1 Introduction In the United States, the largest groups of acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） practitioners settled and still remain in California and New York, as these two states historically have...1 Introduction In the United States, the largest groups of acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） practitioners settled and still remain in California and New York, as these two states historically have the largest, most concentrated Asian populations. The TCM practitioners originally worked in a legal gray-zone, sometimes even being treated as illegal practitioners by the local governments, since TCM licensing laws did not exist until late 1973[1]. The first legal acupuncture clinic was established in Washington, D.C. in 1972[2], but Nevada was the first state that passed a full practicing law for acupuncture and TCM[3]. Under- standing the legal history of acupuncture in the U.S. will help us to see the road ahead more clearly.展开更多
In this research report, various Machine Learning (ML) models are discussed for the purpose of detecting brain anomalies like tumors. In the first step, we review previous work that uses Deep Learning (DL) to classify...In this research report, various Machine Learning (ML) models are discussed for the purpose of detecting brain anomalies like tumors. In the first step, we review previous work that uses Deep Learning (DL) to classify and detect brain tumors. Next, we present a detailed analysis of the ML methods in tabular form to address the brain tumor morphology, accessible datasets, segmentation, extraction, and classification using DL, and ML models. Finally, we summarize all relevant material for tumor detection, including the merits, limitations and future directions. In this study, it is found that employing DL-based and hybrid-based metaheuristic approaches proves to be more effective in accurately segmenting brain tumors, compared to the conventional methods. However, the brain tumor segmentation using ML models suffers from drawbacks due to limited labelled data, variability in tumor appearance, computational memory requirements, transparency in models, and difficulty in integration into clinical workflows. By pursuing techniques such as Data Augmentation, Pre-training, Active-learning, Multimodal fusion, Hardware acceleration, and Clinical integration, researchers and developers can overcome the bottlenecks and enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and clinical utility of ML-based brain tumor segmentation models.展开更多
Forests of the Sierra Nevada(SN)mountain range are valuable natural heritages for the region and the country,and tree height is an important forest structure parameter for understanding the SN forest ecosystem.There i...Forests of the Sierra Nevada(SN)mountain range are valuable natural heritages for the region and the country,and tree height is an important forest structure parameter for understanding the SN forest ecosystem.There is still a need in the accurate estimation of wall-to-wall SN tree height distribution at fine spatial resolution.In this study,we presented a method to map wall-to-wall forest tree height(defined as Lorey’s height)across the SN at 70-m resolution by fusing multi-source datasets,including over 1600 in situ tree height measurements and over 1600 km^(2) airborne light detection and ranging(LiDAR)data.Accurate tree height estimates within these airborne LiDAR boundaries were first computed based on in situ measurements,and then these airborne LiDAR-derived tree heights were used as reference data to estimate tree heights at Geoscience Laser Altimeter System(GLAS)footprints.Finally,the random forest algorithm was used to model the SN tree height from these GLAS tree heights,optical imagery,topographic data,and climate data.The results show that our fine-resolution SN tree height product has a good correspondence with field measurements.The coefficient of determination between them is 0.60,and the root-mean-squared error is 5.45 m.展开更多
Partial separation of a peripheral population may lead to its divergence and,potentially,speciation due to genetic drift followed by selection and geographic isolation.This process may cause taxonomic uncertainty beca...Partial separation of a peripheral population may lead to its divergence and,potentially,speciation due to genetic drift followed by selection and geographic isolation.This process may cause taxonomic uncertainty because reproductive isolation in allopatry cannot be verifed directly.The two Nearctic allopatric species of magpies(Aves,Corvidae:Pica)serve as a good example of these problems.The Black-billed magpie Pica hudsonia is widely distributed in North America,whereas the Yellow-billed Magpie Pica nuttalli is endemic to a restricted range in California.Their relationships with Palearctic species have been little studied.We obtained complete mitochondrial genomes of both Nearctic magpie species,along with the Eurasian Magpie(Pica pica)and the Oriental Magpie(Pica serica),20 mitogenomes in total.Phylogenetic analysis reveals a basal position of P.serica,and P.pica as a sister clade to the two Nearctic species.P.hudsonia and P.nuttalli form reciprocal monophyletic subclades,showing recent divergence between and within them.Our data show that the Nearctic magpie lineage diverged from the common ancestor with P.pica,with a single migration wave via the Beringia.Within the Nearctic,we hypothesize a peripatric mode of speciation among Pica taxa due to the divergence and separation of the small marginal population in California below the Sierra-Nevada mountains.Diversifying amino acid substitutions in ND4-ND5-ND6 genes along the branch leading to the New World clade may indicate selection for heat-tolerance.Considering the clear phenotypic differences between P.hudsonia and P.nuttalli,our data,showing their reciprocal monophylies and genetic distinctness,is consistent with the two-species taxonomy.展开更多
