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In typical alteration extraction methods, e.g., band math and principal component analysis (PCA), the bands or band combinations unitized to extract altered minerals are usually selected based on empirical models or previous rules. This results in significant differences in the alteration of mineral mapping even in the same area, thus greatly increasing the uncertainty of mineral resource prediction. In this paper, an intelligent alteration extraction approach was proposed in which an optimization algorithm, i.e., a genetic algorithm (GA), was introduced into the PCA; this approach is termed GA-PCA and is used for selecting the optimized band combinations of mineralized alterations. The proposed GA-PCA was employed to map iron oxides and hydroxyl minerals using the most commonly adopted multispectral data, i.e., Landsat-8 OLI data, at the Lalingzaohuo polymetallic deposits, China. The results showed that the spectral characteristics of GA-PCA-selected OLI band combinations in the research area were beneficial for enhancing alteration information and were more capable of suppressing the interference of vegetation information. The mapping alteration zones using the GA-PCA approach had a higher agreement with known ore spots, i.e., 25% and 33.3% in ferrous-bearing and hydroxyl-bearing deposits, compared to the classical PCA. Furthermore, two predicted targets (not shown in the classical PCA results) were precisely obtained via analyzing the GA-PCA alteration maps combined with the ore-forming geological conditions of the mine and its tectonic characteristics. This indicated that the intelligent selection of mineral alteration band combinations increased the reliability of remote sensing-based mineral exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attribution of compound events informs preparedness for emerging hazards with disproportionate impacts. However, the task remains challenging because space-time interactions among extremes and uncertain dynamic changes are not satisfactorily addressed in the well-established attribution framework. For attributing the 2020 record-breaking spatially compounding flood-heat event in China, we conduct a storyline attribution analysis by designing simulation experiments via a weather forecast model, quantifying component-based attributable changes, and comparing with historical flow analogs. We quantify that given the large-scale circulation, anthropogenic influence to date has exacerbated the extreme Mei-yu rainfall in the mid-lower reaches of the Yangtze River during June-July 2020 by ~6.5% and warmed the co-occurring seasonal extreme heat in South China by ~1°C. Our projections show a further intensification of the compound event by the end of this century, with moderate emissions making the rainfall totals ~14% larger and the season ~2.1°C warmer in South China than the 2020 status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article was to reveal the spatio-temporal variation of summer precipitation in China and its response to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The results showed that the precipitation increased in 1900 s~1950 s, then decreased in 1960 s~1970 s, and increased in 1980 s~2010 s again. In space, it presented a "five-layered sandwich structure" featuring rising-falling-rising-falling-rising from northwest to southeast. The precipitation was generally less when ENSO occurred, but there were differences in intensities, regions, and so on. For example, When El Niño (all types) occurred, there was more precipitation in the western Continental Basin and the southern Huaihe River Basin, but less in the Yellow River Basin. When the extremely strong and medium La Niña occurred, the precipitation was more in the central and less in the north and the south. When the weak La Niña occurred, the precipitation increased in the northwest, decreased in the southeast, and vice versa for the extremely weak La Niña. Precipitation and Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) were negatively correlated in time, however, in space, there was a negative correlation in the north, and a positive correlation in the south, the dividing line was approximately at 29°N. In addition, the correlation between precipitation and ONI was proportional to the intensity of ENSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results showed that the precipitation in the study area was mainly in a downward trend before the mid-1930s, and then turned upward. In the 1950s, the precipitation generally showed a distribution of rising in the west and falling in the east, and this trend continued until the early 21st century. By 2007, except for the central part of the Continental Basin, the overall trend was mainly upward. In this study, 65 El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events were identified, including 24 El Niño events and 41 La Niña events. The precipitation was generally less when ENSO occurred. However, there were differences in the type and intensity of the event. For example, El Niño had a greater impact on precipitation than La Niña did, and extremely strong or strong El Niño/La Niña events had a more significant impact than moderate, weak, or extremely weak ones. The correlation between precipitation and El Niño or La Niña events had some similarities and differences. For example, precipitation was mainly negatively correlated with El Niño and La Niña at the same time, and both correlations were proportional to intensity, but the correlation between precipitation and El Niño was significantly stronger than that of La Niña. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the proliferative capacity of herbicide-resistant weeds is the basis for the integrated management. We collected seeds of two Echinochloa glabrescens Munro ex Hook. f. populations (TS and WH) from rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields in eastern China (F0 populations), and those from individuals surviving the initial metamifop treatment (F1 lines) were tested for their responses to metamifop, and common garden experiments were conducted to compare their productivities. We found that TS was highly resistant to metamifop, and WH was susceptible. After treated with metamifop at the label dose (120 g ai ha-1), averagely 56% and 16% of TS and WH F1 lines contained surviving seedlings, and averagely 24% and 1% F1 seedlings survived among total seedlings of the same population, respectively. After treated with metamifop at a dose of 0, 60, 120 or 240 g ai ha-1, surviving F0 plants escaped from higher doses reproduced higher proportions of metamifop-resistant F1 progenies in both populations. At 120 d after sowing (DAS), TS individuals surviving 2 x label dose of metamifop showed nonsignificant difference in plant heights, biomass and seed production, compared with relative control treatment; while WH plants surviving the label dose of metamifop decreased seed production by 25%-39%. One WH and TS plant individual surviving metamifop treatment at the label dose may generate 10-21 and 490-701 progenies resistant to the label dose of metamifop, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of the Clubiona corticalis group in China are described: Clubiona bidactylina sp. nov., C. camela sp. nov., and C. subhuiming sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the digital economy has become a new way to respond to the epidemic impact effectively. With the innovative breakthrough of information and communication technology, the digital and real economies are deeply integrated. The digital economy has become an important driving force for the transformation of economic momentum and development. Panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2010 to 2019 were selected for analysis. In the first stage, the study constructed the evaluation index system of digital economy development. Then, the quality development index of the digital economy is calculated by using the entropy method. Finally, the main factors of digital economy development are analysed by spatial measurement. The research results prove that: (1) the development of China’s digital economy in 2010–2019 has gradually increased; (2) the development of the digital economy has a positive correlation between regions and has a spatial spillover effect; (3) the level of economic development, urbanisation, government support, industrial structure, and the level of opening will promote the development of the digital economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caregivers of lung cancer patients frequently experience psychological distress and high caregiver burden. Previous studies have focused on caregiver burden for patients with advanced lung cancer, while few studies focused on the caregiver burden among informal caregivers of postoperative patients with early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Objectives: This study aimed to (a) examine caregiver burden for caregivers of patients with early‐stage NSCLC after surgical treatment and (b) identify predictive factors related to caregiver burden of patients with early‐stage NSCLC. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a university‐affiliated hospital in Changsha, China. A total of 385 patients with early‐stage NSCLC and postsurgical treatment and their caregivers were included in this study. Caregiver burden was evaluated using the Zarit caregiver burden interview (ZBI). A set of questionnaires was used to assess psychosocial characteristics of participants, including simplified coping style questionnaire, social support rate scale, and hospital anxiety and depression scale. Hierarchical regression analysis was applied to identify factors associated with caregiver burden. We followed STROBE checklist for reporting the study. Results: The average ZBI score was 29.1 ± 11.4. Most caregivers (62.6%) demonstrated mild to moderate caregiving burden. The duration of caregiving (β = 0.18, p <.001), passive coping of caregiver (β = 0.17, p =.001) and anxiety (β = 0.13, p =.007) were significant predictors of caregiving burden. A variance of 17.6% in caregiving burden was explained by these identified factors. Conclusions: Caregivers of early‐stage NSCLC patients experience a mild to moderate level of caregiver burden. The duration of caregiving, passive coping and anxiety are factors associated with caregiver burden. Relevance to clinical practice: Clinicians should provide early care to support new roles of family members as caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is identifiable by the excessive increase of mesenchyme paired with the loss of epithelium. Total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA), the main biologically active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), shows outstanding effects on treating pulmonary disorders, including COVID-19-associated pulmonary dysfunctions. