Mediating role of inner strength in the relationship between medication literacy and medication adherence among kidney transplant patients

Objective:Compared with long-term renal replacement therapy,kidney transplantation is the ideal treatment for end-stage renal disease(ESRD),significantly extending patient life and improving quality of life.Kidney transplant patients need to adhere to lifelong immunosuppressive medication regimens,but their medication adherence is generally poor compared with other organ transplant recipients.Medication adherence is closely related to medication literacy and psychological status,yet related studies are limited.This study aims to investigate the current status of medication adherence,inner strength,and medication literacy in kidney transplant patients,analyze the relationships among these 3 factors,and explore the mediating role of inner strength in the relationship between medication literacy and medication adherence.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to October 2023 involving 421 patients aged≥18 years who visited kidney transplantation outpatient clinics at 4 tertiary hospitals in Hunan Province.The inner strength,medication literacy,and medication adherence of kidney transplant patients were investigated using the Inner Strength Scale(ISS),the Chinese version of the Medication Literacy Assessment in Spanish and English(MedLitRxSE),and the Chinese version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8(C-MMAS-8),respectively.Univariate analysis was performed to examine the effects of demographic and clinical data on medication adherence.Correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationships among medication literacy,medication adherence,and inner strength.Significant variables from univariate and correlation analyses were further analyzed using multiple linear regression,and the mediating effect of inner strength was explored.Results:Among the 421 questionnaires collected,408 were valid,with an effective rate of 96.91%.The scores of C-MMAS-8,MedLitRxSE,and ISS were 6.64±1.16,100.63±14.67,and 8.47±4.03,respectively.Among the 408 patients,only 86(21.08%)patients had a high level of medication adherence,whereas 230(56.37%)patients had a medium level of medication adherence,and 92(22.55%)patients had poor medication adherence.Univariate analysis indicated that the kidney transplant patients’age,marital status,education levels,years since their kidney transplant operation,number of hospitalizations after the kidney transplant,and adverse drug reactions showed significant differences in medication adherence(all P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that inner strength positively correlated with both medication literacy(r=0.183,P<0.001)and medication adherence(r=0.201,P<0.001).Additionally,there was a positive correlation between medication adherence and medication literacy(r=0.236,P<0.001).Inner strength accounted for 13.22%of the total effect in the mediating role between medication literacy and medication adherence.Conclusion:The level of medication adherence among kidney transplant patients needs improvement,and targeted intervention measures are essential.Inner strength mediates the relationship between medication literacy and medication adherence in these patients.Healthcare professionals should focus on enhancing medication literacy and supporting patients’inner strength to improve medication adherence.

Side-Channel Leakage Analysis of Inner Product Masking

The Inner Product Masking(IPM)scheme has been shown to provide higher theoretical security guarantees than the BooleanMasking(BM).This scheme aims to increase the algebraic complexity of the coding to achieve a higher level of security.Some previous work unfolds when certain(adversarial and implementation)conditions are met,and we seek to complement these investigations by understanding what happens when these conditions deviate from their expected behaviour.In this paper,we investigate the security characteristics of IPM under different conditions.In adversarial condition,the security properties of first-order IPMs obtained through parametric characterization are preserved in the face of univariate and bivariate attacks.In implementation condition,we construct two new polynomial leakage functions to observe the nonlinear leakage of the IPM and connect the security order amplification to the nonlinear function.We observe that the security of IPMis affected by the degree and the linear component in the leakage function.In addition,the comparison experiments from the coefficients,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and the public parameter show that the security properties of the IPM are highly implementation-dependent.

Regulating the inner Helmholtz plane structure at the electrolyte-electrode interface for highly reversible aqueous Zn batteries

