The mountain-plains solenoid(MPS) and boundary-layer inertial oscillation(BLO) are two typical regional forcings at the diurnal time scale. Their relative role in regulating the diurnal variations of summer rainfall o...The mountain-plains solenoid(MPS) and boundary-layer inertial oscillation(BLO) are two typical regional forcings at the diurnal time scale. Their relative role in regulating the diurnal variations of summer rainfall over North China and their change under different monsoon conditions are studied using a 19-yr archive of satellite rainfall and reanalysis data. It is shown that both a strong MPS and BLO can increase nocturnal rainfall in the North China plains but exhibit evident regional differences. The MPS-induced nocturnal rainfall is relatively confined to the plains adjacent to mountains from late night to morning, due to the upward branch of the nighttime MPS. In contrast, the BLO-induced nocturnal rainfall strengthens from early evening and is more extensive in early morning over the open plains further east. The contrasting effect in the evening is related to the convergent(divergent) easterly anomaly in the plains under the BLO(MPS). The BLO also induces the relatively strong enhancement of moisture convergence and high humidity by the southerly anomaly at late night. On strong monsoon days, the nocturnal rainfall amount associated with the MPS and BLO increases considerably in the plains.Both regional forcings become effective in regulating the rainfall diurnal cycle with enhanced moisture convergence under monsoon conditions. Their induced diurnal amplitudes of moisture convergence can be comparable to the daily mean by monsoon flow. The regional forcings thus couple with monsoon flow to strengthen rainfall in the plains, particularly from late night to morning. The results highlight that a combination of regional and large-scale forcings can strongly regulate the warm-season climate.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the incidence of nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia(FD) and whether prokinetic drugs can alleviate them. METHODS:Eighty-five consecutive Chinese patients with FD were...AIM:To investigate the incidence of nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia(FD) and whether prokinetic drugs can alleviate them. METHODS:Eighty-five consecutive Chinese patients with FD were included in this study.One week after single-blinded placebo run-in treatment,baseline nocturnal intragastric pH,bile reflux and nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms of eligible patients,including epigastric pain or discomfort,abdominal distention and belching, were investigated with questionnaires.Patients exhibiting nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms were randomly and double-blindly assigned to domperidone group or placebo group.Nocturnal intragastric pH and percentage of duodenogastric bile reflux time were determined after treatment. RESULTS:Of the 85 FD patients,2 females withoutnocturnal symptoms,who responded to placebo run-in treatment,were excluded from the study,30(36.1%) exhibited nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms with increased duodenogastric bile reflux time(intragastric bilirubin absorbance>0.14)and mean gastric pH(confirming the existence of bile reflux)(P=0.021,0.023) at night were included in the study.Of these 30 patients,21(70%)had overt nocturnal duodenogastric bile reflux,which was significantly higher than that of those without nocturnal symptoms(P=0.026).The 30 patients were allocated to domperidone group or placebo group(n=15).The nocturnal duodenogastric bile reflux and gastric pH were significantly decreased after domperidone treatment(P=0.015,0.021).The severity score of nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms was also significantly decreased after domperidone treatment (P=0.010,0.015,0.026),which was positively correlated with the reduced nocturnal bile reflux or gastric pH(r=0.736,0.784,0.753 or r=0.679,0.715,0.697, P=0.039,0.036,0.037 or P=0.043,0.039,0.040). CONCLUSION:A subgroup of Chinese FD patients show overt nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms,which may be correlated with the excessive nocturnal duodenogastric bile reflux.Domperidone therapy can alleviate these symptoms.展开更多
Nocturnal enuresis often causes considerable distress or functional impairment to patient and their parents necessitating a multidisciplinary approach from paediatrician, paediatric nephrologist, urologists and psychi...Nocturnal enuresis often causes considerable distress or functional impairment to patient and their parents necessitating a multidisciplinary approach from paediatrician, paediatric nephrologist, urologists and psychiatrist. Mechanisms of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis are mainly nocturnal polyuria, bladder overactivity and failure to awaken from sleep in response to bladder sensations. Goal oriented and etiology wise treatment includes simple behavioral intervention, conditioning alarm regimen and pharmacotherapy with desmopressin, imipramine and anticholinergic drugs. Symptoms often recurs requiring change over or combination of different modes of treatment.展开更多
