Suitable region of dynamic optimal interpolation for efficiently altimetry sea surface height mapping

The dynamic optimal interpolation(DOI)method is a technique based on quasi-geostrophic dynamics for merging multi-satellite altimeter along-track observations to generate gridded absolute dynamic topography(ADT).Compared with the linear optimal interpolation(LOI)method,the DOI method can improve the accuracy of gridded ADT locally but with low computational efficiency.Consequently,considering both computational efficiency and accuracy,the DOI method is more suitable to be used only for regional applications.In this study,we propose to evaluate the suitable region for applying the DOI method based on the correlation between the absolute value of the Jacobian operator of the geostrophic stream function and the improvement achieved by the DOI method.After verifying the LOI and DOI methods,the suitable region was investigated in three typical areas:the Gulf Stream(25°N-50°N,55°W-80°W),the Japanese Kuroshio(25°N-45°N,135°E-155°E),and the South China Sea(5°N-25°N,100°E-125°E).We propose to use the DOI method only in regions outside the equatorial region and where the absolute value of the Jacobian operator of the geostrophic stream function is higher than1×10^(-11).

Potentially Suitable Area and Change Trends of Tulipa iliensis under Climate Change

Tulipa iliensis,as a wild plant resource,possesses high ornamental value and can provide abundant parental materials for tulip breeding.The objective of this research was to forecast the worldwide geographical spread of Tulipa iliensis by considering bioclimatic,soil,and topographic variables,the findings of this research can act as a benchmark for the conservation,management,and utilization of Tulipa iliensis as a wild plant resource.Research results indicate that all 12 models have an area under curve(AUC)of the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)values greater than 0.968 for the paleoclimatic,current,and future climate scenarios,this suggests an exceptionally high level of predictive accuracy for the models.The distribution of Tulipa iliensis is influenced by several key factors.These factors include the mean temperature of the driest quarter(Bio9),calcium carbonate content(T_CACO3),slope,precipitation of the driest month(Bio14),Basic saturation(T_BS),and precipitation of the coldest quarter(Bio19).During the three paleoclimate climate scenarios,the appropriate habitats for Tulipa iliensis showed a pattern of expansion-contraction expansion.Furthermore,the total suitable area accounted for 13.38%,12.28%,and 13.28%of the mainland area,respectively.According to the current climate scenario,the High-suitability area covers 61.78472×10^(4)km^(2),which accounts for 6.57%of the total suitable area,The Midsuitability area covers 190.0938×10^(4)km^(2),accounting for 20.2%of the total suitable area,this represents a decrease of 63.53%~67.13%compared to the suitable area of Tulipa iliensis under the paleoclimate scenario.Under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSP)scenarios,in 2050 and 2090,Tulipa iliensis is projected to experience a decrease in the High,Mid,and Low-suitability areas under the SSP126 climate scenario by 7.10%~12.96%,2.96%~4.27%and 4.80%~7.96%,respectively.According to the SSP245 scenario,the high suitability area experienced a slight expansion of 2.26%in 2050,but a reduction of 6.32%in 2090.In the SSP370 scenario,the High-suitability areas had a larger reduction rate of 11.24%in 2050,while the Mid-suitability and Low-suitability areas had smaller expansion rates of 0.36%and 4.86%,respectively.In 2090,the High-suitability area decreased by 4.84%,while the Mid and Low-suitability areas experienced significant expansions of 15.73%and 45.89%,respectively.According to the SSP585 scenario,in the future,the High,Mid,and Low-suitability areas are projected to increase by 5.09%~7.21%,7.57%~17.66%,and 12.30%~48.98%,respectively.The research offers enhanced theoretical direction for preserving Tulipa iliensis’genetic variety amidst evolving climatic scenarios.