The development of aqueous Zn batteries is limited by parasitic water reactions,corrosion,and dendrite growth.To address these challenges,an inner Helmholtz plane(IHP)regulation method is proposed by employing low-cost,non-toxic maltitol as the electrolyte additive.The preferential adsorption behavior of maltitol can expel the water from the inner Helmholtz plane,and thus hinder the immediate contact between Zn metal and H_(2)O.Meanwhile,strong interaction between maltitol and H_(2)O molecules can restrain the activity of H_(2)O.Besides,the"IHP adsorption effect"along with the low LUMO energy level of maltitol-CF_(3)SO_(3)^(-)can promote the in-situ formation of an organic-inorganic complex solid electrolyte interface(SEI)layer.As a result,the hydrogen/oxygen evolution side reaction,corrosion,and dendrites issues are effectively suppressed,thereby leading to highly reversible and dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping.The Zn‖I_(2)battery with hybrid electrolytes also demonstrates high electrochemical performance and ultralong cycling stability,showing a capacity retention of 75%over 20000 charge-discharge cycles at a large current density of 5 A g^(-1).In addition,the capacity of the device has almost no obvious decay over20000 cycles even at-30℃.This work offers a successful electrolyte regulation strategy via the IHP adsorption effect to design electrolytes for high-performance rechargeable Zn-ion batteries.

The Inner Split in Genetics of Wu Colloquial Expression“[hÃɲ33 paʔ3 lÃɲ33 tÃɲ31]”

“[ã44 kã44 paʔ5 lã44 tã53]”(Chinese characters transcription“昂更八冷打”)is an colloquial expression in Tongxiang dialect of Suzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Sub-branch,Taihu Branch,Wu.It describes an awkward state with unfinished tasks.Its similar expressions can be found in other regions of Taihu Branch,including Yixing,Changzhou,Shaoxing and Ningbo,usually serving as“all”,while the expression“[hÃɲ33 paʔ3 lÃɲ33 tÃɲ31]”(“亨八冷打”)in Shanghai Sub-branch indicates“the remaining parts”when used alone.“[hÃɲ33 paʔ3 lÃɲ33 tÃɲ31]”stands for“all”only when followed by a word with meaning of“adding together”.In this paper,it is concluded and deduced from other similar morphemes that the contradictory connotations are related to an“inner split”process of an original word.Considering similar morphemes in other Chinese dialects(including Cantonese,Hakka,Jianghuai and Min),the following analysis proposes three possible original expressions and correlating trajectories of this inner phonetic-semantic split process,and selects a most credible way based on the rhyming dictionary and previous reconstructive models of ancient Chinese phonology.This presumptive analysis indicates that a broader“split and derivate”process generating new morphemes exists widely in Sinitic dialects as a natural company of phonetic features in Chinese language flow.

Assessment of land degradation in Inner Mongolia between 2000 and 2020 based on remote sensing data

Achieving land degradation neutrality(LDN)worldwide is a significant target of the Sustainable Development Goal(SDG15.3).Inner Mongolia,as a typical dryland region in northern China,has carried out several large-scale ecological restoration programs to combat land degradation.However,there is a lack of comprehensive assess-ment of its land degradation situation after ecological programs implementation,which is of great significance to supporting SDG15.3 in China.This study analyzed the land degradation situation using the improved SDG15.3.1 calculation framework based on fine resolution data in Inner Mongolia from 2000 to 2020,and finally compre-hensively evaluated the land status of the whole region and those subject to ecological programs.The results show that net land restoration proportion of various ecological project regions and whole region continues to increase.The scope of the Grain for Green Program(GGP)had the largest proportion of net land restoration while the Natural Reserve Program(NRP)had the lowest proportion from 2000 to 2020.The net land restoration area of Inner Mongolia during 2000-2010 and 2010-2020 was 35,800 km 2 and 65,300 km 2,respectively.Overall,Inner Mongolia has achieved statistically zero growth in land degradation under the governance of ecological restora-tion programs.Therefore,reasonable planning,well monitoring,and timely assessment of ecological restoration programs are crucial to support SDG15.3.

Enhanced soil moisture improves vegetation growth in an arid grassland of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

Climate change impacts on grasslands that cover a quarter of the global land area, have become unprecedented during the 21~(st) century. One of the important ecological realms, arid grasslands of northern China, which occupy more than 70% of the region's land area. However, the impact of climate change on vegetation growth in these arid grasslands is not consistent and lacks corresponding quantitative research. In this study, NDVI(normalized difference vegetation index) and climate factors including temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, soil moisture, and meteorological drought were analyzed to explore the determinants of changes in grassland greenness in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region(northern China) during 1982–2016. The results showed that grasslands in Inner Mongolia witnessed an obvious trend of seasonal greening during the study period. Two prominent climatic factors,precipitation and soil moisture accounted for approximately 33% and 27% of grassland NDVI trends in the region based on multiple linear regression and boosted regression tree methods. This finding highlights the impact of water constraints to vegetation growth in Inner Mongolia's grasslands. The dominant role of precipitation in regulating grassland NDVI trends in Inner Mongolia significantly weakened from 1982 to 1996, and the role of soil moisture strengthened after 1996. Our findings emphasize the enhanced importance of soil moisture in driving vegetation growth in arid grasslands of Inner Mongolia, which should be thoroughly investigated in the future.