This study examines the impact of spatial landscape configuration(e.g.,clustered,dispersed)on land-surface temperatures(LST)over Phoenix,Arizona,and Las Vegas,Nevada,USA.We classified detailed land-cover types via obj...This study examines the impact of spatial landscape configuration(e.g.,clustered,dispersed)on land-surface temperatures(LST)over Phoenix,Arizona,and Las Vegas,Nevada,USA.We classified detailed land-cover types via object-based image analysis(OBIA)using Geoeye-1 at 3-m resolution(Las Vegas)and QuickBird at 2.4-m resolution(Phoenix).Spatial autocorrelation(local Moran’s I)was then used to test for spatial dependence and to determine how clustered or dispersed points were arranged.Next,we used Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer(ASTER)data acquired over Phoenix(daytime on 10 June and nighttime on 17 October 2011)and Las Vegas(daytime on 6 July and nighttime on 27 August 2005)to examine day-and nighttime LST with regard to the spatial arrangement of anthropogenic and vegetation features.Local Moran’s I values of each land-cover type were spatially correlated to surface temperature.The spatial configuration of grass and trees shows strong negative correlations with LST,implying that clustered vegetation lowers surface temperatures more effectively.In contrast,clustered spatial arrangements of anthropogenic land-cover types,especially impervious surfaces and open soil,elevate LST.These findings suggest that city planners and managers should,where possible,incorporate clustered grass and trees to disperse unmanaged soil and paved surfaces,and fill open unmanaged soil with vegetation.Our findings are in line with national efforts to augment and strengthen green infrastructure,complete streets,parking management,and transit-oriented development practices,and reduce sprawling,unwalkable housing development.展开更多
In 2014, 32,675 deaths were recorded in vehicle crashes within the United States. Out of these, 51% of the fatalities occurred in rural highways compared to 49% in urban highways. No specific crash data are available ...In 2014, 32,675 deaths were recorded in vehicle crashes within the United States. Out of these, 51% of the fatalities occurred in rural highways compared to 49% in urban highways. No specific crash data are available for the built-up areas along rural highways. Due to high fatalities in rural highways, it is important to identify the factors that cause the vehicle crashes. The main objective of this study is to determine the factors associated with se- verities of crashes that occurred in built-up areas along the rural highways of Nevada. Those factors could aid in making informed decisions while setting up speed zones in these built-up areas. Using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model, 337 crashes that occurred in 11 towns along the rural highways from 2002 to 2010 were analyzed. The results showed that more crashes occurred during favorable driving conditions, e.g., 87% crashes on dry roads and 70% crashes in clear weather. The binary logistic regression model showed that crashes occurred from midnight until 4 a.m. were 58.3% likely to be injury crashes rather than property damage only crashes, when other factors were kept at their mean values. Crashes on weekdays were three times more likely to be injury crashes than that occurred on weekends. When other factors were kept at their mean value, crashes involving motorcycles had an 80.2% probability of being injury crashes. Speeding was found to be 17 times more responsible for injury crashes than mechanical defects of the vehicle. As a result of this study, the Nevada Department of Transportation now can take various steps to improve public safety, including steps to reduce speeding and encourage the use of helmets for motorcycle riders.展开更多
The impact of summer cattle grazing on water quality during three very different climatic years in the Sierra Nevada was investigated. Water year 2009 had near normal precipitation;2010 had late precipitation and snow...The impact of summer cattle grazing on water quality during three very different climatic years in the Sierra Nevada was investigated. Water year 2009 had near normal precipitation;2010 had late precipitation and snowmelt;and 2011 had 150% above normal precipitation. Surface waters were tested for pathogenic bacteria indicators fecal coliform, E. coli, and total coliform before and after cattle were released onto summer grazing allotments. Water samples were collected from meadow stream sites up to 6 weeks before and up to 6 weeks after cattle grazing began. Streams passing through ungrazed meadow served as controls. Eight sample sites were between 1694 m and 2273 m in elevation;one site was lower at 1145 m in elevation. Samples were transported within 6 hours to a water analysis laboratory, where samples were analyzed following standardized laboratory methods. Results showed that individual site and total mean concentrations of E. coli in surface waters were within regulatory standards before cattle arrived during each of the 3 study years. After the beginning of grazing, mean E. coli counts increased as follows: 2009 from 8 to 240 CFU/100mL, 2010 from 7 to 561 CFU/10mL;2011 from 7 to 657 CFU/100mL (p < 0.05 all years). Total coliform bacteria and fecal coliform concentrations showed the same pattern. This study shows that cattle grazing in the high elevation Sierra Nevada results in a significant increase in indicator bacteria. This impact on the watersheds occurs despite widely variable annual climatic conditions.展开更多
