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.

Correlation Analysis between Fruit Cracking and Influencing Factors in Apricot

In this study, 14 representative apricot cultivars in the production were selected as the experimental materials, and their fruit cracking characteristics, as well as the correlations between fruit cracking and influencing factors （e.g., pedcarp structure, mineral elements contents, DW/FW ratio and soluble sugar content） were analyzed to provide some reference for systematic study on fruit cracking mecha- nism of apricot. The results showed the cultivars with small orderly-and compactlyarranged epidermal cells were difficult to crack, while the cultivars with big disorderly-and loosely-arranged epidermal cells were easy to crack. There was no significant correlation between pericarp thickness and cracking index. The correlations between cracking and mineral elements contents of apricot fruit were in the order as Ca 〉 Zn 〉 Mn 〉 Fe 〉 K 〉 Mg 〉 Cu. The cracking index of apricot fruit was significantly negatively correlated with Ca content, was weakly correlated with Zn and Mn contents, and was uncorrelated with Fe, K, Mg and Cu contents. Ca deficiency was the main factor affecting the fruit cracking in apricot. Under the same conditions, the higher the water content is, the lower the cracking index is; and the higher the soluble sugar content is, the higher the cracking index is.

Dynamics models of soil organic carbon

As the largest pool of terrestrial organic carbon, soils interact strongly with atmosphere composition, climate, and land change. Soil organic carbon dynamics in ecosystem plays a great role in global carbon cycle and global change. With development of mathematical models that simulate changes in soil organic carbon, there have been considerable advances in understanding soil organic carbon dynamics. This paper mainly reviewed the composition of soil organic matter and its influenced factors, and recommended some soil organic matter models worldwide. Based on the analyses of the developed results at home and abroad, it is suggested that future soil organic matter models should be developed toward based-process models, and not always empirical ones. The models are able to reveal their interaction between soil carbon systems, climate and land cover by technique and methods of GIS (Geographical Information System) and RS (Remote Sensing). These models should be developed at a global scale, in dynamically describing the spatial and temporal changes of soil organic matter cycle. Meanwhile, the further researches on models should be strengthen for providing theory basis and foundation in making policy of green house gas emission in China.

Research Progress on Methane Emission from Cropland

Methane is an important greenhouse gas, and farmland is one of the im- portant emission sources of methane. Therefore, it＇s important to study the discharge of methane from cropland. This paper reviewed the methane emission from agricultural ecosystem, the factors controlling CH4 fluxes from soil, such as water regime, the soil characteristics, and the type and amount of applied fertilizers and so on, the management for mitigation of CH4 emission from cropland, especially from paddy field, and put forward some research suggestions on methane emission in the future. The objective of this paper is to provide reference for controlling methane emission in cropland.

Study on the Influencing Factors and the Root Mechanism in Cutting Process of Prunus humilis(Bge). Sok

A procedure for cutting Prunus humilis（Bge）. Sok was comprehensively studied in this paper. It was found that the key factors involved in this procession were medium, rooting accelerator, concentration of rooting accelerator and type of shoot. The results showed that send was used as mediums; Treatment with 1 000 mg/L AST rooting powder No. 2 and semi-woody shoots were the optimal materials for cutting, and the rooting rate reached 88.1%. Anatomical study on rooting of Prunus hum#is（Bge）. Sok cutting has been carded out by the paraffin section method. The observation result shows that the adventitious root primordium of Prunus humili$（Bge）. Sok cutting belongs to the type of induced root primordium. The adventitiousroot primordium originates from the cross region of vascular cambium and pith rays.

A Preliminary Study on the Establishment of AFLP Reaction System in Spinach

[Objective] This study aimed to establish an AFLP reaction system for spinach. [Method] Modified CTAB method was used for DNA extraction from six varieties of spinach. Experimental conditions in enzyme digestion and ligation, pre-amplification and selective amplification in the AFLP reaction system were analyzed and optimized. [Result] The results showed that： （1） enzyme digestion had better effects in the PCR instrument than in a water bath and it was not sensitive to the digestion time and DNA concentrations; （2） a total volume of 20 μl, containing 1.2 μl of Mg2＋ （25 mmol/L）, 1.6 μl of dNTPs （2.5 mmol/L） and 0.2 μl of Taq-polymerase （5 U/μl） was the optimal condition for pre-amplification and selective amplification reactions. [Conclusion] The AFLP system established in this study was stable and efficient, which provided a theoretical basis for AFLP molecular marker analysis of genetic relationship between spinach varieties and genetic breeding.