Predicting changes in the suitable habitats of six halophytic plant species in the arid areas of Northwest China

In the context of changes in global climate and land uses,biodiversity patterns and plant species distributions have been significantly affected.Soil salinization is a growing problem,particularly in the arid areas of Northwest China.Halophytes are ideal for restoring soil salinization because of their adaptability to salt stress.In this study,we collected the current and future bioclimatic data released by the WorldClim database,along with soil data from the Harmonized World Soil Database(v1.2)and A Big Earth Data Platform for Three Poles.Using the maximum entropy(MaxEnt)model,the potential suitable habitats of six halophytic plant species(Halostachys caspica(Bieb.)C.A.Mey.,Halogeton glomeratus(Bieb.)C.A.Mey.,Kalidium foliatum(Pall.)Moq.,Halocnemum strobilaceum(Pall.)Bieb.,Salicornia europaea L.,and Suaeda salsa(L.)Pall.)were assessed under the current climate conditions(average for 1970-2000)and future(2050s,2070s,and 2090s)climate scenarios(SSP245 and SSP585,where SSP is the Shared Socio-economic Pathway).The results revealed that all six halophytic plant species exhibited the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values higher than 0.80 based on the MaxEnt model,indicating the excellent performance of the MaxEnt model.The suitability of the six halophytic plant species significantly varied across regions in the arid areas of Northwest China.Under different future climate change scenarios,the suitable habitat areas for the six halophytic plant species are expected to increase or decrease to varying degrees.As global warming progresses,the suitable habitat areas of K.foliatum,S.salsa,and H.strobilaceum exhibited an increasing trend.In contrast,the suitable habitat areas of H.glomeratus,S.europaea,and H.caspica showed an opposite trend.Furthermore,considering the ongoing global warming trend,the centroids of the suitable habitat areas for various halophytic plant species would migrate to different degrees,and four halophytic plant species,namely,S.salsa,H.strobilaceum,H.glomeratus,and H.capsica,would migrate to higher latitudes.Temperature,precipitation,and soil factors affected the possible distribution ranges of these six halophytic plant species.Among them,precipitation seasonality(coefficient of variation),precipitation of the warmest quarter,mean temperature of the warmest quarter,and exchangeable Na+significantly affected the distribution of halophytic plant species.Our findings are critical to comprehending and predicting the impact of climate change on ecosystems.The findings of this study hold significant theoretical and practical implications for the management of soil salinization and for the utilization,protection,and management of halophytes in the arid areas of Northwest China.

Development of a Suitable,Cultural,and Life-Oriented Kindergarten Curriculum

The technological revolution and the explosion of information have created a diverse world.More and more so-called advanced cultures are entering kindergartens,prompting us to think about how to correctly develop the existing local cultures in the cultural context,while simultaneously accepting and absorbing the appropriate parts of foreign cultures.It is also necessary to maintain a balance between diversity and localization to prevent kindergartens from becoming a“colony”of foreign cultures.The development of suitable,cultural,and life-oriented kindergarten curricula from different perspectives is the focus of such a balance.Only in this way can kindergartens truly fulfill their educational functions and provide a vibrant and colorful environment for children.

Index Identification of Suitable Temperature at the Booting Stage and Accumulated Temperature over 10℃ during the Whole Growth Period in Rice in the South of China

According to phenological observation data of fourteen stations in Hunan,Hubei and Jiangxi provinces from 1994 to 2006,indices of suitable temperature at the booting stage and accumulated temperature(≥10 ℃)during the whole growth period in early or late rice in the south of China were analyzed by statistics and biological relationship between factors.Indices of the optimum daily mean temperature and the minimum temperature at the booting stage were as follows:Early convention rice variety was 25.7 ℃ and 22.3 ℃ respectively,hybrid variety was 26.5 ℃ and 23.3℃ respectively;while late convention rice variety was 25.6 ℃ and 22.3 ℃ respectively,hybrid variety was 25.8 ℃ and 22.6 ℃ respectively.Indexes of accumulated temperature during the whole growth period were as follows:The early-maturing variety,the middle-maturing variety and the late-maturing variety of early rice was 2 512.1 ℃,2 528.4 ℃ and 2 651.3 ℃ respectively,while the early-maturing variety,the middle-maturing variety and the late-maturing variety of late rice was 3 126.2 ℃,3 031.5 ℃ and 3 335.2 ℃ respectively.The above indexes all met the requirements of identification,which could provide reference for formulating the meteorological standard of rice in the south of China.

