BACKGROUND The influence of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations on intraspecific diversification in the Qinling-Daba Mountains of East Asia remains poorly investigated. We tested hypotheses concerning refugia during the last glacial maximum (LGM) in this region by examining the phylogeography of the swelled vent frog (Feirana quadranus; Dicroglossidae, Anura, Amphibia). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FI...

BACKGROUND The Mountains of southwest China have complex river systems and a profoundly complex topography and are among the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world. However, only a few studies have shed light on how the mountains and river valleys promote genetic diversity. Apodemus ilex is a fine model for investigating this subject. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To assess the ge...

Landscape features may serve as either barriers or gateways to the spread of certain infectious diseases, and understanding the way geographic structure impacts disease spread could lead to improved containment strategies. Here, we focus on modeling the space-time diffusion process of a raccoon rabies outbreak across several states in the Eastern United States. Specifically, we measure the impa...

Due to the deep valleys, steep mountains and influence of Indian monsoon on Mainri Mountains (Yunnan Province, China), it is difficult estimate glacier change from microwave optical remote sensing. To bridge gap between low-quality space-borne sensing scarce in situ measurements, airborne sensing, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), may provide a remarkable opportunity monitor with high-qu...

the first border treaties of iran, the documents of which are available, were signed in safavid period between iran and ottoman empire. treaties were initially in the form of royal letters which were exchanged between heads of countries. they involved acceptance of peace instead of war. later on, officially sealed documents called sonurname were exchanged together with them. these documents con...

The issues of loss of quality of life and functional disruption of the river valleys are very important. In the present settlement system, the river valleys should not be places for reproducing poverty. To link the environmental values with urban development, the research is to answer the following question: How can the results of the integrated development of urban valleys be achieved via urba...

Abstract Accurate assessment of postfire vegetation recovery is important for forest management and the conservation species diversity. Topography an factor affecting but whether composition varies with different stages between valleys slopes unclear. Using field data a space-for-time substitution method, we quantified richness diversity to obtain successional trajectories slopes. We surveyed 1...

The eastern part of the Pamir Mountains, located in Central Asia, is characterized by great climatic continentality and aridity. Wetlands developed in this hostile region are restricted to spring areas, terraces of shallow lakes or floodplains along rivers, and provide diversified ecosystem services e.g. as water reservoirs, refugia for rare species and pastures for domestic cattle. These ecosy...