Improved monitoring and understanding of tree growth and its responses to controlling factors are important for tree growth modeling.Airborne Laser Scanning(ALS)can be used to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of la...Improved monitoring and understanding of tree growth and its responses to controlling factors are important for tree growth modeling.Airborne Laser Scanning(ALS)can be used to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of large-scale forest surveys in delineating three-dimensional forest structures and under-canopy terrains.This study proposed an ALSbased framework to quantify tree growth and competition.Bi-temporal ALS data were used to quantify tree growth in height(ΔH),crown area(ΔA),crown volume(ΔV),and tree competition for 114,000 individual trees in two conifer-dominant Sierra Nevada forests.We analyzed the correlations between tree growth attributes and controlling factors(i.e.tree sizes,competition,forest structure,and topographic parameters)at multiple levels.At the individual tree level,ΔH had no consistent correlations with controlling factors,ΔA andΔV were positively related to original tree sizes(R>0.3)and negatively related to competition indices(R<−0.3).At the forest-stand level,ΔH andΔA were highly correlated to topographic wetness index(|R|>0.7),ΔV was positively related to original tree sizes(|R|>0.8).Multivariate regression models were simulated at individual tree level forΔH,ΔA,andΔV with the R2 ranged from 0.1 to 0.43.The ALS-based tree height estimation and growth analysis results were consistent with field measurements.展开更多
Livestock presence in proximity to forest streams has been shown to contribute pathogenic bacteria in excess of water quality standards established to protect human health. However, the degree to which livestock fecal...Livestock presence in proximity to forest streams has been shown to contribute pathogenic bacteria in excess of water quality standards established to protect human health. However, the degree to which livestock fecal contamination in streams on national forest lands is either a limited or a potentially widespread occurrence is still debated. This study provides additional insight into the matter. We analyzed water in small streams near known cattle grazing areas within the Stanislaus National Forest in the Sierra Nevada, California from 2012 to 2016. Fourteen stream sites were sampled before and after cattle were released onto the forest (four of these sites were sampled across multiple years) to compare indicator bacteria concentrations (fecal coliform—FC, Escherichia coli—EC) to standards established for recreational contact for surface waters. One control site was also sampled. There were 194 water quality violations of either state or federal regulatory standards for recreational contact, all of which occurred once cattle were on the forest. Mean (max) FC and EC concentrations were on orders of magnitude higher after cattle were released onto the forest [FC 1307 (30,000) and EC 1033 (17,000) MPN/100 mL] than during the time period before cattle were on the forest [FC 19 (220) and EC 17 (220) MPN/100 mL;FC, F1,210 = 105, p 1,210 = 85.5, p 0.001]. In addition, the presence of cattle, visual evidence of recent cattle-related disturbances, and sampling week were important predictor variables of FC and EC. These findings support the link between cattle presence and increased levels of stream pathogenic bacteria, and also demonstrate that stream pathogenic bacteria pollution occurs widely across the forest. This research indicates the need to consider alternative range management practices to better protect water quality and human health.展开更多
Rapid recovery of pioneer shrub and forest patch cover can reduce soil erosion, nutrient runoff and degradation of stream habitats, and promote small mammal and avian biodiversity following stand-replacing wildfires. ...Rapid recovery of pioneer shrub and forest patch cover can reduce soil erosion, nutrient runoff and degradation of stream habitats, and promote small mammal and avian biodiversity following stand-replacing wildfires. Landsat imagery from the past 25+ years was analyzed to understand patterns and rates of vegetation recovery, focusing on high burn severity (HBS) patches, within wildfire areas dating from the late 1940s in the Sierra-Nevada region of California. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) levels indicative of recovered woody cover within HBS areas were analyzed starting in 1985 to quantify regrowth of patch dynamics. Analysis of landscape metrics showed that the percentage of total HBS area comprised by the largest patch of recovered woody cover was relatively small in all fires that occurred since 1995, but increased rapidly with time since fire. Patch complexity of recovered woody cover decreased notably after more than 50 years of regrowth, but was not readily associated with time for fires that occurred since the mid 1990s. Patch complexity of dense woody cover was consistently high in fires after 1995 and increased with the elevation of HBS areas. The aggregation level of patches with recovery of woody cover increased steadily with time since fire. The study approach using satellite remote sensing can be expanded to assess the consequences of stand-replacing wildfires in all forests of the region.展开更多
