Estimation-free spatial-domain image reconstruction of structured illumination microscopy

Structured illumination microscopy(SIM)achieves super-resolution(SR)by modulating the high-frequency information of the sample into the passband of the optical system and subsequent image reconstruction.The traditional Wiener-filtering-based reconstruction algorithm operates in the Fourier domain,it requires prior knowledge of the sinusoidal illumination patterns which makes the time-consuming procedure of parameter estimation to raw datasets necessary,besides,the parameter estimation is sensitive to noise or aberration-induced pattern distortion which leads to reconstruction artifacts.Here,we propose a spatial-domain image reconstruction method that does not require parameter estimation but calculates patterns from raw datasets,and a reconstructed image can be obtained just by calculating the spatial covariance of differential calculated patterns and differential filtered datasets(the notch filtering operation is performed to the raw datasets for attenuating and compensating the optical transfer function(OTF)).Experiments on reconstructing raw datasets including nonbiological,biological,and simulated samples demonstrate that our method has SR capability,high reconstruction speed,and high robustness to aberration and noise.

Spatial evolution and spatial production of traditional villages from "backward poverty villages" to "ecologically well-off villages": Experiences from the hinterland of national nature reserves in China

With the rapid urbanization process,the space of traditional villages in China is undergoing significant changes.Studying the spatial evolution of traditional villages is significant in promoting rural spatial transformation and realizing rural revitalization and sustainable rural development.Based on the traceability analysis of spatial production theory,this paper constructed an analytical framework for the spatial production evolution of traditional villages,analyzed the spatial evolution process and characteristics of traditional villages by using buffer analysis,spatial syntax,and other research methods,and revealed the characteristics of the spatial production evolution of traditional villages and the driving mechanism.The results show that:(1)The village spatial formation and development follow the village life cycle theory and usually develop from embryonic villages to diversified and integrated villages;(2)The evolution of village spatial production is characterized by the diversity of material space,the sublimation of daily life space,and the integration of social system space and generalization of emotional space;(3)The evolution of village spatial production from backward and poor village to ecologically well-off village is influenced by a combination of factors;(4)The village has formed a spatial structure of"people-land-scape-culture-industry",realized comprehensive reconstruction and spatial reproduction.The study results reflect the spatial evolution characteristics of traditional villages in mountainous areas in a more comprehensive way,which helps to promote the protection and development of traditional villages in mountainous areas and,to a certain extent,provides a reference for the development of rural revitalization.

Dynamics of Advantageous Mutant Spread in Spatial Death-Birth and Birth-Death Moran Models

The spread of an advantageous mutation through a population is of fundamental interest in population genetics. While the classical Moran model is formulated for a well-mixed population, it has long been recognized that in real-world applications, the population usually has an explicit spatial structure which can significantly influence the dynamics. In the context of cancer initiation in epithelial tissue, several recent works have analyzed the dynamics of advantageous mutant spread on integer lattices, using the biased voter model from particle systems theory. In this spatial version of the Moran model, individuals first reproduce according to their fitness and then replace a neighboring individual. From a biological standpoint, the opposite dynamics, where individuals first die and are then replaced by a neighboring individual according to its fitness, are equally relevant. Here, we investigate this death-birth analogue of the biased voter model. We construct the process mathematically, derive the associated dual process, establish bounds on the survival probability of a single mutant, and prove that the process has an asymptotic shape. We also briefly discuss alternative birth-death and death-birth dynamics, depending on how the mutant fitness advantage affects the dynamics. We show that birth-death and death-birth formulations of the biased voter model are equivalent when fitness affects the former event of each update of the model, whereas the birth-death model is fundamentally different from the death-birth model when fitness affects the latter event.

Spatial transcriptomics:recent developments and insights in respiratory research

The respiratory system's complex cellular heterogeneity presents unique challenges to researchers in this field.Although bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)have provided insights into cell types and heterogeneity in the respiratory system,the relevant specific spatial localization and cellular interactions have not been clearly elucidated.Spatial transcriptomics(ST)has filled this gap and has been widely used in respiratory studies.This review focuses on the latest iterative technology of ST in recent years,summarizing how ST can be applied to the physiological and pathological processes of the respiratory system,with emphasis on the lungs.Finally,the current challenges and potential development directions are proposed,including high-throughput full-length transcriptome,integration of multi-omics,temporal and spatial omics,bioinformatics analysis,etc.These viewpoints are expected to advance the study of systematic mechanisms,including respiratory studies.

