Root growth and spatio-temporal distribution of three common annual halophytes in a saline desert, northern Xinjiang

Root growth and spatial and temporal distribution in the 0-100 cm soil profiles of three common annual halophytes Salsola subcrassa, Suaeda acuminate and Petrosimonia sibirica distributed in a saline desert in north- ern Xinjiang, China were studied in 2009 and 2010. The results showed that the root systems of the three halo- phytes were of the taproot type, vertically distributed in the 90-cm soil profile, and were deepest in late July. Their taproots reached maximum depth rapidly, early in the growth period, but with rare lateral roots. They were then dug out in an orderly way, from bottom to top, exhibiting vertical development first and then horizontal development. The distribution of specific root length, which reflects the characteristics of the feeder root, was gradually increased from top to bottom, whereas root weight displayed an opposite distribution pattern. The root length distribution of the three halophytes was concentrated （62% to 76%） in the middle soil profile （20-60 cm）, with less distribution in the surface （0-20 cm） and bottom （60-90 cm） soil profiles. The results indicated that the roots of the three annual halophytes grew rapidly into the deeper soil layer after germination, which ensured the plant survival and uptake of water and nutrition, and thus built up a strong tolerance to an arid, high-salt environment.

Root distribution of three co-occurring desert shrubs and their physiological response to precipitation

Root distribution of three desert shrubs,Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb.,Haloxylon ammodendron(C.A.Mey.) Bunge and Reaumuria soongorica(Pall.) Maxim.was investigated under co-occurring conditions using a method for excavating the whole root system.Assimilation shoot water potential and transpiration rates were monitored during the wet-dry cycle.Leaf-specific apparent hydraulic conductance and the index of water stress impact for the three species were calculated from shoot water potential and transpiration rate.The results showed that,along the soil profile,the root system of T.ramosissima mainly distributed at 50 to 310 cm interval,with an average total absorbing root-surface area of 30,249.2 cm2 per plant;the root system of H.ammodendraom distributed at 0 to 250 cm interval with an average total absorbing root-surface area of 12,847.3 cm2 per plant;the root system of R.soongorica distributed at 0-80 cm interval,with an average total absorbing root-surface area of 361.8 cm2.The root distribution shows the following:T.ramosissima uses groundwater as its main water source;H.ammodendraom uses both groundwater and rainwater;and R.soongorica uses rainwater only.During the wet-dry cycle,the hydraulic parameters of T.ramosissima showed no responses to precipitation.R.soongorica responded most significantly,and the responses of H.ammodendraom were intermediate.In conclusion,the plant response to rain events is closely related to their root distribution and plant water-use strategy.

A"messenger zone hypothesis"based on the visual three-dimensional spatial distribution of motoneurons innervating deep limb muscles

Coordinated contraction of skeletal muscles relies on selective connections between the muscles and multiple classes of the spinal motoneuro ns.Howeve r,current research on the spatial location of the spinal motoneurons innervating differe nt muscles is limited.In this study,we investigated the spatial distribution and relative position of different motoneurons that control the deep muscles of the mouse hindlimbs,which were innervated by the obturator nerve,femoral nerve,inferior gluteal nerve,deep pe roneal nerve,and tibial nerve.Locations were visualized by combining a multiplex retrograde tracking technique compatible with three-dimensional imaging of solvent-cleared o rgans(3DISCO)and 3-D imaging technology based on lightsheet fluorescence microscopy(LSFM).Additionally,we propose the hypothesis that"messenger zones"exist as interlaced areas between the motoneuron pools that dominate the synergistic or antagonist muscle groups.We hypothesize that these interlaced neurons may participate in muscle coordination as messenger neurons.Analysis revealed the precise mutual positional relationships among the many motoneurons that innervate different deep muscles of the mouse.Not only do these findings update and supplement our knowledge regarding the overall spatial layout of spinal motoneurons that control mouse limb muscles,but they also provide insights into the mechanisms through which muscle activity is coordinated and the architecture of motor circuits.