Responses of vegetation yield to precipitation and reference evapotranspiration in a desert steppe in Inner Mongolia,China

Drought,which restricts the sustainable development of agriculture,ecological health,and social economy,is affected by a variety of factors.It is widely accepted that a single variable cannot fully reflect the characteristics of drought events.Studying precipitation,reference evapotranspiration(ET_(0)),and vegetation yield can derive information to help conserve water resources in grassland ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions.In this study,the interactions of precipitation,ET_(0),and vegetation yield in Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner(DMJB),a desert steppe in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China were explored using two-dimensional(2D)and three-dimensional(3D)joint distribution models.Three types of Copula functions were applied to quantitatively analyze the joint distribution probability of different combinations of precipitation,ET_(0),and vegetation yield.For the precipitation–ET_(0)dry–wet type,the 2D joint distribution probability with precipitation≤245.69 mm/a or ET_(0)≥959.20 mm/a in DMJB was approximately 0.60,while the joint distribution probability with precipitation≤245.69 mm/a and ET_(0)≥959.20 mm/a was approximately 0.20.Correspondingly,the joint return period that at least one of the two events(precipitation was dry or ET_(0)was wet)occurred was 2 a,and the co-occurrence return period that both events(precipitation was dry and ET_(0)was wet)occurred was 5 a.Under this condition,the interval between dry and wet events would be short,the water supply and demand were unbalanced,and the water demand of vegetation would not be met.In addition,when precipitation remained stable and ET_(0)increased,the 3D joint distribution probability that vegetation yield would decrease due to water shortage in the precipitation–ET_(0)dry–wet years could reach up to 0.60–0.70.In future work,irrigation activities and water allocation criteria need to be implemented to increase vegetation yield and the safety of water resources in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia.

Spatial changes and driving factors of lake water quality in Inner Mongolia, China

Lakes play important roles in sustaining the ecosystem and economic development in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China,but the spatial patterns and driving mechanisms of water quality in lakes so far remain unclear.This study aimed to identify the spatial changes in water quality and the driving factors of seven lakes(Juyanhai Lake,Ulansuhai Lake,Hongjiannao Lake,Daihai Lake,Chagannaoer Lake,Hulun Lake,and Wulannuoer Lake)across the longitudinal axis(from the west to the east)of Inner Mongolia.Large-scale research was conducted using the comprehensive trophic level index(TLI(Σ)),multivariate statistics,and spatial analysis methods.The results showed that most lakes in Inner Mongolia were weakly alkaline.Total dissolved solids and salinity of lake water showed obvious zonation characteristics.Nitrogen and phosphorus were identified as the main pollutants in lakes,with high average concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus being of 4.05 and 0.21 mg/L,respectively.The values of TLI(Σ)ranged from 49.14 to 71.77,indicating varying degrees of lake eutrophication,and phosphorus was the main driver of lake eutrophication.The lakes of Inner Mongolia could be categorized into lakes to the west of Daihai Lake and lakes to the east of Daihai Lake in terms of salinity and TLI(Σ).The salinity levels of lakes to the west of Daihai Lake exceeded those of lakes to the east of Daihai Lake,whereas the opposite trend was observed for lake trophic level.The intensity and mode of anthropogenic activities were the driving factors of the spatial patterns of lake water quality.It is recommended to control the impact of anthropogenic activities on the water quality of lakes in Inner Mongolia to improve lake ecological environment.These findings provide a more thorough understanding of the driving mechanism of the spatial patterns of water quality in lakes of Inner Mongolia,which can be used to develop strategies for lake ecosystem protection and water resources management in this region.