Ecological Regionalization of Suitable Trees, Shrubs and Herbages for Vegetation Restoration in the Farming-Pastoral Zone of Northern China

To provide materials for the selection of plant species for vegetation restoration and reconstruction in the farming-pastoral zone in northern China, where the eco-environment has been already deteriorated by over-farming and over-grazing, the suitable trees, shrubs and herbages were examined, screened and identified under the guidance of four principles of taking precedence for ecological conservation, being beneficial to economic production, matching species (trees, shrubs and herbages) with the site, and giving consideration to the integrity of local administrative division. According to the key ecological factors that determine species growth and distribution in the zone, i.e., the lowest daily mean temperature in a year, annual accumulated temperature, and water regimes represented by the moist index, the ratio between annual rainfall and accumulated temperature (>0 degreesC), as well as the soil type influenced by climate, surface substances and landform, the farming-pastoral zone was regionalized into seven parts: ( I) Western Songliao Plain and Da Hinggan Mountain Region; (II) Upper Liaohe River Sandy Region; (III) Mid-Eastern Nei Mongol Plateau and Northwestern Heibei Mountain Region; (IV) Luliang, Taihang and Yanshan Mountain Region; ( V) Ordos Plateau Sandy Region; (VI) Northern Shaanxi to Eastern Gansu Loess Plateau Region; and (VII) Mid Gansu to Eastern Qinghai Plateau Loess Region. And the suitable trees, shrubs and herbages for each region were selected and tabularly introduced in detail.

Suitable Region for Flue-cured Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca L.) Planting Based on Spatial Scene Similarity

[Objective] The aim was to establish a model based on spatial scene similarity, for which soil, slope, transport, water conservancy, light, social economic factors in suitable planting areas were all considered. A new suitable planting area of flue-cured tobacco was determined by comparison and analysis, with consideration of excellent area. [Method] Totaling thirty natural factors were chosen, which were clas- sified into nine categories, from Longpeng Town （LP） and Shaochong Town （SC） in Shiping County in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture. [Result] According to weights, the factors from high to low were as follows： soil〉light〉elevation〉slope〉 water conservancy〉transport〉baking facility〉planting plans over the years〉others. The similarity of geographical conditions in the area was 0.894 3, which indicated that the planting conditions in the two regions are similar. If farmer population in unit area, farmland quantity for individual farmer, labors in every household, activity in planting flue-cured tobacco and work of local instructor were considered, the weights of different factors were as follows： farmer population in unit area〉farmland quantity for individual farmer〉farmers＇ activity in planting flue-cured tobacco〉educational back- ground〉labor force in every household〉instructor〉population of farmers＇ children at- tending school. The similarity of geographical conditions was 0.703 1, which indicated that it is none-natural factors that influence yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco. [Conclusion] According to analysis on suitable planting area of flue-cured tobacco based on assessment of spatial scene similarity, similarity of growing conditions in two spatial scenes can be analyzed and evaluated, which would promote further exploration on, influencing factors and effects on tobacco production.

Suitable growing zone and yield potential for late-maturity type of Yongyou japonica/indica hybrid rice in the lower reaches of Yangtze River, China