Analysis of spatial distribution characteristics and driving factors of ethnicminority villages in China using geospatial technology and statistical models

This study aims to reveal the spatial structural characteristics of 1,652 Ethnic-Minority Villages(EMV)in China and to analyze the mechanisms driving their spatial heterogeneity.EMV are a special type of settlement space that preserve a large number of historical traces of the ethnic culture of ancient China.They are important carriers of China’s excellent traditional culture and are key to the implementation of rural revitalization strategies.In this study,1652 EMV in China were selected as the research subjects.The Nearest Neighbor Index,kernel density,and spatial autocorrelation index were employed to reveal the spatial structural characteristics of minority villages.Neural network models,spatial lag models,and geographical detectors were used to analyze the formation mechanism of spatial heterogeneity in EMV.The results indicate that:(1)EMV exhibit significant spatial differentiation characterized by“single-core with multiple surrounding sub-centers,”“polarization between east and west,”“decreasing quantity from southwest to east coast to northeast to northwest,”and“large dispersion with small agglomeration.”(2)EMV are mainly distributed in areas rich in intangible cultural heritage,with high vegetation coverage and low altitude,far from central cities,and having limited arable land and an underdeveloped economy and transportation,particularly in shaded or riverbank areas.(3)Distance from the nearest river(X3),distance from central cities(X8),national intangible cultural heritage(X9),and NDVI(X10)were the main driving factors affecting the spatial distribution of EMV,whereas elevation(X1)and GDP(X5)had the weakest influence.As EMV are a relatively unique territorial spatial unit,the identification of their spatial heterogeneity characteristics not only deepens the research content of settlement geography,but also involves the assessment,protection,and development of Minority Villages,which is of great significance for the inheritance and utilization of excellent ethnic cultures in the era.

Enhancing transboundary natural tourism resources governance:unveiling the spatial pattern and its influencing factors

Tourism resources that span provincial boundaries in China play a pivotal role in regional development,yet effective governance poses persistent challenges.This study addresses this issue by constructing a comprehensive database of transboundary natural tourism resources(TNTR)through amalgamation of diverse data sources.Utilizing the Getis-Ord Gi^(*),kernel density estimation,and geographical detectors,we scrutinize the spatial patterns of TNTR,focusing on both named and unnamed entities,while exploring the influencing factors.Our findings reveal 7883 identified TNTR in China,with mountain tourism resources emerging as the predominant type.Among provinces,Hunan boasts the highest count,while Shanghai exhibits the lowest.Southern China demonstrates a pronounced clustering trend in TNTR distribution,with the spatial arrangement of biological landscapes appearing more random compared to geological and water landscapes.Western China,characterized by intricate terrain,exhibits fewer TNTR,concurrently unveiling a significant presence of unnamed natural tourism resources.Crucially,administrative segmentation influences TNTR development,generating disparities in regional goals,developmental stages and intensities,and management approaches.In response to these variations,we advocate for strengthening the naming of the unnamed transboundary tourism resources,constructing a geographic database of TNTR for government and establishing a collaborative management mechanism based on TNTR database.Our research contributes to elucidating the intricate landscape of TNTR,offering insights for tailored governance strategies in the realm of cross-provincial tourism resource management.