The reintroduction of fire to landscapes where it was once common is considered a priority to restore historical forest dynamics,including reducing tree density and decreasing levels of woody biomass on the forest flo...The reintroduction of fire to landscapes where it was once common is considered a priority to restore historical forest dynamics,including reducing tree density and decreasing levels of woody biomass on the forest floor.However,reintroducing fire causes tree mortality that can have unintended ecological outcomes related to woody biomass,with potential impacts to fuel accumulation,carbon sequestration,subsequent fire severity,and forest management.In this study,we examine the interplay between fire and carbon dynamics by asking how reintroduced fire impacts fuel accumulation,carbon sequestration,and subsequent fire severity potential.Beginning pre-fire,and continuing 6 years post-fire,we tracked all live,dead,and fallen trees≥1 cm in diameter and mapped all pieces of deadwood(downed woody debris)originating from tree boles≥10 cm diameter and≥1 m in length in 25.6 ha of an Abies concolor/Pinus lambertiana forest in the central Sierra Nevada,California,USA.We also tracked surface fuels along 2240 m of planar transects pre-fire,immediately post-fire,and 6 years post-fire.Six years after moderate-severity fire,deadwood≥10 cm diameter was 73 Mg ha^(−1),comprised of 32 Mg ha^(−1) that persisted through fire and 41 Mg ha^(−1) of newly fallen wood(compared to 72 Mg ha^(−1) pre-fire).Woody surface fuel loading was spatially heterogeneous,with mass varying almost four orders of magnitude at the scale of 20 m×20 m quadrats(minimum,0.1 Mg ha^(−1);mean,73 Mg ha^(−1);maximum,497 Mg ha^(−1)).Wood from large-diameter trees(≥60 cm diameter)comprised 57%of surface fuel in 2019,but was 75%of snag biomass,indicating high contributions to current and future fuel loading.Reintroduction of fire does not consume all large-diameter fuel and generates high levels of surface fuels≥10 cm diameter within 6 years.Repeated fires are needed to reduce surface fuel loading.展开更多
On June 30, 2007, Nevada casinos switched to Bank Secrecy Act （BSA） provisions of Title 31 after the state completely repealed the Nevada Gaming Commission （NGC） Regulation 6A dealing with currency and foreign tra...On June 30, 2007, Nevada casinos switched to Bank Secrecy Act （BSA） provisions of Title 31 after the state completely repealed the Nevada Gaming Commission （NGC） Regulation 6A dealing with currency and foreign transactions. This study aims to examine the economic effect of Nevada Casinos＇ compliance with the BSA provisions of Title 31 on casinos＇ financial performance. In order to achieve the most contrasting results, the author matches publicly-traded casinos in Nevada and those in the other states. Parametric t-test and non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum test are used in the descriptive section. Regression analyses on matched sample are used for the main test. The results show that, in general, Nevada casinos＇ revenues are much lower than those of the casinos in other states, and BSA has a significant positive net effect on the Nevada casinos＇ financial performance. The results suggest that BSA provisions of Title 31 are beneficial to Nevada casinos possibly due to reputation recovery.展开更多
Several Au deposits in Guizhou Province,southwest China,described as being similar to the highly productive Carlin-type gold deposits in northern Nevada.USA,were examined to identify similarities and differences betwe...Several Au deposits in Guizhou Province,southwest China,described as being similar to the highly productive Carlin-type gold deposits in northern Nevada.USA,were examined to identify similarities and differences between the two districts.Samples were collected along transects from lowto high-grade rock,where possible,and fram stockpiles at the Shuiyindong,Zimudang,Taipingdong,Yata and Jinfeng(formerly Lannigou)deposits.Methods used to examine ore and alteration minerals included hand-sample description:reflectance spectroscopy using an ASD Terraspec spectrometer;analyses of hand samples by carbonate staining with Alizaren red and potassium ferricyanide;transmitted and reflected light petrography;chemical analyses,mineral identification,and imaging using a JEOL.JSM-5610 scanning electron microscope:and quantitative chemical analyses using a JEOL JXA-8900 electron probe microanalyzer.Geochemical analyses of hand samples for 52 elements were done by ALS Chemex.Results indicate both similarities and differences between the two districts.Both districts have similar geologic histories.and deposits at both locations appear to have formed as a result of similar tectonic events.though the district in southwest China lacks evidence of eoeval felsic igneous activity;however,the ore-stage minerals and the fluids that produced the minerals and deposits have some significant differences.The Nevada deposits were dominated by fluid-rock reaction in which host rock Fe was sulfidized to form Au-bearing pyrite.Although ore fluids sulfidized host rock Fe in the Cuizhou deposits.the timing of Fe metasomatism is unknown,so whether the deposits formed in response to sulfidation or pyritization is unclear.Fluid-rock reaction between an acidic,aqueous fluid and highly reactive calcareous rocks in Nevada caused extensive decarbonatization of host rocks,jasperoid replacemerit of carbonate minerals,and alteration of silty rock components to illite and kaolinite.In Guizhou,CO2-bearing ore fluids with temperatures and pressures approaching 展开更多
文摘1 Introduction In the United States, the largest groups of acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） practitioners settled and still remain in California and New York, as these two states historically have the largest, most concentrated Asian populations. The TCM practitioners originally worked in a legal gray-zone, sometimes even being treated as illegal practitioners by the local governments, since TCM licensing laws did not exist until late 1973[1]. The first legal acupuncture clinic was established in Washington, D.C. in 1972[2], but Nevada was the first state that passed a full practicing law for acupuncture and TCM[3]. Under- standing the legal history of acupuncture in the U.S. will help us to see the road ahead more clearly.