Continuous turbulence flux measurement using the eddy covariance (EC) technique was made from January 1 to December 31 in 2003 at two and three canopy heights of a subtropical Pinus plantation on the red earth hilly r...Continuous turbulence flux measurement using the eddy covariance (EC) technique was made from January 1 to December 31 in 2003 at two and three canopy heights of a subtropical Pinus plantation on the red earth hilly region in southeastern China. To be able to make sure that the measured turbulence flux will equal the net ecosystem/atmosphere exchange, the quality of the data has to be assessed. Three criteria were investigated here, including the power spectra and cospectra analyses, flux variance similarity (integral turbulence test) and energy balance closure. The spectral analyses suggested that above-canopy power spectral slopes for all velocity components and scalars such as CO2, H2O and air temperature followed the expected -2/3 power law in the inertial subrange, and their cospectral slopes were close to -4/3 power law in the inertial subrange. The important contribution of large-scale motions to energy and mass transfer above the canopy at higher measurement level was also confirmed by the spectral analyses. The eddy covariance systems have the ability to resolve fluctuations associated with small-scale eddies and did not induce an obvious underestimation of the measured turbulence flux. The Monin-Obukhov similarity functions for the normalized standard deviation of vertical wind speed and air temperature were well-defined functions of atmospheric stability at two heights above the forest canopy, which indicated that turbulence flux measurements made at two heights were within the surface layer. Nocturnal flux underestimation and departures of this normalized standard deviation of vertical wind speed similarity function from that expected from Monin-Obukhov theory were a function of friction velocity. Thus, an optimal criterion of friction velocity was determined to be greater than 0.2-0.3 m s-1 for nocturnal fluxes so that the eddy covariance flux measurement was under high turbulent mixing conditions. Energy balance closure reached about 72%-81% at the studied site, which was comparable to the 10%-30% o展开更多
The diurnal variation of precipitation over the Dabie Mountains(DBM) in eastern China during the 2013 mei-yu season is investigated with forecasts of a regional convection-permitting model. Simulated precipitation is ...The diurnal variation of precipitation over the Dabie Mountains(DBM) in eastern China during the 2013 mei-yu season is investigated with forecasts of a regional convection-permitting model. Simulated precipitation is verified against surface rain-gauge observations. The observed morning precipitation peak on the windward(relative to the prevailing synoptic-scale wind) side of the DBM is reproduced with good spatial and temporal accuracy. The interaction between the DBM and a nocturnal boundary layer low-level jet(BLJ) due to the inertial oscillation mechanism is shown to be responsible for this precipitation peak. The BLJ is aligned with the lower-level southwesterly synoptic-scale flow that carries abundant moisture.The BLJ core is established at around 0200 LST upwind of the mountains. It moves towards the DBM and reaches maximum intensity at about 70 km ahead of the mountains. When the BLJ impinges upon the windward side of the DBM in the early morning, mechanical lifting of moist air leads to condensation and subsequent precipitation.展开更多
During the Yangtze Freshwater Dolphin Expedition 2012,Yangtze finless porpoises(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis)were acoustically monitored in 9 port areas at night.During 6566 min of nocturnal monitoring,porpoise sonar w...During the Yangtze Freshwater Dolphin Expedition 2012,Yangtze finless porpoises(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis)were acoustically monitored in 9 port areas at night.During 6566 min of nocturnal monitoring,porpoise sonar was detected for 488 min(7.43%of the total time).Of all 81 encounters,the longest echolocation span obtained was 102.9 min,suggesting frequent and prolonged porpoise occupation of the port areas.A combined total of 2091 click trains were recorded,with 129(6.2%)containing minimum inter-click intervals(ICIs)below 10 ms(termed a buzz).Buzzes with a decrease in ICIs and search and approach phases that resembled feeding echolocation signals accounted for 44.2%(N=52)of all buzzes.Buzzes with an increase in ICIs,suggesting a mirrored prey capture phase,accounted for 20.2%(N=26)and could reflect attempts to locate escaped prey because they were followed by approach-phase feeding buzzes.Anecdotal evidence of porpoises fleeing the proximity of vessels was observed.The recordings indicating clusters of porpoises feeding near the port areas suggest a forced choice for feeding due to the relatively higher prey availability in the port areas compared to other areas in the Yangtze River that are probably overfished.展开更多
Sleep and epilepsy are two well recognized conditions that interact with each other in a complex bi-directional way. Some types of epilepsies have increased activity during sleep disturbing it; while sleep deprivation...Sleep and epilepsy are two well recognized conditions that interact with each other in a complex bi-directional way. Some types of epilepsies have increased activity during sleep disturbing it; while sleep deprivation aggravates epilepsy due to decreased seizure threshold. Epilepsy can deteriorate the sleep-related disorders and at the same time; the parasomnias can worsen the epilepsy. The secretion of sleep-related hormones can also be affected by the occurrence of seizures and supplementation of epileptic patients with some of these sleep-related hormones may have a beneficial role in controlling epilepsy.展开更多
Dear Editor, Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. belongs to family Schisandraceae. Its fruit called "Wu Wei Zi" in Chinese is a well-known medicinal material, which is used to treat chronic cough and dyspnea, noc...Dear Editor, Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. belongs to family Schisandraceae. Its fruit called "Wu Wei Zi" in Chinese is a well-known medicinal material, which is used to treat chronic cough and dyspnea, nocturnal emission, enuresis, etc. (National Pharmacopoeia Committee, 2015). Except for S. chinensis, many species of Schisandraceae, such as S. sphenanthera, S. lancifolia and S. rubriflora, are used as the original olants of folk medicines.展开更多