Representation of three-dimensional mass distribution of the Earth's interior by biorthogonal series and its use for studying internal structure of the planet

This paper utilizes the mathematical concept of approximation within an ellipsoid from a single viewpoint to present the spatial mass distribution function of the Earth's interior and its internal potential.The primary focus lies in constructing the volume distribution of masses in the planet's interior, with the expansion coefficients being linear combinations of the Stokes constants. Several possible approaches are suggested for determining accurately these coefficients employing three-dimensional(biorthogonal)polynomials. By expressing the mass distribution function of the Earth's interior and its internal potential as a series, an algorithm is introduced for the calculation of gravitational energy. It allows us to estimate fluctuations in gravitational energy. The implementation of this algorithm offers the means of establishing the extent to which the Earth deviates from a state of hydrostatic equilibrium as a celestial body.Due to the aforementioned method, calculations have been conducted to validate its effectiveness and reliability. This example is given as an illustration of a given method for studying the internal structure of planets.

Neural stem cell-derived exosomes promote mitochondrial biogenesis and restore abnormal protein distribution in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.We previously showed that neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles improved mitochondrial function in the cortex of AP P/PS1 mice.Because Alzheimer’s disease affects the entire brain,further research is needed to elucidate alterations in mitochondrial metabolism in the brain as a whole.Here,we investigated the expression of several important mitochondrial biogenesis-related cytokines in multiple brain regions after treatment with neural stem cell-derived exosomes and used a combination of whole brain clearing,immunostaining,and lightsheet imaging to clarify their spatial distribution.Additionally,to clarify whether the sirtuin 1(SIRT1)-related pathway plays a regulatory role in neural stem cell-de rived exosomes interfering with mitochondrial functional changes,we generated a novel nervous system-SIRT1 conditional knoc kout AP P/PS1mouse model.Our findings demonstrate that neural stem cell-de rived exosomes significantly increase SIRT1 levels,enhance the production of mitochondrial biogenesis-related fa ctors,and inhibit astrocyte activation,but do not suppress amyloid-βproduction.Thus,neural stem cell-derived exosomes may be a useful therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease that activates the SIRT1-PGC1αsignaling pathway and increases NRF1 and COXIV synthesis to improve mitochondrial biogenesis.In addition,we showed that the spatial distribution of mitochondrial biogenesis-related factors is disrupted in Alzheimer’s disease,and that neural stem cell-derived exosome treatment can reverse this effect,indicating that neural stem cell-derived exosomes promote mitochondrial biogenesis.

Integrative biogeography: Validating hypotheses of species distribution

DEAR EDITOR,Biogeography is a scientific field dedicated to the investigation of the origins and distribution patterns of organisms,as well as predicting future alterations in their geographical distributions(Cox&Moore,2005).However,the majority of conclusions drawn within the field of biogeography are hypothetical.Rigorous testing of these biogeographic hypotheses remains a considerable challenge.This paper presents the concept of“integrative biogeography”,which emphasizes the experimental testing of biogeographic hypotheses through studies on geological history,as well as biotic and abiotic factors(Figure 1).

Prevalence and ecological factors affecting the distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes in Prunus groves in Spain

A wide survey was conducted to study plant-parasitic nematodes(PPNs)associated with Prunus groves in Spain.This research aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of PPNs in Prunus groves,as well as the influence of explanatory variables describing soil,climate and agricultural management in structuring the variation of PPNs community composition.A total of 218 sampling sites were surveyed and 84 PPN species belonging to 32 genera were identified based of an integrative taxonomic approach.PPN species considered as potential limiting factors in Prunus production,such as Meloidogyne arenaria,M.incognita,M.javanica,Pratylenchus penetrans and P.vulnus,were identified in this survey.Seven soil physico-chemical(C,Mg,N,Na,OM,P,pH and clay,loamy sand and sandy loam texture classes),four climate(Bio04,Bio05,Bio13 and Bio14)and four agricultural management variables(grove-use history less than 10 years,irrigation,apricot seedling rootstock,and Montclar rootstock)were identified as the most influential variables driving spatial patterns of PPNs communities.In particular,younger plantations showed higher values for species richness and diversity indices than groves cultivated for more than 20 years with Prunus spp.Our study increases the knowledge of the distribution and prevalence of PPNs associated with Prunus rhizosphere,as well as on the influence of explanatory variables driving the spatial structure PPNs communities,which has important implications for the successful design of sustainable management strategies in the future in this agricultural system.

