Unveiling the landscape predictors of resilient vegetation in coastal wetlands to inform conservation in the face of climate extremes.

Unveiling spatial variation in vegetation resilience to climate extremes can inform effective conservation planning under climate change. Although many conservation efforts are implemented on landscape scales, they often remain blind to landscape variation in vegetation resilience. We explored the distribution of drought-resilient vegetation (i.e., vegetation that could withstand and quickly recover from drought) and its predictors across a heterogeneous coastal landscape under long-term wetland conversion, through a series of high-resolution satellite image interpretations, spatial analyses, and nonlinear modelling. We found that vegetation varied greatly in drought resilience across the coastal wetland landscape and that drought-resilient vegetation could be predicted with distances to coastline and tidal channel. Specifically, drought-resilient vegetation exhibited a nearly bimodal distribution and had a seaward optimum at ~2 km from coastline (corresponding to an inundation frequency of ~30%), a pattern particularly pronounced in areas further away from tidal channels. Furthermore, we found that areas with drought-resilient vegetation were more likely to be eliminated by wetland conversion. Even in protected areas where wetland conversion was slowed, drought-resilient vegetation was increasingly lost to wetland conversion at its landward optimum in combination with rapid plant invasions at its seaward optimum. Our study highlights that the distribution of drought-resilient vegetation can be predicted using landscape features but without incorporating this predictive understanding, conservation efforts may risk failing in the face of climate extremes.

An invasive species erodes the performance of coastal wetland protected areas.

The world has increasingly relied on protected areas (PAs) to rescue highly valued ecosystems from human activities, but whether PAs will fare well with bioinvasions remains unknown. By analyzing three decades of seven of the largest coastal PAs in China, including World Natural Heritage and/or Wetlands of International Importance sites, we show that, although PAs are achieving success in rescuing iconic wetlands and critical shorebird habitats from once widespread reclamation, this success is counteracted by escalating plant invasions. Plant invasions were not only more extensive in PAs than non-PA controls but also undermined PA performance by, without human intervention, irreversibly replacing expansive native wetlands (primarily mudflats) and precluding successional formation of new native marshes. Exotic species are invading PAs globally. This study across large spatiotemporal scales highlights that the consequences of bioinvasions for humanity's major conservation tool may be more profound, far reaching, and critical for management than currently recognized.

Psychometric Properties and Factor Structures of the CERQ, DERS, and RESE Measures: A Bifactor Approach.

This study aims to simultaneously compare the psychometric properties and examine the factor structures of 3 emotion regulation (ER) strategy scales using a bifactor approach. Due to good reliability and validity, extensive use, and the same scoring method, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale were used to assess ER strategies in 1,036 Chinese respondents. A bifactor confirmatory factor analysis was designed to address the multidimensionality of the factor structure, and the corresponding bifactor structures were then applied in a subsequent bifactor multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) analysis. Finally, bifactor MIRT was used to compare the psychometric properties of the 3 measures. The results indicated that bifactor structures were appropriate for the 3 ER strategy measures, which performed well overall. Different measures provide the highest accuracy for specific groups and designs. Some strengths and limitations of this article are discussed.

MnO Nanoparticles Sandwiched within 3D Graphene-Based Hierarchical Architecture for Efficient Lithium Storage.

Manganese monoxide (MnO) has drawn considerable attention as anode candidate for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity of 755.6 mAh g-1 (over twice as much as graphite) and relatively low voltage hysteresis. However, some challenging issues such as poor cyclic performance and inferior rate capability caused by the limited reaction kinetics, severe particle agglomeration of MnO, and large volume expansions during cycling still hampered its commercial implementation. Herein, we developed a rational design, in which MnO nanoparticles are sandwiched within 3D graphene-based N-doped carbon (NC) networks, which is denoted as NC/MnO/rGO. When investigated as anode for LIBs, the well-designed NC/MnO/rGO nanohybrid demonstrates high reversible capacity (1360 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 over 150 cycles), excellent rate capability, and good cyclability (648 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1 without fading over 600 cycles). In addition, the mechanism of electrochemical reaction for the NC/MnO/rGO anode is further investigated by conducting cyclic voltammetry under different cutoff voltage ranges to explain the capacity increasing phenomenon upon cycling.

