外源6-BA对小苍兰‘Red Lion’生长及花期调控的影响

本试验以小苍兰品种‘Red Lion’为材料,研究喷施不同浓度6-BA(25、50、100 mg/L和200 mg/L)对小苍兰生长、生理生化特性及花期的影响,以期为小苍兰花期调控和切花栽培提供技术支持。结果表明:喷施适当浓度的6-BA有利于延长小苍兰‘Red Lion’花期;6-BA浓度为200 mg/L时显著提高小苍兰的花朵直径、花葶长度、小花数、株高、叶片数,较对照花期延长11 d、花朵直径增加50.45%、小花数增加114.89%,同时叶片的丙二醛含量较CK降低34.65%,叶片抗氧化酶(POD、CAT)活性升高,分别比CK提高97.26%和393.24%。综之,喷施适当浓度的6-BA能够显著提高小苍兰‘Red Lion’花朵质量及数量,延长小苍兰花期,其中200 mg/L 6-BA处理效果最佳。

Red/ET同源重组介导的基因克隆载体pBACS的构建、鉴定与应用

目的通过Red/ET同源重组技术构建pBACS基因克隆及测序质粒载体。方法以质粒pBAC2015、pET28a为模板设计四对引物,PCR扩增得到四段彼此间有50 bp同源区域的基因片段,分别命名为bac-sop、bac-ori、bac-kan和bac-T7。利用Red/ET同源重组技术,将四段基因片段电转至E.coli GB05-dir感受态中进行线线重组。经酶切、测序验证阳性克隆质粒。此外,对重组质粒pBACS进行稳定性鉴定;利用pBACS分别进行细菌16S rDNA和真菌ITS基因克隆和基因测序。结果酶切和测序的验证结果显示,质粒的大小、元件方向及序列正确;pBACS具有较强的稳定性,适用于作为基因工程的克隆载体;可高效用于细菌16S rDNA和真菌ITS序列的克隆,阳性率为100%。结论成功利用Red/ET技术构建克隆载体pBACS,质粒载体具有稳定性强、重组效率高的特点,在基因克隆和基因测序等方面具有良好的应用潜力。

5G RedCap技术在电力行业应用的研究

Red Cap(5G轻量化)技术通过精简设备能力和降低复杂度,达到节约成本、降低设备功耗和缩小尺寸等目标,同时保留了5G原生能力,实现了技术和成本的平衡。本文研究了Red Cap的技术特性和相关国家政策,并结合电力行业网络需求,分析Red Cap在电力行业不同场景的应用和部署方案,探讨了Red Cap技术的发展潜力和运营商的部署策略。

Using Optical Tweezers to Study the Friction of the Red Blood Cells

In the last two decades the study of red blood cell elasticity using optical tweezers has known a rise appearing in the scientific research with regard to the various works carried out. Despite the various work done, no study has been done so far to study the influence of friction on the red blood cell indentation response using optical tweezers. In this study, we have developed a new approach to determine the coefficient of friction as well as the frictional forces of the red blood cell. This approach therefore allowed us to simultaneously carry out the indentation and traction test, which allowed us to extract the interfacial properties of the microbead red blood cell couple, among other things, the friction coefficient. This property would be extremely important to investigate the survival and mechanical features of cells, which will be of great physiological and pathological significance. But taking into account the hypothesis of friction as defined by the isotropic Coulomb law. The experiment performed for this purpose is the Brinell Hardness Test (DB).

Analysis and Assessment on the Heavy Metals in a Severely Degraded Subtropical Red Soil Region

5 different forests of Pinus massoniana, Schima superba, Liquidambar formosana, P. massoniana × S. superba, P. massoniana × L. formosana as the research object were set up to study the Cr, Cu and Zn content of degraded red soil region in subtropics. The soil heavy metal pollution degree was evaluated by national environmental quality standard (II class). The results showed that three soil metals of P. massoniana × S. superba were the highest, and the soil metals enrichment ability was strong. The order of single factor pollution index of metal elements was Cu (1.38) > Cr (0.81) > Zn (0.42), and moderately pollution, pollution warning and no pollution, respectively. There was no significant correlation between three soil heavy metals and soil total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). These results suggested that the accumulation of heavy metal elements was not derived from the parent material of soil. There was a significant positive correlation between the three metal elements which indicated that the sources of the three elements were similar. The structural equation model showed that the direct and indirect effects among the influencing factors ultimately affected the activity of heavy metals by cascade effects.