Layer chicken microbiota:a comprehensive analysis of spatial and temporal dynamics across all major gut sections

Background The gut microbiota influences chicken health,welfare,and productivity.A diverse and balanced microbiota has been associated with improved growth,efficient feed utilisation,a well-developed immune system,disease resistance,and stress tolerance in chickens.Previous studies on chicken gut microbiota have predominantly focused on broiler chickens and have usually been limited to one or two sections of the digestive system,under con-trolled research environments,and often sampled at a single time point.To extend these studies,this investigation examined the microbiota of commercially raised layer chickens across all major gut sections of the digestive system and with regular sampling from rearing to the end of production at 80 weeks.The aim was to build a detailed picture of microbiota development across the entire digestive system of layer chickens and study spatial and temporal dynamics.Results The taxonomic composition of gut microbiota differed significantly between birds in the rearing and pro-duction stages,indicating a shift after laying onset.Similar microbiota compositions were observed between proven-triculus and gizzard,as well as between jejunum and ileum,likely due to their anatomical proximity.Lactobacil-lus dominated the upper gut in pullets and the lower gut in older birds.The oesophagus had a high proportion of Proteobacteria,including opportunistic pathogens such as Gallibacterium.Relative abundance of Gallibacterium increased after peak production in multiple gut sections.Aeriscardovia was enriched in the late-lay phase compared to younger birds in multiple gut sections.Age influenced microbial richness and diversity in different organs.The upper gut showed decreased diversity over time,possibly influenced by dietary changes,while the lower gut,specifi-cally cecum and colon,displayed increased richness as birds matured.However,age-related changes were inconsist-ent across all organs,suggesting the influence of organ-specific factors in microbiota maturation.Conclusion Addressing a gap in previous research,this study explored the microbiota across all major gut sections and tracked their dynamics from rearing to the end of the production cycle in commercially raised layer chickens.This study provides a comprehensive understanding of microbiota structure and development which help to develop targeted strategies to optimise gut health and overall productivity in poultry production.

Integrated spatial metabolomics and transcriptomics decipher the hepatoprotection mechanisms of wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Eclipta prostrata L.has been used in traditional medicine and known for its liver-protective properties for centuries.Wedelolactone(WEL)and demethylwedelolactone(DWEL)are the major coumarins found in E.prostrata L.However,the comprehensive characterization of these two compounds on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)still remains to be explored.Utilizing a well-established zebrafish model of thioacetamide(TAA)-induced liver injury,the present study sought to investigate the impacts and mechanisms of WEL and DWEL on NAFLD through integrative spatial metabolomics with liver-specific transcriptomics analysis.Our results showed that WEL and DWEL significantly improved liver function and reduced the accumulation of fat in the liver.The biodistributions and metabolism of these two compounds in whole-body zebrafish were successfully mapped,and the discriminatory endogenous metabolites reversely regulated by WEL and DWEL treatments were also characterized.Based on spatial metabolomics and transcriptomics,we identified that steroid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism are mainly involved in the hepatoprotective effects of WEL instead of DWEL.Our study unveils the distinct mechanism of WEL and DWEL in ameliorating NAFLD,and presents a“multi-omics”platform of spatial metabolomics and liver-specific transcriptomics to develop highly effective compounds for further improved therapy.

Spatially resolved transcriptomic profiling of placental development in dairy cow

The placenta plays a crucial role in successful mammalian reproduction.Ruminant animals possess a semi-invasive placenta characterized by a highly vascularized structure formed by maternal endometrial caruncles and fetal placental cotyledons,essential for full-term fetal development.The cow placenta harbors at least two trophoblast cell populations:uninucleate(UNC)and binucleate(BNC)cells.However,the limited capacity to elucidate the transcriptomic dynamics of the placental natural environment has resulted in a poor understanding of both the molecular and cellular interactions between trophoblast cells and niches,and the molecular mechanisms governing trophoblast differentiation and functionalization.To fill this knowledge gap,we employed Stereo-seq to map spatial gene expression patterns at near single-cell resolution in the cow placenta at 90 and 130 days of gestation,attaining high-resolution,spatially resolved gene expression profiles.Based on clustering and cell marker gene expression analyses,key transcription factors,including YBX1 and NPAS2,were shown to regulate the heterogeneity of trophoblast cell subpopulations.Cell communication and trajectory analysis provided a framework for understanding cell-cell interactions and the differentiation of trophoblasts into BNCs in the placental microenvironment.Differential analysis of cell trajectories identified a set of genes involved in regulation of trophoblast differentiation.Additionally,spatial modules and co-variant genes that help shape specific tissue structures were identified.Together,these findings provide foundational insights into important biological pathways critical to the placental development and function in cows.

