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The closed nutrient solution management method allows for the recycling and utilization of nutrient solutions, improving the efficiency of water and fertilizer utilization. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of changing the frequency of nutrient solution renewal and method of nutrient supply on the microbial communities composition, yield, and quality in closed soilless systems by using high-throughput sequencing technology and combining the physicochemical properties of root exudate solution. The results showed that different nutrient solution management modes had a significant impact on the structure and diversity of root exudate solution microbial communities. The abundance and diversity of microorganisms in inorganic perlites were correlative with EC. The abundance and diversity of bacterial communities in the root exudate solution of open liquid supply (CK) were higher than that of closed liquid supply, while the abundance and diversity of fungal communities in the root exudate solution of closed liquid supply (T1, T2, T3) were higher than that of open liquid supply. As the frequency of nutrient solution interval decreased, the accumulation of salt in root exudate solution and the richness and diversity of the fungal community also decreased, especially increasing the K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ contents, which were positively correlated with potential beneficial Candidatus_Xiphinematobacter, Arachidicoccus, Cellvibrio, Mucilaginibacter, Taibaiella communities and decreasing the content of soluble protein, Vitamin C content, but not significantly increased cucumber yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The alleles of HLA-DQB1*02:01 and C*07:01 show independent associations with decreased white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume in brain imaging. • The protective effects of HLA-DQB1*02:01 and C*07:01 against WMH persist across various clinical and genetic risk subgroups, suggesting universal robustness of this genetic influence. • Moreover, its impact extends beyond WMH, and can penetrate to improved cognitive functions. • These findings provide new insights into the aetiology of WMH and underscore the broader clinical implications of these genetic factors. Neuroinflammation and aberrant immune regulation are increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), an imaging marker of cerebrovascular pathologies and predictor of cognitive impairment. The role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, critical in immunoregulation and associated with susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases, in WMH pathophysiology remains unexplored. We performed association analyses between classical HLA alleles and WMH volume, derived from MRI scans of 38 302 participants in the UK Biobank. To identify independent functional alleles driving these associations, we conducted conditional forward stepwise regression and lasso regression. We further investigated whether these functional alleles showed consistent associations with WMH across subgroups characterized by varying levels of clinical determinants. Additionally, we validated the clinical relevance of the identified alleles by examining their association with cognitive function (n = 147 549) and dementia (n = 460 029) in a larger cohort. Four HLA alleles (DQB1*02:01, DRB1*03:01, C*07:01, and B*08:01) showed an association with reduced WMH volume after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Among these alleles, DQB1*02:01 exhibited the most significant association (β = −0.041, 95 % CI: −0.060 to −0.023, p = 1.04 × 10−5). Forward selection and lasso regression analyses indicated that DQB1*02:01 and C*07:01 primarily drove this association. The protective effect against WMH conferred by DQB1*02:01 and C*07:01 persisted in clinically relevant subgroups, with a stronger effect observed in older participants. Carrying DQB1*02:01 and C*07:01 was associated with higher cognitive function, but no association with dementia was found. Our population-based findings support the involvement of immune-associated mechanisms, particularly both HLA class I and class II genes, in the pathogenesis of WMH and subsequent consequence of cognitive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) is an appealing bio-cementation technology for soil improvement in geotechnical engineering. This study investigated the bio-reinforcement efficacy of sword bean crude urease (SWCU)-mediated EICP and the enhancement effect of various additives on it. A set of sand column specimens with different bio-cementation levels were prepared. Magnesium chloride, sucrose, xanthan gum, sisal fiber, calcite seeds, and skim milk powder were adopted for comparison. Bio-reinforcement efficacy was evaluated by mechanical properties. SWCU possessed a ~ 127% higher specific activity than entry-level commercial urease while saving over 2000 times the enzyme cost. All specimens treated with SWCU-mediated EICP presented excellent moldability and uniformity for one-time treatment. UCS increased exponentially with bio-cementation level due to the uniformly growing CaCO3 content and crystal size. UCS of ~ 1.8 MPa was achieved in a single treatment using 60 g/L SWCU and 3.0 M urea-CaCl2. SWCU exhibited a superior bio-reinforcement