Solidification/Stabilization of Chromium in Red Mud-based Geopolymer

Up to 1.5wt%of Cr(Ⅲ)salts(CrCl_(3),and Cr_(2)O_(3))and Cr(Ⅵ)salts(Na_(2)CrO_(4),and CaCr_(2)O_(7))were incorporated into red mud-based geopolymers,respectively.The solidification/stabilization,compressive strength,and durability of the Cr-containing geopolymers were investigated.The experimental results indicate that the red mud-based geopolymer could effectively solidify/stabilize different types of Cr salts with solidification/stabilization rates of above 99.61%.Geopolymers are environmentally safe when the dosage of CaCr_(2)O_(7)is≤1.0wt%,or the dosage of CrCl_(3),Cr_(2)O_(3),and Na_(2)CrO_(4)is≤1.5wt%,respectively.The effects of Cr salts on the compressive strength varies with the type and content of Cr salts.The freeze-thaw cycle is more destructive to geopolymer properties than sulfate attack or acid rain erosion.The solidification/stabilization of Cr is mainly attributed to the following reasons:a)The chemical binding of Cr is related to the formation of Cr-containing hydrates(eg,magnesiochromite((Mg,Fe)(Cr,Al)_(2)O_(4)))and doping into N-A-S-H gel and C-A-S-H gel framework;b)The physical effect is related to the encapsulation by the hydration products(e g,N-A-S-H gel and C-A-S-H gel).This study provides a reference for the treatment of hazardous Cr-containing wastes by solid waste-based geopolymers.

Evolution model and failure mechanisms of rainfall-induced cracked red clay slopes:insights from Xinshao County,China

Red clay landslides are widely distributed worldwide,resulting in severe loss of life and property.Although rainfall-induced red clay slopes have received extensive attention,the role of cracks in the evolutionary process of red clay slopes and their connection to failure mechanisms is still poorly understood.A comprehensive approach integrating field investigation,laboratory tests,and numerical simulations was conducted to study the 168 red clay landslides in Xinshao County,China.The results show that red clay is prone to forming cracks at high moisture content due to its low swelling and high shrinkage properties.The failure mode of red clay slopes can be summarized in three stages:crack generation,slope excavation,and slope failure.Furthermore,the retrospective analysis and numerical simulations of the typical landslide in Guanchong indicated that intense rainfall primarily impacts the shallow layer of soil within approximately 0.5 m on the intact slope.However,cracks change the pattern of rainfall infiltration in the slope.Rainwater infiltrates rapidly through the preferential channels induced by the cracks rather than uniformly and slowly from the slope surface.This results in a significant increase in both the depth of infiltration and the saturated zone area of the cracked slope,reaching 3.8 m and 36.2 m^(2),respectively.Consequently,the factor of safety of the slope decreases by 13.4%compared to the intact slope,ultimately triggering landslides.This study can provide valuable insights into understanding the failure mechanisms of red clay slopes in China and other regions with similar geological settings.