Single-cell and spatial omics:exploring hypothalamic heterogeneity

Elucidating the complex dynamic cellular organization in the hypothalamus is critical for understanding its role in coordinating fundamental body functions. Over the past decade, single-cell and spatial omics technologies have significantly evolved, overcoming initial technical challenges in capturing and analyzing individual cells. These high-throughput omics technologies now offer a remarkable opportunity to comprehend the complex spatiotemporal patterns of transcriptional diversity and cell-type characteristics across the entire hypothalamus. Current single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing methods comprehensively quantify gene expression by exploring distinct phenotypes across various subregions of the hypothalamus. However, single-cell/single-nucleus RNA sequencing requires isolating the cell/nuclei from the tissue, potentially resulting in the loss of spatial information concerning neuronal networks. Spatial transcriptomics methods, by bypassing the cell dissociation, can elucidate the intricate spatial organization of neural networks through their imaging and sequencing technologies. In this review, we highlight the applicative value of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics in exploring the complex molecular-genetic diversity of hypothalamic cell types, driven by recent high-throughput achievements.

PARE:Privacy-Preserving Data Reliability Evaluation for Spatial Crowdsourcing in Internet of Things

The proliferation of intelligent,connected Internet of Things(IoT)devices facilitates data collection.However,task workers may be reluctant to participate in data collection due to privacy concerns,and task requesters may be concerned about the validity of the collected data.Hence,it is vital to evaluate the quality of the data collected by the task workers while protecting privacy in spatial crowdsourcing(SC)data collection tasks with IoT.To this end,this paper proposes a privacy-preserving data reliability evaluation for SC in IoT,named PARE.First,we design a data uploading format using blockchain and Paillier homomorphic cryptosystem,providing unchangeable and traceable data while overcoming privacy concerns.Secondly,based on the uploaded data,we propose a method to determine the approximate correct value region without knowing the exact value.Finally,we offer a data filtering mechanism based on the Paillier cryptosystem using this value region.The evaluation and analysis results show that PARE outperforms the existing solution in terms of performance and privacy protection.

Manipulating the Spatial Structure of Second-Order Quantum Coherence Using Entangled Photons

High-order quantum coherence reveals the statistical correlation of quantum particles. Manipulation of quantum coherence of light in the temporal domain enables the production of the single-photon source, which has become one of the most important quantum resources. High-order quantum coherence in the spatial domain plays a crucial role in a variety of applications, such as quantum imaging, holography, and microscopy. However, the active control of second-order spatial quantum coherence remains a challenging task. Here we predict theoretically and demonstrate experimentally the first active manipulation of second-order spatial quantum coherence,which exhibits the capability of switching between bunching and anti-bunching, by mapping the entanglement of spatially structured photons. We also show that signal processing based on quantum coherence exhibits robust resistance to intensity disturbance. Our findings not only enhance existing applications but also pave the way for broader utilization of higher-order spatial quantum coherence.

Spatial analysis of the osteoarthritis microenvironment: techniques, insights, and applications

Osteoarthritis(OA)is a debilitating degenerative disease affecting multiple joint tissues,including cartilage,bone,synovium,and adipose tissues.OA presents diverse clinical phenotypes and distinct molecular endotypes,including inflammatory,metabolic,mechanical,genetic,and synovial variants.Consequently,innovative technologies are needed to support the development of effective diagnostic and precision therapeutic approaches.Traditional analysis of bulk OA tissue extracts has limitations due to technical constraints,causing challenges in the differentiation between various physiological and pathological phenotypes in joint tissues.This issue has led to standardization difficulties and hindered the success of clinical trials.Gaining insights into the spatial variations of the cellular and molecular structures in OA tissues,encompassing DNA,RNA,metabolites,and proteins,as well as their chemical properties,elemental composition,and mechanical attributes,can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the disease subtypes.Spatially resolved biology enables biologists to investigate cells within the context of their tissue microenvironment,providing a more holistic view of cellular function.Recent advances in innovative spatial biology techniques now allow intact tissue sections to be examined using various-omics lenses,such as genomics,transcriptomics,proteomics,and metabolomics,with spatial data.This fusion of approaches provides researchers with critical insights into the molecular composition and functions of the cells and tissues at precise spatial coordinates.Furthermore,advanced imaging techniques,including high-resolution microscopy,hyperspectral imaging,and mass spectrometry imaging,enable the visualization and analysis of the spatial distribution of biomolecules,cells,and tissues.Linking these molecular imaging outputs to conventional tissue histology can facilitate a more comprehensive characterization of disease phenotypes.This review summarizes the recent advancements in the molecular imaging modalities and methodologies for in-depth spatial analysis.It explores their applications,challenges,and potential opportunities in the field of OA.Additionally,this review provides a perspective on the potential research directions for these contemporary approaches that can meet the requirements of clinical diagnoses and the establishment of therapeutic targets for OA.

