Adverse perinatal outcomes complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus in preterm mothers and preterm infants.

The incidence rate of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnancy is currently on the increase. GDM is associated with short and long-term adverse outcomes for mothers, fetuses and newborns. The aim of the present study was to compare the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes in women with and without GDM, in addition to comparing the morbidity and mortality rates of preterm infants born to women with and without GDM. A retrospective analysis of 640 preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao, China) between January 2019 and December 2020 was undertaken in the present study. According to mothers with or without GDM, the preterm infants were divided into the GDM group (n=217) and non-GDM group (n=423). Women with GDM were older (P<0.01) and more of advanced maternal age (≥35 years) or multipara (P<0.001), tended to have an increased risk of gestational hypertension (P<0.05), placenta previa (P<0.005) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (P<0.05). In infants born preterm, those born from mothers with GDM were associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (P<0.001) and sepsis (P<0.05). In addition, very low birth weight infants born to mothers with GDM were found to have an increased risk of hypoglycemia (P<0.05) and sepsis (P<0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, RDS was the only condition independently associated with GDM [adjusted odds ratio: 1.699 (95% confidence interval: 1.699-1.699)]. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of mortality among the two groups. In conclusion, data from the present study suggested that GDM is associated with a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women and a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcomes in infants born preterm.

In Situ Formed Gradient Composite Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer for Stable Lithium Metal Anodes.

Lithium (Li) metal anode (LMA) is highly considered as a desirable anode material for next-generation rechargeable batteries because of its high specific capacity and the lowest reduction potential. However, uncontrollable growth of Li dendrites, large volume change, and unstable interfaces between LMA and electrolyte hinder its practical application. Herein, a novel in situ formed artificial gradient composite solid electrolyte interphase (GCSEI) layer for highly stable LMAs is proposed. The inner rigid inorganics (Li2 S and LiF) with high Li+ ion affinity and high electron tunneling barrier are beneficial to achieve homogeneous Li plating, while the flexible polymers (poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(vinylidene fluoride)) on the surface of GCSEI layer can accommodate the volume change. Furthermore, the GCSEI layer demonstrates fast Li+ ion transport capability and increased Li+ ion diffusion kinetics. Accordingly, the modified LMA enables excellent cycling stability (over 1000 h at 3 mA cm-2 ) in the symmetric cell using carbonate electrolyte, and the corresponding Li-GCSEI||LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 full cell demonstrates 83.4% capacity retention after 500 cycles. This work offers a new strategy for the design of dendrite-free LMAs for practical applications.

Revision of the subgenus Stegana (Steganina) from China, with assessment of species delimitation using DNA barcodes (Diptera, Drosophilidae).

A total of 58 (eight known and 50 new) species of the subgenus Stegana (Steganina) from China were surveyed and (re)described: S. (S.) bacilla Chen & Aotsuka, 2004, S. (S.) belokobylskiji Sidorenko, 1997, S. (S.) hirticeps Wang, Gao, & Chen, 2013, S. (S.) izu Sidorenko, 1997, S. (S.) kanmiyai Okada & Sidorenko, 1992, S. (S.) masanoritodai Okada & Sidorenko, 1992, S. (S.) maymyo Sidorenko, 1997, stat. rev., S. (S.) nigripes Zhang & Chen, 2015, S. (S.) alafoliacea Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) baoxing Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) bibarbata Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) bimai Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) cinereipecta Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) cardua Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) cordhirsuta Wang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) cornuta Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) cucullata Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) cultella Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) curvitabulata Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) daiya Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) dendrophila Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) flabella Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) flavipes Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) formosa Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) fusca Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) fuscipes Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) glaucopalpula Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) haba Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) hirticlavata Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) iaspidea Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) idiasta Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) kanda Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) labao Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) lancang Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) latifoliacea Wang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) liusanjieae Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) magniflava Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) mailangang Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) marenubila Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) menghai Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) menglian Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) minutiflava Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) multiprocera Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) nayun Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) nigridentata Wang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) nigripalpula Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) otphylla Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) radiciflava Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) rava Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) sciophila Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) septencolorata Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) serrata Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) silvestrella Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) simola Cui & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) yani Li & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) yixiang Zhang & Chen, sp. nov., S. (S.) zaduo Cui & Chen, sp. nov., and S. (S.) zhuoma Cui & Chen, sp. nov. We also provided a complete list of Chinese Steganina species together with their geographical distributions. In addition, the majority of currently available DNA barcode (partial sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene) sequences of this subgenus (435 sequences of 102 spp.) were employed in a molecular analysis for species delimitation. Taken together, morphology- and molecular-based species delimitation results reached a consensus for an overwhelming majority of these Steganina species (98 of 102 spp.).