A green cross-linking method for the preparation of renewable threedimensional graphene sponges for efficient adsorption of Congo red dye

Graphene-based materials possess significant potential for the treatment of dye wastewater due to their exceptional adsorption properties toward stubborn pollutants.However,their utilization is hindered by high preparation costs,low yields,environmental pollution during synthesis,and challenges in regenerating the adsorbent.This study proposes a novel approach to address these limitations by developing nitrogen-doped three-dimensional(3D)polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)crosslinked graphene sponges(N-PGA)using a cross-linking method with ammonium carbonate.This method offers a relatively mild,environmentally friendly approach.Ammonium carbonate serves as both a reducing and modifying agent,facilitating the formation of the intrinsic structure of N-PGA and acting as a nitrogen source.Meanwhile,PVA is utilized as the cross-linking agent.The results demonstrate that N-PGA exhibits a favorable internal 3D hierarchical porous structure and possesses robust mechanical properties.The measured specific surface area(BET)of N-PGA was as high as406.538 m^(2)·g^(-1),which was favorable for its efficient adsorption of Congo red(CR)dye molecules.At an initial concentration of 50 mg·L^(-1),N-PGA achieved an impressive removal rate of 89.6%and an adsorption capacity of 112 mg·g^(-1)for CR dye.Furthermore,it retained 79%of its initial adsorption capacity after 10 cycles,demonstrating excellent regeneration performance.In summary,the synthesized N-PGA displays remarkable efficacy in the adsorption of CR dye in wastewater,opening up new possibilities for utilizing 3D porous graphene nanomaterials as efficient adsorbents in wastewater treatment.

Red cell distribution width/platelet ratio estimates the 3-year risk of decompensation in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease-induced cirrhosis

BACKGROUND For compensated advanced chronic liver disease(cACLD)patients,the first decompensation represents a dramatically worsening prognostic event.Based on the first decompensation event(DE),the transition to decompensated advanced chronic liver disease(dACLD)can occur through two modalities referred to as acute decompensation(AD)and non-AD(NAD),respectively.Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension(CSPH)is considered the strongest predictor of decompensation in these patients.However,due to its invasiveness and costs,CSPH is almost never evaluated in clinical practice.Therefore,recognizing noninvasively predicting tools still have more appeal across healthcare systems.The red cell distribution width to platelet ratio(RPR)has been reported to be an indicator of hepatic fibrosis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease(MASLD).However,its predictive role for the decompensation has never been explored.AIM In this observational study,we investigated the clinical usage of RPR in predicting DEs in MASLD-related cACLD patients.METHODS Fourty controls and 150 MASLD-cACLD patients were consecutively enrolled and followed up(FUP)semiannually for 3 years.At baseline,biochemical,clinical,and Liver Stiffness Measurement(LSM),Child-Pugh(CP),Model for End-Stage Liver Disease(MELD),aspartate aminotransferase/platelet count ratio index(APRI),Fibrosis-4(FIB-4),Albumin-Bilirubin(ALBI),ALBI-FIB-4,and RPR were collected.During FUP,DEs(timing and modaities)were recorded.CSPH was assessed at the baseline and on DE occurrence according to the available Clinical Practice Guidelines.RESULTS Of 150 MASLD-related cACLD patients,43(28.6%)progressed to dACLD at a median time of 28.9 months(29 NAD and 14 AD).Baseline RPR values were significantly higher in cACLD in comparison to controls,as well as MELD,CP,APRI,FIB-4,ALBI,ALBI-FIB-4,and LSM in dACLD-progressing compared to cACLD individuals[all P<0.0001,except for FIB-4(P:0.007)and ALBI(P:0.011)].Receiving operator curve analysis revealed RPR>0.472 and>0.894 as the best cut-offs in the prediction respectively of 3-year first DE,as well as its superiority compared to the other non-invasive tools examined.RPR(P:0.02)and the presence of baseline-CSPH(P:0.04)were significantly and independently associated with the DE.Patients presenting baseline-CSPH and RPR>0.472 showed higher risk of decompensation(P:0.0023).CONCLUSION Altogether these findings suggest the RPR as a valid and potentially applicable non-invasive tool in the prediction of timing and modalities of decompensation in MASLD-related cACLD patients.

