Testing the passive sampling hypothesis: The role of dispersal in shaping microbial species-area relationship.

Dispersal is one of the key processes determining biodiversity. The passive sampling hypothesis, which emphasizes dispersal processes, suggests that larger habitats receive more species from the species pool as the main mechanism leading to more species in larger habitats than in smaller habitats (i.e.

Testing the Resource Hypothesis of Species-Area Relationships: Extinction Cannot Work Alone.

The mechanisms that underpin the species-area relationship (SAR) are crucial for both the development of biogeographic theory and the application of biodiversity conservation. Since its origin, the resource hypothesis, which proposes that rich resources in vast ecosystems will lower extinction rates and shape the SAR, has not been tested. The impossibility to quantify resources and extinction rates using plants and animals as research subjects, as well as the inability to rule out the influences of the area per se, habitat diversity, dispersal, and the historical background of biodiversity, make testing this hypothesis problematic.

[A multi-center randomized controlled trial of intrauterine device use in Chinese women].

Objective: To assess the safety and effectiveness of intrauterine device in Chinese women.

Methods: In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, a total of 24 000 women were randomly (1:1:1) into 3 groups of Yuangong Cu 365 (YCu365), Copper T 380A (TCu380A) and Multiload Cu 375 (MLCu375). Clinical outcomes were assessed at 12 months post-insertion, including discontinuation due to pregnancy, expulsion, hemorrhage and downward displacement, etc.

[Study on a breast-disease screening program and related factors among rural married women at reproductive age in Anhui province].

Objective: To study the prevalence and its related factors on breast-diseases among women at reproductive age in the rural areas of Anhui province, and to provide data for the development of prevention and healthcare on breast-diseases.

Methods: 54 400 rural fertile women aged 15 - 49 were surveyed by a stratified-cluster-random sampling method. Breast examination was conducted in two steps: converging at the clinics, and later visiting their households.

Fe(x)O(y)@C spheres as an excellent catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

We demonstrate a one-pot hydrothermal cohydrolysis-carbonization process using glucose and iron nitrate as starting materials for the fabrication of carbonaceous spheres embedded with iron oxide nanoparticles. It is verified by TEM, (57)Fe Mossbauer, and Fe K-edge XAS that iron oxide nanoparticles are highly dispersed in the carbonaceous spheres, leading to a unique microstructure. A formation mechanism is also proposed.

Risk factors for reproductive tract infections among married women in rural areas of Anhui Province, China.

Objectives: The goal of this study is to identify factors that contribute to reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among women in rural China, including prevalence, influence of sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, hygienic behaviors and the history of childbearing, menstruation and abortion.

Study Design: A stratified cluster sample of 53,652 married women in rural Anhui Province of China completed an interviewer-administered standardized questionnaire, and underwent gynecological examination and laboratory investigation.

Results: RTIs were relatively common (30,939/58.

[Health seeking behavior and related influential factors on rural reproductive tract infections among rural women at reproductive age].

Objective: To understand health seeking behavior and its influential factors to reproductive tract infections (RTIs) on women at reproductive age in the rural areas.

Methods: 54540 fertile women aged 15 - 49 were surveyed by a stratified-cluster-random sampling method and gynecological examination were conducted in two steps: converging at the clinics, and then visiting their households, later, 31 624 women who had at least one RTI symptom were chosen.

Results: Among all the women at reproductive age, the rate of having at least one RTI symptom was 59.

Mild and selective deprotection method of acetylated steroids and diterpenes by dibutyltin oxide.

Dibutyltin oxide (DBTO) was first utilized for the deacetylation of steroid and diterpene esters. The results showed the deprotection of acetylated steroids and diterpenes separately with moderate catalysis dibutyltin oxide in methanol selectively removed part acetyl groups of these substrates, whereas several functional groups of the steroids and diterpenes were retained and neither isomerization nor degradation of these substrates was observed. It seems that the acetyl groups with lower steric hindrance or near carbonyl, alkoxy, or hydroxyl groups can be cleaved by the reaction, whereas the acetyl groups with higher steric hindrance or without carbonyl, alkoxy, or hydroxyl groups neighboring were retained under the same conditions.