High-Contrast Photoacoustic Imaging of Localized Cysteine in Orthotopic Breast Cancer Enabled by A Totally-Caged Methylene Blue Probe.

High-contrast photoacoustic sensing imaging (PASI) was greatly determined by optical absorption changes of the absorbers usually enabled by activatable probes via controllably converting the absorbed electromagnetic energy to ultrasound waves. However, most of current photoacoustic probes still suffer from limited imaging contrast towards specific species because of their small absorption spectral changes in the near infrared (NIR) region. Herein, we developed a methylene blue-based photoacoustic probe with its NIR optical absorption totally caged, which could afford dramatical "OFF-to-ON" absorption transition for high-contrast photoacoustic imaging towards the localized cysteine. The rationally designed methylene blue-based probe for cysteine (MB-Cys) would keep in off state with almost no absorption in NIR region, while upon activated by cysteine through cyclization reaction with acrylates, it would reconstruct the π-conjugation system to release the free methylene blue with strong absorption centered at 665 nm (>130-fold enhancement). The unique responsive behavior could enable the PASI for photoacoustic mapping the cysteine in orthotopic breast cancer in a high-contrast manner. Therefore, this work established an up-to-date strategy to originally eliminate the background photoacoustic signal for PASI to accurately monitor cysteine in vivo.

Metal-organic-framework derived Zn-V-based oxide with charge storage mechanism as high-performance anode material to enhance lithium and sodium storage.

Transition metal oxides have been extensively studied due to their large theoretical capacities, but their practical application has been hampered by low electrical conductivity and dramatic volume fluctuation during cycling. In this work, we synthesized Zn3V2O8 material using Zn-V-MOF (metal-organic framework) as a sacrificial template to improve the electrochemical characteristics of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Unique dodecahedral structure, larger specific surface area and higher ability to mitigate volume changes, improve the electrochemical reaction active site while accelerating ion transport. Zn3V2O8 with 2-methylimidazole as a ligand demonstrated a discharge capacity of 1225.9 mAh/g in LIBs and 761.6 mAh/g in SIBs after 300 cycles at 0.2 C. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation illustrates the smaller diffusion barrier energy and higher specific capacity in LIBs that is ascribed to the fact that Li has a smaller size and hence its diffusion is easier. This study may lead to a path for the manufacturing of high-performance LIBs and SIBs.

Analyzing the Energy and Damage Constitutive of Cemented Backfill with Different Water Content under Dynamic Load.

The dynamic characteristics of the filling body are the key parameters for designing the filling ratio and evaluating the stability of an underground stope. The different environment (water-bearing state) of the filling body in the underground stope exerts a complex impact on the mechanical behavior of the filling body. Therefore, six groups of cemented filling body specimens with different states were formed and subjected to dynamic uniaxial impact tests. The effects of water content on the mechanical properties, fractal dimension, and deformation damage characteristics of the cemented backfill under dynamic load were analyzed in depth, and a dynamic damage constitutive model that considers water damage and the compaction stage was established. The results indicate the following: (1) Due to the change of the specimen from the dry state to the water saturation state, the dynamic compressive strength of the cemented filling body decreases from 5.03 Mpa to 1.79 Mpa; however, the ductility of the specimen generally increases, and the filling body specimens with different water contents mainly exhibit tensile failure. (2) There is a significant nonlinear relationship between the water content and the fractal dimension Db of the cemented backfill specimen, and the growth rate of the fractal dimension Db tends to slow down with the increase in the water content. (3) From the energy evolution perspective, the water content of the specimen exerts a significant effect on the elastic deformation and failure stage of the stress-strain curve, and the slope of the dissipated energy-strain curve decreases with the increase in water content. (4) Based on the Weibull distribution and damage theory, a statistical damage constitutive model of cemented backfill was established, and it was compared with the experimental curve to verify the rationality of the model. Therefore, the relationship between stress and damage and the strain curves is discussed, and it is inferred that the damage evolution curve of cemented backfill is a typical S-shaped curve that exhibits a stable development-rapid increase-tending to be gentle. This study can provide a theoretical reference for further understanding the dynamic behavior and stability of backfill under different water conditions.

Nanostructured conversion-type anode materials of metal-organic framework-derived spinel XMn2O4 (X = Zn, Co, Cu, Ni) to boost lithium storage.