Modeling the energetic electron fluxes in the inner radiation belt based on a drift-source model

The Macao Science Satellite-1(MSS-1),designed by the Macao University of Science and Technology and the National Space Science Center(NSSC)of China,is equipped to detect the fine structure of the magnetic field over the South Atlantic Anomaly(SAA)region,monitoring geomagnetic field variations,and obtaining the energetic electron spectrum distributions in the Earth’s inner radiation belt.In this study,we simulate the distributions of trapped,quasi-trapped,and untrapped electrons along the orbit of MSS-1 based on a drift-source model.The simulation results show that the particle detector with 90°looking direction can observe trapped electrons in the SAA region,untrapped electrons in the regions conjugated with the SAA region at the north hemisphere,and quasitrapped electrons in all other regions.In contrast,the detectors with<60°looking directions can measure only untrapped electrons.Generally,quasi-trapped electron fluxes accumulate along the drift trajectory and are due primarily to CRAND,until reaching the SAA region where quasi-trapped electrons are all lost into the atmosphere.

The Inner Structure of the Intrinsic Electron and the Origin of Self-Mass

A brief review and analysis of two historical models of the electron, the charged spinning sphere and Goudsmit and Uhlenbeck’s concept, is presented. It is shown that the enormous potential of classical electrodynamics has been underutilized in particle physics. Such observation leads to discovery of a principal component in the electron inner structure—the charged c-ring. The intrinsic (fundamental) electron model based on the charged c-ring successfully explains the ontology of the charge fractionation in quantum chromodynamics and the formation of Cooper pairs in superconductivity. The c-ring properties are explained on the basis of the General Compton Conditions as defined. Properties of the charged c-ring include the explanation of the boundary conditions, electro-magnetostatic field configuration, self-mass, spin, magnetic moment, and the gyromagnetic ratio. The self-mass of the intrinsic electron is 100% electro-magnetostatic and it is shown how to compute its value. The classical-quantum divide no longer exists. Relation between the intrinsic electron and the electron is fundamentally defined. The electron is the composite fermion consisting of the intrinsic electron and the neutrino. The ontology of the anomaly in the electron magnetic moment is demonstrated—it is due to the addition of the neutrino magnetic moment to the overall electron magnetic moment. The intrinsic electron replaces the W? boson in particle physics, resulting in a fundamental implication for the Standard Model.

The Intrinsic Electron with Its Properties Such as Inner Structure and Self-Mass Is in Conflict with Quantum Field Theory

The quantum field theory (QFT) is one of branches of the Standard Model. According to QFT, quantum fields are the primary entities and particles are the excitations of these fields, coming in discrete lumps with no inner structures and with properties assigned by declaration. Such view is in conflict with the observed vacuum energy density, 140 orders of magnitudes less than required by the QFT. In addition, such view is challenged by Aphysical Quantum Mechanics (AQM), a deeper quantum theory. According to AQM, the fundamental understanding of quantum reality is expanded by the addition of two fundamental categories, aphysical and elementary consciousness of elementary particles. Based on AQM and as an example, the total ontology of the intrinsic (fundamental) electron is presented with its inner structure of perfect geometry consisting of the physical charged c-ring and aphysical cylinder, and with its properties such as self-mass, spin, magneto-electrostatic field configuration and magnetic moment. The position parameter in the inner structure demonstrates that there are no two identical intrinsic electrons in the Universe thus placing a question mark over the QFT principle of indistinguishability.

The Influence of Plant Diversity and Functional Composition on Ecosystem Stability of Four Stipa Communities in the Inner Mongolia Plateau