Interlayer-Expanded Titanate Hierarchical Hollow Spheres Embedded in Carbon Nanofibers for Enhanced Na Storage.

Layered titanates are of great potential for hybrid Na-ion capacitors (NICs). However, the poor conductivity and sluggish reaction kinetics are the critical issues for the practical applications of titanates. Herein, an approach to synthesize magnesium titanate hierarchical hollow spheres embedded in carbon nanofibers (denoted as MTO@C) by electrospinning coupled with interlayer engineering processes is reported. 3D conductive carbon framework helps to enhance the electronic conductivity for binder-free electrode, while the expanded interlayer spacing of titanate hierarchical hollow spheres via the incorporation of Mg2+ ions help to reduce the charge transfer resistance and expose more active sites for Na storage. The interconnected hollow spheres can effectively accommodate the volume expansion during the repeated cycles. The results have shown that the MTO@C electrode can deliver a high capacity of 136 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 with long lifespan. The assembled NIC device with MTO@C as anode and active carbon as cathode produces a high energy density of 110.3 Wh kg-1 at 112 W kg-1 and a high power density of 5380 W kg-1 at 41.9 Wh kg-1 , together with a high capacity retention of 80% after 5000 cycles.

Design and Synthesis of Hollow Nanostructures for Electrochemical Water Splitting.

Electrocatalytic water splitting using renewable energy is widely considered as a clean and sustainable way to produce hydrogen as an ideal energy fuel for the future. Electrocatalysts are indispensable elements for large-scale water electrolysis, which can efficiently accelerate electrochemical reactions occurring at both ends. Benefitting from high specific surface area, well-defined void space, and tunable chemical compositions, hollow nanostructures can be applied as promising candidates of direct electrocatalysts or supports for loading internal or external electrocatalysts. Herein, some recent progress in the structural design of micro-/nanostructured hollow materials as advanced electrocatalysts for water splitting is summarized. First, the design principles and corresponding strategies toward highly effective hollow electrocatalysts for oxygen/hydrogen evolution reactions are highlighted. Afterward, an overview of current reports about hollow electrocatalysts with diverse architectural designs and functionalities is given, including direct hollow electrocatalysts with single-shelled, multi-shelled, or open features and heterostructured electrocatalysts based on hollow hosts. Finally, some future research directions of hollow electrocatalysts for water splitting are discussed based on personal perspectives.

Lotus-Root-Like Carbon Fibers Embedded with Ni-Co Nanoparticles for Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anodes.

The growth of lithium (Li) dendrites and the huge volume change are the critical issues for the practical applications of Li-metal anodes. In this work, a spatial control strategy is proposed to address the above challenges using lotus-root-like Ni-Co hollow prisms@carbon fibers (NCH@CFs) as the host. The homogeneously distributed bimetallic Ni-Co particles on the N-doped carbon fibers serve as nucleation sites to effectively reduce the overpotential for Li nucleation. Furthermore, the 3D conductive network can alter the electric field. More importantly, the hierarchical lotus-root-like hollow fibers provide sufficient void space to withstand the volume expansion during Li deposition. These structural features guide the uniform Li nucleation and non-dendritic growth. As a result, the NCH@CFs host enables a very stable Li metal anode with a low voltage hysteresis during repeated Li plating/stripping for 1200 h at a current density of 1 mA cm-2 .