Influential factors on the exchange rate of dissolved inorganic nutrients at the sediment-water interface in Jiaozhou Bay, China

Incubation experiments are carried out to study the exchange rates of dissolved inorganic nutrients including silicate, phosphate, ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate (vSiO3-Si, vPO4-P, vNH4-N, vNO2-N and vNO3-N) at the sediment-water interface in the Jiaozhou Bay. Major factors influencing the exchange rates are discussed in detail, which include the dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations in porewater (Cpw), water and clay contents, and grain size of the sediments (CH2O, Cclay and GSsed). The results may provide insight into the dynamics of nutrient transport and the environmental capacity of nutrients in Jiaozhou Bay, and should be beneficial to solving the problems caused by excessive nutrient input this area.

Characterization of Pyrolytic Lignin Extracted from Bio-oil

Bio-oil is a new liquid fuel produced by fast pyrolysis,which is a promising technology to convert bio-mass into liquid. Pyrolytic lignin extracted from bio-oil,a fine powder,contributes to the instability of bio-oil. The paper presents the structural features of three kinds of pyrolytic lignin extracted from bio-oil with different methods(WIF,HMM,and LMM) . The pyrolytic lignin samples are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) . FTIR data indicate that the three pyrolytic lignin samples have similar functional groups,while the absorption intensity is different,and show characteristic vibra-tions of typical lignocellulosic material groups O H(3340-3380 cm-1) ,C H(2912-2929 cm-1) and C O(1652-1725 cm-1) . Comparison in the region(3340-3380 cm-1) indicates that WIF has more O H stretch groups than HMM and LMM. The carbon spectra are fitted to four peaks:C1,C C or C H,BE 283.5 eV;C2,C OR or C OH,BE 284.5-285.8 eV;C3,C O or HO C OR,BE 286.10-287.10 eV;C4,O C O,BE 287.5-287.7 eV. The absence of C1,C C or C H indicates the dominant polymerization structure of aro-matic carbon in pyrolytic lignin samples. For HMM and WIF,C2a and C2b can not be separated,so there is no free hydroxyl group in the samples. The oxygen peaks are also fitted to four peaks:O1,OH,BE = 530.3 eV;O2,RC O,BE 531.45-531.72 eV;O3,O C O,BE = 532.73-533.74 eV;O4,H2O,BE 535 eV. The absence of O1 and O4 indicates that little hydroxyl groups and adsorbed water are present in the samples.

Advances in the Study of Protein Quality Traits and Main Influencing Factors of Wheat in China

Wheat, the third major grain crop in China, is an important source of hu- man proteins. Wheat quality and yield has a direct impact on the development of agricultural economy and food industry. Investigating and improving protein quality of wheat has become a key to solving the contradiction. This paper reviewed the exist- ing literature published at home and abroad, analyzed the present situation and ex- isting problems of wheat protein quality in China, summarized the latest research progress about genetic models, main influencing factors, and correlations between protein quality traits and other traits, discussed current issues in the improvement of wheat protein quality, and proposed suggestions for breeding high-quality wheat, aiming at providing theoretical basis for genetic improvement, planting structure ad- justment and efficient production of high-quality wheat.

Influence factors on activity of Ru–Zn catalysts in selective hydrogenation of benzene

Selective hydrogenation of benzene is an atom economic green route to produce cyclohexene. The control of Zn species is the key to the catalytic performance of Ru–Zn catalysts. The influences of ZnO crystals on selective hydrogenation of benzene were explored. A series of Ru–Zn catalysts with different Zn contents and ZnO morphologies were prepared by changing the amount of NaOH in the co-precipitation process. The catalysts were characterized by N_2 physisorption, X-ray powder diffraction(XRD), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer(ICP-OES), scanning electron microscope(SEM), temperature-programmed reduction(H_2-TPR)and Malvern laser particle size analyzer. It is found that with increasing the amount of NaOH, the Zn content first increased then decreased, and the ZnO crystals changed from relatively thicker pyramidal-shaped crystals to slimmer needle-shaped crystals. The catalyst had the highest Zn content(22.1%) and strongest interaction between ZnO crystals and Ru particles at pH 10.6 of the solution after reduction. As a result, it had the lowest activity. The activity of Ru–Zn catalysts is affected by both the Zn content and the interaction between ZnO crystals and Ru particles. The effect of reduction time was also investigated. Prolonging the reduction time caused no significant growth of ZnO crystals but the aggregation of catalyst particles and growth of Ru nanocrystals, thus resulting in the decrease of catalytic activity.