The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most serious lepidopteran pests of cotton in the world. This pest invaded China at the onset of the 20th century, possibly throug...The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most serious lepidopteran pests of cotton in the world. This pest invaded China at the onset of the 20th century, possibly through repeated introductions from several different locations worldwide. In this paper, we describe different behavioral parameters of this Hubei P. gossypiella strain under laboratory and field conditions. Using an infra-red video recorder, we observed (nocturnal) emergence, flight and mating activities, and oviposition patterns. Moth emergence started from 13:00 and continued up till 23:00. Under laboratory and field conditions, 2-7-d-old moths initiated flight around sunset, peaked 50 rain later and gradually declined until 04:00. Although mating started immediately after darkness (i.e., 20:00), mating behavior was most intense from 23:00 to 03:40. Oviposition also showed distinct time-related patterns, with approx. 70% eggs laid between 20:00 and 22:00. In the studies of the relationship between flight and oviposition, the duration of flight had an effect on oviposition. The 1-d-old moths flown for 6 and 12 h began oviposition earlier than the unflown ones, and the 6-h flight had no effect on the egg production. However, the longevity of the flown moths was shortened after flight. In addition, the peaks of oviposition for the flown moths were advanced 2-3 d. The age when the moths flied affected the oviposition of adult moths. The earlier the moths started to fly after emergence, the greater the fecundity they had. The average egg production of moths flown for 24 h was less than that of non-flown moths which were of the same age. Both flight and delay in mating could advance the oviposition peak. Our study provides detailed insights in nocturnal activities and the reproductive biology of local P. gossypiella populations, which could be employed to fine-tune current pest management programs in China.展开更多
Aims Nocturnal sap flow(E_(night))has been observed in a variety of plant species and environmental conditions.In water-limited environ-ments,E_(night) is important in the regulation of plant water’s physi-ology.This...Aims Nocturnal sap flow(E_(night))has been observed in a variety of plant species and environmental conditions.In water-limited environ-ments,E_(night) is important in the regulation of plant water’s physi-ology.This study was designed to evaluate the way in which E_(night)(defined as sap flow from 20:30 to 06:00)responded to changes in the atmospheric vapor pressure deficit(VPD)and the soil water con-tent(SWC),and explored its potential physiological significance for different plant species in a semi-arid area.Methods We selected three shrub species:Vitex negundo L.(VN),Hippophae rhamnoides L.(HR)and Spiraea pubescens Turcz(SP)in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China.The plots of the three communities dominated by each of three species were on the same hill slope.Half-hourly sap flow density was measured in six to seven sample stems for each species during the main grow-ing season(June to August 2015).VPD,SWC,leaf water potential(Ψleaf)and stomatal conductance(G_(s))were measured at the same time.Regression analyses were conducted to determine the rela-tionships between E_(night),E_(day),E_(night)/E_(daily),VPD and SWC at half-hourly and daily time scales,as well as between E_(night),E_(day) andΨleaf.Important Findings The mean values of E_(night) and E_(day) were higher,but E_(night)/E_(daily) val-ues were lower for VN compared to HR and SP.The responses of sap flow density to VPD and SWC varied at different temporal scales.VPD was the dominant factor that affected E_(night) and E_(day) at the half-hourly scale for all three species.In contrast,SWC was the key factor that influenced E_(day) at the daily time scale.The values of E_(day) and E_(night)/E_(daily) correlated negatively with SWC because the effect of SWC was stronger on E_(day) than on E_(night).Although the low fraction of E_(night)/E_(daily)(4%-7%)may indicate a minor short-term effect of E_(night) on the standing water balance,E_(night) had eco-physiologically significance to the plants.The discrepancy inΨleaf between sunset and the following 展开更多
Clinical practice guidelines drive clinical practice and clinicians rely to them when trying to answer their most common questions.One of the most important position papers in the field of gastro-esophageal reflux dis...Clinical practice guidelines drive clinical practice and clinicians rely to them when trying to answer their most common questions.One of the most important position papers in the field of gastro-esophageal reflux disease(GERD)is the one produced by the Lyon Consensus.Recently an updated second version has been released.Mean nocturnal baseline impedance(MNBI)was proposed by the first Consensus to act as supportive evidence for GERD diagnosis.Originally a cut-off of 2292 Ohms was proposed,a value revised in the second edition.The updated Consensus recommended that an MNBI<1500 Ohms strongly suggests GERD while a value>2500 Ohms can be used to refute GERD.The proposed cut-offs move in the correct direction by diminishing the original cut-off,nevertheless they arise from a study of normal subjects where cut-offs were provided by measuring the mean value±2SD and not in symptomatic patients.However,data exist that even symptomatic patients with inconclusive disease or reflux hypersensitivity(RH)show lower MNBI values in comparison to normal subjects or patients with functional heartburn(FH).Moreover,according to the data,MNBI,even among symptomatic patients,is affected by age and body mass index.Also,various studies have proposed different cut-offs by using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis even lower than the one proposed.Finally,no information is given for patients submitted to on-proton pump inhibitors pH-impedance studies even if new and extremely important data now exist.Therefore,even if MNBI is an extremely important tool when trying to approach patients with reflux symptoms and could distinguish conclusive GERD from RH or FH,its values should be interpreted with caution.展开更多