Recent progress of Ni-Fe layered double hydroxide and beyond towards electrochemical water splitting.

The electrochemical water splitting process including the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is considered as one of the most promising methods for high-purity hydrogen production. Ni-Fe based compounds, especially Ni-Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH), have become highly efficient electrocatalysts to expedite the above reactions. During the last decade, great progress has been witnessed in the development of Ni-Fe based electrocatalysts. Diverse regulatory strategies such as morphology modulation, composition control, and defect engineering have been employed to optimize their electrochemical performances for water splitting. In addition, the family of Ni-Fe based compounds has been expanded from LDHs to alloys, sulfides, phosphides and so forth. Deep experimental investigations and theoretical studies have also been carried out to reveal the intrinsic origin of the superior electrocatalytic performances. In this review, we summarise the recent development of Ni-Fe based compounds for electrochemical water splitting with high efficiency. Special focus has been placed on the design principle and synthetic strategies of Ni-Fe based compounds. In the end, remaining challenges and future research directions are briefly discussed.

A lysosome-targetable fluorescent probe for real-time imaging cysteine under oxidative stress in living cells.

As an effective lysosomal biomarker for oxidative stress status, cysteine (Cys) plays an important role in lysosomal proteolysis. Herein, we report the first lysosome-targetable fluorescence probe (MCAB) for Cys-selective detection based on nucleophilic addition reaction of sulfhydryl toward a α, ß-unsaturated ketone and demonstrate its application to lysosomal-targetable imaging. MCAB is designed based on a α, ß-unsaturated ethanoylcarbazole as the fluorophore and the thiols reaction site, and a methylcarbitol unit as a lysosome-targetable group. Upon reacting with Cys, this probe turns on highly specific fluorescence signals linearly proportional to Cys concentrations over the range of 0-300 µM. MCAB detects Cys with a rapid response time (within 12 min) and low limit of detection (0.38 µM). MCAB is highly selective to Cys over other similar biothiols including homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH). Moreover, it also exhibits significant lysosomal-targetable ability, which is ideal for lysosomal Cys-selective imaging. Using MCAB, we have successfully visualized the fluctuation endogenous Cys in lysosomes under oxidative stress status in real-time.

A Label-free aptasensor based on Aptamer/NH2 Janus particles for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of Ochratoxin A.

In this study, a novel aptasensor based on Aptamer/NH2 Janus particles is developed for the detection of Ochratoxin A(OTA). By coating gold on the hemispherical surface of the aminated polystyrene particles, Ochratoxin A aptamer is immobilized on the surface of the gold layer for selective identification and the other hemispherical able to bind to Glassy carbon electrode via peptide bond. Under optimum conditions, the sensor exhibited a wide dynamic range of OTA concentration from 1 × 10-5 nM to 10 nM, and the detection limit is 3.3 × 10-3 pM on condition of acceptable stability and reproducibility. The sensors were showed excellent performance in the detection of OTA in red wine sample with recoveries between 95.7% and 100.18%, which studied by the standard addition spiking technique. This work provides a new idea and method for preparing immune electrochemical sensors and is expected to be used for the OTA detection in red wine sample analysis.