Effect of montmorillonite on hydrate-based methane separation from mine gas

Three types of mine gas samples were used in the solutions of tetrahydrofuran(THF),sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS)and THF-SDS with/without MMT respectively to investigate the effect of montmorillonite(MMT)on separation characteristics of methane recovered from mine gas based on hydrate method.The partition coefficient,separation factor and recovery rate were used to evaluate the effects of MMT,and the selection factor was primarily proposed to define the selectivity of mine gas hydrate in the relative target gases.The experimental results indicate that MMT could improve the following factors including hydration separation factor,the selection factor,the partition coefficient,and the recovery rate.Furthermore,the effect of SDS on the function of MMT is analyzed in the process of hydration separation.Finally,due to the results of the experiment,it is concluded that MMT hydration mechanism explores the effect of MMT enrichment methane from mine gas.

An extended assessment of bowel habits in a general population

AIM:Bowel habits are difficult to study, and most data on defecatory behaviour in the general population have been obtained on the basis of recalled interview. The objective assessment of this physiological function and its pathological aspects continues to pose a difficult challenge. The aim of this prospective study was to objectively assess the bowel habits and related aspects in a large sample drawn from thegeneral population.METHODS: Over a two-month period 488 subjects were prospectively recruited from the general population and asked to compile a daily diary on their bowel habits and associated signs and symptoms (the latter according to Rome Ⅱ criteria). A total of 298 (61%) participants returned a correctly compiled record, so that data for more than 8000 patient-days were available for statistical analysis.RESULTS:The average defecatory frequency was once per day (range of 0.25-3.25) and was similar between males and females.However, higher frequencies of straining at stool (P=0.001), a feeling of incomplete emptying and/or difficult evacuation (P=0.0001), and manual manoeuvres to facilitate defecation (P=0.046) were reported by females as compared to males.CONCLUSION:This study represents one of the first attempts to objectively and prospectively assess bowel habits in a sample of the general population over a relatively long period of time. The variables we analyzed are coherent with the criteria commonly used for the clinical assessment of functional constipation, and can provide a useful adjunt for a better evaluation of constipated patients.

Influence factors on thermal conductivity of ammonia-water nanofluids

In order to investigate the mechanism of nanoparticles enhancing the heat and mass transfer of the ammonia-water absorption process,several types of binary nanofluids were prepared by mixing Al2O3 nanoparticles with polyacrylic acid(PAA),TiO2 with polyethylene glycol(PEG 1000),and TiN,SiC,hydroxyapatite(noodle-like) with PEG 10000 to ammonia-water solution,respectively.The thermal conductivities were measured by using a KD2 Pro thermal properties analyzer.The influences of surfactant and ammonia on the dispersion stabilities of the binary nanofluids were investigated by the light absorbency ratio index methods.The results show that the type,content and size of nanoparticles,the temperature as well as the dispersion stability are the key parameters that affect the thermal conductivity of nanofluids.For the given nanoparticle material and the base fluid,the thermal conductivity ratio of the nanofluid to the ammonia-water liquid increases as the nanoparticle content and the temperature are increased,and the diameter of nanoparticle is decreased.Furthermore,the thermal conductivity ratio increases significantly by improving the stabilities of nanofluids,which is achieved by adding surfactants or performing the proper ammonia content in the fluid.

Influencing Factors of Seed Long-distance Dispersal on a Fragmented Forest Landscape on Changbai Mountains,China

Seed long-distance dispersal(LDD) events are typically rare, but are important in the population processes that determine large-scale forest changes and the persistence of species in fragmented landscapes. However, previous studies focused on species dispersed via animal-mediated LDD, and ignored those dispersed by wind. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of canopy openness, edge, seed source, and patch tree density on the LDD of seeds by wind in forest. We collected birch seeds, a typical wind-dispersed species, throughout a larch plantation. We then assessed the relationship between birch LDD and each factor that may influence LDD of seeds by wind including distance to edge, canopy openness size, distance to mature forest, and the tree density of the larch plantation. We used univariate linear regression analysis to assess the influence of those factors on birch LDD, and partial correlations to calculate the contribution of each factor to LDD. The results showed that both canopy openness and edge had significant influences on birch LDD. Specifically, a negative relationship was observed between distance to edge and birch LDD, whereas there was a positive correlation between canopy openness size and LDD. In contrast, the distance to the mature forest was not correlated with birch LDD. Our results suggest that patch tree density could potently affect the probability of LDD by wind vectors, which provides novel and revealing insights regarding the effect of fragmentation on wind dynamics. The data also provide compelling evidence for the previously undocumented effect of habitat fragmentation on wind-dispersed organisms. As such, these observations will facilitate reasonable conservation planning, which requires a detailed understanding of the mechanisms by which patch properties hamper the delivery of seeds of wind-dispersed plants to fragmented areas.