Anti-predation strategies are critical to animal survival and are fundamental to deciphering predator–prey interactions.As an important defense strategy,sensory predator detection(such as through acoustic and visual ...Anti-predation strategies are critical to animal survival and are fundamental to deciphering predator–prey interactions.As an important defense strategy,sensory predator detection(such as through acoustic and visual cues)enables animals to assess predation risk and execute predator-avoidance behavior;however,there are limited studies on the anti-predation behavior of nocturnal animals.The prey of bats provides an excellent representative system for examining the anti-predation behavior of nocturnal animals.Here,we broadcasted different types of echolocation calls of the bird-eating bat Ia io to two wild passerine birds,namely,Zosterops japonicus and Sinosuthora webbiana,that are preyed upon by I.io,and presented the birds with individual bats under different light intensities.The results showed that both bird species were able to perceive the low-frequency audible portion of the bats’echolocation calls;however,they did not exhibit escape responses to the acoustic stimuli.In the dark and under moonlit conditions,both bird species were unable to respond to active bats at close range and the birds only exhibited evasive flight behavior when bats approached or touched them.These results suggest that nocturnal passerine birds may not be able to use acoustic or visual cues to detect bats and adopt evasive maneuvers to avoid predation.This work suggests that bat predation pressure may not elicit primary predator-avoidance responses in nocturnal passerine birds.The results provide new insights into the anti-predation behavior of nocturnal animals.展开更多
With continually increasing urbanization,the land cover in urban areas continues to change,resulting in the loss of biodiversity.Birds are highly sensitive to changes in habitat.Most forest birds perch on plants that ...With continually increasing urbanization,the land cover in urban areas continues to change,resulting in the loss of biodiversity.Birds are highly sensitive to changes in habitat.Most forest birds perch on plants that provide increased safety to reduce the risk of predation,and small birds may also consider insulation when using roosting plants in winter because of cold weather.Landscaping plants thus shape the nocturnal roosting environment of urban birds,and proper planting is essential for the survival of birds at night.The use of roosting plants by urban birds should therefore be studied to provide a reference for landscaping.In the current study,we observed 1865 nocturnal roosting birds in Beijing from 2021 to 2022,with 23 species of birds from 12 families and 45 species of plants from 22 families recorded.Juniperus chinensis exhibited the highest bird rarity-weighted richness,followed by Fraxinus pennsylvanica,Phyllostachys propinqua,Pinus tabuliformis,and Ulmus pumila.The diameter at breast height,tree height,and crown width of plants used by birds was largest in summer and smallest in winter,and the perch height of birds was the highest in spring and summer and the lowest in winter.Birds used the highest proportion of deciduous plants in summer and the highest proportion of evergreen plants in winter.A significant seasonal difference in the use of evergreen and deciduous plants by small birds was noted,with a preference for deciduous plants in summer and evergreen plants in winter,while this preference was not found in large birds.These findings indicate that evergreen plants provide a vital nocturnal roosting environment for small birds in winter.To provide a better nocturnal roosting habitat for urban birds,we recommend paying attention to the combination of evergreen and deciduous plants when carrying out landscape construction.展开更多
Aim: To determine the effect of sildenafil citrate on the nocturnal penile erections (i.e. time to onset, the duration of erection, and the interval between first and second erections) of healthy young men. Methods...Aim: To determine the effect of sildenafil citrate on the nocturnal penile erections (i.e. time to onset, the duration of erection, and the interval between first and second erections) of healthy young men. Methods: Twenty-two potent men, 23-29 years old, were recruited for the study. All subjects completed three sessions over consecutive nights using the RigiScan monitoring device (Dacomed, Minneapolis, USA). After a first night of adaptation, night 2 records were their baseline values, and on night 3 they received 100 mg of sildenafil citrate. Statistical comparisons were done between the second and third night data. Results: The mean time to onset of the first erection with sildenafil citrate was (34 ± 18) min, whereas it was (74 ± 24) min (P 〈 0.001) without sildenafil citrate. The number of erections observed during the first 5 h after sildenafil citrate medication was 3.6 ± 0.5 in contrast to 2.4 ± 0.5 with no medica- tion (P = 0.001). The interval between first and second erections was shorter with sildenafil citrate: (52 ± 26) min vs. (85 ± 34) min (P = 0.01). The duration of the last erection was statistically significantly longer with the sildenafil citrate: (64 ± 33) min vs. (42 ± 28) min (P 〈 0.01). Conclusion: Healthy young men achieved erection within 34 min after sildenafil citrate administration, which is shorter than the 1 h interval proposed by the manufacturer. The interval between the first and second erections was shorter and the duration of the last nocturnal erection was longer.展开更多
Objective:To detect the CHRNA7 gene mutation and polymorphism in Southern Han Chinese patients with nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy(NFLE).Methods:Blood samples were collected from 215 Southern Han Chinese patients wit...Objective:To detect the CHRNA7 gene mutation and polymorphism in Southern Han Chinese patients with nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy(NFLE).Methods:Blood samples were collected from 215 Southern Han Chinese patients with NFLE and 200 healthy Southern Han Chinese control subjects.Genomic DNA was extracted,and CHRNA7 whole genome exons were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and subjected to Sanger sequencing.Results:No CHRNA7 gene mutation was detected in all of the NFLE patients.However,five single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in sporadic cases were found,located in exons 5,6.and 7 of the CHRNA7 gene.Among them,c.690G>A and c.698A>G are known SNPs,while c.370G>A,c.654C>T,and c.497-498delTG were newly discovered SNPs.These SNPs were also found in some of the healthy controls.Conclusions:No CHRNA7 gene mutation was identified in Southern Han Chinese patients with NFLE.The CHRNA7 gene is probably not responsible for NFLE in this population.展开更多