Minor allele of rs1057317 polymorphism in TLR4 is associated with increased risk of Helicobacter pylori -induced gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (HP) plays a significant role in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer (GC), the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rs1057317 polymorphism on the interaction between microRNA-034a (miR-034a) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and their involvement in the HP-associated GC. METHODS: Computation analyses, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, and luciferase assays were performed to identify potential miRNAs involved in the carcinogenesis of HP-induced GC. Subsequently, the effect of miR-34a and recombinant TNFα-interacting protein α (rTip-α) on the expression of TLR4, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) was measured. RESULTS: Three hundred and twelve HP-positive GC patients (HP+ GC) and 380 HP-negative GC patients (HP- GC) were enrolled into this study. It was found that, in HP-positive patient, the AA genotype of the rs1057317 polymorphism was closely associated with the risk of GC (95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 2.70; odds ratio, 1.74; P = 0.0129). Furthermore, between the HP+ GC and HP- GC groups, miR-34a was the only miRNA showing a significantly different expression. Subsequently, TLR4 was identified as a target gene of miR-34a. Interestingly, miR-34a evidently reduced the expression of TLR4 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) containing the C allele of the rs1057317 polymorphism, but the TLR4 3'-UTR containing the A allele in the rs1057317 was not affected by miR-34a. In addition, the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α was significantly downregulated by miR-34a, but increased by rTip-α. Both miR-34a and rTip-α could enhance the viability of cells, although the effect of rTip-α was stronger. CONCLUSION: The data of this study suggested that the rs1057317 polymorphism in the miR-34a binding site of TLR4 may predict the risk of HP-induced GC.

Copper Nanoparticles Show Obvious in vitro and in vivo Reproductive Toxicity via ERK Mediated Signaling Pathway in Female Mice.

Copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) and other inorganic nanomaterials have caused increasing concern owing to be widely used. Early studies have reported that they can result in injuries to the kidney, liver and spleen of mice; cause embryonic damage; and inhibit the reproductive capacity of red worms. However, few studies have reported the toxicity of Cu-NPs on the reproductive systems of mammals. In the present work, we explored the cytotoxicity of Cu-NPs in human extravillous trophoblast cells and in the reproductive organs of mice. Cu-NPs induced ovarian and placental pathophysiology and dysfunction in mice. These nanoparticles also induced apoptosis and suppressed the proliferation of human extravillous trophoblast cells and caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in a time-and dose-dependent manner. Cu-NPs can significantly damage the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), which suggests that Cu-NPs can activate the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway. We also observed that Cu-NPs significantly inhibit the expression of BRAF, ERK, and MITF expression, all of which are important genes in the ERK signaling pathway. Our research demonstrated that Cu-NPs exert obvious reproductive toxicity in mice by disrupting the balance of sex hormones and exert cytotoxicity on human extravillous trophoblast cells, and ERK signaling and the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway made great contribution to the toxicity of Cu-NPs on female mice.

The preferred learning styles utilizing VARK among nursing students with bachelor degrees and associate degrees in China

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the differences in learning style preferences among bachelor degree nursing students at Central South University and associate degree nursing students at the Vocational Health School in China. Methods This study was a cross-sectional survey using the Chinese version of the VARK questionnaire to assess preferred learning styles: 159 enrolled bachelor degree nursing students and 199 enrolled associate degree nursing students completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 96.8%. Results The bachelor degree nursing students tend to prefer a multimodal learning style (58.49%), which significantly differed from that of associate degree nursing students (45.77%). The kinaesthetic modality was the predominant unimodal learning style among the bachelor degree and associate degree nursing students (18.20% and 33.67%), and the read-write modality was the least popular modality (2.5% and 4.02%). Conclusion There are both differences and similarities between the learning style preferences of bachelor degree and associate degree nursing students. Educational background is one of the most critical factors that influence the learning style preference of nursing students. This finding may be necessary and beneficial for carrying out future curricula reform. In addition, further comprehensive research should be conducted to examine the relationships between learning style preferences and academic performance, as well as learning style preferences and teaching methods.

[Varieties textual research and usage investigation of white flos gentianae, a Tibetan medicine].