The Uptake and Distribution Evidence of Nano-and Microplastics in vivo after a Single High Dose of Oral Exposure

Objective Tissue uptake and distribution of nano-/microplastics was studied at a single high dose by gavage in vivo.Methods Fluorescent microspheres(100 nm,3μm,and 10μm)were given once at a dose of 200 mg/(kg∙body weight).The fluorescence intensity(FI)in observed organs was measured using the IVIS Spectrum at 0.5,1,2,and 4 h after administration.Histopathology was performed to corroborate these findings.Results In the 100 nm group,the FI of the stomach and small intestine were highest at 0.5 h,and the FI of the large intestine,excrement,lung,kidney,liver,and skeletal muscles were highest at 4 h compared with the control group(P<0.05).In the 3μm group,the FI only increased in the lung at 2 h(P<0.05).In the 10μm group,the FI increased in the large intestine and excrement at 2 h,and in the kidney at 4 h(P<0.05).The presence of nano-/microplastics in tissues was further verified by histopathology.The peak time of nanoplastic absorption in blood was confirmed.Conclusion Nanoplastics translocated rapidly to observed organs/tissues through blood circulation;however,only small amounts of MPs could penetrate the organs.

Tissue distribution of cadmium and its effect on reproduction in Spodoptera exigua

Vegetable fields are often contaminated by heavy metals,and Spodoptera exigua is a major vegetable pest which is stressed by heavy metals mainly by feeding.In this study,cadmium accumulation in the tissues of S.exigua exposed to cadmium and its effects on the growth and development of the parents and the offspring were investigated.Under the stress of different concentrations of cadmium(0.2,3.2,and 51.2 mg kg^(-1)),the cadmium content in each tissue of S.exigua increased in a dose-dependent manner.At the larval stage,the highest cadmium accumulation was found in midgut in all three cadmium treatments,but at the adult stage,the highest cadmium content was found in fat body.In addition,the cadmium content in ovaries was much higher than in testes.When F1S.exigua was stressed by cadmium and the F_(2)generation was not fed a cadmium-containing diet,the larval survival,pupation rate,emergence rate and fecundity of the F_(2)generation were significantly reduced in the 51.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment compared to the corresponding F1generation.Even in the F_(2)generation of the 3.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment,the fecundity was significantly lower than in the parental generation.The fecundity of the only-female stressed treatment was significantly lower than that of the only-male stressed treatment at the 3.2 and 51.2 mg kg^(-1)cadmium exposure levels.When only mothers were stressed at the larval stage,the fecundity of the F_(2)generation was significantly lower than that of the F1generation in the 51.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment,and it was also significantly lower than in the 3.2 and 0.2 mg kg^(-1)treatments.The results of our study can provide useful information for forecasting the population increase trends under different heavy metal stress conditions and for the reliable environmental risk assessment of heavy metal pollution.

Probability Distribution Characteristics of Strong Nonlinear Waves Under Typhoon Conditions in the Northern South China Sea

The generation and propagation mechanism of strong nonlinear waves in the South China Sea is an essential research area. In this study, the third-generation wave model WAVEWATCH Ⅲ is employed to simulate wave fields under extreme sea states. The model, integrating the ST6 source term, is validated against observed data, demonstrating its credibility. The spatial distribution of the occurrence probability of strong nonlinear waves during typhoons is shown, and the waves in the straits and the northeastern part of the South China Sea show strong nonlinear characteristics. The high-order spectral model HOS-ocean is employed to simulate the random wave surface series beneath five different platform areas. The waves during the typhoon exhibit strong nonlinear characteristics, and freak waves exist. The space-varying probability model is established to describe the short-term probability distribution of nonlinear wave series. The exceedance probability distributions of the wave surface beneath different platform areas are compared and analyzed. The results show that with an increase in the platform area, the probability of a strong nonlinear wave beneath the platform increases.

Distribution law and susceptibility of geohazards across a gradient belt of the Western Sichuan Plateau

