Resilience and response:Unveiling the impacts of extreme droughts on forests through integrated dendrochronological and remote sensing analyses

Extreme droughts are anticipated to have detrimental impacts on forest ecosystems,especially in water-limited regions,due to the influence of climate change.However,considerable uncertainty remains regarding the patterns in species-specific responses to extreme droughts.Here,we conducted a study integrating dendrochronology and remote sensing methods to investigate the mosaic-distributed maple-oak(native)natural forests and poplar plantations(introduced)in the Horqin Sandy Land,Northeast China.We assessed the impacts of extreme droughts on tree performances by measuring interannual variations in radial growth and vegetation index.The results showed that precipitation and self-calibrated palmer drought severity index(scPDSI)are the major factors influencing tree-ring width index(RWI)and normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI).The severe droughts between 2000 and 2004 resulted in reduced RWI in the three studied tree species as well as led to NDVI reductions in both the maple-oak natural forests and the poplar plantations.The RWI reached the nadir during the2000-2004 severe droughts and remained at low levels two years after the severe drought,creating a legacy effect.In contrast to the lack of significant correlation between RWI and scPDSI,NDVI exhibited a significant positive correlation with scPDSI indicating the greater sensitivity of canopy performance to droughts than radial growth.Furthermore,interspecific differences in RWI and NDVI responses were observed,with the fast-growing poplar species experiencing a more significant RWI decrease and more negative NDVI anomaly during severe droughts than native species,highlighting the species-specific trade-offs between drought resilience and growth rate.This study emphasizes the importance of combining tree-level radial growth with landscape-scale canopy remote sensing to understand forest resilience and response.Our study improves our understanding of forest responses to extreme drought and highlights species differences in climate responses,offering crucial insights for optimizing species selection in sustainable afforestation and forest management in water-limited regions under the influence of climate change.

Endophytic Occupation in Nodules of Rhynchosia Plants from Semiarid Regions of Argentina

Beneficial microbes can improve soil health by promoting soil structure,nutrient cycling,and disease suppression.In addition,a wide array of rhizospheric microbes are responsible for producing metabolically active compounds including various types of plant growth regulators.So,microbial biodiversity studies could contribute to the improvement of agricultural practices in deprived areas,such as the Pampean semiarid region.The vast majority of studies conducted on endophytic microorganisms have focused on intensive crop legume species.In contrast,little attention has been paid to microorganisms of native legumes,whose ecology is not directly affected by human action.In this study,endophytic microorganisms isolated from root nodules of a selected native legume of the genus Rhynchosia were characterized.Viable isolates were studied with a focus on their plant growth-pro-moting rhizobacteria(PGPR)properties.Considering the edaphic characteristics of the Pampean semiarid region,the isolates obtained were evaluated for their ability to grow under three salt stress conditions(50,100,and 200 mM NaCl)and four different pH values(6,7,8,and 9).Based on their PGPR activities,the selected strains were phylogenetically grouped using BOX-PCR.The results showed great variability among the isolates in terms of the characteristics studied.Native legumes manifested a wide endophytic variability and remarkable perfor-mance in PGPR activities.We conclude that they could be used as potential bioinoculants for legume cultivation,an excellent alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers that currently pollute the environment.

Prospects and limitations of soil amendment and irrigation techniques for the water-saving public urban greenery and ephemeral weed management in the sandy soils of the United Arab Emirates

