《天问》“石林”“虬龙”章句新说

The present authors take the two chapters as an object for discussion, starting with syntactic and semantic analysis of ancient writings (annotation for names and description of a thing, structural analysis), literature evidence and field survey, and ascertains that "Shilin" and \!Qiulong\" are simply Kunlun objects in the West Regions. Based on textual research of the names and description, they somewhat probes into the Kunlun myth on which Quyuan depended to create the two chapters and identify as well as rectify mis spelt strips and transferred strips in discussing the location of \!Qiulong\".

Enhancing rock fragmentation prediction in mining operations:A hybrid GWO-RF model with SHAP interpretability

In the mining industry,precise forecasting of rock fragmentation is critical for optimising blasting processes.In this study,we address the challenge of enhancing rock fragmentation assessment by developing a novel hybrid predictive model named GWO-RF.This model combines the grey wolf optimization(GWO)algorithm with the random forest(RF)technique to predict the D_(80)value,a critical parameter in evaluating rock fragmentation quality.The study is conducted using a dataset from Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine,employing six different swarm sizes for the GWO-RF hybrid model construction.The GWO-RF model’s hyperparameters are systematically optimized within established bounds,and its performance is rigorously evaluated using multiple evaluation metrics.The results show that the GWO-RF hybrid model has higher predictive skills,exceeding traditional models in terms of accuracy.Furthermore,the interpretability of the GWO-RF model is enhanced through the utilization of SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP)values.The insights gained from this research contribute to optimizing blasting operations and rock fragmentation outcomes in the mining industry.

Variation of SPAD values in uneven-aged leaves of different dominant species in Castanopsis carlessi forest in Lingshishan National Forest Park

The greenness （SPAD） of uneven-aged leaves of dominant species in the Castanopsis carlessi forest at different altitude gradients in Lingshishan National Forest Park, Fujian Province, China were measured by using portable chlorophyll meter SPAD-502. In addition, the correlation between SPAD value and the concentration of chlorophyll and foliar nitrogen was also investigated. Significant variations in SPAD values were found between the uneven-aged leaves of different dominant species and different altitude gradients. Regression analysis showed that SPAD value was significantly correlated with the concentration of chlorophyll and the content of foliar nitrogen, indicating that SPAD value could be indicators for foliar chlorophyll and nitrogen. It is suggested that SPAD meter is a useful tool for forest assessments in decision-making and operational nutrient management programs.

Pyrite oxidation in the presence of calcite and dolomite:Alkaline leaching,chemical modeling and surface characterization

The effect of calcite and dolomite on the oxidation of pyrite was studied using batch-leaching experiments complemented with chemical modeling, solution analysis and solid characterization techniques. Leaching tests conducted at 80℃ and p（O2）=1.013×105 Pa and pH〉13 showed that pyrite alkaline oxidation rate decreased in the presence of both calcite and dolomite, while more detrimental effect was observed in the case of calcite. FE-SEM/EDS analysis exhibited a surface layer containing Ca（in the case of calcite） and Mg（in the case of dolomite） on the pyrite surface, which justified the slowdown in pyrite leaching rate. This surface layer was formed due to partial dissolution of carbonate minerals, which was affected dominantly by the p H and temperature of the leaching solution based on the chemical modeling data. The surface layer was characterized as Ca or Mg hydroxide using XRD and FTIR analysis. It was also found that this layer was thin and continuous in the case of calcite while it was thick and discontinuous in the presence of dolomite.

Integrated Debris Flow Disaster Mitigation—A Comprehensive Method for Debris Flow Disaster Mitigation

Integrated disaster mitigation needs interpreting torrent catchment areas as complex landscape systems. The history of valley-evolution shows the influence of climate and vegetation on the valley-evolution. The energy-concept (energy dissipation concept including the idea of the energy-line) is used for a simple explanation of debris flow. Examples of heavy debris flow disasters in controlled torrents in the Alps and Pyrenees give hints, which expanding the time scale can show that side-effects restrict or counteract the mitigation measures. A pallet of different mitigation measures to avoid or to reduce some of the side-effects is shown. The comprehensive method of disaster mitigation also includes the effect of vegetation. The pallet includes: avoiding hazards (hazard mapping, warning and alarming), appropriate land use and avoiding disaster-enhancing measures in the landscape and technical measures, which take into account their side-effects. The energy line is used as simple design theory. The Jiu-Jitsu Principle is explained too. With this comprehensive method a more sustainable reduction of disasters seems possible.