Bimetallic spinel transition metal oxides play a major part in actualizing eco-friendly electrochemical energy storage systems (ESSs). However, structural precariousness and low electrochemical capacitance restrict their actual implementation in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To address these demerits, the sacrificial template approach has been considered as a prospective way to strengthen electrochemical stability and rate performance. Herein, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived XMn2O4-BDC (H2BDC = 1,4-dicarboxybenzene, X = Zn, Co, Cu, Ni) are prepared by a hydrothermal approach in order to discover the effects of various metal cations on the electrochemical performance. Among them, ZnMn2O4-BDC displays best electrochemical properties (1321.5 mAh g-1 at the current density of 0.1 A g-1 after 300 cycles) and high efficiency with accelerated Li+ diffusivity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm the ZnMn2O4 possesses the weakest adsorption energy on Li+ with a minimized value of -0.92 eV. In comparison with other XMn2O4 through traditional fabrication method, MOF-derived XMn2O4-BDC possesses a higher number of Li+ transport channels and better electric conductivity. This tactic provides a feasible and effective method for preparing bimetallic transition metal oxides and enhances energy storage applications.

Bone cutting processes and removal behaviors in orthopedic surgery with an ultrasonic orthopedic scalpel.

Bone cutting is a common and important procedure in surgery. As a type of orthopedic instrument, ultrasonic orthopedic scalpels (UOSs) have been widely used due to their safety and convenience. Therefore, it is very important to have a deep understanding of the cutting process and the bone removal behavior of a UOS, to improve cutter design and complement the basic theory of the bone-cutting mechanism. However, few studies have focused on the characteristics of ultrasonic cutting. In this work, based on bone structure, the bone-cutting processes of a UOS were defined and the bone removal behavior in ultrasonic bone cutting was studied. In this study, it was believed that a direction of ultrasonic vibration different from that of the lamellar arrangement and collagen fibers would lead to different cutting characteristics. Based on this, the cutting modes were divided into four typical types. After examining and analyzing the crack propagation and chip formation of compact bone for the four cutting modes, the removal behaviors of ultrasonic bone cutting were defined. At the same time, the surface morphology indicated that there were significant differences in the surface damage for different cutting modes, which supported the idea that the bone removal behaviors were different for different modes. In addition, the force signals were analyzed and the results showed that there were differences in the cutting forces for different cutting modes. The static and dynamic components of the cutting forces were also analyzed. The study demonstrated the correlation between bone removal and the microscopic and submicroscopic structure of bone in ultrasonic cutting. These conclusions provided guidelines for analyzing bone tissue injuries caused by UOSs, improving the surgical process of bone cutting, optimizing the design of orthopedic instruments, and further complementing the basic theory of bone cutting.

Inorganic Nitrogen-Containing Aerosol Deposition Caused "Excessive Photosynthesis" of Herbs, Resulting in Increased Nitrogen Demand.

The amount of atmospheric nitrogen-containing aerosols has increased dramatically due to the globally rising levels of nitrogen from fertilization and atmospheric deposition. Although the balance of carbon and nitrogen in plants is a crucial component of physiological and biochemical indexes and plays a key role in adaptive regulation, our understanding of how nitrogen-containing aerosols affect this remains limited; in particular, regarding the associated mechanisms. Using a fumigation particle generator, we generated ammonium nitrate solution (in four concentrations of 0, 15, 30, 60 kg N hm-2 year-1) into droplets, in 90% of which the diameters were less than 2.5 µm, in the range of 0.35-4 µm, and fumigated Iris germanica L. and Portulaca grandiflora Hook. for 30 days in April and August. We found that the weight percentage of nitrogen in the upper epidermis, mesophyll tissue, and bulk of leaves decreased significantly with the N addition rate, which caused a decrease of carbon:nitrogen ratio, due to the enhanced net photosynthetic rate. Compared with Portulaca grandiflora Hook., Iris germanica L. responded more significantly to the disturbance of N addition, resulting in a decrease in the weight percentage of nitrogen in the roots, due to a lower nitrogen use efficiency. In addition, the superoxide dismutase activity of the two plants was inhibited with a higher concentration of nitrogen sol; a reduction of superoxide dismutase activity in plants means that the resistance of plants to various environmental stresses is reduced, and this decrease in superoxide dismutase activity may be related to ROS signaling. The results suggest that inorganic nitrogen-containing aerosols caused excessive stress to plants, especially for Iris germanica L.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Spirobolus bungii as Revealed by Mitochondrial DNA Sequences.