efficiency over soybean crude urease, commercial urease, and bacterial urease, since higher soil strength was achieved at lower CaCO3 content. Magnesium chloride showed the most significant enhancement effect, implying an extensive application prospect of SWCU-mediated EICP in seawater environments. The absence of wet strength, markedly elevated dry strength, and notably higher stiffness and hardness at low stress (load) phase indicated that xanthan gum would be more suitable for windbreak and sand fixation in arid/semi-arid environments. Sisal fiber could also effectively improve soil mechanical properties; however, the labor and time costs caused by its premixing with soil should be considered additionally in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study systematically investigated the wavelength distribution of transitions with principal quantum numbers (Δn=0,1,2) for Sn4+–Sn13+ ions in the wide spectral range of 6–45 nm and their contributions to the spectral profile. • Segmented simulations were conducted based on the assumptions of a normalized Boltzmann distribution among the excited states and a steady-state collisional-radiative model to explain the characteristics of the radiation spectra and variations in state parameters during laser-produced plasma expansion from the core to the outer periphery. • The short wavelength EUV spectra are simulated, and the difference of diagnostic state parameters reflects the non-uniformity of the plasma. The energy levels and transitions of highly charged Sn ions are key data for analyzing emission spectra, radiative opacity, and conversion efficiency of laser-produced Sn plasmas. Temporally–resolved spectra in the 6–45-nm range were acquired via high-precision, spatio–temporally resolved techniques. In addition, the Cowan code, based on Hartree–Fock multi-configurational interactions, was used to perform structural calculations for Sn4+–Sn13+ ion spectra. Emission spectra in the 11–18-nm range were primarily attributed to Sn8+–Sn12+ ions, with transitions involving principal quantum numbers Δn=0 and Δn=1. Whereas, emission spectra in the 6–11-nm and 18–45-nm ranges were mainly attributed to Sn9+–Sn13+and Sn4+– Sn9+ions, with transitions involving principal quantum numbers Δn=1,2. Furthermore, Segmented simulations were conducted based on the assumptions of a normalized Boltzmann distribution among the excited states and a steady-state collisional-radiative model to explain the characteristics of the radiation spectra and variations in state parameters variations during laser-produced plasma expansion from the core to the outer periphery. A specific analysis was conducted on the temporal evolution of the electron temperature and density, while the charge state of the plasma was analyzed over the 6–18-nm range. Based on the spectral diagnostics, this work focused on the impact of non-uniformity in the expansion of the Sn plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to investigate two biological solutions, namely, soybean urease induced calcite precipitation (SICP) and xanthan gum (XG) biopolymer, for the remediation of cracks in ancient earthen structures. In this study, soil crack patterns captured by a high-resolution camera are quantified using image processing software. Optical microscopy and wind erosion tests were utilized to analyze the surface cementation effect in the repaired earth samples. Experimental results show that repaired samples treated with SICP solution (a mixture of soybean urease and urea-calcium chloride solutions), XG solution, and SICP-XG solutions (a mixture of SICP and xanthan gum solutions) can significantly decrease the surface crack ratio, and both the total length and the average width of the cracks, especially for the sample treated by the SICP-XG solution. In the wind erosion test, the repaired cracks in these three earthen samples remain stable under wind speeds of 15 m/s. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction tests confirmed the cementation effect induced by CaCO3 crystals and xanthan gum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We assessed the associations of iron supplementation and deworming separately or combined with improved early childhood development (ECD) status. Methods: Cross-sectional data were analyzed for 29,729 children aged 36–59 months surveyed using the Demographic and Health Surveys in ten low- and middle-income countries, where iron supplementation and deworming are recommended by the World Health Organization. In each country, we estimated linear regression models for the effects of iron supplementation and deworming individually or combined on the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) z score, and whether this association differed between various ECD domains and the sex and residence of the child. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. Results: Compared with receiving neither of the two interventions, iron supplementation plus deworming was associated with an increased ECDI z score (β = 0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03–0.22, p = 0.009), particularly in rural residences. However, iron supplementation and deworming, individually, were not associated with the ECDI z score. Iron supplementation plus deworming was associated with higher odds of on-track development in literacy–numeracy (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.24–2.01, p < 0.001) and learning domains (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.09–1.48, p = 0.003), but not with development in the social–emotional and physical domains. Conclusion: Iron supplementation plus deworming, particularly for populations who are more susceptible to iron deficiency and intestinal worm infections, could be an important intervention for improving ECD. These findings may inform the argument for the necessity of implementing iron supplementation and deworming for preschool-age children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influence of the safety and security of environments on early childhood development (ECD) has been under-explored. Although housing might be linked to ECD by affecting a child's health and a parent's ability to provide adequate care, only a few studies have examined this factor. We hypothesized that housing environment is associated with ECD in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).Methods and Findings: From 92,433 children aged 36 to 59 months who participated in Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) in 20 SSA countries, 88,271 were tested for cognitive and social-emotional development using the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) questionnaire and were thus included in this cross-sectional analysis. Children's mean age was 47.2 months, and 49.8% were girls. Children were considered developmentally on track in a certain domain if they failed no more than 1 ECDI item in that domain. In each country, we used conditional logistic regression models to estimate the association between improved housing (housing with finished building materials, improved drinking water, improved sanitation facilities, and sufficient living area) and children's cognitive and social-emotional development, accounting for contextual effects and socioeconomic factors. Estimates from each country were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. Subgroup analyses were conducted by the child's gender, maternal education, and household wealth quintiles. On-track cognitive development was associated with improved housing (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.24, p < 0.001), improved drinking water (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.14, p = 0.046), improved sanitation facilities (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.28, p = 0.014), and sufficient living area (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.10, p = 0.018). On-track social-emotional development was associated with improved housing only in girls (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.25, p = 0.006). The main limitations of this study included the cross-sectional nature of the datasets and the use of the ECDI, which lacks sensitivity to measure ECD outcomes.Conclusions: In this study, we observed that improved housing was associated with on-track cognitive development and with on-track social-emotional development in girls. These findings suggest that housing improvement in SSA may be associated not only with benefits for children's physical health but also with broader aspects of healthy child development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaseous amines have recently been identified as the key precursors for frequent new particle formation in polluted urban atmospheres. An open question that arises is why amines are abundant in urban areas despite the absence of agricultural emissions. Here, using the Vocus Proton‐Transfer‐Reaction Time‐of‐Flight Mass‐Spectrometry Mobile Laboratory, we present highly time‐resolved and ultrasensitive measurements of amines to elucidate their atmospheric abundance and source distribution over the Yangtze River Delta city cluster. Our results show strong spatiotemporal heterogeneity in atmospheric C2‐ and C3‐amine levels across various landscapes. Unexpectedly, we found that urban areas were ubiquitous hotspots of amines while amine source strength from agricultural areas were rather low. Corroborated by source measurements and source tracers, all of the evidence suggest that nonagricultural emissions are the most important sources responsible for the observed patterns of urban atmospheric amines, implying significant consequences for the global amine emission inventory. Plain Language Summary: Recently, the cluster formation of sulfuric acid‐dimethylamine‐H2O has been identified as an important mechanism to explain the frequent formation of new particles in urban polluted atmospheres. However, the interest in gaseous amines across the aerosol scientific community contrasts sharply with the extremely sparse information on their sources and atmospheric abundance. In this study, we present the first mobile measurements showing that the source strength of amines from agricultural areas is modest, thus questing the long‐held assumption that the agricultural sources of amines are similar to those of ammonia. In the case of C2 amines, industrial processes are considered to be an important emission pathway. The dominance of nonagricultural sources, such as fuel combustion, in C3 amines is likely to assign these volatile amine compounds a key function in enhancing new particle formation in polluted atmospheres. Key Points: Mobile measurements are a powerful approach to