Effects of Trichoderma harzianum YC_(459) and soil types on seed germination and seedling growth in rock slope restoration

We carried out experiments with various concentrations of Trichoderma harzianum YC459 in different soil types(forest soil, mixed soil,merchantable soil, and leaf mold soil) to evaluate its effect on seed germination and seedling establishment of four species(Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Dianthus barbatus var. asiaticus Nakai,Lespedeza cyrtobotrya Miq., and Parthenocissus tricuspidata Planch) for rock slope restoration. We also investigated the use of drilled slanted holes on the rock slopes for seedling establishment. The results showed that T. harzianum concentration had significant effects on seed germination, seedling growth, and seedling survival for all the species with different soil types. Seed germination and survival rates peaked at 5% T. harzianum concentration with leaf mold soil and decreased as T. harzianum concentration increased from 5% to 10%. Seedling survival rates of all four species were generally lowest at 0% T. harzianum concentration in all soil types.The height of F. arundinacea and L. cyrtobotrya peaked at 5% T. harzianum concentration whereas that of D. barbatus and P. tricuspidata peaked at 10%T. harzianum concentration. We concluded that 5% T. harzianum concentration with leaf mold soil is appropriate for seed germination and seedling survival rates of most species, thus enhancing seedling establishment. Practical application of the findings of this study will contribute in the vegetation restoration of steep rocks in mountain environments.

Characteristics of rock fragments in different forest stony soil and its relationship with macropore characteristics in mountain area, northern China

Rock fragments have major effect on soil macropores and water movement. However, the characteristics of rock fragments and their relationship with macropore characteristics remain elusive in forest stony soils in northern mountainous area of China. The objectives of this study are to(1) use Industrial Computed Tomography(CT) scanning to quantitatively analyze rock fragment characteristics in intact soil columns in different forest lands and(2) identify the relationship between characteristics of rock fragments and that of the macropores. Intact soil columns that were 100 mm in diameter and 300 mm long were randomly taken from six local forest stony soils in Wuzuolou Forest Station in Miyun, Beijing. Industrial CT was used to scan all soil column samples, and then the scanned images were utilized to obtain the three-dimensional(3 D) images of rock fragments and macropore structures. Next, theparameters of the rock fragments and macropore structure were measured, including the volume, diameter, surface area, and number of rock fragments, as well as the volume, diameter, surface area, length, angle, tortuosity and number of macropores. The results showed that no significant difference was found in soil rock fragments content in the 10-30 cm layer between mixed forest and pure forest, but in the 0-10 cm soil layer, the rock fragments in mixed forest were significantly less than in pure forest. The number density of macropores has significant negative correlation with the number of rock fragments in the 0-10 cm soil layer, whereas this correlation is not significant in 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm soil layers. The volume density of macropore was not correlated with the volume density of rock fragments, and there is no correlation between the density of macropore surface area and the density of rock fragment surface area. Industrial CT scanning combined with image processing technology canprovide a better way to explore 3 D distribution of rock fragments in soil. The content of rock fragments in soil is mainly determined by parent rocks. The surface soil(0-10 cm) of forest contains fewer rock fragments and more macropores, which may be caused by bioturbation, root systems, gravitational settling and faunal undermining.

Detection of KRAS G12D in colorectal cancer stool by droplet digital PCR

AIMTo assess KRAS G12D mutation detection by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in stool-derived DNA from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.METHODSIn this study, tumor tissue and stool samples were collected from 70 patients with stage I-IV CRC diagnosed by preoperative biopsy. KRAS mutational status was determined by pyrosequencing analysis of DNA obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues. The KRAS G12D mutation was then analyzed by ddPCR in FFPE tumors and stool-derived DNA from patients with this point mutation. Wild-type (WT) tumors, as determined by pyrosequencing, were included as controls; analysis of FFPE tissue and stool-derived DNA by ddPCR was performed for these patients as well.RESULTSAmong the total 70 patients included, KRAS mutations were detected by pyrosequencing in 32 (45.71%), whereas 38 (54.29%) had WT tumors. The frequency of KRAS mutations was higher in left-sided tumors (11 located in the right colon, 15 in the left, and 6 in the rectum). The predominant point mutation was KRAS G12D (14.29%, n = 10), which was more frequent in early-stage tumors (I-IIA, n = 7). In agreement with pyrosequencing results, the KRAS G12D mutation was detected by ddPCR in FFPE tumor-derived DNA, and only a residual number of mutated copies was found in WT controls. The KRAS G12D mutation was also detected in stool-derived DNA in 80% of all fecal samples from CRC patients with this point mutation.CONCLUSIONddPCR is a reliable and sensitive method to analyze KRAS G12D mutation in stool-derived DNA from CRC patients, especially at early stages. This non-invasive approach is potentially applicable to other relevant biomarkers for CRC management.