The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of plant species diversity and functional composition (the identity of the plant functional groups) on ecosystem stability of Stipa, communities in the Inner Mongolia Plateau. The research work was based on a 12-year study (from 1984 to 1995) of species abundance, diversity, and primary productivity of four Stipa communities, i.e. S. baicalensis Roshev., S. grandis P. Smirn., S, krylovii Roshev., and S. klemenzii Roshev. respectively. The Shnnon-Wiener index was used as a measurement of plant diversity, while functional composition was used to differentiate the functional groups that were included in the communities. The plant species of four Stipa communities were classified into functional groups based on the differences in life forms and ecological groups, which influence their performance in resource requirements, seasonality of growth, tolerance to water stress, and life history. Plant species were classified into five functional groups based on their differences in life form, shrubs and half shrubs, perennial bunch grasses, perennial rhizome grasses, forbs, annuals and biennials. Based on their differences in water requirement these species were classified into four functional groups: xerads, intermediate xerads, intermediate mesophytes, and mesophytes. The results showed: 1) Plant species diversity stabilized ecosystem processes. Shannon-Wiener index were 2.401 4, 2.172 0, 1.624 8, 0.354 3 from S. baicalensis community to S. grandis, S. krylovii and S. klemenzii community, respectively. The dynamics of the aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) for a 12-year's period showed a reverse pattern, the coefficients of variation of the four communities were 21.94%, 20.63%, 29.21% and 39.72% respectively. 2) The Life form functional group component of diversity was a greater determinant of the ecosystem processes than the species component of diversity. The effects of perennial bunch grasses, perennial rhizome grasses and forbs on community stability were highly significant. 3) The ecological group component of diversity was also a great determinant of the ecosystem processes. The effects of xerads, intermediate xerads, and mesophytes on community stability were also very strong.

Temporal-spatial Changes in Inner Mongolian Grassland Degradation during Past Three Decades

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the temporal-spatial variation of Inner Mongolian grassland degradation during past three decades. [Method] The dis- tribution characteristics of grassland were described by land use types supervised classification with TM/ETM. Then, temporal-spatial changes of grassland coverage were quantified by the mean of maximum vegetation coverage in last 30 years. Lastly, the grassland degradation reasons were explored through statistic analysis between the grassland coverage and precipitation, temperature and grazing intensity. [Result] The grassland degradation index of Inner Mongolia was increased from 1.38 to 1.68, and the smallest was 1.28 in 2005s. Grassland degradation and improve- ment were concurrent after 1980s, but grassland degradation was the major change trend for Inner Mongolia grassland. The area of grassland degradation was enlarged from 18.08×10^4 km2 in 1980s to 22.47×10^4 km2 in 2010s on the whole and distribu- tion range was shifted from central-eastern to west in Inner Mongolia that mainly distributed on Hulun Buir and Xilin Gol grassland in 1980s and Ordos and Alax grassland in 2010s. The grassland area of degradation had a rising trend form 1980s to 1995s, then reduced to 10.8x104 km2 in 2005s, and decreased in 2010s, which mainly speared in the west of Xilin Gol grassland. [Conclusion] Inner Mongo-lian grassland degradation were become more seriously in last 30 years because that temperature, precipitation and graze intensities change, which not performance on decreasing coverage but grassland areas.

Genetic Analysis on the Lambing Effects of Ewe Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat

[Objective] The aim of this study was to explore the genetic law of litter size of Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat.[Method] A total of 22 721 litter records from 3 044 mothers were statistically analyzed.[Result] As shown by the least square variance analysis,the sex,parity and birth type had significant effect on lamb birth weight.As indicated by restricted maximum likelihood method,the parity,population and maternal effect influenced litter size significantly.The birth weight heritability of single lamb,twins and total was 0.16,0.40 and 0.17,respectively.[Conclusion] The study provided a certain basis for the establishment of Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat line with superior reproductive performance.

Storage of biomass and net primary productivity in desert shrubland of Artemisia ordosica on Ordos Plateau of Inner Mongolia, China

Biomass and net primary productivity （NPP） are two important parameters in determining ecosystem carbon pool and carbon sequestration. The biomass storage and NPP in desert shrubland of Artemisia ordosica on Ordos Plateau were investigated with method of harvesting standard size shrub in the growing season （June-October） of 2006. Results indicated that above- and belowground biomass of the same size shrubs showed no significant variation in the growing season （p〉0.1）, but annual biomass varied significantly （p〈 0.01）. In the A. ordosica community, shrub biomass storage was 699.76-1246.40 g.m^-2 and annual aboveground NPP was 224.09 g-m^-2·a^-1. Moreover, shrub biomass and NPP were closely related with shrub dimensions （cover and height） and could be well predicted by shrub volume using power regression.