Across a gradient belt of the Western Sichuan Plateau,geohazards have seriously limited economic and social development.According to incomplete statistics,15,673 geohazards have been recorded in the study area.In order to mitigate the threat of geohazards to human engineering activities in the region,an overall understanding of the distribution pattern of geohazards and susceptibility assessment are necessary.In this paper,a gradient belt of the Western Sichuan Plateau and its zoning criteria were defined.Subsequently,on the basis of relief amplitude,distance to faults,rainfall,and human activities,three indicators of endogenic process were introduced:Bouguer gravity anomaly gradient,vertical deformation gradient,and horizontal deformation gradient.Thereafter,the distribution patterns of geohazards were investigated through mathematical statistics and ArcGIS software.By randomly selecting 10,449 hazards,a geohazard susceptibility map was generated using the Information Value(IV)model.Finally,the IV model was validated against 5224 hazards using the Area Under Curve(AUC)method.The results show that 47.6%of the geohazards were distributed in the zone of steep slope.Geohazards showed strong responses to distance to faults,human activities,and annual rainfall.The distribution of geohazards in the gradient belt of the Western Sichuan Plateau is more sensitive to vertical internal dynamics factors(such as vertical deformation gradient and Bouguer gravity anomaly gradient)without any apparent sensitivity to horizontal internal dynamics factors.The areas of high and very-high risk account for up to 32.22%,mainly distributed in the Longmenshan and Anning River faults.According to the AUC plot,the success rate of the IV model for generating the susceptibility map is 76%.This susceptibility map and geohazard distribution pattern can provide a reference for geological disaster monitoring,preparation of post-disaster emergency measures,and town planning.

Impacts of proppant distribution on development of tight oil reservoirs with threshold pressure gradient

Field evidence indicates that proppant distribution and threshold pressure gradient have great impacts on well productivity.Aiming at the development of unconventional oil reservoirs in Triassic Chang-7 Unit,Ordos Basin of China,we presented an integrated workflow to investigate how(1)proppant placement in induced fracture and(2)non-linear flow in reservoir matrix would affect well productivity and fluid flow in the reservoir.Compared with our research before(Yue et al.,2020),here we extended this study into the development of multi-stage fractured horizontal wells(MFHWs)with large-scale complicated fracture geometry.The integrated workflow is based on the finite element method and consists of simulation models for proppant-laden fluid flow,fracture flow,and non-linear seepage flow,respectively.Simulation results indicate that the distribution of proppant inside the induced cracks significantly affects the productivity of the MFHW.When we assign an idealized proppant distribution instead of the real distribution,there will be an overestimation of 44.98%in daily oil rate and 30.63%in cumulative oil production after continuous development of 1000 days.Besides,threshold pressure gradient(TPG)also significantly affects the well performance in tight oil reservoirs.If we simply apply linear Darcy’s law to the reservoir matrix,the overall cumulative oil production can be overrated by 77%after 1000 days of development.In general,this research provides new insights into the development of tight oil reservoirs with TPG and meanwhile reveals the significance of proppant distribution and non-linear fluid flow in the production scenario design.

Three‑dimensional numerical simulation of dynamic strength and failure mode of a rock mass with cross joints

To study the dynamic mechanical properties and failure characteristics of intersecting jointed rock masses with different joint distributions under confining pressure,considering the cross angleαand joint persistence ratioη,a numerical model of the biaxial Hopkinson bar test system was established using the finite element method–discrete-element model coupling method.The validity of the model was verified by comparing and analyzing it in conjunction with laboratory test results.Dynamics-static combined impact tests were conducted on specimens under various conditions to investigate the strength characteristics and patterns of crack initiation and expansion.The study revealed the predominant factors influencing intersecting joints with different angles and penetrations under impact loading.The results show that the peak stress of the specimens decreases first and then increases with the increase of the cross angle.Whenα<60°,regardless of the value ofη,the dynamic stress of the specimens is controlled by the main joint.Whenα≥60°,the peak stress borne by the specimens decreases with increasingη.Whenα<60°,the initiation and propagation of cracks in the cross-jointed specimens are mainly controlled by the main joint,and the final failure surface of the specimens is composed of the main joint and wing cracks.Whenα≥60°orη≥0.67,the secondary joint guides the expansion of the wing cracks,and multiple failure surfaces composed of main and secondary joints,wing cracks,and co-planar cracks are formed.Increasing lateral confinement significantly increases the dynamic peak stress able to be borne by the specimens.Under triaxial conditions,the degree of failure of the intersecting jointed specimens is much lower than that under uniaxial and biaxial conditions.