Diabetes mellitus(DM) is a highly prevalent condition affecting about 347 million people worldwide. In addition to its numerous clinical implications, DM also exerts a negative effect on patient's sleep quality.Im...Diabetes mellitus(DM) is a highly prevalent condition affecting about 347 million people worldwide. In addition to its numerous clinical implications, DM also exerts a negative effect on patient's sleep quality.Impaired sleep quality disrupts the adequate glycemic control regarded as corner stone in DM management and also lead to many deleterious effects causing a profound impact on health related quality of life. This article outlines various factors leading to impaired sleep quality among diabetics and delineates how individual factor influences sleep. The article also discusses potential interventions and lifestyle changes to promote healthy sleep among diabetics.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2016YFA0600704)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41575068 and 41530530)
文摘The mountain-plains solenoid(MPS) and boundary-layer inertial oscillation(BLO) are two typical regional forcings at the diurnal time scale. Their relative role in regulating the diurnal variations of summer rainfall over North China and their change under different monsoon conditions are studied using a 19-yr archive of satellite rainfall and reanalysis data. It is shown that both a strong MPS and BLO can increase nocturnal rainfall in the North China plains but exhibit evident regional differences. The MPS-induced nocturnal rainfall is relatively confined to the plains adjacent to mountains from late night to morning, due to the upward branch of the nighttime MPS. In contrast, the BLO-induced nocturnal rainfall strengthens from early evening and is more extensive in early morning over the open plains further east. The contrasting effect in the evening is related to the convergent(divergent) easterly anomaly in the plains under the BLO(MPS). The BLO also induces the relatively strong enhancement of moisture convergence and high humidity by the southerly anomaly at late night. On strong monsoon days, the nocturnal rainfall amount associated with the MPS and BLO increases considerably in the plains.Both regional forcings become effective in regulating the rainfall diurnal cycle with enhanced moisture convergence under monsoon conditions. Their induced diurnal amplitudes of moisture convergence can be comparable to the daily mean by monsoon flow. The regional forcings thus couple with monsoon flow to strengthen rainfall in the plains, particularly from late night to morning. The results highlight that a combination of regional and large-scale forcings can strongly regulate the warm-season climate.
基金Supported by Project of the National Key Technology R&D Program during the 11th Five-Year Plan Period,No.2007BAI04B01Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project,No.Y0205
文摘AIM:To investigate the incidence of nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia(FD) and whether prokinetic drugs can alleviate them. METHODS:Eighty-five consecutive Chinese patients with FD were included in this study.One week after single-blinded placebo run-in treatment,baseline nocturnal intragastric pH,bile reflux and nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms of eligible patients,including epigastric pain or discomfort,abdominal distention and belching, were investigated with questionnaires.Patients exhibiting nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms were randomly and double-blindly assigned to domperidone group or placebo group.Nocturnal intragastric pH and percentage of duodenogastric bile reflux time were determined after treatment. RESULTS:Of the 85 FD patients,2 females withoutnocturnal symptoms,who responded to placebo run-in treatment,were excluded from the study,30(36.1%) exhibited nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms with increased duodenogastric bile reflux time(intragastric bilirubin absorbance>0.14)and mean gastric pH(confirming the existence of bile reflux)(P=0.021,0.023) at night were included in the study.Of these 30 patients,21(70%)had overt nocturnal duodenogastric bile reflux,which was significantly higher than that of those without nocturnal symptoms(P=0.026).The 30 patients were allocated to domperidone group or placebo group(n=15).The nocturnal duodenogastric bile reflux and gastric pH were significantly decreased after domperidone treatment(P=0.015,0.021).The severity score of nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms was also significantly decreased after domperidone treatment (P=0.010,0.015,0.026),which was positively correlated with the reduced nocturnal bile reflux or gastric pH(r=0.736,0.784,0.753 or r=0.679,0.715,0.697, P=0.039,0.036,0.037 or P=0.043,0.039,0.040). CONCLUSION:A subgroup of Chinese FD patients show overt nocturnal dyspeptic symptoms,which may be correlated with the excessive nocturnal duodenogastric bile reflux.Domperidone therapy can alleviate these symptoms.
文摘Nocturnal enuresis often causes considerable distress or functional impairment to patient and their parents necessitating a multidisciplinary approach from paediatrician, paediatric nephrologist, urologists and psychiatrist. Mechanisms of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis are mainly nocturnal polyuria, bladder overactivity and failure to awaken from sleep in response to bladder sensations. Goal oriented and etiology wise treatment includes simple behavioral intervention, conditioning alarm regimen and pharmacotherapy with desmopressin, imipramine and anticholinergic drugs. Symptoms often recurs requiring change over or combination of different modes of treatment.