Late-maturity type of Yongyou japonica/indica hybrids series （LMYS） have shown great yield potential, and are being widely planted in the lower reaches of Yangtze River, China. Knowledge about suitable growing zone and evaluation of yield advantage is of practicall importance for LMYS in this region. Fifteen LMYS, two high-yielding inbred japonica check varieties （CK-J） and two high-yielding hybrid indica check varieties （CK-I） were grown at Xinghua （119.57°E, 33.05°N） of Lixiahe region, Yangzhou （119.25°E, 32.30°N）of Yanjiang region, Changshu （120.46°E, 31.41°N）of Taihu Lake region, and Ningbo （121.31°E, 29.45°N） of Ningshao Plain in 2013 and 2014. The results showed that maturity dates of the 15 were later than the secure maturity date at Xinghua and 6, 14 and 15 LMYS were mature before the secure maturity date at Yangzhou, Changshu and Ningbo, respectively. One variety was identified as high-yielding variety among LMYS （HYYS） at Yangzhou, 8 HYYS in 201：3 and 9 HYYS in 2014 at Changshu, 9 HYYS at Ningbo. HYYS here referred to the variety among LMYS that was mature before the secure maturity date and had at least 8% higher grain yield than both CK-J and CK-I at each experimental site. Grain yield of HYYS at each experimental site was about 12.0 t ha-1 or higher, and was significantly higher than CK varieties. High yield of HYYS was mainly attributed to larger sink size due to more spikelets per panicle. Plant height of HYYS was about 140 cm, and was significantly higher than check varieties. Significant positive correlations were recorded between duration from heading to maturity stage and grain yield, and also between whole growth periods and grain yield. HYYS had obvious advantage over check varieties in biomass accumulation and leaf area duration from heading to maturity stage. Comprehensive consideration about safe matudty and yield performance of LMYS at each experimental site, Taihu Lake region （representative site Changshu） and Ningshao Plain （representative site Ningbo） were thought suitable growing zones for LMYS in the lower reaches of Yangtze River. The main factors underlying high yield ofHYYS were larger sink size, higher plant height, longer duration from heading to maturity stage and whole growth periods, and higher biomass accumulation and leaf area duration during grain filling stage.

Prediction of Suitable Habitat for Lycophytes and Ferns in Northeast China: A Case Study on Athyrium brevifrons

Suitable habitat is vital for the survival and restoration of a species.Understanding the suitable habitat range for lycophytes and ferns is prerequisite for effective species resource conservation and recovery efforts.In this study, we took Athyrium brevifrons as an example, predicted its suitable habitat using a Maxent model with 67 occurrence data and nine environmental variables in Northeast China.The area under the curve(AUC) value of independent test data, as well as the comparison with specimen county areal distribution of A.brevifrons exhibited excellent predictive performance.The type of environmental variables showed that precipitation contributed the most to the distribution prediction, followed by temperature and topography.Percentage contribution and permutation importance both indicated that precipitation of driest quarter(Bio17) was the key factor in determining the natural distribution of A.brevifrons, the reason could be proved by the fern gametophyte biology.The analysis of high habitat suitability areas also showed the habitat preference of A.brevifrons: comparatively more precipitation and less fluctuation in the driest quarter.Changbai Mountains, covering almost all the high and medium habitat suitability areas, provide the best ecological conditions for the survival of A.brevifrons, and should be considered as priority areas for protection and restoration of the wild resource.The potential habitat suitability distribution map could provide a reference for the sustainable development and utilisation of A.brevifrons resource, and Maxent modelling could be valuable for conservation management planning for lycophytes and ferns in Northeast China.

Effects of reduced nitrogen and suitable soil moisture on wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) rhizosphere soil microbiological,biochemical properties and yield in the Huanghuai Plain,China

Soil management practices affect rhizosphere microorganisms and enzyme activities, which in turn influence soil ecosystem processes. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of different nitrogen application rates on wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) rhizosphere soil microorganisms and enzyme activities, and their temporal variations in relation to soil fertility under supplemental irrigation conditions in a fluvo-aquic region. For this, we established a split-plot experiment for two consecutive years(2014–2015 and 2015–2016) in the field with three levels of soil moisture: water deficit to no irrigation(W1), medium irrigation to(70±5)% of soil relative moisture after jointing stage(W2), and adequate irrigation to(80±5)% of soil relative moisture after jointing stage(W3);and three levels of nitrogen: 0 kg ha^–1(N1), 195 kg ha^–1(N2) and 270 kg ha^–1(N3). Results showed that irrigation and nitrogen application significantly increased rhizosphere microorganisms and enzyme activities. Soil microbiological properties showed different trends in response to N level;the highest values of bacteria, protease, catalase and phosphatase appeared in N2, while the highest levels of actinobacteria, fungi and urease were observed in N3. In addition, these items performed best under medium irrigation(W2) relative to W1 and W3;particularly the maximum microorganism(bacteria, actinobacteria and fungi) amounts appeared at W2, 5.37×10^7 and 6.35×10^7 CFUs g^–1 higher than those at W3 in 2014–2015 and 2015–2016, respectively;and these changes were similar in both growing seasons. Microbe-related parameters fluctuated over time but their seasonality did not hamper the irrigation and fertilization-induced effects. Further, the highest grain yields of 13 309.2 and 12 885.7 kg ha^–1 were both obtained at W2 N2 in 2014–2015 and 2015–2016, respectively. The selected properties, soil microorganisms and enzymes, were significantly correlated with wheat yield and proved to be valuable indicators of soil quality. These results clearly demonstrated that the combined treatment(W2 N2) significantly improved soil microbiological properties, soil fertility and wheat yield on the Huanghuai Plain, China.