Adaptive interaction driven by the learning effect in the spatial prisoner's dilemma

We propose a computing model in which individuals can automatically adjust their interaction intensity with their mentor according to the learning effect.This model is designed to investigate the cooperative dynamics of the spatial prisoner's dilemma.More specifically,when the cumulative payoff of a learner is more than his reference earning,he will strengthen his interaction with his mentor;otherwise,he will reduce it.The experimental results indicate that this mechanism can improve the emergence of cooperation in a networked population and that the driving coefficient of interaction intensity plays an important role in promoting cooperation.Interestingly,under a certain social dilemma condition,there exists a minimal driving coefficient that leads to optimal cooperation.This occurs due to a positive feedback effect between the individual's satisfaction frequency and the number of effective neighbors.Moreover,we find that the experimental results are in accord with theoretical predictions obtained from an extension of the classical pair-approximation method.Our conclusions obtained by considering relationships with mentors can provide a new perspective for future investigations into the dynamics of evolutionary games within structured populations.

Understanding the spatial interaction of ultrasounds based on three-dimensional dual-frequency ultrasonic field numerical simulation

A transient 3D model was established to investigate the effect of spatial interaction of ultrasounds on the dual-frequency ultrasonic field in magnesium alloy melt.The effects of insertion depth and tip shape of the ultrasonic rods,input pressures and their ratio on the acoustic field distribution were discussed in detail.Additionally,the spacing,angle,and insertion depth of two ultrasonic rods significantly affect the interaction between distinct ultrasounds.As a result,various acoustic pressure distributions and cavitation regions are obtained.The spherical rods mitigate the longitudinal and transversal attenuation of acoustic pressure and expand the cavitation volume by 53.7%and 31.7%,respectively,compared to the plate and conical rods.Increasing the input pressure will enlarge the cavitation region but has no effect on the acoustic pressure distribution pattern.The acoustic pressure ratio significantly affects the pressure distribution and the cavitation region,and the best cavitation effect is obtained at the ratio of 2:1(P15:P20).

Post-disaster spatial reconstruction from the perspective of a rural settlement niche in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River

Post-disaster recovery and reconstruction provide an effective way to reduce the disaster vulnerability of, and promote leapfrog development in, an affected area. To date, studies that have used administrative boundaries to investigate the reconstruction of settlement space have not been able to clearly define the real boundaries of land use changes or quantify the degree of response to the ‘Build-Back-Better’ initiative, and have lacked any consideration of the fourth reconstruction stage–development period(10 years). This study constructed a mountain settlement niche and analyzed the characteristics, spatial reconstruction, and drivers of rural settlements during 2009–2019 in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River, southwest China. The results showed the following:(1) Natural factors were the basis for the formation and development of mountain settlement niches. The scale of the settlement niche and its land use structure depended on the physical geography features and the ethnic farming and grazing traditions. The settlement niche provided a realistic boundary for the spatial reconstruction.(2) The layout of residential land around cropland was the common feature of the mountain settlement niche. Of all the land use types, the roads and rural residential lands showed the most change over the 10 years;13,860 residential patches increased in size and 4,742 patches were abandoned.(3) The area of orchards, planted to reconstruct the economy in the mountains, increased by nearly 2.5 times.(4) Collapses, landslides, and debris flow disasters and the ecological red line influenced the spatial reconstruction. While the main focus of post-disaster recovery is spatial reconstruction, initiatives should include economic and spiritual recovery, and should also achieve sustainable development of the region.