Public urban greenery greatly contributes to the residential and tourist value of cities in the Gulf Region,but due to the hyper-arid climatic conditions,the cost of irrigation and plant maintenance is very high.Existing strategies to reduce the monetary and ecological costs involve the cultivation of native xerophytic plantations,and/or the use of soil improvers to increase water-and nutrient-holding capacity of the sandy soils.Various soil improvers based on mineral,organic,or synthetic materials have entered the United Arab Emirates(UAE)market in recent years,but there is considerable uncertainty about how they should best be used in combination with ornamental plant stands involving xerophytic native plants.The present study investigated the effect of soil amendment and deep pipe irrigation on perennial ornamental plant stands involving native plants(Tephrosia appolinea(Gel.)Link in combination with Aerva javanica(Burm.f.)Juss.ex Schult.)and native-exotic plants(T.appolinea in combination with Ruelia simplex C.Wright)either or not topsoil and subsoil amendment with bentonite and hydrophobic sand under the irrigation water supply of less than 50%of reference evapotranspiration(ET0).After one year of cultivation,T.appolinea and A.javanica(native vs.native)produced high biomass and exhibited high water use efficiency(WUE)as compared with T.appolinea and R.simplex(native vs.exotic)combination given that no significant differences were found under the soil amendment treatments.All stands thrived under irrigation water supply far below what is usually supplied to exotic ornamental stands in public parks of the Al Ain City,the UAE.However,subsoil amendment in combination with deep pipe irrigation reduced the occurrence of weeds and increased the overall plant rooting depth.Our results suggest that subsoil amendment and irrigation up to 60-80 cm depth can potentially control ephemeral weed infestation,which is a great challenge in various plant production systems of the Gulf Region.The results of the present study suggest that the impact of soil amendment on the WUE of exotic plants is marginal and might not be economically justified.Replacing exotic with native ornamental plant species seems to have a far greater water-saving potential than the amendment of the soil,while weeds can be suppressed in the absence of topsoil moisture.

Geochemistry, mineral paragenesis and geothermal conditions of oreforming fluids from the Ain El Bey Cu–Fe deposit: potential occurrence of native gold and precious metal traces (North African orogenic belt, Northern Tunisia)

The Ain El Bey abandoned mine, in North-West Tunisia, fits into the geodynamic context of the European and African plate boundary. Ore deposit corresponds to veins and breccia of multiphase Cu–Fe-rich mineralization related to various hydrothermal fluid circulations. Petromineralogical studies indicate a rich mineral paragenesis with a minimum of seven mineralization phases and, at least, six pyrite generations. As is also the case for galena and native silver, native gold is observed for the first time as inclusion in quartz which opens up, thus, new perspectives for prospecting and evaluating the potential for noble metals associated with the mineralization. Scanning Electron Microscope--Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and Transmission electron microscopy analyses show, in addition, a large incorporation of trace elements, including Ag and Au, in mineral structures such as fahlores(tetrahedrite-tennantite) and chalcopyrite ones. The mineral/mineral associations, used as geothermometers, gave estimated temperatures for the mineralizing fluids varying from 254 to 330 ℃ for phase Ⅲ, from 254 to 350 ℃ for phase Ⅳ, and from 200 to 300 ℃ for phases Ⅴ and Ⅵ. The seventh and last identified mineralization phase, marked by a deposit of native gold, reflects a drop in the mineralizing fluid’s temperature(< 200 ℃) compatible with boiling conditions. Such results open up perspectives for the development of precious metal research and the revaluation of the Cu–Fe ore deposit at the Ain El Bey abandoned mine, as well as at the surrounding areas fitting in the geodynamic framework of the Africa-Europe plate boundary.

Native and prosthetic septic arthritis in a university hospital in Saudi Arabia:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Septic arthritis,whether native or prosthetic,poses a significant challenge in clinical practice due to its potentially devastating consequences.Despite its clinical importance,there remains a dearth of comprehensive studies and standardized diagnostic criteria,particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.AIM To investigate the epidemiology,microbiological profiles,and clinical characteristics of native and prosthetic septic joints in the Saudi Arabian population.METHODS Medical records of patients diagnosed with septic arthritis between January 1,2015,and December 31,2022,were retrospectively reviewed.Data regarding patient demographics,clinical presentation,microbiological cultures,treatment modalities,and outcomes were analyzed.RESULTS In a retrospective review of 52 cases of septic arthritis,a balanced gender distribution was observed(1:1 ratio),with the knee being the most commonly affected joint(80.8%).Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus predominated in native joints(24.2%),while Brucella spp.was more prevalent in prosthetic joints(21.1%).Joint preservation was achieved in most cases(84.6%),with no significant difference in clinical features between native and prosthetic joints.However,certain comorbidities were more common in native joint cases,including renal impairment(P=0.002),hemodialysis(P=0.004),heart disease(P=0.013),and chronic liver disease(P=0.048).At the same time,osteoarthritis was more prevalent in prosthetic joint cases(P=0.013).Vancomycin was the most frequently used antibiotic(26.9%),and most patients received antibiotics before joint aspiration(57.7%).Surgical intervention,predominantly arthrotomy,was required in most cases(32.7%).Notably,a significant association was found between joint type and mortality(odds ratio=0.587,P=0.048),as well as the Charlson comorbidity index and mortality(P=0.001).CONCLUSION This study highlighted distinctive microbiological profiles and etiological factors in septic arthritis cases in the Saudi Arabian population.