OBJECTIVE: To clarity the original plants and the main application varieties of White Flos Gentianae. METHOD: Herbal textual research, wild specimen collection, investigation and collection of the samples from Tibetan hospital, Tibetan pharmaceutical factory and medical material market were carried out simultaneously to identify the original plants of White Flos Gentianae. RESULT: The results of varieties textual research and specimen identification showed that Gentiana szechenyii, G. purdomii and G. algida were in accord with the record of Tibetan herbal textual The three species above were the original plants of White Flos Gentianae. The identification of 20 batches samples showed that G. szechenyii was the main application variety. The other varieties were only used in Tibetan hospitals. All the samples above were flowering branches. CONCLUSION: It was necessary to strengthen the research on variety systematization of White Flos Gentianae make a further discussion on the taxonomy position of G. purdomii, G. algida and the white flos population. Its was also nessary to establish and improve the quality standard of different variety based on the principle of "one species, one name". The quality specification of White Flos Gentianae should be established and improved to standard clinical utilization and produce feeding. More study of resources investigation and cultivation of G. szechenyii should be carried on to meet the demand of produce and clinic.

Mathematical modeling for selecting center locations for medical and health supplies reserve in Hainan Province.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how to choose the center locations to build the medical and health supplies reserve among many island towns. METHODS: The center locations were selected from 18 towns Hainan Province, it's maximum service range (distance) was required to reach the minimum, or to minimize. RESULTS: Three scenarios were considered, the center locations included only one town, two towns, three towns. By the use of graph theory and MATLAB programming, a mathematical model was established to obtain the shortest distance and the shortest path between arbitrary two towns. CONCLUSIONS: We find out the center sites under certain conditions, and determine the specific service ranges of the center sites.

[Establish and optimization of real-time fluorescent reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of avian influenza H5 hemagglutinin gene].

H5 subtype avian influenza (AIV-H5) is a major causative agent of animalloimia a rapid and sensitive molecular biological diagnosis is crucial to the control program of AIV-H5. AIV-H5 real-time fluorescent reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (qRT-LAMP) was established by means of heat treatment of the samples. The sensitivity, specificity and repeatability of this method were assessed and the performance of Calcein,SYBR Green I,HNB,SYTO 81 in colorimetric detection was comparatively analyzed to screen the optimum dye. The results showed the sensitivity of this method was 100 times higher than that of standard real-time fluorescent RT-PCR, and the detection limit was one copy of the gene per reaction. This method had no cross-reactivity with other common avian respiratory tract infectious disease-related pathogens such as IBV and NDV. The present study suggested Calcein was the optimum dye. Small-scale tests suggested this method was reliable for survey monitoring of AIV-H5 on the spot, indicating its potential applications in field investigation.

Subtyping animal influenza virus with general multiplex RT-PCR and Liquichip high throughput (GMPLex).

This study developed a multiplex RT-PCR integrated with luminex technology to rapidly subtype simultaneously multiple influenza viruses. Primers and probes were designed to amplify NS and M genes of influenza A viruses HA gene of H1, H3, H5, H7, H9 subtypes, and NA gene of the N1 and N2 subtypes. Universal super primers were introduced to establish a multiplex RT-PCR (GM RT-PCR). It included three stages of RT-PCR amplification, and then the RT-PCR products were further tested by LiquiChip probe, combined to give an influenza virus (IV) rapid high throughput subtyping test, designated as GMPLex. The IV GMPLex rapid high throughput subtyping test presents the following features: high throughput, able to determine the subtypes of 9 target genes in H1, H3, H5, H7, H9, N1, and N2 subtypes of the influenza A virus at one time; rapid, completing the influenza subtyping within 6 hours; high specificity, ensured the specificity of the different subtypes by using two nested degenerate primers and one probe, no cross reaction occurring between the subtypes, no non-specific reactions with other pathogens and high sensitivity. When used separately to detect the product of single GM RT-PCR for single H5 or N1 gene, the GMPLex test showed a sensitivity of 10⁻5(= 280ELD50) forboth tests and the Luminex qualitative ratio results were 3.08 and 3.12, respectively. When used to detect the product of GM RT-PCR for H5N1 strain at the same time, both showed a sensitivity of 10⁻4(=2800 ELD50). The GMPLex rapid high throughput subtyping test can satisfy the needs of influenza rapid testing.

[The expression of integrinανß6 and MMP-9 in gastric cancer and the correlation with clinicopathologic characteristic].