Which velocity model is more suitable for the 2017 M_S7.0 Jiuzhaigou earthquake?

On Aug.8, 2017, an M_S 7.0 earthquake struck Jiuzhaigou, a county of Sichuan province, China. A number of investigations and studies have been conducted, some of which involved local velocity models. However, the suitability of these models has not been properly addressed. Here we collect 11 already-existing models, including those used in studies of the 2017 M_S 7.0 Jiuzhaigou earthquake,choose 10 local stations surrounding the earthquake, and employ the same technique(TRIT) to relocate the hypocenter. And furthermore, we choose a more suitable model from the 11 already-existed models by analyzing the relocation process and the relocated results for reasonability. Finally, our conclusion is that the model Fang 2018 is more suitable and the hypocenter parameters, 103.801°E,33.192°N and 15.8 km for longitude, latitude and depth, respectively, and 2017-08-08 13:19:46.66 for its origin time, based on this model should be recommended for the 2017 M_S7.0 Jiuzhaigou earthquake.

Predicting suitable habitat of an invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus under future climate scenarios in Chitwan Annapurna Landscape,Nepal

Chitwan-Annapuma Landscape(CHAL)in central Nepal is known for its rich biodiversity and the landscape is expected to provide corridors for species range shift in response to climate change.Environmental assessments have identified biological invasions and other anthropogenic activities as major threats to the biodiversity in the CHAL.One of the rapidly spreading Invasive Alien Plant species(IAPs)in the CHAL is Parthenium hysterophorus L.,a neotropical invasive weed of global significance.This study aimed to investigate the current and future projected suitable habitat of P.hysterophorus in the CHAL using MaxEnt modelling in three'Representative Concentration Pathways'(RCPs 2.6,4.5 and 8.5)corresponding to different greenhouse gases emissiontrajectories for the year 2050 and 2070.A total of 288species occurrence points,six bioclimatic variablesmean diurnal range,isothermality,annual precipitation,precipitation of driest month,precipitation seasonality,precipitation of driest quarter and two topographic variables(aspect and slope)were selected for MaxEnt modelling.Potential range shift in terms of increase or decline in the suitable habitat areas under the projected scenarios were calculated.Slope and annual precipitation were the most important variables that explained the current distribution of P.hysterophorus.Twenty percent of the total area of CHAL was predicted to be suitable habitat for the growth of P.hysterophorus in the current climatic condition.Highest gain in the suitable habitat of this noxious weed was found under RCP 4.5 scenario in 2050 and 2070.whereas there will be a loss in thesuitable habitat under RCP 8.5 scenario in 2050 and2070.Out of four physiographic regions present in CHAL,three regions-Siwalik,Middle Mountain and High Mountain have suitable habitat for P.hysterophorus under current climatic condition.The mountainous region is likely to be affected more than the Siwalik region by further spread of P.fhysteropfhorus in the future under low(RCP 2.6)to medium(RCP 4.5)emission scenarios.The suitable habitat for this weed is likely to increase in the protected areas of mountain regions(Langtang National Park,Annapurna Conservation Area and Manaslu Conservation Area)in the future.The results have revealed a risk of spreading P.hysterophorus from present localities to non-invaded areas in the current and future climatic condition.Such risk needs to be considered by decision makers and resource managers while planning for effective management of this weed to reduce its ecological and economic impacts in the CHAL.

Translational perspective: is cinnamon a suitable agent for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease associated with brain trauma?