Differential distribution of PINK1 and Parkin in the primate brain implies distinct roles

The vast majority of in vitro studies have demonstrated that PINK1 phosphorylates Parkin to work together in mitophagy to protect against neuronal degeneration.However,it remains largely unclear how PINK1 and Parkin are expressed in mammalian brains.This has been difficult to address because of the intrinsically low levels of PINK1 and undetectable levels of phosphorylated Parkin in small animals.Understanding this issue is critical for elucidating the in vivo roles of PINK1 and Parkin.Recently,we showed that the PINK1 kinase is selectively expressed as a truncated form(PINK1–55)in the primate brain.In the present study,we used multiple antibodies,including our recently developed monoclonal anti-PINK1,to validate the selective expression of PINK1 in the primate brain.We found that PINK1 was stably expressed in the monkey brain at postnatal and adulthood stages,which is consistent with the findings that depleting PINK1 can cause neuronal loss in developing and adult monkey brains.PINK1 was enriched in the membrane-bound fractionations,whereas Parkin was soluble with a distinguishable distribution.Immunofluorescent double staining experiments showed that PINK1 and Parkin did not colocalize under physiological conditions in cultured monkey astrocytes,though they did colocalize on mitochondria when the cells were exposed to mitochondrial stress.These findings suggest that PINK1 and Parkin may have distinct roles beyond their well-known function in mitophagy during mitochondrial damage.

Distribution and Formation Causes of PM_(2.5) and O_(3) Double High Pollution Events in China during 2013–20

Fine particulate matter(PM_(2.5))and ozone(O_(3))double high pollution(DHP)events have occurred frequently over China in recent years,but their causes are not completely clear.In this study,the spatiotemporal distribution of DHP events in China during 2013–20 is analyzed.The synoptic types affecting DHP events are identified with the Lamb–Jenkinson circulation classification method.The meteorological and chemical causes of DHP events controlled by the main synoptic types are further investigated.Results show that DHP events(1655 in total for China during 2013–20)mainly occur over the North China Plain,Yangtze River Delta,Pearl River Delta,Sichuan Basin,and Central China.The occurrence frequency increases by 5.1%during 2013–15,and then decreases by 56.1%during 2015–20.The main circulation types of DHP events are“cyclone”and“anticyclone”,accounting for over 40%of all DHP events over five main polluted regions in China,followed by southerly or easterly flat airflow types,like“southeast”,“southwest”,and“east”.Compared with non-DHP events,DHP events are characterized by static or weak wind,high temperature(20.9℃ versus 23.1℃)and low humidity(70.0%versus 64.9%).The diurnal cycles of meteorological conditions cause PM_(2.5)(0300–1200 LST,Local Standard Time=UTC+8 hours)and O_(3)(1500–2100 LST)to exceed the national standards at different periods of the DHP day.Three pollutant conversion indices further indicate the rapid secondary conversions during DHP events,and thus the concentrations of NO_(2),SO_(2) and volatile organic compounds decrease by 13.1%,4.7%and 4.4%,respectively.The results of this study can be informative for future decisions on the management of DHP events.

The Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics of Cloud Types and Phases in the Arctic Based on CloudSat and CALIPSO Cloud Classification Products

The cloud type product 2B-CLDCLASS-LIDAR based on CloudSat and CALIPSO from June 2006 to May 2017 is used to examine the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics and interannual variability of eight cloud types(high cloud, altostratus, altocumulus, stratus, stratocumulus, cumulus, nimbostratus, and deep convection) and three phases(ice,mixed, and water) in the Arctic. Possible reasons for the observed interannual variability are also discussed. The main conclusions are as follows:(1) More water clouds occur on the Atlantic side, and more ice clouds occur over continents.(2)The average spatial and seasonal distributions of cloud types show three patterns: high clouds and most cumuliform clouds are concentrated in low-latitude locations and peak in summer;altostratus and nimbostratus are concentrated over and around continents and are less abundant in summer;stratocumulus and stratus are concentrated near the inner Arctic and peak during spring and autumn.(3) Regional averaged interannual frequencies of ice clouds and altostratus clouds significantly decrease, while those of water clouds, altocumulus, and cumulus clouds increase significantly.(4) Significant features of the linear trends of cloud frequencies are mainly located over ocean areas.(5) The monthly water cloud frequency anomalies are positively correlated with air temperature in most of the troposphere, while those for ice clouds are negatively correlated.(6) The decrease in altostratus clouds is associated with the weakening of the Arctic front due to Arctic warming, while increased water vapor transport into the Arctic and higher atmospheric instability lead to more cumulus and altocumulus clouds.