Temporal dynamics of SO2 and NOX pollution and contributions of driving forces in urban areas in China.

SO2 and NOX pollution have significantly reduced the air quality in China in past decades. Haze and acid rain have negatively affected the health of animals, plants, and human beings. Documented studies have shown that air pollution is influenced by multiple socioeconomic driving forces. However, the relative contributions of these driving forces are not well understood. In this study, using the structural equation model (SEM), we quantified the contributing effects of various forces driving air pollution in 2015 in prefecture-level cities of China. Our results showed that there has been significant control of SO2 pollution in the past 20 years. The annual average SO2 concentration has dropped from 83 µg/m3 in 1996 to 21 µg/m3 in 2015, while the annual average NOX concentration has increased from 47 µg/m3 in 1996 to 58 µg/m3 in 2015. We evaluated data on the annual average concentrations of SO2, which in some cities may mask the differences of SO2 concentrations between different months. Hence, SO2 pollution should continue to be controlled in accordance with existing policies and regulations. However, we suggest that NOX should become the new focus of air pollution prevention and treatment. The SEM results showed that industrial scale, city size, and residents' activities have a significant impact on NOX pollution. Among these, industrial scale had the highest contribution. The findings from our study can provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of NOX pollution control policy in China.

A regional strategy for ecological sustainability: A case study in Southwest China.

Partitioning, a method considering environmental protection and development potential, is an effective way to provide regional management strategies to maintain ecological sustainability. In this study, we provide a large-scale regional division approach and present a strategy for Southwest China, which also has extremely high development potential because of the "Western development" policy. Based on the superposition of 15 factors, including species diversity, pattern restriction, agricultural potential, accessibility, urbanization potential, and topographical limitations, the environmental value and development benefit in the region were quantified spatially by weighting the sum of indicators within environmental and development categories. By comparing the scores with their respective median values, the study area was divided into four different strategy zones: Conserve zones (34.94%), Construction zones (32.95%), Conflict zones (16.96%), and Low-tension zones (15.16%). The Conflict zones in which environmental value and development benefit were both higher than the respective medians were separated further into the following 5 levels: Extreme conflict (36.20%), Serious conflict (28.07%), Moderate conflict (12.28%), Minor conflict (6.55%), and Slight conflict (16.91%). We found that 9.04% of nature reserves were in Conflict zones, and thus should be given more attention. This study provides a simple and feasible method for regional partitioning, as well as comprehensive support that weighs both the environmental value and development benefit for China's current Ecological Red Line and space planning and for regional management in similar situations.

Spatial Distribution of Metals and Associated Risks in Surface Sediments Along a Typical Urban River Gradient in the Beijing Region.

Surface sediments from Beiyun River located in the rapidly urbanized Beijing metropolis were collected and analyzed for heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) to investigate their spatial distribution pattern, ecotoxicology and source identification. Results indicated the average heavy metal concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were approximately 4, 2, 3, 2, and 4 times higher than their background values. Spatially, we found the concentrations of heavy metals made significant change in four sections along urbanized river gradients. The contents in midstream of urban region and farmland region (section 2 and section 3) were greater than those in upstream (section 1) and downstream (section 4). However, one-way analysis of variance for spatial analysis suggested there were no significant differences between mainstream and tributaries. The geo-accumulation index (I geo) used to assess the sediment quality exhibited there was a decreasing order for the average I geo of measured heavy metals: Zn (0.82) > Cd (0.53) > Cu (0.50) > Cr (- 0.08) > Pb (- 0.45) > Ni (- 0.96) > Mn (- 0.97) > As (- 1.01), whereas they had different "high-low" orders at different sampling transects. Ecological risk index values showed that section 2 and section 3 revealed a high and moderate ecological risk, respectively. Furthermore, principal component analysis indicated the first principle component explained 64.73% of total variance with the main pollutants of As, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Cu which were probably controlled by the mixed sources covering natural factors and anthropogenic input.