Cinnamon, is an exotic spice and a major constituent of our food which is commonly used in different areas of the world for the treatment of various diseases (Kawatra et al., 2015). Besides 让s anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties, cinnamon also exerts strong brain protective and pro-cogrdtive effects in various models of neurodegeneration (Kawatra et al., 2015;Kelestemur et al., 2016)(Figure 1).

Distribution Prediction of Suitable Growth Area for Eucommia ulmoides in China under Climatic Change Background

[ Objective] The research aimed to study distribution prediction of suitable growth area for Eucommia ulmoides in China under climatic change background. [ Method] By using the maximum entropy model and many kinds of climate change scenarios, we predicted current and future distribution pattems of suitable growth area for Eucommia ulmoides in China and its change process. [ Result ] At present, highly suitable growth area of E. ulmoides mainly distributed in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Chongqing, Under climate change background, total suitable growth areas in future three decades all drastically reduced when compared with that at present. It was noteworthy that moderately and highly suitable growth areas of wild E. ulmoides all disappeared, and junction between Shaanxi and Gansu and Taibai Mountain would be stable suitable growth area of wild E. ulmoides. [ Condusioa] The research could provide useful reference data for investigation, protection and sustainable development of the wild E. ulmoides resources.

Retrospective analysis of old-age colitis in the Dutch inflammatory bowel disease population

AIM： To describe the characteristics of Dutch patients with chronic.inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） first diagnosed above 60 years of age-a disease also known as old-age colitis （OAC） and to highlight a condition that has a similar appearance to IBD, namely segmen- tal colitis associated with diverticular disease （SCAD）. METHODS： A retrospective longitudinal survey of patient demographic and clinical characteristics, disease characteristics, diagnostic methods, management and course of disease was performed. The median follow-up period was 10 years. RESULTS： Of a total of 1100 IBD patients attending the Department of Gastroenterology, 59 （50） [median age 82 years （range 64-101）; 25 male （42%）] were identified. These patients were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis （n = 37, 61%）, Crohn＇s disease （n = 14, 24%）, and indeterminate colitis （n = 8, 15%）. Remission was induced in 40 （68%） patients within a median interval of 6 mo （range 1-21） and immunosuppressive therapy was well tolerated. Histological evaluation based on many biopsy samples and the course of the disease led to other diagnosis, namely SCAD instead of IBD in five （8%） patients. CONCLUSION： OAC is not an infrequent problem for the gastroenterologist, and should be considered in the evaluation of older patients with clinical features suggestive of IBD. Extra awareness and extensive biopsy sampling are required in order to avoid an erroneous diagnosis purely based on histological mimicry of changes seen in SCAD, when diagnosing IBD in the presence of diverticulosis coli.

Study of androgen and atherosclerosis in old-age male

Objective： To observe the difference of androgen and inflammatory cytokines level in atherosclerosis and analyse their relations. Method： Both carotid arteries and arteries of lower extremity were subjected to ultrasonic examination by Doppier＇s method. Those with much atheromatous plaque formation were ranged into case group, and those with normal result formed control group. Total, free testosterone and estradiol were assayed by radioimmunoassay. C reactive protein （CRP） was assayed by nepheloturbidity. Tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）, lnterleukin-6 （IL-6）, lnterleukin-8 （IL-8）, lnterleukin-10 （IL-10）, Interleukin-18 （IL-18）, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （sICAM-1） and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 （sVCAM-1） were assayed by ELISA. The mean difference between two groups and the correlation between free testosterone and cytokines were analysed. Results： Free testosterone was （6.337±3.371） pg/L in case group and （11.375±4.733）pg/L in control group, P〈0.01. No differences were found in total testosterone and estradiol. CRP was （27.294±10.238）mg/L in case group and （12.843±6.318） mg/L in control group, P〈0.01. IL-6 was （41.700±31.385）pg/L in case group and （25.396±20.772）pg/L in control group, P〈0.05. IL-8 was （89.249±58.357）pg/L in case group and （67.873±31.227）pg/L in control group, P〈0.05. sICAM-1 was （470.491±134.078）pg/L in case group and （368.487±97.183）pg/L in control group, P〈0.01. sVCAM-1 was （537.808±213.172）pg/L in case group and （457.275±157.273）pg/L in control group, P〈0.05. There were no differences in TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-18. Correlation analysis showed that FT （free testosterone） had negative correlation with CRP, IL-6 and sICAM-1. Among them FT had well correlation with CRP, correlation index was -0.678. Conclusion： Free testosterone was in negative correlation with atherosclerosis in old-age male. Free testosterone may have the role of anti-atherosclerosis, and this effect was not achieved by its transformation to estradiol. Low tree testosterone level was followed by increased level of inflammatory cytokines. Low free testosterones coexist with inflammation and they both affect the process of atherosclerosis in old-age male.