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.

Spatial search weighting information contained in cell velocity distribution

Cell migration plays a significant role in physiological and pathological processes.Understanding the characteristics of cell movement is crucial for comprehending biological processes such as cell functionality,cell migration,and cell–cell interactions.One of the fundamental characteristics of cell movement is the specific distribution of cell speed,containing valuable information that still requires comprehensive understanding.This article investigates the distribution of mean velocities along cell trajectories,with a focus on optimizing the efficiency of cell food search in the context of the entire colony.We confirm that the specific velocity distribution in the experiments corresponds to an optimal search efficiency when spatial weighting is considered.The simulation results indicate that the distribution of average velocity does not align with the optimal search efficiency when employing average spatial weighting.However,when considering the distribution of central spatial weighting,the specific velocity distribution in the experiment is shown to correspond to the optimal search efficiency.Our simulations reveal that for any given distribution of average velocity,a specific central spatial weighting can be identified among the possible central spatial weighting that aligns with the optimal search strategy.Additionally,our work presents a method for determining the spatial weights embedded in the velocity distribution of cell movement.Our results have provided new avenues for further investigation of significant topics,such as relationship between cell behavior and environmental conditions throughout their evolutionary history,and how cells achieve collective cooperation through cell-cell communication.

Quantifying the impact of earthquakes and geological factors on spatial heterogeneity of debris-flow prone areas:A case study in the Hengduan Mountains

Understanding the spatial heterogeneity of debris-flow-prone areas holds significant implications for regional risk management, particularly in seismically active regions with geological faults. Despite the significance of this knowledge, a comprehensive quantification of the influence of regional topographical and geological factors on the spatial heterogeneity of debris-flow-prone areas has been lacking. This study selected the Hengduan Mountains, an earthquake-prone region characterized by diverse surface conditions and complex landforms, as a representative study area. An improved units zoning and objective factors identification methodology was employed in earthquake and fault analysis to assess the impact of seismic activity and geological factors on spatial heterogeneity of debrisflow prone areas. Results showed that the application of GIS technology with hydrodynamic intensity and geographical units analysis can effectively analyze debris-flow prone areas. Meanwhile, earthquake and fault zones obviously increase the density of debrisflow prone catchments and make them unevenly distributed. The number of debris-flow prone areas shows a nonlinear variation with the gradual increase of geomorphic factor value. Specifically, the area with 1000 m-2500 m elevation difference, 25°-30° average slope, and 0.13-0.15 land use index is the most favorable conditions for debris-flow occurrence;The average annual rainfall from 600 to 1150 mm and landslides gradient from 16° to 35° are the main causal factors to trigger debris flow. Our study sheds light on the quantification of spatial heterogeneity in debris flow-prone areas in earthquake-prone regions, which can offer crucial support for post-debris flow risk management strategies.

Drivers of spatial structure in thinned forests

Background:As is widely known,an increasing number of forest areas were managed to preserve and enhance the health of forest ecosystems.However,previous research on forest management has often overlooked the importance of structure-based.Aims:Our objectives were to define the direction of structure-based forest management.Subsequently,we investigated the relationships between forest structure and the regeneration,growth,and mortality of trees under different thinning treatments.Ultimately,the drivers of forest structural change were explored.Methods:On the basis of 92 sites selected from northeastern China,with different recovery time (from 1 to 15years) and different thinning intensities (0–59.9%) since the last thinning.Principal component analysis (PCA)identified relationships among factors determining forest spatial structure.The structural equation model (SEM)was used to analyze the driving factors behind the changes in forest spatial structure after thinning.Results:Light thinning (0–20%trees removed) promoted forest regeneration,and heavy thinning (over 35% of trees removed) facilitated forest growth.However,only moderate thinning (20%–35%trees removed) created a reasonable spatial structure.While dead trees were clustered,and they were hardly affected by thinning intensity.Additionally,thinning intensity,recovery time,and altitude indirectly improve the spatial structure of the forest by influencing diameter at breast height (DBH) and canopy area.Conclusion:Creating larger DBH and canopy area through thinning will promote the formation of complex forest structures,which cultivates healthy and stable forests.