文摘In this research report, various Machine Learning (ML) models are discussed for the purpose of detecting brain anomalies like tumors. In the first step, we review previous work that uses Deep Learning (DL) to classify and detect brain tumors. Next, we present a detailed analysis of the ML methods in tabular form to address the brain tumor morphology, accessible datasets, segmentation, extraction, and classification using DL, and ML models. Finally, we summarize all relevant material for tumor detection, including the merits, limitations and future directions. In this study, it is found that employing DL-based and hybrid-based metaheuristic approaches proves to be more effective in accurately segmenting brain tumors, compared to the conventional methods. However, the brain tumor segmentation using ML models suffers from drawbacks due to limited labelled data, variability in tumor appearance, computational memory requirements, transparency in models, and difficulty in integration into clinical workflows. By pursuing techniques such as Data Augmentation, Pre-training, Active-learning, Multimodal fusion, Hardware acceleration, and Clinical integration, researchers and developers can overcome the bottlenecks and enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and clinical utility of ML-based brain tumor segmentation models.
基金This study is supported by the National Science Foundation of China[project numbers 41471363 and 31270563]National Science Foundation[DBI 1356077]the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station.
文摘Forests of the Sierra Nevada(SN)mountain range are valuable natural heritages for the region and the country,and tree height is an important forest structure parameter for understanding the SN forest ecosystem.There is still a need in the accurate estimation of wall-to-wall SN tree height distribution at fine spatial resolution.In this study,we presented a method to map wall-to-wall forest tree height(defined as Lorey’s height)across the SN at 70-m resolution by fusing multi-source datasets,including over 1600 in situ tree height measurements and over 1600 km^(2) airborne light detection and ranging(LiDAR)data.Accurate tree height estimates within these airborne LiDAR boundaries were first computed based on in situ measurements,and then these airborne LiDAR-derived tree heights were used as reference data to estimate tree heights at Geoscience Laser Altimeter System(GLAS)footprints.Finally,the random forest algorithm was used to model the SN tree height from these GLAS tree heights,optical imagery,topographic data,and climate data.The results show that our fine-resolution SN tree height product has a good correspondence with field measurements.The coefficient of determination between them is 0.60,and the root-mean-squared error is 5.45 m.
基金supported by a grant from the Harvard Global Institute for research on biodiversity of ChinaThe research was carried out within the state assignment of Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation(theme No.121031500274-4)。
文摘Partial separation of a peripheral population may lead to its divergence and,potentially,speciation due to genetic drift followed by selection and geographic isolation.This process may cause taxonomic uncertainty because reproductive isolation in allopatry cannot be verifed directly.The two Nearctic allopatric species of magpies(Aves,Corvidae:Pica)serve as a good example of these problems.The Black-billed magpie Pica hudsonia is widely distributed in North America,whereas the Yellow-billed Magpie Pica nuttalli is endemic to a restricted range in California.Their relationships with Palearctic species have been little studied.We obtained complete mitochondrial genomes of both Nearctic magpie species,along with the Eurasian Magpie(Pica pica)and the Oriental Magpie(Pica serica),20 mitogenomes in total.Phylogenetic analysis reveals a basal position of P.serica,and P.pica as a sister clade to the two Nearctic species.P.hudsonia and P.nuttalli form reciprocal monophyletic subclades,showing recent divergence between and within them.Our data show that the Nearctic magpie lineage diverged from the common ancestor with P.pica,with a single migration wave via the Beringia.Within the Nearctic,we hypothesize a peripatric mode of speciation among Pica taxa due to the divergence and separation of the small marginal population in California below the Sierra-Nevada mountains.Diversifying amino acid substitutions in ND4-ND5-ND6 genes along the branch leading to the New World clade may indicate selection for heat-tolerance.Considering the clear phenotypic differences between P.hudsonia and P.nuttalli,our data,showing their reciprocal monophylies and genetic distinctness,is consistent with the two-species taxonomy.