Assessment and Analysis of Rockfall-Caused Tree Injuries in a Turkish Fir Stand:A Case Study from Kastamonu-Turkey

Rockfalls can cause serious damage to people,property,facilities and transportation corridors.Furthermore,rockfalls are major hazards in mountain areas with negative impacts on individual trees and forested ecosystems.We conducted a study of rockfall events on 117 mapped(91% of total trees in the stand with>1.3 m in height and>5 cm diameter at breast height)Turkish fir trees(Abies bornmuelleriana Mattf.)in a stand within the Kayaarkasi-Topular Village,Inebolu district, Kastamonu province of Turkey.The study site of 0.35 Ha is located on the transition zone of frequently passing rockfall fragments(～40 cm in diameter) generally causing healable injuries.Parameters of trees and injuries were recorded and analysed as to injury number,height and size.Bivariate correlation analysis were used to investigate the relationships between:a)diameter at breast height and number of injuries per tree,b)diameter at breast height and total injury size,c)the number of injuries and total injury size and d)the number of injuries per tree and distance from the source of the rockfall area.Results indicate that the average height of injury,average number of injuries and average injury area to be 81.3 cm(STDEV:49.8),7.46(STDEV:4.4)and 628.6 cm2 (STDEV:678.2),respectively.In total 84% of all injuries were recorded within 160°sector at the upslope side of trees and callus tissue that had closed wounds was observed in 79.1% of all injuries. Furthermore 14.5% of injured trees had callus tissue in the process of closing wounds while 6.4% of injuries had not formed any callus tissue.The most common injury types were bark and wood injuries. Bivariate correlation analysis indicated strong relationships between diameter at breast height and the number of injuries(rs=0.524),injury number and total injury area(rs=0.653)and distance from rockfall area and injury numbers relations(rs=-0.518).A weaker relationship was found between diameter at breast height and total injury area(rs=0.363).These results indicate that bigger trees are more prone to rockfall injuries.As expected,trees further from the rockfall area seem to be less prone to rockfall injuries.From our results,it can be inferred that the protection of people and property can be increased through the maintanance of forest in areas immediately below areas prone to rockfall.This stand is still managed in selective forest management system.In order to protect the settlement at the deposition zone it has to manage for protective goals with uneven-aged and multilayered stand structure.

Anthropogenic Impacts on the Sediment Flux in the Dry-hot Valleys of Southwest China—an Example of the Longchuan River

The sediment flux data, measured from a dry-hot valley of the Longchuan River, a tributary of the lower Jinsha River, were analyzed with Mann-Kendall test, Seasonal Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s test. In both the upper reaches (Xiaohekou) and the lower reaches (Xiaohuangguayuan), the sediment fluxes showed a significant increase from 1970 to 2001, despite the fact that the water discharge did not change significantly during the period and numerous reservoir constructions which contribute to the trap of sediment. This can be attributed to the intensification of human activities, especially the activities related to land surface disturbances such as deforestation and afforestation, expansion of agriculture land, and road constructions. This increase is more significant in the lower reaches of the river observed at the place of Xiaohuangguayuan due to the dry-hot climate. The profound increase in sediment flux has significant implications for effective management of the sedimentation problems of the on-going Three Gorges Reservoir.

Residential Energy Consumption and Associated Carbon Emission in Forest Rural Area in China: A Case Study in Weichang County

Rural energy consumption in China has increased dramatically in the last decades, and has become a significant contributor of carbon emissions. Yet there is limited data on energy consumption patterns and their evolution in forest rural areas of China. In order to bridge this gap, we report the findings of field surveys in forest villages in Weichang County as a case study of rural energy consumption in northern China. We found that the residential energy consumption per household is 3313 kgce yr^-1 （kilogram standard coal equivalent per year）, with energy content of 9.7×lO7 kJ yr^-1, including 1783 kgce yr^-1 from coal, 1386 kgce yr^-1 from fuel wood, 96 kgce yr^-1 from electricity, and 49 kgce yr^-1 from LPG. Per capita consumption is 909 kgce yr^-1 and its energy content is 2.7×lO7 kJ yr^-1. Due to a total energy utilization efficiency of 24.6%, all the consumed energy can only supply about 2.4×107 kJ yr^-1 of efficient energy content. Secondly, household energy consumption is partitioned into 2614 kgce yr^-1 for heating, 616 kgce yr^-1 for cooking, and 117 kgce yr^-1 for home appliances. Thirdly, the associated carbon emissions oer household are 2556 kzC yr^-1, includinz1022 kgC yr^-1 from unutilized fuel wood （90% of the total fuel wood）. The rest of emissions come from the use of electricity （212 kgC yr^-1, coal （13Ol kgC yr^-1 and LPG （21 kgC yr^-1. Fourthly, local climate, family size and household income have strong influences on rural residential energy consumption. Changes in storage and utilization practices of fuel can lead to the lO%-30% increase in the efficiency of fuel wood use, leading to reduced energy consumption by 924 kgce yr^-1 per household （27.9% reduction） and 9Ol kgC yr^-1 of carbon emissions （35-3% reduction）.