Spatio-temporal variations of conservation hotspots based on ecosystem services in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China.

Integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) has been viewed as an appropriate approach to identifying conservation priorities. Taking Xishuangbanna tropical region in Southwest China, different BESs (habitat quality [used as a proxy for biodiversity], carbon storage, and water yield) were quantified using the InVEST model and conservation hotspots from 1976, 1990, and 2010 were identified by overlapping and ranking the service layers. Results showed that BESs areas were unevenly distributed. High habitat quality and carbon storage areas located in the eastern part of the region were mainly occupied by broad-leaved forest, while high water yield areas were covered by grassland and tropical forests. Recognized hotspots were primarily composed of the broad-leaved forest and shrub grassland. However, these habitat types declined by nearly 50% from 1.25×105 ha to 0.63×105 ha and became more fragmented during the study period. We also found that the sub-watersheds which decreased in BES had fewer hotspots distributed and suffered greater landscape fragmentation. Our study further explored the impacts of land-use conversion on BES, and illustrated the necessity and feasibility of BESs in identifying potential conservation areas.

Identifying trace metal distribution and occurrence in sediments, inundated soils, and non-flooded soils of a reservoir catchment using Self-Organizing Maps, an artificial neural network method.

The Lancang-Mekong River is a trans-boundary river which provides a livelihood for over 60 million people in Southeast Asia. Its environmental security is vital to both local and regional inhabitants. Efforts have been undertaken to identify controlling factors of the distribution of trace metals in sediments and soils of the Manwan Reservoir catchment in the Lancang-Mekong River basin. The physicochemical attributes of 63 spatially distributed soil and sediment samples, along with land-use, flooding, topographic, and location characteristics, were analyzed using the Self-Organizing Map (SOM) methodology. The SOM permits the analysis of complex multivariate datasets and gives a visual interpretation that is generally not easy to obtain using traditional statistical methods. Across the catchment, enrichments of trace metals are rare overall, despite the severely enriched cadmium (Cd). The analysis of SOM showed that flooded levels and land-use types were associated with high concentrations of Cd. Sediments and inundated soils covered with shrub and open woodlands in downstream always have a high concentration of Cd. The results demonstrate that SOM is a useful tool that can aid in the interpretation of complex datasets and help identify the environment of enriched metals on a catchment scale.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of grassland aboveground biomass on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau based on validated MODIS NDVI.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of aboveground biomass (AGB) is a fundamental problem for grassland environmental management on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data can feasibly be used to estimate AGB at large scales, and their precise validation is necessary to utilize them effectively. In our study, the clip-harvest method was used at 64 plots in QTP grasslands to obtain actual AGB values, and a handheld hyperspectral spectrometer was used to calculate field-measured NDVI to validate MODIS NDVI. Based on the models between NDVI and AGB, AGB dynamics trends during 2000-2012 were analyzed. The results showed that the AGB in QTP grasslands increased during the study period, with 70% of the grasslands undergoing increases mainly in the Qinghai Province. Also, the meadow showed a larger increasing trend than steppe. Future AGB dynamic trends were also investigated using a combined analysis of the slope values and the Hurst exponent. The results showed high sustainability of AGB dynamics trends after the study period. Predictions indicate 60% of the steppe and meadow grasslands would continue to increase in AGB, while 25% of the grasslands would remain in degradation, with most of them distributing in Tibet.