Successful treatment of acute liver failure due to Wilson’s disease: Serendipity or fortuity?

BACKGROUND Acute liver failure(ALF)may be the first and most dramatic presentation of Wilson’s disease(WD).ALF due to WD(WD-ALF)is difficult to distinguish from other causes of liver disease and is a clear indication for liver transplantation.There is no firm recommendation on specific and supportive medical treatment for this condition.AIM To critically evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of WD-ALF patients in order to improve their survival with native liver.METHODS A retrospective analysis of patients with WD-ALF was conducted in two pediatric liver units from 2018 to 2023.RESULTS During the study period,16 children(9 males)received a diagnosis of WD and 2 of them presented with ALF.The first was successfully treated with an unconventional combination of low doses of D-penicillamine and zinc plus steroids,and survived without liver transplant.The second,exclusively treated with supportive therapy,needed a hepatotransplant to overcome ALF.CONCLUSION Successful treatment of 1 WD-ALF patient with low-dose D-penicillamine and zinc plus steroids may provide new perspectives for management of this condition,which is currently only treated with liver transplantation.

Intelligence Driven Wireless Networks in B5G and 6G Era:A Survey

As the wireless communication network undergoes continuous expansion,the challenges associated with network management and optimization are becoming increasingly complex.To address these challenges,the emerging artificial intelligence(AI)and machine learning(ML)technologies have been introduced as a powerful solution.They empower wireless networks to operate autonomously,predictively,ondemand,and with smart functionality,offering a promising resolution to intricate optimization problems.This paper aims to delve into the prevalent applications of AI/ML technologies in the optimization of wireless networks.The paper not only provides insights into the current landscape but also outlines our vision for the future and considerations regarding the development of an intelligent 6G network.

Extracorporeal organ support for critically ill patients:Overcoming the past,achieving the maximum at present,and redefining the future

Extracorporeal organ support(ECOS)has made remarkable progress over the last few years.Renal replacement therapy,introduced a few decades ago,was the first available application of ECOS.The subsequent evolution of ECOS enabled the enhanced support to many other organs,including the heart[veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO),slow continuous ultrafiltration],the lungs(veno-venous ECMO,extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal),and the liver(blood purification techniques for the detoxification of liver toxins).Moreover,additional indications of these methods,including the suppression of excessive inflammatory response occurring in severe disorders such as sepsis,coronavirus disease 2019,pancreatitis,and trauma(blood purification techniques for the removal of exotoxins,endotoxins,or cytokines),have arisen.Multiple organ support therapy is crucial since a vast majority of critically ill patients present not with a single but with multiple organ failure(MOF),whereas,traditional therapeutic approaches(mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure,antibiotics for sepsis,and inotropes for cardiac dysfunction)have reached the maximum efficacy and cannot be improved further.However,several issues remain to be clarified,such as the complexity and cost of ECOS systems,standardization of indications,therapeutic protocols and initiation time,choice of the patients who will benefit most from these interventions,while evidence from randomized controlled trials supporting their use is still limited.Nevertheless,these methods are currently a part of routine clinical practice in intensive care units.This editorial presents the past,present,and future considerations,as well as perspectives regarding these therapies.Our better understanding of these methods,the pathophysiology of MOF,the crosstalk between native organs resulting in MOF,and the crosstalk between native organs and artificial organ support systems when applied sequentially or simultaneously,will lead to the multiplication of their effects and the minimization of complications arising from their use.