Protective effects of electroacupuncture on acetylsalicylic acid-induced acute gastritis in rats

AIM: To investigate the protective effects of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced ulceration in rats. METHODS: We randomly divided 72 rats into three groups including control (administered with distilled water), ASA group (administered 100 mg/kg ASA) and EA group (administered EA + 100 mg/kg ASA). Each rat was fasted for 18 to 24 h before experimentation, and lesion scores, gastric acidity, cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 mRNA levels, and total nitric oxide (NO) concentration were measured. RESULTS: The lesion scores of the EA group were significantly lower than those of the ASA group. Gastric acidity of the ASA and EA groups was reduced compared to the control group. COX-1 and -2 mRNA levels were significantly increased in the EA group as compared to the control and ASA groups, and NO levels were also significantly increased in the EA group as compared to the ASA group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EA-mediated protection against ASA-induced ulceration in rats may occur via gastric defense components.

Three Karst Sites,One Dream

CHINA will propose the inscription of karst landscapes in Wulong County （Chongqing Municipality）, Libo County （Guizhou Province） and Shilin City （Yunnan Province） on the prestigious World Heritage List during the 31st UNESCO World Heritage Comittee session in Christchurch, New Zealand, from June 23 to July 2.

Geological features and genesis of Gaotaigou borate deposit, Jilin, China

Gaotaigou borate deposit in Ji'an area, southeastern Jilin, is located in the easten end of Liaoning-Jilin (Liaoji)Proterozoic paleo-rift, which is a medium-sized deposit and makes up 67% of the total borate reserves in Jilin Province.The original borate ore bodies were formed by sedimentary exhalative process in Paleoproterozoic, but were activated and enriched by later metamorphism. In late stage of metamorphism, hydrothermal fluid of metamorphic origin made wallrocks be altered and the borate ore bodies be reformed. Ore bodies are strictly controlled by strata and their lithologies. In addition, the shape and spatial distribution of ore bodies are also defined by the Gaotaigou syncline. Combined with the ore-controlling factors and mineralizing features, it has been proposed that Gaotaigou borate deposit is a metamorphosed and hydrothermally altered sedimentary exhalative deposit.

Graphene as Gas Sensors

The triatomic and tetratomic gas molecule adsorption effects on the electrical conductivity of graphene areinvestigated by the tight-binding model,Green’s function method,and coherent potential approximation.We find thatthe electrical conductivity of graphene sheet is sensitive to the adsorption of these gases.

Analysis of petroleum hydrocarbons in mangrove sediments of Red Sea of Yemen

A field work has been carried out to identify the occurrence of oil and oil products pollution in mangrove sediment from Red Sea of Yemen. The concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons is from 700ng/g at Kamaran Island station to 400 ng/g at Al-Hodiedah station, and the total organic carbon (TOC) in samples ranges from 0.07% at Dhubab station to 0.03% at Kamaran Island station. This pollution is as a result of localized oil pollution and/or heavy ship traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Ilvaite as a thermodynamic recorder of multistage retrograde alteration in large Galinge skarn Fe deposit, western China

The ilvaite-bearing skarn associations in the Galinge skarn deposit were studied to determine their physicochemical formation conditions.A thermodynamic model setting pressure of 50 MPa(Pf=Ps=50 MPa)was set up to trace the skarn evolution.Petrographic evidence for replacement of garnet and magnetite by ilvaite in the early retrograde stage(Stage I)combined with thermodynamic modeling suggests that the alteration may have occurred at 400470°C under moderately high fO withΔlgfO(HM)ranges from 4 to 4.2.The model is based on a maximum 22 pressure of 50 MPa calculated from magmatic amphibole geobarometer.The continuous breakdown of ilvaite with quartz to form ferro-actinolite and magnetite occur in the late retrograde stage(Stage II).The reactions occurred at 400440°C under moderate fO(ΔlgfO(HM):4 to 4.4).In Stage III,the breakdown of ilvaite to form calcite,pyrite 22 and ferroactinolite depends on XCO which can be estimated to be in a range of 0.005 to 0.05,and the reaction would 2 occur at higher temperatures with increasing XCO.Under these conditions,the breakdown occurs at 270350°C and 2 low fO(ΔlgfO(HM):up to 5.2).The thermodynamic model for continuous evolution from Stage I to Stage III 22 completely records the conditions of the retrograde alteration,which is inconsistent with the thermobarometry imprints of fluid inclusions.Therefore,the petrography and phase relations of ilvaite are useful indicators of reaction conditions in various skarn deposit types.