基金This research study is supported by a NASA-funded project(NASA award number NNX12AM88G)titled"Understanding Impacts of Desert Urbanization on Climate and Surrounding Environments to Foster Sustainable Cities Using Remote Sensing and Numerical Modeling."This material is also based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant number BCS-1026865,Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research(CAP LTER),and under NSF award number SES-0951366 and SES-0345945,Decision Center for a Desert City(DCDC).
文摘This study examines the impact of spatial landscape configuration(e.g.,clustered,dispersed)on land-surface temperatures(LST)over Phoenix,Arizona,and Las Vegas,Nevada,USA.We classified detailed land-cover types via object-based image analysis(OBIA)using Geoeye-1 at 3-m resolution(Las Vegas)and QuickBird at 2.4-m resolution(Phoenix).Spatial autocorrelation(local Moran’s I)was then used to test for spatial dependence and to determine how clustered or dispersed points were arranged.Next,we used Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer(ASTER)data acquired over Phoenix(daytime on 10 June and nighttime on 17 October 2011)and Las Vegas(daytime on 6 July and nighttime on 27 August 2005)to examine day-and nighttime LST with regard to the spatial arrangement of anthropogenic and vegetation features.Local Moran’s I values of each land-cover type were spatially correlated to surface temperature.The spatial configuration of grass and trees shows strong negative correlations with LST,implying that clustered vegetation lowers surface temperatures more effectively.In contrast,clustered spatial arrangements of anthropogenic land-cover types,especially impervious surfaces and open soil,elevate LST.These findings suggest that city planners and managers should,where possible,incorporate clustered grass and trees to disperse unmanaged soil and paved surfaces,and fill open unmanaged soil with vegetation.Our findings are in line with national efforts to augment and strengthen green infrastructure,complete streets,parking management,and transit-oriented development practices,and reduce sprawling,unwalkable housing development.
基金Nevada Department of Transportation(NDOT)for funding the studyprovided under grant#P255-11-803 by NDOT
文摘In 2014, 32,675 deaths were recorded in vehicle crashes within the United States. Out of these, 51% of the fatalities occurred in rural highways compared to 49% in urban highways. No specific crash data are available for the built-up areas along rural highways. Due to high fatalities in rural highways, it is important to identify the factors that cause the vehicle crashes. The main objective of this study is to determine the factors associated with se- verities of crashes that occurred in built-up areas along the rural highways of Nevada. Those factors could aid in making informed decisions while setting up speed zones in these built-up areas. Using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model, 337 crashes that occurred in 11 towns along the rural highways from 2002 to 2010 were analyzed. The results showed that more crashes occurred during favorable driving conditions, e.g., 87% crashes on dry roads and 70% crashes in clear weather. The binary logistic regression model showed that crashes occurred from midnight until 4 a.m. were 58.3% likely to be injury crashes rather than property damage only crashes, when other factors were kept at their mean values. Crashes on weekdays were three times more likely to be injury crashes than that occurred on weekends. When other factors were kept at their mean value, crashes involving motorcycles had an 80.2% probability of being injury crashes. Speeding was found to be 17 times more responsible for injury crashes than mechanical defects of the vehicle. As a result of this study, the Nevada Department of Transportation now can take various steps to improve public safety, including steps to reduce speeding and encourage the use of helmets for motorcycle riders.
文摘The impact of summer cattle grazing on water quality during three very different climatic years in the Sierra Nevada was investigated. Water year 2009 had near normal precipitation;2010 had late precipitation and snowmelt;and 2011 had 150% above normal precipitation. Surface waters were tested for pathogenic bacteria indicators fecal coliform, E. coli, and total coliform before and after cattle were released onto summer grazing allotments. Water samples were collected from meadow stream sites up to 6 weeks before and up to 6 weeks after cattle grazing began. Streams passing through ungrazed meadow served as controls. Eight sample sites were between 1694 m and 2273 m in elevation;one site was lower at 1145 m in elevation. Samples were transported within 6 hours to a water analysis laboratory, where samples were analyzed following standardized laboratory methods. Results showed that individual site and total mean concentrations of E. coli in surface waters were within regulatory standards before cattle arrived during each of the 3 study years. After the beginning of grazing, mean E. coli counts increased as follows: 2009 from 8 to 240 CFU/100mL, 2010 from 7 to 561 CFU/10mL;2011 from 7 to 657 CFU/100mL (p < 0.05 all years). Total coliform bacteria and fecal coliform concentrations showed the same pattern. This study shows that cattle grazing in the high elevation Sierra Nevada results in a significant increase in indicator bacteria. This impact on the watersheds occurs despite widely variable annual climatic conditions.