Spatial distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the reservoir sediments after impoundment of Manwan Dam in the middle of Lancang River, China.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have received increasing attentions owing to their carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and environmental toxicity. The studies on the spatial variations, sources identification and potential ecological risk assessment of PAHs in the reservoir sediments after dam construction are becoming new hotpots. Sixteen PAHs contamination levels were investigated from 15 sample sections in the sediments of Manwan Reservoir in the middle of Lancang River, China. Total concentrations of 16 PAHs ranged from 14.4 to 137.7 ng g(-1) dw with a mean concentration of 70.68 ng g(-1) dw. The areas with residential settlement at large tributaries and near dam had higher PAHs concentrations. In the sight of classification of PAHs pollution levels, the sediments of Manwan Reservoir could be considered as low to moderate PAHs polluted levels. One-way analysis of variance for spatial analysis revealed that there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) for 16 PAHs at the reservoir head, centre and tail. Moreover, no significant differences (P < 0.05) were found for most individual PAH at the mainstream and tributaries except that BaP showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in the mainstream and tributaries. According to the diagnostic ratios, the possible pollution sources of PAHs in Manwan Reservoir might be mixed, primarily including the petroleum source and coal combustion. As compared with sediment quality guidelines, the observed concentrations of PAHs in all sample sections did not exceed the effects range low (ERL) and the threshold effect level (TEL) values, suggesting that there were little harmful biological toxic effects on the aquatic organisms in Manwan Reservoir. The study provided a comprehensive overview on the PAHs contaminations on the reservoir sediments in the middle Lancang River, which may have an important significances on the international river management.

[Estimating nonstructural carbon content of tree crown considering its spatial variability: A case study on Juglans mandshurica and Ulmus japonica].

Using Juglans mandshurica and Ulmus japonica as test materials, we examined the variability in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) concentrations in the branches with different basal diameters with a branch analysis method and explored potential errors in estimating the crown-scale NSC content introduced from various sampling protocols. The results showed that organs significantly influenced the crown NSC concentrations for both species. The mean concentrations of the sum of soluble sugars and starch (TNC) of the leaves, new twigs, old branches, and dead branches were 17.6%, 12.6%, 5.7% and 2.9%, respectively. Most of the NSC concentrations in leaves and new twigs varied insignificantly with basal diameter, age, length and height of the branch. However, the NSC concentration in old branches increased significantly with decreasing the basal diameter, age and length of the branch, and with increasing the relative height of the branch. Among the branch traits, basal diameter was the best predictor for the NSC concentration of the old branch (the R2 between 0.87 and 0.95). The mean TNC contents of leaves, new branches, and old branches for the two species accounted for 28%, 2% and 70% of the crown TNC content, respectively. Considering the effect of the spatial variability in the estimation of NSC content, we recommend the sampling protocol that applies the NSC concentration of new twigs and old branches with a diameter of 3 cm to up-scale the crown NSC content as a simple and practical method.

[Spatial variation of non-structural carbohydrates in Betula platyphylla and Tilia amurensis stems].

Taking the two diffuse-porous tree species Betula platyphylla and Tilia amurensis in a temperate forest in Northeast China as test objects, this paper studied the spatial variation of the non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) concentrations in the stem xylem after leaf-fall. For the two tree species, the concentrations of total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC, soluble sugars plus starch) and soluble sugars in the stem xylem decreased gradually with the increasing depth from cambium to pith, whereas the starch concentration showed little radial variation. There was still a substantial amount of NSC in the inner wood close to pith. The concentrations of the NSC in the two species stems decreased gradually from the stump to the breast height, and then increased vertically. The maximum concentrations of the TNC, soluble sugars, and starch occurred at different heights, depending on the species and the TNC components. The ratio of sugar to starch showed a contrasting vertical trend for the two species, i. e., increasing from the stump to the top for B. platyphylla, but decreasing for T. amurensis. The estimation error of the stem NSC storage was mainly from the axial variation, and then, from the radial variation of NSC concentration. The TNC concentration (1.0% dry mass) in the stem of shade-intolerant species B. platyphylla was significantly lower than that (4.3% dry mass) of shade-tolerant species T. amurensis, which could be related to their different life-history strategies. Applying the sampling protocols considering the axial and radial variations of NSC could effectively reduce the potential uncertainty in estimating the NSC storage at tree or stand level.