Diversity, Abundance and Distribution Patterns of Epibenthic Echinoderms in Dungonab Bay, Red Sea, Sudan

The abundance, distribution and diversity of epibenthic echinoderm were investigated at Dungonab Bay in the Red Sea coastal water of the Sudan. Four permanent line transects were chosen. Eight (30 × 2) square metre belt transects along each permanent line transect at 20 metre intervals were used to collect data. The data were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses. Spatial variations of epibenthic echinoderm abundance were assessed with one-way analysis of variance. Hierarchical agglomerative clustering was used to identify and illustrate the similarities in echinoderm abundance between line transects and between belt transects. Indices of richness (d), diversity (H'), evenness (J') and dominance (C) were used to explain the diversity of epibenthic echinoderm species. The distribution pattern of each echinoderm species was determined in each permanent line transect. A total of 986 individuals were recorded within sixteen species of epibenthic echinoderms in the four line transects. Holothuriidae was the dominant family (5 species and 342 individuals). The most abundant echinoderms species was Pearsonothuria graeffei (77 individuals, about 7.81%). Abundances intra-transects and intra-families were insignificant (f = 1.67, p = 0.183, df = 3 and f = 3.24, p = 0.083, df = 9, respectively). The highest values of Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'), Pielou evenness index (J'), Margalef species richness index (d), and Simpson Dominance index (C) were 2.738, 0.9875, 2.791 and 0.07159, respectively. The distribution patterns of all species in the study transects varied between clumped and uniform, with the exception of Asthenosoma varium of the Echinothuridae family, which had clumped distribution patterns in all transects. The study concluded that Dungonab Bay supports rich and diverse communities of epibenthic echinoderms.

JrATHB-12 mediates JrMYB113 and JrMYB27 to control the anthocyanin levels in different types of red walnut

Red walnut has broad market prospects because it is richer in anthocyanins than ordinary walnut.However,the mechanism driving anthocyanin biosynthesis in red walnut is still unknown.We studied two types of red walnut,called red walnut 1(R1),with a red pericarp and seed coat,and red walnut 2(R2),with a red seed coat only.R1 mostly contained cyanidin-3-O-galactoside,while R2 contained a various amounts of cyanidin-3-Ogalactoside,cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside,and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside.The LDOX-2(LOC109007163)and LDOX-3(LOC109010746)genes,which encode leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase/anthocyanidin synthase(LDOX/ANS),were preliminarily indicated as the crucial genes for anthocyanin biosynthesis in R1 and R2,respectively.The MYB differential genes analysis showed that MYB27 and MYB113 are specifically expressed in the red parts of R1 and R2,respectively,and they are regarded as candidate regulatory genes.Ectopic expression in Arabidopsis and transient injection in walnut showed that both MYB27 and MYB113 were located in the nucleus and promoted anthocyanin accumulation,while MYB27 promoted the expression of LDOX-2,and MYB113 promoted the expression of LDOX-3and UAGT-3.Yeast one-hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that MYB27 could only bind to the LDOX-2 promoter,while MYB113 could bind to the promoters of both LDOX-3 and UAGT-3.In addition,we also identified an HD-Zip transcription factor,ATHB-12,which is specifically expressed in the pericarp.After silencing the expression of ATHB-12,the R2 pericarp turned red,and MYB113 expression increased.Further experiments showed that ATHB-12 could specifically interact with MYB113 and bind to its promoter.This suggests that MYB27controls R1 coloration by regulating LDOX-2,while MYB113 controls R2 coloration by regulating LDOX-3 and UAGT-3,but ATHB-12 can specifically bind to and inhibit the MYB113 of the R2 pericarp so that it becomes unpigmented.This study reveals the anthocyanin biosynthetic mechanisms in two different types of red walnut and provides a scientific basis for the selection and breeding of red walnut varieties.