The Role and Value of Sociolinguistics in English Language Teaching

This paper aims to explore how the study of sociolinguistics can benefit teachers,particularly in the context of teaching English as a Foreign Language(EFL)in China.The article will first examine how sociolinguistic knowledge can reshape teachers’perceptions of“English,”focusing on aspects such as English varieties,World Englishes,and Chinese English.Following that,the article discusses the necessity of rethinking current practices in English language teaching,including the nativeness paradigm and the concept of communicative competence based on a reconceptualized view of“English.”Additionally,the discussion will focus on how teachers,informed by sociolinguistic awareness of non-native teachers’identities and teacher agency,can address and resolve existing challenges in EFL teaching.Finally,the article will conclude by summarizing the key issues discussed and highlighting the significance of studying sociolinguistics for language practitioners in China.

React Native的跨平台移动应用开发实践

随着智能手机的普及,移动应用成了连接用户与服务的重要渠道。然而,面对iOS和Android等多个平台,开发者不得不重复开发同一应用以适配不同系统,这不仅消耗了大量的资源,也延长了产品的上市时间。React Native作为一种跨平台移动应用开发框架,允许开发者使用Java Script编写应用,一次编码便可在多个平台上运行。本文通过实践案例分析了使用React Native进行跨平台移动应用开发的效率和成本效益,探讨了其在解决平台异质性问题上的有效性,并对比了React Native与其他跨平台框架的优势。结果表明,基于React Native的跨平台开发不仅能够显著提高开发效率,降低开发成本,而且还能提供与原生应用接近的用户体验,为移动应用开发提供了一种高效的解决方案。

基于React Native的用户交互设计

研究旨在探讨如何在基于React Native的跨平台应用开发中进行有效的人机交互设计。随着移动应用市场的持续扩大,跨平台开发框架(例如,React Native)提供了一种高效的方式来构建应用,但其成功与否往往取决于用户体验的质量。研究重点讨论了利用React Native的特性和工具来设计具有优秀人机交互的跨平台应用,通过实际案例和技术细节进行了深入探讨。

Effects of Calcium and Magnesium on Phosphorus Availability in Ferralsols and Rice Production in Forest Zones of Côte d’Ivoire

Phosphorus bioavailability has long been a recurring problem in tropical acid soils. A pot experiment was carried out during three (3) successive rice production cycles at Adiopodoumé to evaluate the response of the NERICA 5 rice accession to various doses of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. The experiment was conducted using a randomized split-plot design. The interactive effects of calcium carbonate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg·Ca·ha-1) and magnesium sulfate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg·Mg·ha-1) and Togo natural phosphate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg·P·ha-1) were determined at each production cycle. The results showed that single-dose natural phosphate supplementation for three cropping cycles resulted in an average enrichment of around 2 mg·P·kg-1 after each trial following its continuous dissolution, with an increase in DSP (33.31% to 70.52%). The study revealed one strategy for managing and enhancing native P with cations and another for exogenous P: there would be a synergy of Ca/Mg on native P, whereas an antagonism would characterize the two parameters in phosphate fertilization.

纯XML数据库研究综述

虽然XML是一种专门为Internet所设计的标记语言,但是它已经成为Internet上数据表示和数据交换的标准。如何对XML文档进行有效管理与快速查询是当前学术界的研究热点,即所谓的XML数据库。主要对当前XML数据库的研究现状与发展趋势进行全面的论述与分析,并对其中尚未解决的挑战性问题进行了客观的评价与分析。

Genetic Diversity in Wild Grapes Native to China Based on Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Analysis