Soil macrofauna, such as Spirobolus bungii, are an important component of ecosystems. However, systematic studies of the genetic diversity, population genetic structure, and the potential factors affecting the genetic differentiation of S. bungii are lacking. We performed a population genetic study of 166 individuals from the mountains to the south of the Yangtze River, north of the Yangtze River in Nanjing city, and near Tianjin city, in order to investigate the correlations between geographical distance and genetic diversity. A total of 1182 bp of COX2 and Cytb gene sequences of mitochondrial DNA, and 700 bp of the 18S rRNA gene sequence were analyzed. There were two haplotypes and one variable site in the 18S rRNA gene, and 28 haplotypes and 78 variable sites in the COX2 and Cytb genes. In this study, the 18S rRNA gene was used for species identification, and mtDNA (concatenated sequences with Cytb and COX2) was used for population genetic analysis. Structure cluster analysis indicated that the genetic structures of the different populations of S. bungii tended to be consistent at small geographical scales. Phylogenetic trees revealed that the haplotypes were clearly divided into three branches: the area south of the Yangtze River, the area to the north of the Yangtze River in Nanjing, and the area in Tianjin. Large geographical barriers and long geographical distance significantly blocked gene flow between populations of S. bungii. Our results provide a basic theoretical basis for subsequent studies of millipede taxonomy and population genetic evolution.

Engineering at Subatomic Scale: Achieving Selective Catalytic Pathways via Tuning of the Oxidation States in Functionalized Single-Atom Quantum Catalysts.

Regulating the catalytic pathways of single-atom sites in single atom catalysts (SACs) is an exciting debate at the moment, which has redirected the research towards understanding and modifying the single-atom catalytic sites through various strategies including altering the coordination environment of single atom for desirable outcomes as well as increasing their number. One useful aspect concerning the tunability of the catalytic pathways of SACs, which has been overlooked, is the oxidation state dynamics of the single atoms. In this study, iron single-atoms (FeSA) with variable oxidation states, dependent on the precursors, are harnessed inside a nitrogen-rich functionalized carbon quantum dots (CQDs) matrix via a facile one-step and low-temperature synthesis process. Dynamic electronic properties are imparted to the FeSAs by the simpler carbon dots matrix of CQDs in order to achieve the desired catalytic pathways of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in different environments, which are explored experimentally and theoretically for an in-depth understanding of the redox chemistry that drives the alternative catalytic pathways in FeSA@CQDs. These alternative and oxidation state-dependent catalytic pathways are employed for specific as well as cascade-like activities simulating natural enzymes as well as biomarkers for the detection of cancerous cells.

Prussian blue analogue/KB-derived Ni/Co/KB composite as a superior adsorption-catalysis separator modification material for Li-S batteries.

Lithium­sulfur batteries (LSBs) are gradually replacing conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), credited to their high theoretical capacity, low cost, and non-toxicity. Nevertheless, the substantial capacity degradation caused by the polysulfide shuttling during charging and discharging has seriously hindered the commercialization of LSBs. Separator modification with functionalized carbon materials has been found to catalyze the breakdown of polysulfides, thereby improving the efficiency of LSBs. Herein, we synthesized Ni/Co-PBAs with KB structures to subsequently derive Ni/Co/KB composites by a carbonization process, which were later used as a modifier layer on the barrier in LSBs in order to effectively alleviate the shuttle problem. The capacity of the Ni/Co/KB composite decorated separator is found to be 1032 mAh/g at 0.5 C with a coulombic efficiency closer to 100%. In the long-term cycling capability evaluation, the initial cycle is approximately 802.9 mAh/g at 1 C, while capacity retention after 400 cycles is also 678.8 mAh/g, with a high-capacity retention rate of 84.5%. The potential of these composites as modifying materials for superior LSBs separators is verified by experimental and theoretical methods.

Designable Layer Edge States in Quasi-2D Perovskites Induced by Femtosecond Pulse Laser.