map major sources of gaseous aminesIn highly urbanized areas, nonagricultural emission sources dominate atmospheric aminesC2 and C3 amines are mainly originated from industrial and mobile sources, respectively [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offshore photovoltaic power stations (OPVPS) greatly help solve energy problems and land resource scarcity. A crucial phase of the OPVPS project lifecycle is site selection. To select the optimal location of OPVPS with many difficulties such as the uncertainty of the environment, the compensating relationships among criteria, and the different attributes of the alternatives, this paper proposed a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making framework based on Pythagorean fuzzy Elimination et Choix Traduisant la Realité-III (ELECTRE-III) method. First, the comprehensive criteria system for siting OPVPS was constructed, which included veto and evaluation criteria. Second, the Pythagorean fuzzy set was used to express the uncertain evaluation of experts. Third, considering the actual situation that experts had different experiences and abilities, this paper proposed a novel expert weighting method. Fourth, entropy weighting method, best–worst method, and combination weighting of game theory were introduced to calculate the criteria weights. Fifth, considering the compensation between criteria, ELECTRE-III was used for ranking. Finally, to verify the applicability and robustness of the proposed framework, a China case study was conducted; the results showed that Haizhou Bay is the best alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas-phase dimethylamine (DMA) has recently been identified as one of the most important vapors to initiate new particle formation (NPF), even in China's polluted atmosphere. Nevertheless, there remains a fundamental need for understanding the atmospheric life cycle of DMA, particularly in urban areas. Here we pioneered large-scale mobile observations of the DMA concentrations within cities and across two pan-region transects of north-to-south (∼700 km) and west-to-east (∼2000 km) in China. Unexpectedly, DMA concentrations (mean ± 1 σ) in South China with scattered croplands (0.018 ± 0.010 ppbv, 1 ppbv=10−9 L/L) were over three times higher than those in the north with contiguous croplands (0.005 ± 0.001 ppbv), suggesting that nonagricultural activities may be an important source of DMA. Particularly in non-rural regions, incidental pulsed industrial emissions led to some of the highest DMA concentration levels in the world (>2.3 ppbv). Besides, in highly urbanized areas of Shanghai, supported by direct source-emission measurements, the spatial pattern of DMA was generally correlated with population (R 2 = 0.31) due to associated residential emissions rather than vehicular emissions. Chemical transport simulations further show that in the most populated regions of Shanghai, residential DMA emissions can contribute for up to 78% of particle number concentrations. Shanghai is a case study for populous megacities, and the impacts of nonagricultural emissions on local DMA concentration and nucleation are likely similar for other major urban regions globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To estimate the prevalence of violent discipline at home against young children, and to explore the potential association between violent discipline at home and multifaceted health risks in children. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in twenty rural counties of weight provinces in western China. The information about child neglect and socio-demographic factors, exposure to different forms of violent discipline at home and four health outcomes was collected by face-to-face interview. Before analysis, the included interviews were weighted by the double-weighted comprehensive weighting. The proportion of children reported by primary caregivers to have experienced different forms of violent discipline by gender were calculated. To adjust the clustering effect of the survey design, two-level univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the potential association between a child's exposure to violent discipline at home and risk of suffering from diarrhea, fever, cough and injury. A total of 3,682 weighted interviews were finally included in the analysis. The prevalence of any violent discipline, psychological aggression, any physical punishment and severe physical punishment were 76.4%, 57.5%, 68.3% and 14.1%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for clustering, there was still a positive association between a child's exposure to psychological aggression and risk of diarrhea (adjusted OR: 1.47, 95%CI: 1.14-1.90) and injury (adjusted OR: 1.95, 95%CI: 1.36-2.80); a child's exposure to any physical punishment and risk of diarrhea (adjusted OR: 1.36, 95%CI: 1.04-1.77), cough (adjusted OR: 1.37, 95%CI: 1.14-1.66), and injury (adjusted OR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1.37-3.06); and a child's exposure to severe physical punishment and risk of injury (adjusted OR: 2.07, 95%CI: 1.41-3.05). Considering that using violent discipline at home is prevalent in rural western China, and it could threaten young children's health, effective measures to prevent young children from violent discipline are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]