Red cell distribution width-to-albumin ratio is a simple promising prognostic marker in acute cholangitis requiring biliary drainage

Background: It is crucial to assess the severity of acute cholangitis(AC). There are currently several prognostic markers. However, the accuracies of these markers are not satisfied. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the red cell distribution width(RDW)-to-albumin ratio(RAR) for the prognosis of AC. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients diagnosed with AC between May 2019 and March 2022. RAR was calculated, and its predictive ability for in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit(ICU) admission, bacteremia, and the length of hospitalization were analyzed. Results: Out of 438 patients, 34(7.8%) died. Multivariate analysis showed that malignant etiology [odds ratio(OR) = 4.816, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.936-11.980], creatinine(OR = 1.649, 95% CI: 1.095-2.484), and RAR(OR = 2.064, 95% CI: 1.494-2.851) were independent risk factors for mortality. When adjusted for relevant covariates, including age, sex, malignant etiology, Tokyo severity grading(TSG), Charlson comorbidity index, and creatinine, RAR significantly predicted mortality(adjusted OR = 1.833, 95% CI: 1.280-2.624). When the cut-off of RAR was set to 3.8, its sensitivity and specificity for mortality were 94.1% and 56.7%, respectively. Patients with an RAR of > 3.8 had a 20.9-fold(OR = 20.9, 95% CI: 4.9-88.6) greater risk of mortality than the remaining patients. The area under the curve value of RAR for mortality was 0.835(95% CI: 0.770-0.901), which was significantly higher than that of TSG and the other prognostic markers, such as C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, and procalcitonin-to-albumin ratio. Lastly, RAR was not inferior to TSG in predicting ICU admission, bacteremia, and the length of hospitalization. Conclusions: RAR successfully predicted the in-hospital mortality, ICU admission, bacteremia, and the length of hospitalization of patients with AC, especially in-hospital mortality. RAR is a promising marker that is more convenient than TSG and other prognostic markers for predicting the prognosis of patients with AC.

Analysis of Calcined Red Mud Properties and Related Mortar Performances

Red mud(RM)is a low-activity industrial solid waste,and its utilization as a resource is currently a hot topic.In this study,the micro characteristics of red mud at different calcination temperatures were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.The performance of calcined red mud was determined through mortar strength tests.Results indicate that high-temperature calcination can change the mineral composition and microstructure of red mud,and increase the surface roughness and specific surface area.At the optimal temperature of 700°C,the addition of calcined red mud still leads to a decrease in mortar strength,but its activity index and flexural coefficient increase by 16.2%and 11.9%with respect to uncalcined red mud,reaching values of 0.826 and 0.974,respectively.Compared with the control group,the synergistic activation of calcined red mud with slag can increase the compressive and flexural strength of the mortar by 12.9%and 1.5%,reaching 8.7 and 62.4 MPa,respectively.Correspondingly,the activity index and flexural coefficient of the calcined RM and GGBS(Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag)mixtures also increase to 1.015 and 1.130,respectively.

Predictive value of red blood cell distribution width and hematocrit for short-term outcomes and prognosis in colorectal cancer patients undergoing radical surgery

BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported that low hematocrit levels indicate poor survival in patients with ovarian cancer and cervical cancer,the prognostic value of hematocrit for colorectal cancer(CRC)patients has not been determined.The prognostic value of red blood cell distribution width(RDW)for CRC patients was controversial.AIM To investigate the impact of RDW and hematocrit on the short-term outcomes and long-term prognosis of CRC patients who underwent radical surgery.METHODS Patients who were diagnosed with CRC and underwent radical CRC resection between January 2011 and January 2020 at a single clinical center were included.The short-term outcomes,overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)were compared among the different groups.Cox analysis was also conducted to identify independent risk factors for OS and DFS.RESULTS There were 4258 CRC patients who underwent radical surgery included in our study.A total of 1573 patients were in the lower RDW group and 2685 patients were in the higher RDW group.There were 2166 and 2092 patients in the higher hematocrit group and lower hematocrit group,respectively.Patients in the higher RDW group had more intraoperative blood loss(P<0.01)and more overall complications(P<0.01)than did those in the lower RDW group.Similarly,patients in the lower hematocrit group had more intraoperative blood loss(P=0.012),longer hospital stay(P=0.016)and overall complications(P<0.01)than did those in the higher hematocrit group.The higher RDW group had a worse OS and DFS than did the lower RDW group for tumor node metastasis(TNM)stage I(OS,P<0.05;DFS,P=0.001)and stage II(OS,P=0.004;DFS,P=0.01)than the lower RDW group;the lower hematocrit group had worse OS and DFS for TNM stage II(OS,P<0.05;DFS,P=0.001)and stage III(OS,P=0.001;DFS,P=0.001)than did the higher hematocrit group.Preoperative hematocrit was an independent risk factor for OS[P=0.017,hazard ratio(HR)=1.256,95%confidence interval(CI):1.041-1.515]and DFS(P=0.035,HR=1.194,95%CI:1.013-1.408).CONCLUSION A higher preoperative RDW and lower hematocrit were associated with more postoperative complications.However,only hematocrit was an independent risk factor for OS and DFS in CRC patients who underwent radical surgery,while RDW was not.