The low-energy layer edge states (LESs) from quasi 2D hybrid perovskite single crystals have shown great potential because of their nontrivial photoelectrical properties. However, the underlying formation mechanism of the LESs still remains controversial. Also, the presence or creation of the LESs is of high randomness due to the lack of proper techniques to manually generate these LESs. Herein, using a single crystals platform of quasi-2D (BA)2 (MA)n-1 Pbn I3n+1 (n > 1) perovskites, the femtosecond laser ablation approach to design and write the LESs with a high spatial resolution is reported. Fundamentally, these LESs are of smaller bandgap 3D MAPbI3 nanocrystals which are formed by the laser-induced BA escaping from the lattice and thus the lattice shrinkage from quasi-2D to 3D structures. Furthermore, by covering the crystal with tape, an additional high-energy emission state corresponding to the reformation of (BA)2 PbI4 (n = 1) within the irradiation region is generated. This work presents a simple and efficient protocol to manually write LESs on single crystals and thus lays the foundation for utilizing these LESs to further enhance the performance of future photoelectronic devices.

Two complete mitochondrial genomes in Scolopendra and a comparative analysis of tRNA rearrangements in centipedes.

BACKGROUND: Centipedes are one of the oldest terrestrial arthropods belonging to the sub phylum Myriapoda. With the expansion of our understanding of the application of the two centipedes Scolopendra morsitans and Scolopendra hainanum, belonging to the order Scolopendromorpha, an exhaustive classification was required. Although consensus has been reached on the phylogeny of Chilopoda based on morphological traits, recent analyses based on molecular data exhibited differences in results. METHODS AND RESULTS: The mitochondrial genome sequences of S. morsitans and S. hainanum were obtained by next-generation sequencing. S. morsitans contains 13 PCGs, two rRNAs, 11 tRNAs, and one CR. whereas S. hainanum contains 12 PCGs, of which ATP8 remains unpredicted, two rRNAs, 14 tRNAs, and one CR. An obvious tRNA rearrangement was found in the genus Scolopendra. S. morsitans exhibited a loss of trnW, trnC, trnI, trnK, trnD, trnA, trnN, trnQ, trnF, trnT, trnS, trnL, and trnV, and a repeat of trnR and trnL. S. hainanum exhibited a loss of trnQ, trnC, trnW, trnI, trnD, trnQ, trnP, and trnV. Phylogenetic analyses of centipedes based on 12 PCGs supported the sister relationship between the orders Geophilomorpha and Lithobiomorpha and a close relationship between Scolopendra dehaani and S. hainanum. CONCLUSIONS: The new mitogenomes determined in this study provide new genomic resources for gene rearrangements and contribute to the understanding of the evolution of gene rearrangement in Chilopoda.

Effectiveness and Safety of Intravenous Nicorandil Application in Patients With Acute Heart Failure With Low Baseline Blood Pressure.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intravenous nicorandil application in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) with low baseline blood pressure (systolic blood pressure <110 mmHg). METHOD: This prospective, controlled, single-centre study randomised 147 patients with AHF with low baseline blood pressure (including both emergent admission and newly developed low blood pressure while in hospital) to one of the following two groups: (1) control group (conventional diuretics, positive inotropic agents, and related therapy according to the guidelines); and (2) intervention group (intravenous [IV] nicorandil application plus routine care). Dyspnoea severity, the ratio of E to e' (E/e'), the incidence of side effects and adverse events, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; left ventricular systolic function) before discharge, average length of hospitalisation, LVEF and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) at 3 months after discharge, incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and readmission rate within 3 months were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, nicorandil relieved dyspnoea effectively and improved E/e' significantly; the level of NT-proBNP was lower, LVEF was higher before discharge, and average length of hospital stay was shorter in the intervention group. After 3 months, the LVEF was higher, sST2 was lower, and the readmission rate was lower in the intervention group; there was no statistically significant difference in MACCE. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AHF with low baseline blood pressure could benefit from IV nicorandil application in the urgent phase, but the long-term profits remained to be confirmed.

Black phosphorus mediated photoporation: a broad absorption nanoplatform for intracellular delivery of macromolecules.

Nanoparticle-sensitized photoporation for intracellular delivery of external compounds usually relies on the use of spherical gold nanoparticles as sensitizing nanoparticles. As they need stimulation with visible laser light, they are less suited for transfection of cells in thick biological tissues. In this work, we have explored black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) as alternative sensitizing nanoparticles for photoporation with a broad and uniform absorption spectrum from the visible to the near infra-red (NIR) range. We demonstrate that BPQD sensitized photoporation allows efficient intracellular delivery of both siRNA (>80%) and mRNA (>40%) in adherent cells as well as in suspension cells. Cell viability remained high (>80%) irrespective of whether irradiation was performed with visible (532 nm) or near infrared (800 nm) pulsed laser light. Finally, as a proof of concept, we used BPQD sensitized photoporation to deliver macromolecules in cells with thick phantom tissue in the optical path. NIR laser irradiation resulted in only 1.3× reduction in delivery efficiency as compared to photoporation without the phantom gel, while with visible laser light the delivery efficiency was reduced 2×.