Effects of deposition parameters on HFCVD diamond films growth on inner hole surfaces of WC-Co substrates

Deposition parameters that have great influences on hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) diamond films growth on inner hole surfaces of WC?Co substrates mainly include the substrate temperature (t), carbon content (φ), total pressure (p) and total mass flow (F). Taguchi method was used for the experimental design in order to study the combined effects of the four parameters on the properties of as-deposited diamond films. A new figure-of-merit (FOM) was defined to assess their comprehensive performance. It is clarified thatt,φandp all have significant and complicated effects on the performance of the diamond film and the FOM, which also present some differences as compared with the previous studies on CVD diamond films growth on plane or external surfaces. Aiming to deposit HFCVD diamond films with the best comprehensive performance, the key deposition parameters were finally optimized as:t=830 °C,φ=4.5%,p=4000 Pa,F=800 mL/min.

Pipe reduction of miniature inner grooved copper tubes through rotary swaging process

A rotary swaging machine was applied to fabricating pipe reduction for miniature inner grooved copper tube （MIGCT） heat pipes. Compared with conventional swaging method, the axial feed of the designed rotary swaging machine was reached by a constant pushing force. The deformation of grooves in pipe reduced section during rotary swaging was analyzed. The shrinkage and extensibility of pipe reduction were measured and calculated. Furthermore, four aspects, including outer diameter, surface roughness, extensibility and processing time of pipe reduction, which were influenced by the pushing force, were considered. The results show that the tube wall thickness increases gradually along the z-axis at sinking section. However, the outer diameters, surface roughness and micro-cracks at reduced section tend to decrease along the z-axis. Besides, the effect of variation in the pushing force on the extensibility is limited while an increase in the pushing force results in a decrease of surface roughness. Therefore, a large pushing force within the limit is beneficial to pipe reduction manufacturing during rotary swaging process.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Content in Food Crops Planted Along the Shaanxi Inner Mongolia Expressway

To understand the effect of the running of Shaanxi Inner Mongolia Expressway on food crops planted along the sides, we determined the heavy metal contents(Zn, Pb, Cu and Cb) in the digestion solutions of the root, stem and leaf from rice and corn. The results showed that highway promoted the accumulation of heavy metal elements in corn and rice. Compared with the CKs(crops produced where no highway extend), contents of heavy metal elements in two crops tested from two sampling sites were both over standard. This indicates that food crops planted within 100 m away from the highway are been polluted by heavy metals, which is directly related with the running of Shaanxi Inner Mongolia Expressway. Based on this, the areas within 100 m away from the highway are not suggested to cultivate food crops.

Relationships between bird communities and vegetation structure in Honghuaerji, northern Inner Mongolia

The survey on bird communities was conducted by the belt-style method in six different sample plots in the Honghua抏rji Forests area in the northern Inner Mongolia in June 2001 and totally 28 bird species were recorded. Vegetation investigation was carried out in five 10 m×10 m quadrats at each plot. The asymptotic regression function formulae were adopted to identify the relationships between the vegetation coverage and the numbers of bird species and individuals. The analytical results showed that the changes of species number and density of bird as well as the formation of bird communities follow the changes of forest type and the total foliage. Both the number of bird species and their density decreased with the de-crease of total foliage. The similarity of bird community was very low at the breeding time. In the same classification of cluster, no similarity was higher than 0.65, which indicated that the composition of species had a great difference between all the bird communities. The bird breeding density was closely related to forest growth stage. From the bare grassland ecosystem to cli-max ecosystem, the density of bird species showed a gradually increasing trend.

New ratite eggshell material from the Miocene of Inner Mongolia,China

Some Miocene ratite eggshell fragments from Gashunyinadege (about 17.5 Ma) and Baogedawula (7.11 ± 0.48 Ma), Inner Mongolia, China, are described. The outer surfaces of eggshell fragments from Gashunyinadege are smooth with a sting pore pattern, while their entire thickness is around 2.12 mm. In a cross-sectional view, the surface crystal layer is very thin and the ratio of cone layer to the those from Gashunyinadege, but seem much thinner and have a lower pore density. Both characteristics fit aepyornithid-type eggshells, implying that the distribution of aepyornithid-type eggshells can be extended to East Asia. The sediments at Gashunyinadege date to approximately 17.5 Ma, implying that the specimens from this locality are relatively early examples of aepyornithid-type eggshells. Aepyornithidtype eggshells seem to have appeared in Eurasia much earlier than struthionid-type eggshells. The faunal compositions in the two localities reflect gradual drying of the Mongolian plateau during the Miocene. A reduction in the number of pores 10 Ma ago, probably occurred in response to this drying process.