Antarctic red algae in dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells for water splitting

Phycoerythrin extracted from Antarctic red seaweeds shows promising characteristics to be applied as an anode sensitizer in water-splitting photoelectrochemical cells.Under light irradiation and using an LED lamp,the red-colored protein shows an interesting ability to profit the incident light,as confirmed by the presence of oxygen bubbles next to the electrode surface without applying any external potential.Our results showed that the addition of iodide is helpful to allow the regeneration of the dye;nevertheless,oxygen evolution is not favored.Thermodynamics analysis of the involved semi-reactions is also helpful to understand the observed results.The exploration of Antarctic resources offers then an alternative for the development of green energies,with a particular focus on their use as sensitizers to profit from the sunlight in water-splitting as well as in photovoltaic devices.

The protective effect of cyclodextrin on the color quality and stability of Cabernet Sauvignon red wine

The impact of cyclodextrins(CDs)on wine quality and stability remains largely unknown.This study systematically assessed the protective effect of the post-fermentation addition of CDs on color stability of red wine from the viewpoints of color characteristics,copigmentation and phenolic profiles.The grey relational analysis(GRA)and principal component analysis(PCA)methods were employed to dissect the key effective determinants related to color quality.The addition of CDs induced a significant hyperchromic effect of 8.19-25.40%,a significant bathochromic effect and an enhancement of the color intensity.Furthermore,the evolution of anthocyanin forms and the content of monomeric anthocyanins revealed that β-CD is a superior favorable cofactor during wine aging,but for long-term aging,2-HP-β-CD and 2-HP-γ-CD are more beneficial in promoting the formation of polymerized anthocyanins and color stability.This work provides an important reference for the use of CDs to enhance the color quality and stability of red wines.

Synergistic CO_(2) mineralization using coal fly ash and red mud as a composite system

CO_(2) mineralization plays a critical role in the storage and utilization of CO_(2).Coal fly ash(CFA)and red mud(RM)are widely utilized as CO_(2) mineralizers.However,the inert calcium species in CFA limit its carbonation capacity,meanwhile the substantial Ca^(2+)releasing of RM is hindered by a covering layer of calcium carbonate.In this study,CO_(2) mineralization in a composite system of CFA and RM was investigated to enhance the carbonation capacity.Multiple analyzers were employed to characterize the raw materials and resulting mineralization products.The results demonstrated that a synergistic effect existed in the composite system of CFA and RM,resulting in improving CO_(2) mineralization rate and efficiency.The produced calcium carbonate was ectopically attached the surface of CFA in the composite system,thus slowing down its coverage on the surface of RM.This phenomenon facilitated further releasing Ca^(2+)from the internal RM,thereby enhancing CO_(2) mineralization efficiency.Meanwhile,the inclusion of RM significantly improved the alkalinity of the composite system,which not only promoted the dissolution of Ca^(2+)of the inert CaSO_(4)(H_(2)O)_(2) in CFA,but also accelerated CO_(2) mineralization rate.The investigation would be beneficial to CO_(2) mineralization using industrial solid wastes.