Rutting influencing factors and prediction model for asphalt pavements based on the factor analysis method

To clarify the importance of various influencing factors on asphalt pavement rutting deformation and determine a screening method of model indicators,the data of the RIOHTrack full-scale track were examined using the factor analysis method(FAM).Taking the standard test pavement structure of RIOHTrack as an example,four rutting influencing factors from different aspects were determined through statistical analysis.Furthermore,the common influencing factors among the rutting influencing factors were studied based on FAM.Results show that the common factor can well characterize accumulative ESALs,center-point deflection,and temperature,besides humidity,which indicates that these three influencing factors can have an important impact on rutting.Moreover,an empirical rutting prediction model was established based on the selected influencing factors,which proved to exhibit high prediction accuracy.These analysis results demonstrate that the FAM is an effective screening method for rutting prediction model indicators,which provides a reference for the selection of independent model indicators in other rutting prediction model research when used in other areas and is of great significance for the prediction and control of rutting distress.

Vertical Crustal Displacements Due to Surface Fluid Changes

Using the model data for surface mass changes of the atmosphere, ocean, soil moisture and snow depth, the vertical crustal displacements of 25 ficual stations in China were calculated according to the loading theory. From the spectral analysis of the results, we can see that the periods of displacements are 12 months and the semi-periods are 6 months. The results also show that the maximum seasonal displacements can reach 20 mm and even larger. The covariance analyses and significance tests show that the coefficients of 96 percent of the stations are significant at the 0.1 significance level. The results show that one of the reasons of the vertical crustal displacements is the changing surface fluid loads.

A quantitative BP neural network analysis of the relationships between ΣREE content and impact factors in the Beibu Gulf

The distribution characteristics of rare earth elements （REE） in bottomsediments are influenced by many factors. Hence, conducting a quantitative analysis isdifficult. A qualitative analysis of the relationships between ΣREE content andprovenance, hydrodynamics, grain size and mineral distribution in the Beibu Gulf showsthat terrestrial rocks control the ΣREE composition. Both weaker hydrodynamics andfiner grain size lead to a higher ΣREE content. Relative curves revealing therelationships between individual impact factors and ΣREE content were obtained fromthe combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses of the BP neural network,which trained the position of samples, gravel content, sand content, silt content, claycontent and clay mineral content. The results are consistent with those of thequantitative analysis. The self-learning algorithm is automatically determined andcalculated quantitatively. The impact of each factor on REEs and how each factorcontrols the ΣREE distribution is identified. Thus, environmental changes and thegeological evolution of the region can be inferred based on curve variation and the geological evolution of the region can be inferred based on curve variation and theactual situation. This method also provides useful theoretical guidance for the analysisof REE enrichment and dispersion.

Calculation of impact factor of vibrator oscillation in offset printing based on fuzzy controller and genetic algorithm

In the inking system of an offset printing press,a vibrator roller distributes ink not only in the circumferential direction but also in the axial direction.In the control process,if ink amount is determined only by the dot area coverage without considering the impact of vibrator roller's oscillation,the printing colour quality will be reduced.This paper describes a method of calculating the impact factor of vibrator roller' s oscillation.First,the oscillation performance is analyzed and sample data of impact factor is got.Then,a fuzzy controller used for the calculation of the impact factor is designed,and genetic algorithm is used to optimize membership functions and obtain the fuzzy control rules automatically.This fuzzy controller can be used to calculate impact factors for any printing condition,and the impact factors can be used for ink amount control in printing process and it is important for higher printing colour quality and lowering ink and paper waste.

An Experimental Study on the Wave-Induced Pore Water Pressure Change and Relative Influencing Factors in the Silty Seabed

In this study, a flume experiment was designed to investigate the characteristics of wave-induced pore water pressure in the soil of a silty seabed with different clay contents, soil layer buried depths and wave heights respectively. The study showed that water waves propagating over silty seabed can induce significant change of pore water pressure, and the amplitude of pore pressure depends on depth of buried soil layer, clay content and wave height, which are considered as the three influencing factors for pore water pressure change. The pressure will attenuate according to exponential law with increase of soil layer buried depth, and the attenuation being more rapid in those soil layers with higher clay content and greater wave height. The pore pressure in silty seabed increases rapidly in the initial stage of wave action, then decreases gradually to a stable value, depending on the depth of buried soil layer, clay content and wave height. The peak value of pore pressure will increase if clay content or depth of buried soil layer decreases, or wave height increases. The analysis indicated that these soils with 5% clay content and waves with higher wave height produce instability in bed easier, and that the wave energy is mostly dissipated near the surface of soils and 5% clay content in soils can prevent pore pressure from dissipating immediately.