The use of the RAPD technique was investigated on a set of 73 genotypes of 18 wild grape species native to China, and one interspecific hybrid, seven Vitis vinifera L. cultivars, one rootstock cultivar and one strain of V. riparia L. Genetic diversity among these grapes was investigated based on RAPD analysis. The screening of 280 decamer oligonucleotides allowed the selection of 20 primers used for the analysis. A total of 191 RAPD markers were produced from the 20 selected primers. Relationships among the 83 clones or accessions based on their genetic distances were clustered using unweighted pair_group method arithmetic average (UPGMA) analysis in a dendrogram. Twenty_two clusters which fortunately adapted to 22 grape species level were clearly resolved on the dendrogram. The 18 wild grape species native to China were grouped into ten subclusters. The largest distance was found between V. riparia L., V. vinifera L., interspecific hybrid ( V. vinifera L.× V. larbrusca L.) and the wild grapes native to China. Among the wild grapes native to China, the largest distance was found between V. hancockii Hance and the other wild species. V. qinlingensis P.C.He was the second. Large genetic variation occurred among the different flower_type clones in one species.

Native XML数据库技术综述

XML成为数据统一描述和表示的标准。如何管理已经出现的大量的XML数据成为重要的问题。NativeXML数据库(NXD)是解决XML数据管理的重要手段。分析和综述了NXD研究现状,以及几个主要研究方向:数据模型、查询语言、存储技术等。分析了NXD的基本特性和具有代表性的NXD系统,最后指出了目前研究存在的不足以及该学科的发展趋势。

syngo NATIVE无对比剂MR血管成像技术

syngo NATIVE是西门子磁共振事业部独家推出的无对比剂MR血管成像软件包,经过严格的内部和外部测试,以及全球数十名临床专家的反复应用,获得大量的建议和好评,目前已经成为一种成熟和完善的技术。syngo NATIVE包括两种不同的技术:syngo NATIVE True FISP和syngo NATIVE SPACE,分别用于腹部动脉(特别是肾动脉)和外周动脉的成像。本文分别对这两种技术的原理以及临床检查的要点进行了介绍。

JNI技术实现跨平台开发的研究

在实践开发网格计算服务的过程中遇到了跨平台与服务运行效率的问题,在解决问题的过程中对Java的JNI技术进行了较深入的研究。对开发过程中使用JNI技术的重点和难点所作研究后的一个归纳和总结,并结合具体的开发实例由浅入深地介绍了有效使用JNI技术实现跨平台开发同时兼顾效率的有效方法。

XML数据库的研究与应用

XML是一种专门为Internet所设计的标记语言,随着XML的大量应用,它已经成为Internet上数据表示和数据交换的标准,如何有效地管理大量的XML数据显得非常重要。使用数据库技术对XML进行管理,这已经成为一种必然的发展趋势。XML与数据库相结合已经成为一个新的研究领域,也是XML和数据库发展的趋势。文中探讨和分析了XML数据库的相关知识,介绍了Native XML数据库及一个NXD系统eXist,最后表明XML数据库将成为一个新的研究领域。

贝叶斯树算法在异常入侵检测中的应用

研究了Windows平台下异常检测方法,提出了一种利用Windows Native API调用序列和基于贝叶斯树算法的主机服务进程规则与对应概率分布生成算法。根据长为N-1的Windows Native API调用序列预测第N个调用的概率分布,对生成的概率序列用U检验方法作为异常检测算法。以贝叶斯树作为弱分类算法,利用AdaBoost-M1方法构造多个基于贝叶斯树的概率分布序列,并按一定方式把它们组合成一个加强的概率分布序列进行入侵检测。实验结果表明这种方法能明显提高模型预测能力。

移动APP开发模式研究

对智能手机的Native APP,Web APP和Hybrid APP三种开发模式进行了深入研究。分析了各种模式的优缺点。描述了属于Hybrid APP开发模式的Phone Gap开发框架及三种开发模式的环境配置,在Android模拟器上进行了三种模式实验验证,达到了预期的结果。分析了HTML5对开发模式的影响。最后,根据每种手机APP开发模式的特性,对其适用的开发情境进行了总结。