RED在修订后的附件九中添加新的原料

欧洲生物柴油委员会(EBB)欢迎在欧盟委员会通过的《可再生能源指令》(RED)修订附件九中添加几种新的原料。但在实施之前,仍需进一步澄清新增原料的定义。2024年3月14日,欧盟委员会通过了期待已久的授权法案,修订了RED附件九。该文本大幅增加了附件中的原料数量,这是欧盟将可再生能源纳入运输部门并促进其实现脱碳的关键一步。

Importance of Stewards and Other Protection Efforts for Conservation of Red Knots (Calidris canutus rufa) and Other Shorebirds on Delaware Bay, New Jersey

Understanding the factors that contribute to population stability in long-distance migrant birds is increasingly important, particularly given global climate change, sea level rise, and loss or disturbance at essential habitats. While the populations of most shorebirds are declining worldwide, those that migrate through Delaware Bay, New Jersey and Delaware, are declining at the most rapid rate despite conservation efforts. In this paper, we 1) provide background information on population declines of red knots (Calidris canutus rufa) using Delaware Bay, threats to their foraging, and efforts to reduce threats, 2) summarize briefly our studies of the effects of human activities on knots and other shorebirds, 3) present data on management efforts to protect knots and other shorebirds from the activities of people, and 4) discuss the efficacy of such efforts (usually referred to as “decreasing the effect of human disturbances”). The Shorebird Project on Delaware Bay is over 25 years old and provides long-term data to help assess the status of shorebird numbers, particularly for red knot, as well as the density of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) and their eggs. Red knots have continued to decline even more precipitously in the last few years, presenting cause for concern. Protective efforts have been successful in reducing human disruption on the N.J. Delaware Bay beaches, but the lack of uniformity in implementation across the New Jersey side, and across the whole Bay have hampered further improvements. Implementation of signs, fencing, and stewards on some beaches significantly enhanced the use of these beaches by red knots, determined by examining the use of beaches pre- and post-implementation. Implementation of fencing and stewards had the greatest effect. From 1986 to 2018, there was a significant shift in the percent of Delaware Bay red knots using the NJ side, where protection efforts had been implemented on many of the beaches. Merely restricting access (without fencing or other efforts) did not result in more knots using the beaches post-restriction. This is the first paper that clearly shows the protective effects of having beach stewards. We discuss the long-term needs for continued management of Delaware Bay beaches, and other beaches coastwide, and of determining the causes of population declines of red knots.

Performances of fissured red sandstone after thermal treatment with constant-amplitude and low-cycle impacts

In the engineering practices,it is increasingly common to encounter fractured rocks perturbed by temperatures and frequent dynamic loads.In this paper,the dynamic behaviors and fracture characteristics of red sandstone considering temperatures(25℃,200℃,400℃,600℃,and 800℃)and fissure angles(0°,30°,60°,and 90°)were evaluated under constant-amplitude and low-cycle(CALC)impacts actuated by a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB)system.Subsequently,fracture morphology and second-order statistics within the grey-level co-occurrence matrix(GLCM)were examined using scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Meanwhile,the deep analysis and discussion of the mechanical response were conducted through the synchronous thermal analyzer(STA)test,numerical simulations,one-dimensional stress wave theory,and material structure.The multiple regression models between response variables and interactive effects of independent variables were established using the response surface method(RSM).The results demonstrate the fatigue strength and life diminish as temperatures rise and increase with increasing fissure angles,while the strain rate exhibits an inverse behavior.Furthermore,the peak stress intensification and strain rate softening observed during CALC impact exhibit greater prominence at increased fissure angles.The failure is dominated by tensile damage with concise evolution paths and intergranular cracks as well as the compressor-crushed zone which may affect the failure mode after 400℃.The second-order statistics of GLCM in SEM images exhibit a considerable dependence on the temperatures.Also,thermal damage dominated by thermal properties controls the material structure and wave impedance and eventually affects the incident wave intensity.The tensile wave reflected from the fissure surface is the inherent mechanism responsible for the angle effect exhibited by the fatigue strength and life.Ultimately,the peak stress intensification and strain rate softening during impact are determined by both the material structure and compaction governed by thermal damage and tensile wave.