基金This study is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China[project numbers 41471363 and 31270563]National Science Foundation[DBI 1356077]the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station.
文摘Improved monitoring and understanding of tree growth and its responses to controlling factors are important for tree growth modeling.Airborne Laser Scanning(ALS)can be used to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of large-scale forest surveys in delineating three-dimensional forest structures and under-canopy terrains.This study proposed an ALSbased framework to quantify tree growth and competition.Bi-temporal ALS data were used to quantify tree growth in height(ΔH),crown area(ΔA),crown volume(ΔV),and tree competition for 114,000 individual trees in two conifer-dominant Sierra Nevada forests.We analyzed the correlations between tree growth attributes and controlling factors(i.e.tree sizes,competition,forest structure,and topographic parameters)at multiple levels.At the individual tree level,ΔH had no consistent correlations with controlling factors,ΔA andΔV were positively related to original tree sizes(R>0.3)and negatively related to competition indices(R<−0.3).At the forest-stand level,ΔH andΔA were highly correlated to topographic wetness index(|R|>0.7),ΔV was positively related to original tree sizes(|R|>0.8).Multivariate regression models were simulated at individual tree level forΔH,ΔA,andΔV with the R2 ranged from 0.1 to 0.43.The ALS-based tree height estimation and growth analysis results were consistent with field measurements.
文摘Livestock presence in proximity to forest streams has been shown to contribute pathogenic bacteria in excess of water quality standards established to protect human health. However, the degree to which livestock fecal contamination in streams on national forest lands is either a limited or a potentially widespread occurrence is still debated. This study provides additional insight into the matter. We analyzed water in small streams near known cattle grazing areas within the Stanislaus National Forest in the Sierra Nevada, California from 2012 to 2016. Fourteen stream sites were sampled before and after cattle were released onto the forest (four of these sites were sampled across multiple years) to compare indicator bacteria concentrations (fecal coliform—FC, Escherichia coli—EC) to standards established for recreational contact for surface waters. One control site was also sampled. There were 194 water quality violations of either state or federal regulatory standards for recreational contact, all of which occurred once cattle were on the forest. Mean (max) FC and EC concentrations were on orders of magnitude higher after cattle were released onto the forest [FC 1307 (30,000) and EC 1033 (17,000) MPN/100 mL] than during the time period before cattle were on the forest [FC 19 (220) and EC 17 (220) MPN/100 mL;FC, F1,210 = 105, p 1,210 = 85.5, p 0.001]. In addition, the presence of cattle, visual evidence of recent cattle-related disturbances, and sampling week were important predictor variables of FC and EC. These findings support the link between cattle presence and increased levels of stream pathogenic bacteria, and also demonstrate that stream pathogenic bacteria pollution occurs widely across the forest. This research indicates the need to consider alternative range management practices to better protect water quality and human health.
文摘Rapid recovery of pioneer shrub and forest patch cover can reduce soil erosion, nutrient runoff and degradation of stream habitats, and promote small mammal and avian biodiversity following stand-replacing wildfires. Landsat imagery from the past 25+ years was analyzed to understand patterns and rates of vegetation recovery, focusing on high burn severity (HBS) patches, within wildfire areas dating from the late 1940s in the Sierra-Nevada region of California. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) levels indicative of recovered woody cover within HBS areas were analyzed starting in 1985 to quantify regrowth of patch dynamics. Analysis of landscape metrics showed that the percentage of total HBS area comprised by the largest patch of recovered woody cover was relatively small in all fires that occurred since 1995, but increased rapidly with time since fire. Patch complexity of recovered woody cover decreased notably after more than 50 years of regrowth, but was not readily associated with time for fires that occurred since the mid 1990s. Patch complexity of dense woody cover was consistently high in fires after 1995 and increased with the elevation of HBS areas. The aggregation level of patches with recovery of woody cover increased steadily with time since fire. The study approach using satellite remote sensing can be expanded to assess the consequences of stand-replacing wildfires in all forests of the region.
基金Funding was received from the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station(projects 1153,1398,and 1423 to JAL)the Joint Fire Science Program(award 16-1-04-02 to JAL and AJL)+1 种基金the National Park Service(Awards P14AC00122 and P14AC00197 to JAL)the Smithsonian Institution ForestGEO.Re-search was performed under National Park Service research permits YOSE-2013-SCI-0012,YOSE-2014-SCI-0005,YOSE-2015-SCI-0014,YOSE-2016-SCI-0006,YOSE-2017-SCI-0008,YOSE-2018-SCI-0006,and YOSE-2019-SCI-0009 for study YOSE-0051.