AIM: to investigate the expression of integrinανß6 and MMP-9 in gastric cancer and the correlation with clinicopathologic characteristic. METHODS: the expression of integrinανß6 and MMP-9 protein was detected with immunohistochemical EnVision plus non-hiotin technique in 94 cases of gastric cancer and pericarcinoma tissues. The correlation with clinicopathologic characteristic were analyzed. RESULTS: the positive expression rates of integrinανß6 and MMP-9 protein in gastric cancer were significantly higher that tat in pericarcinoma tissues (P<0.01). The expression of integrinανß6 were positively related to Lauren type, tumor clinical stage, differentiation degree and lymph node metascasis (N stage) (P<0.01). The expression of MMP-9 were positively related Lauren type, tumor clinical stage, differentiation degree, depth of invasion and lymph node metascasis (N stage)(P<0.01). The expression of integrinανß6 was positively correlated with MMP-9 (r=0.672, P<0.01). Trough Cox multivariate regression analysis, Lauren type, lymph node metascasis (N stage), the expression of integrinανß6 and MMP-9 showed significant associations with 5-year survival rate. CONCLUSION: the overexpression of integrinανß6 and MMP-9 in gastric cancer is closely correlated with tumor invasion and metastasis. They may be as prognostic markers and target proteins.

[A study of vibrational spectra of L-, D-, DL-alanine in terahertz Domain].

In the present paper the terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) was used to measure the absorption spectra of L-, D-, DL-alpha-alanine at room temperature. A number of well-resolved absorption peaks were observed in the range of frequencies from 0.3 to 3.1 THz, which showed large differences in the spectra between the enantiomers (L-, D-alanine) and the racemic compound (DL-alanine). In parallel with the experimental study, the computed vibrational spectra were also obtained by using first principles calculations based on the density functional theory(DFT), which were in good agreement with the experimental data. Results show that the absorption spectra in terahertz region originate from the collective vibration based on hydrogen bonds.

[Physical and chemical properties of throughfall in main forest types of secondary forest ecosystem in montane regions of eastern Liaoning Province, China].

From July to September 2008, a measurement was made on the physical and chemical properties of bulk precipitation and throughfall in five main forest types, i.e., larch plantation (LP), Fraxinus rhynchophylla stand (FR), mixed forest stand (MF), Korean pine plantation (KP), and Mongolian oak stand (MO), of secondary forest ecosystem in montane regions of eastern Liaoning Province, China. Comparing with bulk precipitation, the throughfall in the five forest types was significantly acidified (P < 0.05), and the acidification degree was in the order of KP > LP > MF > MO > FR. The conductivity and total dissolved solids of the throughfall increased significantly (P < 0.05), and were in the sequence of MO > FR > LP > MF > KP. The dissolved oxygen concentration of the throughfall lowered significantly (P < 0.05), with the rank of KP > MF > FR > MO > LP, while the Cl- concentration increased significantly, ranked as LP > MO > MF > FR > KP. The NO3-concentrations of the throughfall in FR, MO and MF were higher, while those in LP and KP were lower than that of the bulk precipitation.

[Characterizations of InP in terahertz region].

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS), which directly measures the THz wave's temporal electric field, can give the amplitude and phase of the THz wave pulse simultaneously. THz-TDS is attracting more attention among scientists. InP with short carrier average collision time and low effective mass is growing up as one of the best photoconductive materials for emitting and detecting THz waves. An n-type InP of 0.35 omega x cm was characterized over the range from 0.2 to 4 THz at room temperature in the present paper with THz time-domain spectroscopy, which was placed in a closed box purged with dry nitrogen gas. Some THz optical properties, such as complex refractive index, dielectric constant, and conductivity, were extracted, based on more exact iterative method with new initial function. Drude model was also applied for simulation, which fitted well with the experimental results. Finally, the carrier average collision time, density and mobility of the InP were also characterized.