, Conghua and Nansha). Meanwhile the negative influence of urban expansion on the green space pattern in the central and southern regions decreased over time. This study contributes to an in-depth understanding of how the key factors affect the different changes of UGS with time and space and provides methodological support for the long-term zoning planning and management of UGS.

A quick paster type of soluble nanoparticle microneedle patch for the treatment of obesity

Obesity is a major public burden on the working population and induces chronic diseases. Its treatment often requires long-term medication, which makes patient compliance difficult. In this study, we reported the value of HORN-MN, which comprised a fast-soluble hyaluronic acid microneedle matrix and a weak acid-degradable oleanolic acid dimer of rosiglitazone nanoparticles. The results showed that the microneedles easily punctured the stratum corneum and dissolved in the dermis of the abdominal wall within 5 min, followed by the release of rosiglitazone nanoparticles. Thereafter, the nanoparticles were endocytosed by macrophages and white adipocytes, then degraded to oleanolic acid in the lysosomes, thereby, releasing rosiglitazone. Oleanolic acid significantly improved the inflammatory status of obese adipose tissue and promoted white adipocyte browning, and rosiglitazone significantly potentiated WAC browning. Accordingly, the patch demonstrated a remarkable obesity-reducing efficacy in mice. In conclusion, this study developed a quick paster type of soluble rosiglitazone nanoparticle microneedle for the treatment of obesity. This patch can be suitable for working people, with an evident obesity-reducing efficacy but no effect on skin integrity despite multiple administrations.

Vegetation patches modify the acquisition of nitrogen by plants and microorganisms in a degraded alpine steppe

Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for both plants and soil microbes, but it often has limited availability. Currently, little is known about the effects of different vegetation patch types on the partitioning of N between plants and soil microorganisms in grassland ecosystems. In the present study, we performed a 15N-labelling experiment (using 15N-NO3− and 15N-NH4+) to investigate N uptake by plant biomass and microbial biomass for five common vegetation patch types in a degraded alpine steppe on the Tibetan Plateau. The results showed that plants and soil microorganisms in all patches showed a clear preference for the uptake of NO3−. Plants in patches dominated by palatable species absorbed more N than plants in unpalatable species patches, while N uptake in the microbial biomass in unpalatable species patches was higher than that in palatable species patches. For the two soil depths, plants in Poa litwinowiana patches had the highest N uptake (NO3−: 13.32–51.28 mg m-2; NH4+: 0.35–1.36 mg m-2), whereas microbial biomass in Oxytropis glacialis patches had the highest N uptake (NO3−:846.97–1659.87 mg m-2; NH4+: 108.75–185.14 mg m-2) among the five vegetation patch types. For both forms of N, soil microorganisms acquired relatively more N than the plants in the five vegetation patch types (i.e., the ratio of microbial biomass N uptake to plant biomass N uptake was greater than 1). The N-absorbing capacity of plants decreased, whereas the capacity of soil microorganisms to take up N increased with the degradation of vegetation patches. Microorganisms that compete more strongly for N might reduce the uptake of nutrients by plants in degraded patches, which would not be conducive to the restoration of vegetation in N-limited alpine grasslands.