文摘Continuous turbulence flux measurement using the eddy covariance (EC) technique was made from January 1 to December 31 in 2003 at two and three canopy heights of a subtropical Pinus plantation on the red earth hilly region in southeastern China. To be able to make sure that the measured turbulence flux will equal the net ecosystem/atmosphere exchange, the quality of the data has to be assessed. Three criteria were investigated here, including the power spectra and cospectra analyses, flux variance similarity (integral turbulence test) and energy balance closure. The spectral analyses suggested that above-canopy power spectral slopes for all velocity components and scalars such as CO2, H2O and air temperature followed the expected -2/3 power law in the inertial subrange, and their cospectral slopes were close to -4/3 power law in the inertial subrange. The important contribution of large-scale motions to energy and mass transfer above the canopy at higher measurement level was also confirmed by the spectral analyses. The eddy covariance systems have the ability to resolve fluctuations associated with small-scale eddies and did not induce an obvious underestimation of the measured turbulence flux. The Monin-Obukhov similarity functions for the normalized standard deviation of vertical wind speed and air temperature were well-defined functions of atmospheric stability at two heights above the forest canopy, which indicated that turbulence flux measurements made at two heights were within the surface layer. Nocturnal flux underestimation and departures of this normalized standard deviation of vertical wind speed similarity function from that expected from Monin-Obukhov theory were a function of friction velocity. Thus, an optimal criterion of friction velocity was determined to be greater than 0.2-0.3 m s-1 for nocturnal fluxes so that the eddy covariance flux measurement was under high turbulent mixing conditions. Energy balance closure reached about 72%-81% at the studied site, which was comparable to the 10%-30% o
基金supported by the Special Foundation of the China Meteorological Administration (Grant No.GYHY201506006)supported by the National Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.41405100,41322032 and 41275031)
文摘The diurnal variation of precipitation over the Dabie Mountains(DBM) in eastern China during the 2013 mei-yu season is investigated with forecasts of a regional convection-permitting model. Simulated precipitation is verified against surface rain-gauge observations. The observed morning precipitation peak on the windward(relative to the prevailing synoptic-scale wind) side of the DBM is reproduced with good spatial and temporal accuracy. The interaction between the DBM and a nocturnal boundary layer low-level jet(BLJ) due to the inertial oscillation mechanism is shown to be responsible for this precipitation peak. The BLJ is aligned with the lower-level southwesterly synoptic-scale flow that carries abundant moisture.The BLJ core is established at around 0200 LST upwind of the mountains. It moves towards the DBM and reaches maximum intensity at about 70 km ahead of the mountains. When the BLJ impinges upon the windward side of the DBM in the early morning, mechanical lifting of moist air leads to condensation and subsequent precipitation.
基金suported by grants from the Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.KSCX2-EW-Z-4)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31170501 and 31070347)+1 种基金the Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest of the Ministry of Agriculture of China(No.201203086)the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation,Hong Kong.Some logistic support was provided by Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation and Societe Generale de Surveillance S.A.Special thanks are also extended to the academic editor and anonymous reviewers for their helpful critique of an earlier version of this manuscript.
文摘During the Yangtze Freshwater Dolphin Expedition 2012,Yangtze finless porpoises(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis)were acoustically monitored in 9 port areas at night.During 6566 min of nocturnal monitoring,porpoise sonar was detected for 488 min(7.43%of the total time).Of all 81 encounters,the longest echolocation span obtained was 102.9 min,suggesting frequent and prolonged porpoise occupation of the port areas.A combined total of 2091 click trains were recorded,with 129(6.2%)containing minimum inter-click intervals(ICIs)below 10 ms(termed a buzz).Buzzes with a decrease in ICIs and search and approach phases that resembled feeding echolocation signals accounted for 44.2%(N=52)of all buzzes.Buzzes with an increase in ICIs,suggesting a mirrored prey capture phase,accounted for 20.2%(N=26)and could reflect attempts to locate escaped prey because they were followed by approach-phase feeding buzzes.Anecdotal evidence of porpoises fleeing the proximity of vessels was observed.The recordings indicating clusters of porpoises feeding near the port areas suggest a forced choice for feeding due to the relatively higher prey availability in the port areas compared to other areas in the Yangtze River that are probably overfished.
文摘Sleep and epilepsy are two well recognized conditions that interact with each other in a complex bi-directional way. Some types of epilepsies have increased activity during sleep disturbing it; while sleep deprivation aggravates epilepsy due to decreased seizure threshold. Epilepsy can deteriorate the sleep-related disorders and at the same time; the parasomnias can worsen the epilepsy. The secretion of sleep-related hormones can also be affected by the occurrence of seizures and supplementation of epileptic patients with some of these sleep-related hormones may have a beneficial role in controlling epilepsy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (813 73913)CAMS Initiative for Innovative Medicine (CAMS-I2M-1-010)
文摘Dear Editor, Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. belongs to family Schisandraceae. Its fruit called "Wu Wei Zi" in Chinese is a well-known medicinal material, which is used to treat chronic cough and dyspnea, nocturnal emission, enuresis, etc. (National Pharmacopoeia Committee, 2015). Except for S. chinensis, many species of Schisandraceae, such as S. sphenanthera, S. lancifolia and S. rubriflora, are used as the original olants of folk medicines.