文摘The reintroduction of fire to landscapes where it was once common is considered a priority to restore historical forest dynamics,including reducing tree density and decreasing levels of woody biomass on the forest floor.However,reintroducing fire causes tree mortality that can have unintended ecological outcomes related to woody biomass,with potential impacts to fuel accumulation,carbon sequestration,subsequent fire severity,and forest management.In this study,we examine the interplay between fire and carbon dynamics by asking how reintroduced fire impacts fuel accumulation,carbon sequestration,and subsequent fire severity potential.Beginning pre-fire,and continuing 6 years post-fire,we tracked all live,dead,and fallen trees≥1 cm in diameter and mapped all pieces of deadwood(downed woody debris)originating from tree boles≥10 cm diameter and≥1 m in length in 25.6 ha of an Abies concolor/Pinus lambertiana forest in the central Sierra Nevada,California,USA.We also tracked surface fuels along 2240 m of planar transects pre-fire,immediately post-fire,and 6 years post-fire.Six years after moderate-severity fire,deadwood≥10 cm diameter was 73 Mg ha^(−1),comprised of 32 Mg ha^(−1) that persisted through fire and 41 Mg ha^(−1) of newly fallen wood(compared to 72 Mg ha^(−1) pre-fire).Woody surface fuel loading was spatially heterogeneous,with mass varying almost four orders of magnitude at the scale of 20 m×20 m quadrats(minimum,0.1 Mg ha^(−1);mean,73 Mg ha^(−1);maximum,497 Mg ha^(−1)).Wood from large-diameter trees(≥60 cm diameter)comprised 57%of surface fuel in 2019,but was 75%of snag biomass,indicating high contributions to current and future fuel loading.Reintroduction of fire does not consume all large-diameter fuel and generates high levels of surface fuels≥10 cm diameter within 6 years.Repeated fires are needed to reduce surface fuel loading.
文摘On June 30, 2007, Nevada casinos switched to Bank Secrecy Act （BSA） provisions of Title 31 after the state completely repealed the Nevada Gaming Commission （NGC） Regulation 6A dealing with currency and foreign transactions. This study aims to examine the economic effect of Nevada Casinos＇ compliance with the BSA provisions of Title 31 on casinos＇ financial performance. In order to achieve the most contrasting results, the author matches publicly-traded casinos in Nevada and those in the other states. Parametric t-test and non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum test are used in the descriptive section. Regression analyses on matched sample are used for the main test. The results show that, in general, Nevada casinos＇ revenues are much lower than those of the casinos in other states, and BSA has a significant positive net effect on the Nevada casinos＇ financial performance. The results suggest that BSA provisions of Title 31 are beneficial to Nevada casinos possibly due to reputation recovery.
基金We would also like to acknowledge financial support from Key Project 40930423 from the National Natural Science Foun dation of China.
文摘Several Au deposits in Guizhou Province,southwest China,described as being similar to the highly productive Carlin-type gold deposits in northern Nevada.USA,were examined to identify similarities and differences between the two districts.Samples were collected along transects from lowto high-grade rock,where possible,and fram stockpiles at the Shuiyindong,Zimudang,Taipingdong,Yata and Jinfeng(formerly Lannigou)deposits.Methods used to examine ore and alteration minerals included hand-sample description:reflectance spectroscopy using an ASD Terraspec spectrometer;analyses of hand samples by carbonate staining with Alizaren red and potassium ferricyanide;transmitted and reflected light petrography;chemical analyses,mineral identification,and imaging using a JEOL.JSM-5610 scanning electron microscope:and quantitative chemical analyses using a JEOL JXA-8900 electron probe microanalyzer.Geochemical analyses of hand samples for 52 elements were done by ALS Chemex.Results indicate both similarities and differences between the two districts.Both districts have similar geologic histories.and deposits at both locations appear to have formed as a result of similar tectonic events.though the district in southwest China lacks evidence of eoeval felsic igneous activity;however,the ore-stage minerals and the fluids that produced the minerals and deposits have some significant differences.The Nevada deposits were dominated by fluid-rock reaction in which host rock Fe was sulfidized to form Au-bearing pyrite.Although ore fluids sulfidized host rock Fe in the Cuizhou deposits.the timing of Fe metasomatism is unknown,so whether the deposits formed in response to sulfidation or pyritization is unclear.Fluid-rock reaction between an acidic,aqueous fluid and highly reactive calcareous rocks in Nevada caused extensive decarbonatization of host rocks,jasperoid replacemerit of carbonate minerals,and alteration of silty rock components to illite and kaolinite.In Guizhou,CO2-bearing ore fluids with temperatures and pressures approaching