Impacts of biochar-based fertilization on soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community structure in a karst mountainous area.

The application of biochar-based fertilizer can improve soil properties in part by stimulating microbial activity and growth. Karst ecosystems, which make up large areas of Southwest China, are prone to degradation. Understanding the response of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) community structure to biochar-based fertilizer application is of great significance to karst soil restoration. A field experiment was conducted in a typical karst soil (calcareous sandy loam) in Southwest China. A high-throughput sequencing approach was used to investigate the effect of biochar-based fertilization on AMF community structure in the karst soil. With the control (CK), compost with NPK fertilizer (MF), biochar (B), a lower amount of biochar with compost and NPK fertilizer (B1MF), biochar with compost and NPK fertilizer (BMF), and a higher amount of biochar with compost and NPK fertilizer (B4MF), the field trials were set up for 24 months. Soil amendments increased soil nutrient content and AMF diversity. The composition and structure of the AMF community varied among the treatments. AMF community composition was significantly impacted by soil chemical properties such as TC (total carbon), TN (total nitrogen), TP (total phosphorus), and AP (available phosphorus). Furthermore, network analysis showed that biochar-based fertilization increased the scale and complexity of the microbial co-occurrence network. Biochar-based fertilization enabled more keystone species (such as order Diversisporales and Glomerales) in the soil AMF network to participate in soil carbon resource management and soil nutrient cycling, indicating that biochar-based fertilizer is beneficial for the restoration of degraded karst soils.

Biochar-based fertilizer amendments improve the soil microbial community structure in a karst mountainous area.

Biochar-based fertilizer amendment can improve soil properties partly due to stimulated microbial activities and growths. The karst ecosystem is prone to degradation and accounts for a large proportion of southwest China. Understanding of the response of the microbial community structure to biochar-based fertilizer application is of great significance in karst soil restoration. A field experiment located in southwest China was conducted in typical karst soil, and a high-throughput sequencing approach was used to investigate the effect of biochar-based fertilizer application on microbial community structure in karst soil. Field trials were set up for 24 months using the following treatments: control (CK), compost plus NPK fertilizer (MF), biochar (B), less biochar (half the quantity of biochar in B) plus compost and NPK fertilizer (B1MF), biochar plus compost and NPK fertilizer (BMF), and more biochar (double the quantity of biochar in B) plus compost and NPK fertilizer (B4MF). The results elucidated that BMF and B4MF treatments had higher contents of soil carbon and soil nutrients N, P, and K than the other treatments. Soil microbial abundance and diversity were significantly increased by biochar-based fertilizer amendments (BMF and B4MF), compared to CK (P < 0.05). BMF and B4MF treatments significantly increased the relative abundance of dominant microorganisms, compared to CK (P < 0.05). The difference in the composition of indicator microbes between each treated group indicated that soil amendments altered the microbial community structure. There was a strong correlation between soil properties (soil C-, N-, and P-fractions) and microbial community structure. Furthermore, network analysis revealed that the addition of biochar-based fertilizer increased the scale and complexity of the microbial co-occurrence network. To summarize, the application of biochar-based fertilizer enabled more keystone species in the soil microbial network to participate in soil carbon resource management and soil nutrient cycling, indicating that biochar-based fertilizer is beneficial for the restoration of karst-degraded soils.

Cytomembrane visualization using Stokes parameter confocal microscopy.

A new, to the best of our knowledge, method for Stokes vector imaging is proposed to achieve imaging and dynamic monitoring of a non-labeled cytomembrane. In this work, a polarization state vector is described by a Stokes vector and expressed in chrominance space. A physical quantity called polarization chromaticity value (PCV) corresponding to a Stokes vector is used as the imaging parameter to perform Stokes vector imaging. By using the PCV imaging technique, the Stokes vector can be expressed in three-dimensional real space rather than in a Poincare sphere. Furthermore, a four-way Stokes parameter confocal microscopy system is designed to measure four Stokes parameters simultaneously and obtain micro-imaging. Label-free living onion cell membranes and their plasmolysis process are selected as the representative micro-anisotropy experimental analysis. It is proved that PCV imaging can perform visualization of cytomembranes, and further, microscopic orientation is demonstrated. The prospect of universal measurement of anisotropy details for analysis and diagnosis is provided.