基金supported by the National 973 Programof China (2006CB102004)the Key Project for Breeding Genetic Modified Organisms (2008ZX08012-004) of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture (2008ZX08012-004)
文摘The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most serious lepidopteran pests of cotton in the world. This pest invaded China at the onset of the 20th century, possibly through repeated introductions from several different locations worldwide. In this paper, we describe different behavioral parameters of this Hubei P. gossypiella strain under laboratory and field conditions. Using an infra-red video recorder, we observed (nocturnal) emergence, flight and mating activities, and oviposition patterns. Moth emergence started from 13:00 and continued up till 23:00. Under laboratory and field conditions, 2-7-d-old moths initiated flight around sunset, peaked 50 rain later and gradually declined until 04:00. Although mating started immediately after darkness (i.e., 20:00), mating behavior was most intense from 23:00 to 03:40. Oviposition also showed distinct time-related patterns, with approx. 70% eggs laid between 20:00 and 22:00. In the studies of the relationship between flight and oviposition, the duration of flight had an effect on oviposition. The 1-d-old moths flown for 6 and 12 h began oviposition earlier than the unflown ones, and the 6-h flight had no effect on the egg production. However, the longevity of the flown moths was shortened after flight. In addition, the peaks of oviposition for the flown moths were advanced 2-3 d. The age when the moths flied affected the oviposition of adult moths. The earlier the moths started to fly after emergence, the greater the fecundity they had. The average egg production of moths flown for 24 h was less than that of non-flown moths which were of the same age. Both flight and delay in mating could advance the oviposition peak. Our study provides detailed insights in nocturnal activities and the reproductive biology of local P. gossypiella populations, which could be employed to fine-tune current pest management programs in China.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41390462 and 41230745)the Project of Social Science Youth Foundation of Beijing Municipal(No.15JGC148).
文摘Aims Nocturnal sap flow(E_(night))has been observed in a variety of plant species and environmental conditions.In water-limited environ-ments,E_(night) is important in the regulation of plant water’s physi-ology.This study was designed to evaluate the way in which E_(night)(defined as sap flow from 20:30 to 06:00)responded to changes in the atmospheric vapor pressure deficit(VPD)and the soil water con-tent(SWC),and explored its potential physiological significance for different plant species in a semi-arid area.Methods We selected three shrub species:Vitex negundo L.(VN),Hippophae rhamnoides L.(HR)and Spiraea pubescens Turcz(SP)in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China.The plots of the three communities dominated by each of three species were on the same hill slope.Half-hourly sap flow density was measured in six to seven sample stems for each species during the main grow-ing season(June to August 2015).VPD,SWC,leaf water potential(Ψleaf)and stomatal conductance(G_(s))were measured at the same time.Regression analyses were conducted to determine the rela-tionships between E_(night),E_(day),E_(night)/E_(daily),VPD and SWC at half-hourly and daily time scales,as well as between E_(night),E_(day) andΨleaf.Important Findings The mean values of E_(night) and E_(day) were higher,but E_(night)/E_(daily) val-ues were lower for VN compared to HR and SP.The responses of sap flow density to VPD and SWC varied at different temporal scales.VPD was the dominant factor that affected E_(night) and E_(day) at the half-hourly scale for all three species.In contrast,SWC was the key factor that influenced E_(day) at the daily time scale.The values of E_(day) and E_(night)/E_(daily) correlated negatively with SWC because the effect of SWC was stronger on E_(day) than on E_(night).Although the low fraction of E_(night)/E_(daily)(4%-7%)may indicate a minor short-term effect of E_(night) on the standing water balance,E_(night) had eco-physiologically significance to the plants.The discrepancy inΨleaf between sunset and the following
文摘Clinical practice guidelines drive clinical practice and clinicians rely to them when trying to answer their most common questions.One of the most important position papers in the field of gastro-esophageal reflux disease(GERD)is the one produced by the Lyon Consensus.Recently an updated second version has been released.Mean nocturnal baseline impedance(MNBI)was proposed by the first Consensus to act as supportive evidence for GERD diagnosis.Originally a cut-off of 2292 Ohms was proposed,a value revised in the second edition.The updated Consensus recommended that an MNBI<1500 Ohms strongly suggests GERD while a value>2500 Ohms can be used to refute GERD.The proposed cut-offs move in the correct direction by diminishing the original cut-off,nevertheless they arise from a study of normal subjects where cut-offs were provided by measuring the mean value±2SD and not in symptomatic patients.However,data exist that even symptomatic patients with inconclusive disease or reflux hypersensitivity(RH)show lower MNBI values in comparison to normal subjects or patients with functional heartburn(FH).Moreover,according to the data,MNBI,even among symptomatic patients,is affected by age and body mass index.Also,various studies have proposed different cut-offs by using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis even lower than the one proposed.Finally,no information is given for patients submitted to on-proton pump inhibitors pH-impedance studies even if new and extremely important data now exist.Therefore,even if MNBI is an extremely important tool when trying to approach patients with reflux symptoms and could distinguish conclusive GERD from RH or FH,its values should be interpreted with caution.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31922050)the Fund of the Jilin Province Science and Technology Development Project(Grant No.20220101273JC)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant Nos.2412023QD026 and 2412023YQ002)the Special Foundation for National Science and Technology Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2021FY100301).