Echinococcus Granulosus: Suitable in vitro Protoscolices Culture Density

The present study is to determine the suitable protoscolices （PSCs） density for long-time culturing in vitro. The PSCs were divided into eight groups with different densities and the viability tests were carried out with 0.1% methylene blue staining. Then the infection ability of cultured PSCs was assessed by the mean cyst weight of mice inoculated intraperitoneally with PSCs after 8 months post-infection.

On Regional Division of Suitable Producing Areas of Yu Salvia miltiorrhiza

With the aid of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Geographic Information System(TCMGIS-I),on the basis of planting base of Yu Salvia miltiorrhiza in Fangcheng County of Henan Province,we selected key ecological factors such as the temperature,altitude,soil type,and precipitation that affect growth of Yu Salvia miltiorrhiza,and analyzed ecological suitability of Yu Salvia miltiorrhiza in China and in Henan Province.Results show that Yu Salvia miltiorrhiza has large suitable area in China,up to 10 provinces.At the similitude degree of 90% to 100%,its suitable distribution area can reach 309 205 km 2 theoretically.Among the suitable areas,the distribution area is large in Sichuan,Shaanxi,Jiangsu,Hubei and Henan provinces,each of which up to 24 000 km 2.At the similitude degree of 80% to 90%,the suitable areas of Yu Salvia miltiorrhiza are mainly in Fangcheng,Xichuan,Dengzhou,Xinyang and Nanzhao counties,which are consistent with record of relevant data.

External fixation is more suitable for intra-articular fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients

The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes, psychological impact, and complication rates associated with external fixation and volar or dorsal plating in relation to the functional parameters following treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius （IFDR） in patients older than 65 years. We hypothesized that using volar or dorsal plating would improve functional outcomes, but that it would be associated with more complications and equivalent functional outcomes when compared with the external fixation group. A total of 123 consecutive patients suffering from IFDR were recruited into the study. The patients were measured for clinical, radiological, and psychosocial functioning outcomes and were followed up after I week and 3, 6 and 12 months. After 3 months, the plating group had better pronation （P = 0.001）, supination, （P = 0.047） and extension （P = 0.043） scores. These differences were somewhat attenuated by 6 months and disappeared at I year. The plating group had a greater occurrence of wound infection （P = 0.043）, tendonitis, （P = 0.024） and additional surgery compared with the external fixation group. The only TNO-AZL Adult Quality of Life scores in the plating group that were lower than those in the external fixation group were in the ＂gross motor＂ category （walking upstairs, bending over, walking 500 yards; P = 0.023）. Internal fixation was more advantageous than external fixation in the early rehabilitation period; after I year the outcomes were similar. The plating group showed significantly higher levels of wound infection and tendonitis and had a greater need for additional surgeries.

Rural migrants' participation in old-age insurance: a case study of the inter-provincial migrant workers from Sichuan, China

Old-age pension, a fundamental part of the Chinese social security system, is perceived by the Chinese government as the last support for rural-to-urban migrant workers upon retreating from the labor market. Using survey data collected by the authors, this paper examines a host of factors which influence migrant workers' participation in the old-age scheme. The result shows that individual characteristics, employment status, attitudes toward old-age support and perception of the old-age pension system significantly differentiate two groups of migrant workers between those that have participated in and their counterparts who have not participated in the old-age pension schemes. Among a number of factors, age, educational attainment, holding labor contract, etc. are found to be significant factors influencing migrants' behavior participating(or not participating) the available age-pension schemes. Policy implications for how to improve the rate of participation in existing old-age pension schemes among migrant workers are drawn from the findings.