Geochronology,geochemistry and geodynamics implications of Middle Triassic garnet-bearing muscovite monzogranite in central Jilin Province

Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology and geochemical analyses are undertaken for the garnet-bear-ing muscovite monzogranite in Yitong area, central Jilin Province. The formation age and petrogenesis of the granite are determined, and the regional tectonic background is discussed. Zircons from the granite are euhe-dral-subhedral in shape, and display fine-scale oscillatory growth zoning, indicating a magmatie origin. LA- ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating result indicates that the garnet-bearing muscovite monzogranites formed in the mid-dle Triassic （243 Ma ）. The garnet-bearing muscovite monzogranites have high SiO2 （SiO2 = 74.1%- 76.49% ）, rich aluminum （A1203 = 14.47%-14.68% ） and alkali （ NazO ＋ K20 = 4.31%-7.9% ）, low Fe203T and MgO （MgO =0.1%-0. 13% , Fe203T =0.46%-1.02% ）. The ratio of CaO/Na20 is between 0.17--0. 21. The garnet-bearing muscovite monzogranites in Yitong region are relatively enriched in light rare earth elements （LREEs） and large ion lithophile elements （LILEs） , and depleted of heavy rare earth elements （HREEs） and high field strength elements （HFSEs）. They are characterized by high Sr and Ba, poor Rb and Y, and negative Eu abnormally （δEu =0.48-0.62） , with Rb/Sr 〈 1. The εHf（t） values and TDM2 of zircons range from ＋ 6. 10 to ＋ 8.00 and from 725 Ma to 814 Ma, respectively. The above features indicate that gar- net-bearing muscovite monzogranites in Yitong area were derived from partial melting of metasedimentary rock. These granites have high Sr/Y ratios, which suggest they formed in a thickened continental crust. Combined with the coeval granitic rocks in central Jilin Province, we suggested that a significant eollisional and thickening event took place during the Middle Triassic.

Metallogenic origin of Sipingshan hot spring gold deposit in Hulin of Heilongjiang and its metallogenic mode

Sipingshan gold deposit is gold-bearing sillcalite in type. There only exist a few kinds of sulfide in the ore and it is lower in content. The gold degree is lower. Au is closely related to the Ag, Cu, Pb, As and Hg elements. The upper sillealite has Eu and Ce negative anomaly, and the lower sillealite has Eu positive anomaly, however, the hot spring cemented breccia and rhyolite porphyry have Eu negative anomaly; the S isotope component has deep-seated magmatic sulfur and terrestrial sulfate characteristic; and the Ph isotope has the character of the mixture origin of crust and mantle that is mainly dominated by Pb in the orogenic beh. The oreforming tluid temperature is 180℃-244℃ , characterized by magmatie hydrothermal and meteoric water; and the ore-forming age is 87 Ma. The deposit was formed by the metallogenic fluid in the tectonic fault zone overtlowing near the earth＇ s surface and leading to the metallogenic funetion and the metallogenic substar,ee deposition.

Use of Residual Material in Biobanking： Solidarity, Common Good, and Informed Consent

Biological residual materials can be obtained from surgical activities or from pathological waste material collected for analysis and stored in formalin. This material can be stored in biobanks with the purpose of future research. Formalin-fixed tissue and also formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissues are not suitable for all kinds of genetic studies on DNA or RNA, as formalin solution is well known for damaging nucleic acids. Therefore, for the purpose of conducting genetic studies, samples should be frozen in order to maintain a good quality of DNA/RNA over time Biobanks, in which waste samples are frozen, are undoubtedly expensive to maintain; however, it could be useful and important to consider their possible implication in particular research, regarding for example the tumor cells growth process, or when the procurement of samples is difficult. Regarding the relationship between informed consent and tissue collection, storage and research, two choices are possible： irreversible or reversible sample anonymization. These procedures involve different approaches and possible solutions that we will seek to define. Also, an important ethical aspect in regard to the role of biobanks is encouraging sample donation. For donors, seeing human sample being kept rather than discarded and seeing them become useful for research highlight the importance of the human body and improve the attitude towards donation. This process might also facilitate the giving of informed consent more trustfully and willingly.