文摘Anti-predation strategies are critical to animal survival and are fundamental to deciphering predator–prey interactions.As an important defense strategy,sensory predator detection(such as through acoustic and visual cues)enables animals to assess predation risk and execute predator-avoidance behavior;however,there are limited studies on the anti-predation behavior of nocturnal animals.The prey of bats provides an excellent representative system for examining the anti-predation behavior of nocturnal animals.Here,we broadcasted different types of echolocation calls of the bird-eating bat Ia io to two wild passerine birds,namely,Zosterops japonicus and Sinosuthora webbiana,that are preyed upon by I.io,and presented the birds with individual bats under different light intensities.The results showed that both bird species were able to perceive the low-frequency audible portion of the bats’echolocation calls;however,they did not exhibit escape responses to the acoustic stimuli.In the dark and under moonlit conditions,both bird species were unable to respond to active bats at close range and the birds only exhibited evasive flight behavior when bats approached or touched them.These results suggest that nocturnal passerine birds may not be able to use acoustic or visual cues to detect bats and adopt evasive maneuvers to avoid predation.This work suggests that bat predation pressure may not elicit primary predator-avoidance responses in nocturnal passerine birds.The results provide new insights into the anti-predation behavior of nocturnal animals.
基金supported by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Science and Technology(No.D171100007217002).
文摘With continually increasing urbanization,the land cover in urban areas continues to change,resulting in the loss of biodiversity.Birds are highly sensitive to changes in habitat.Most forest birds perch on plants that provide increased safety to reduce the risk of predation,and small birds may also consider insulation when using roosting plants in winter because of cold weather.Landscaping plants thus shape the nocturnal roosting environment of urban birds,and proper planting is essential for the survival of birds at night.The use of roosting plants by urban birds should therefore be studied to provide a reference for landscaping.In the current study,we observed 1865 nocturnal roosting birds in Beijing from 2021 to 2022,with 23 species of birds from 12 families and 45 species of plants from 22 families recorded.Juniperus chinensis exhibited the highest bird rarity-weighted richness,followed by Fraxinus pennsylvanica,Phyllostachys propinqua,Pinus tabuliformis,and Ulmus pumila.The diameter at breast height,tree height,and crown width of plants used by birds was largest in summer and smallest in winter,and the perch height of birds was the highest in spring and summer and the lowest in winter.Birds used the highest proportion of deciduous plants in summer and the highest proportion of evergreen plants in winter.A significant seasonal difference in the use of evergreen and deciduous plants by small birds was noted,with a preference for deciduous plants in summer and evergreen plants in winter,while this preference was not found in large birds.These findings indicate that evergreen plants provide a vital nocturnal roosting environment for small birds in winter.To provide a better nocturnal roosting habitat for urban birds,we recommend paying attention to the combination of evergreen and deciduous plants when carrying out landscape construction.
文摘Aim: To determine the effect of sildenafil citrate on the nocturnal penile erections (i.e. time to onset, the duration of erection, and the interval between first and second erections) of healthy young men. Methods: Twenty-two potent men, 23-29 years old, were recruited for the study. All subjects completed three sessions over consecutive nights using the RigiScan monitoring device (Dacomed, Minneapolis, USA). After a first night of adaptation, night 2 records were their baseline values, and on night 3 they received 100 mg of sildenafil citrate. Statistical comparisons were done between the second and third night data. Results: The mean time to onset of the first erection with sildenafil citrate was (34 ± 18) min, whereas it was (74 ± 24) min (P 〈 0.001) without sildenafil citrate. The number of erections observed during the first 5 h after sildenafil citrate medication was 3.6 ± 0.5 in contrast to 2.4 ± 0.5 with no medica- tion (P = 0.001). The interval between first and second erections was shorter with sildenafil citrate: (52 ± 26) min vs. (85 ± 34) min (P = 0.01). The duration of the last erection was statistically significantly longer with the sildenafil citrate: (64 ± 33) min vs. (42 ± 28) min (P 〈 0.01). Conclusion: Healthy young men achieved erection within 34 min after sildenafil citrate administration, which is shorter than the 1 h interval proposed by the manufacturer. The interval between the first and second erections was shorter and the duration of the last nocturnal erection was longer.
基金supported by 2010 National Nature Science Foundation of China General Program(Program NO.8107I046)2012 Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Program of China(Program NO.2012B032000009)2013 Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Program of China(Program NO.2013B022000004)
文摘Objective:To detect the CHRNA7 gene mutation and polymorphism in Southern Han Chinese patients with nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy(NFLE).Methods:Blood samples were collected from 215 Southern Han Chinese patients with NFLE and 200 healthy Southern Han Chinese control subjects.Genomic DNA was extracted,and CHRNA7 whole genome exons were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and subjected to Sanger sequencing.Results:No CHRNA7 gene mutation was detected in all of the NFLE patients.However,five single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in sporadic cases were found,located in exons 5,6.and 7 of the CHRNA7 gene.Among them,c.690G>A and c.698A>G are known SNPs,while c.370G>A,c.654C>T,and c.497-498delTG were newly discovered SNPs.These SNPs were also found in some of the healthy controls.Conclusions:No CHRNA7 gene mutation was identified in Southern Han Chinese patients with NFLE.The CHRNA7 gene is probably not responsible for NFLE in this population.
文摘Diabetes mellitus(DM) is a highly prevalent condition affecting about 347 million people worldwide. In addition to its numerous clinical implications, DM also exerts a negative effect on patient's sleep quality.Impaired sleep quality disrupts the adequate glycemic control regarded as corner stone in DM management and also lead to many deleterious effects causing a profound impact on health related quality of life. This article outlines various factors leading to impaired sleep quality among diabetics and delineates how individual factor influences sleep. The article also discusses potential interventions and lifestyle changes to promote healthy sleep among diabetics.