Extended wet sieving method for determination of complete particle size distribution of general soils

The traditional standard wet sieving method uses steel sieves with aperture?0.063 mm and can only determine the particle size distribution(PSD)of gravel and sand in general soil.This paper extends the traditional method and presents an extended wet sieving method.The extended method uses both the steel sieves and the nylon filter cloth sieves.The apertures of the cloth sieves are smaller than 0.063 mm and equal 0.048 mm,0.038 mm,0.014 mm,0.012 mm,0.0063 mm,0.004 mm,0.003 mm,0.002 mm,and 0.001 mm,respectively.The extended method uses five steps to separate the general soil into many material sub-groups of gravel,sand,silt and clay with known particle size ranges.The complete PSD of the general soil is then calculated from the dry masses of the individual material sub-groups.The extended method is demonstrated with a general soil of completely decomposed granite(CDG)in Hong Kong,China.The silt and clay materials with different particle size ranges are further examined,checked and verified using stereomicroscopic observation,physical and chemical property tests.The results further confirm the correctness of the extended wet sieving method.

Tuning mechanical behaviors of highly entangled hydrogels with the random distribution of mobile entanglements

Highly entangled hydrogels exhibit excellent mechanical properties,including high toughness,high stretchability,and low hysteresis.By considering the evolution of randomly distributed entanglements within the polymer network upon mechanical stretches,we develop a constitutive theory to describe the large stretch behaviors of these hydrogels.In the theory,we utilize a representative volume element(RVE)in the shape of a cube,within which there exists an averaged chain segment along each edge and a mobile entanglement at each corner.By employing an explicit method,we decouple the elasticity of the hydrogels from the sliding motion of their entanglements,and derive the stress-stretch relations for these hydrogels.The present theoretical analysis is in agreement with experiment,and highlights the significant influence of the entanglement distribution within the hydrogels on their elasticity.We also implement the present developed constitutive theory into a commercial finite element software,and the subsequent simulations demonstrate that the exact distribution of entanglements strongly affects the mechanical behaviors of the structures of these hydrogels.Overall,the present theory provides valuable insights into the deformation mechanism of highly entangled hydrogels,and can aid in the design of these hydrogels with enhanced performance.

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.

Spatial distribution of shallow landslides caused by Typhoon Lekima in 2019 in Zhejiang Province, China

In recent years, the coastal region of Southeast China has witnessed a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events associated with landfalling typhoons. The hilly and mountainous terrain of this area, combined with rapid rainfall accumulation, has led to a surge in flash floods and severe geological hazards. On August 10, 2019, Typhoon Lekima made landfall in Zhejiang Province, China, and its torrential rainfall triggered extensive landslides, resulting in substantial damage and economic losses. Utilizing high-resolution satellite images, we compiled a landslide inventory of the affected area, which comprises a total of 2,774 rainfallinduced landslides over an area of 2965 km2. The majority of these landslides were small to mediumsized and exhibited elongated, clustered patterns. Some landslides displayed characteristics of high-level initiation, obstructing or partially blocking rivers, leading to the formation of debris dams. We used the inventory to analyze the distribution pattern of the landslides and their relationship with topographical, geological, and hydrological factors. The results showed that landslide abundance was closely related to elevation, slope angle, faults, and road density. The landslides were predominantly located in hilly and low mountainous areas, with elevations ranging from 150 to 300 m, slopes of 20 to 30 degrees, and a NE-SE aspect. Notably, we observed the highest Landslide Number Density(LND) and Landslide Area Percentage(LAP) in the rhyolite region. Landslides were concentrated within approximately 4 km on either side of fault zones, with their size and frequency negatively correlated with distances to faults, roads, and river systems. Furthermore, under the influence of typhoons, regions with denser vegetation cover exhibited higher landslide density, reaching maximum values in shrubland areas. In areas experiencing significantly increased concentrated rainfall, landslide density also showed a corresponding rise. In terms of spatial distribution, the rainfall-triggered landslides primarily occurred in the northeastern part of the study area, particularly in regions characterized by complex topography such as Shanzao Village in Yantan Town, Xixia Township, and Shangzhang Township. The research findings offer crucial data on the rainfallinduced landslides triggered by Typhoon Lekima, shedding light on their spatial distribution patterns. These findings provide valuable references for mitigating risks and planning reconstruction in typhoon-affected area.