Benefits of early administration of Sacubitril/Valsartan in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of early administration of Sacubitril/Valsartan (Sac/Val) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). METHODS: This prospective, controlled, single-center study randomized 186 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients to one of the following two groups: Sac/Val group: early administration of Sac/Val within 24 hours after pPCI; control group: conventional angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) application. The creatine Kinase (CK) peak after the surgery, the incidence of acute heart failure during hospitalization, level of NT-proBNP and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measured by ultrasound before discharge and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity2 (sST2), LVEF, infarct size determined by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), readmission rate within 6 months were recorded and compared between two groups. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, Sac/Val could decrease the CK peak and the incidence of acute heart failure after pPCI; the level of NT-proBNP was lower and LVEF was higher before discharge in the Sac/Val group. After 6 months, the patients who had taken Sac/Val had a higher LVEF, a smaller infarct size determined by SPECT, lower sST2 and readmission rate. CONCLUSION: Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention could benefit from early administration of Sacubitril/Valsartan, the effect was superior to conventional ACEI.

Proposal for a novel elliptical ultrasonic aspirator and its fundamental performance in cartilage removal.

An ultrasonic aspirator with elliptical vibration on the end face is presented in this paper. The ultrasonic vibration relied on a specially designed Langevin transducer. The end face of the transducer was screwed into a surgical tool capable of changing amplitude, which requires resonance to provide sufficient vibration amplitude for cutting cartilage or other biological tissues. Based on the coupling of two vertical bending vibrations, the new design produced the elliptical ultrasonic vibration on the end face of the surgical tool, which differed from the axial vibration of a traditional ultrasonic aspirator. The design greatly increased the mechanical effect of the aspirator. A specially designed blade was employed to remove the cartilage tissue. A prototype device was designed to operate at 20 kHz with a displacement amplitude of 150 µm at 200 V. The measurements of the vibrational and impedance responses showed the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the aspirator. Cutting tests on mice costal cartilage were subsequently conducted. Histological analysis displayed a higher proportion of live cells in the region around the cut site, which exhibited a higher removal efficiency.

A Fast Deploying Monitoring and Real-Time Early Warning System for the Baige Landslide in Tibet, China.

Landslide early warning systems (EWSs) have been widely used to reduce disaster losses. The effectiveness of a landslide EWS depends highly on the prediction methods, and it is difficult to correctly predict landslides in a timely manner. In this paper, we propose a real-time prediction method to provide real-time early warning of landslides by combining the Kalman filtering (KF), fast Fourier transform (FFT), and support vector machine (SVM) methods. We also designed a fast deploying monitoring system (FDMS) to monitor the displacement of landslides for real-time prediction. The FDMS can be quickly deployed compared to the existing system. This system also has high robustness due to the usage of the ad-hoc technique. The principle of this method is to extract the precursory features of the landslide from the surface displacement data obtained by the FDMS and, then, to train the KF-FFT-SVM model to make a prediction based on these precursory features. We applied this fast monitoring and real-time early warning system to the Baige landslide, Tibet, China. The results showed that the KF-FFT-SVM model was able to provide real-time early warning for the Baige landslide with high accuracy.

Breeding range shift of the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) under climate change.

The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is an endangered species listed by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) HARRIS J (2013). The largest population of this species is distributed mainly in China and Russia, which is called continental population SU L (2012)-Curt D (1996). This population is migratory, which migrates from its breeding range located in Northeast China and Southern Russia, to the wintering range in the south of China to spend the winter every year. The breeding range of this species is critical for red-crowned crane to survive and maintain its population. Previous studies showed the negative effects of habitat loss and degradation on the breeding area of red-crowned crane Ma Z (1998), Claire M (2019). Climate change may also threat the survival of this endangered species. Previous studies investigated the impacts of climate change on the breeding range or wintering range in China Wu (2012), [1]. However, no study was conducted to assess the potential impacts of climate change on the whole breeding range of this species. Here, we used bioclimatic niche modeling to predict the potential breeding range of red-crowned crane under current climate conditions and project onto future climate change scenarios. Our results show that the breeding range of the continental population of red-crowned crane will shift northward over this century and lose almost all of its current actual breeding range. The climate change will also change the country owning the largest portion of breeding range from China to Russia, suggesting that Russia should take more responsibility to preserve this endangered species in the future.