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of TFA on treating pulmonary fibrosis and the possible mechanisms behind these effects. A549 cells were treated with TGF- β 1 and TFA to observe the potential effects of TFA on regulating alveolar epithelial cell proliferation, TGF- β 1-induced EMT, and the underlying mechanisms in vitro. Then, mouse pulmonary fibrosis was induced with a single intra-tracheal injection of bleomycin, and TFA was administrated by i.p. injection. Lung fibrosis was evaluated through histological and molecular analyses, and the possible mechanisms were explored using immunological methods. The results demonstrated that TFA could promote cell proliferation but inhibit TGF- β 1-induced EMT on A549 cells. TFA attenuated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by modulating inflammatory infiltration and M2 macrophage polarization; it furthermore modulated EMT through regulating the TGF- β 1/Smad pathway. In addition, TFA augmented the expression of the Wnt7b protein, which plays an important role in alveolar epithelium reparation. In conclusion, TFA alleviated bleomycin-induced mouse lung fibrosis by preventing the fibrotic response and increasing epithelium regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rockery is often a key element of a Classical Chinese Garden. It's exquisite detailed physical characteristics a major contributor to artistic value, aesthetic appeal, and the carrier of historical and cultural heritage values. Poets and scholars have often described the beauty of these places in classical gardens in qualitative terms but lacked the quantitative tools to provide replicable metric descriptions. The highly complex forms and surfaces, irregularity, and fragility of garden rockeries has challenged authors to accurately describe the characteristics of these qualities using traditional methods and tools. This article presents a new method of digital characterization approach based on laser scanning and point cloud visualization, which can quantitatively detect and represent the pattern of rockery surface textures. It offers a replicable accurate quantitative descriptor of the Classical Chinese rockery. The Small-Rock Mountain Retreat, a nationally protected rockery garden in China, has been used as a case study. It contains original historic elements and more recently restored areas. Two characteristics of rockery surfaces, including the well-proportioned density and space, and the proper contrast between solid and void, were analyzed by examining four attributes: (1) surface complexity; (2) contour curvature; (3) shape variation; and (4) the interweaving of lightness and darkness. The findings demonstrate that, despite some similarities between the restored portion of the rockery and the historical remnants, there are variances in the richness of the details and the balanced distribution of shape change. The digital characterization approach introduced in this article offers a new perspective for recording and in turn safeguarding Chinese garden rockeries and other irregular cultural heritage objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: While ratoon rice has been increasingly practiced by farmers recently in China, on‐farm performance in grain quality of main and ratoon crops in the mechanized rice ratooning system is less studied and remains poorly understood. Therefore, a multi‐location on‐farm survey was conducted to collect rice grain samples from farmers' fields to determine grain quality of main and ratoon crops of ratoon rice at 12 locations across Hubei Province, central China, in 2016. RESULTS: On average, milled and head rice percentage in the ratoon crop was 70.2% and 65.7%, which was significantly higher than in the main crop, whereas chalky grain percentage and grain chalkiness in ratoon crop (10.1% and 2.8%, respectively) were significantly lower than those in the main crop (36.6% and 14.2%, respectively). The differences in these quality traits between the two crops were consistent at all locations. Averaged across 12 locations, scores of translucency and gel consistency were significantly lower but amylose content and alkali spreading value were significantly higher in the ratoon crop than in the main crop, with the difference between the two crops varying in gel consistency by location. CONCLUSION: Overall, grain quality, especially milling and appearance of the ratoon crop, was superior to the main crop in the mechanized rice ratooning system. As a result, this study emphasizes the potential role of the rice ratooning system in other regions with a similar biophysical background producing high‐quality rice. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanicula (Apiaceae subfam. Saniculoideae) is a taxonomically difficult genus of medicinal value. Its distribution center is in China, where there are 18 species (11 of which are endemic). To provide plastid genome resources, whole chloroplast genomes of five Sanicula species (S. flavovirens, S. giraldii, S. lamelligera, S. odorata and S. rubriflora) were sequenced and compared to the previously published S. orthacantha plastome. These genomes exhibit a typical quadripartite structure. All contain 129 different genes, including 84 protein‐coding, 37 tRNA and 8 rRNA genes. The loci rpl2, matK, psbA and ycf1 are the most variable. Results of maximum likelihood analysis of 90 whole plastome sequences from Apioideae and Saniculoideae and the outgroup Hydrocotyle (Araliaceae) suggest sectional relationships in Sanicula different from the traditional classification system, but support the monophyly of Apioideae and its sister group relationship to Saniculoideae and show concordant topologies to nrDNA ITS and other plastome‐based phylogenies. Sanicula orthacantha and S. chinensis form a sister group to S. lamelligera and S. odorata, consecutively. These four species comprise a sister group to the clade of S. rubriflora and S. flavovirens, with this entire group sister to S. giraldii. The plastid genome resources provided herein will be important for future systematic, evolutionary, phylogenomic and population‐level studies of Sanicula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current laws related to intellectual property (IP) protection, especially those meant for protecting copyrights and trade secrets, afford certain strong protections for software programs. However, all IP laws have their limits set by legislators purposefully, to maintain a sound balance between private monopoly rights and public interest. To deal with these limits, software companies frequently include certain restrictive provisions in software end)user licensing terms. The anti-reverse engineering clause is a typical example of companies’ efforts to supplement IP protections for software programs. The enforceability of these terms is a critical issue because they disrupt the balance intended by IP laws. This Article discusses the position of China on the enforceability of anti-reverse engineering clauses and finds that the Chinese position is too uncertain. By drawing on insights and policy considerations from the United States and European Union positions, this Article argues that the one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate for China and that an intermediate approach would be a more appropriate alternative. Specifically, it contends that the Chinese law should be reformed to include clear provisions allowing limited contractual bans but disallowing total bans on reverse engineering programs. Moreover, a miscellaneous provision should be included to address the rapid development of this industry and deal with an unpredictable future landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Lung cancer is a common and malignant tumor in adults and ranks first in the incidence and mortality of the top five malignant tumors in China. Our previous studies have shown that QYSL prescription can balance lung cancer mice Th1/Th2 and inhibit tumor cell immune escape. Here, we examined the effects of QYSL on lung cancer associated macrophage and the potential associated mechanism. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were injected with Lewis lung cancer cells and treated with QYSL. FACS, RT-PCR, and western blot were used to examined the effect of QYSL on tumor immune microenvironment. Results: We found QYSL inhibited tumor growth in mice with lung cancer. Further study indicated that QYSL inhibited growth of lung tumor by promoting T cell activation and promoting macrophage polarization to M1 type. We found QYSL could markedly inhibit M2 macrophage related protein expression and promote M1 macrophage related protein expression. Additionally, STAT6 and MTOR expression were reduced in QYSL group. Conclusions: Overall, this study indicated that QYSL potently inhibited the growth of lung cancer by promoting T cell activation and M2 macrophage polarization to M1, which was found to be associated with the STAT6 and MTOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective this retrospective study aims to compare the prevalence and diagnostic agreement of sarcopenic obesity (SO) using different obesity diagnostic methods among Chinese community-dwelling older adults. Methods SO was diagnosed with sarcopenia and obesity diagnostic methods. Sarcopenia was defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria 2019 (AWGS2019). Four widely used indicators were used to define obesity: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), percent of body fat (PBF) and visceral fat area (VFA). Cohen's kappa was used to analyse the diagnosis agreement of SO between different diagnostic methods. Results a total of 1,050 participants were included, including 347 men (71.3 ± 7.4 years) and 703 women (69.9 ± 7.5 years). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 25% in total participants, there was no difference between men (24.2%) and women (25.5%), (P  = 0.705). With different obesity diagnostic methods, the obesity prevalence ranged from 4.1 to 42.2%, the SO prevalence was 0.1–7.9%. The diagnosis agreement of SO was poor-to-moderate (κ ranged from −0.002 to 0.682). Among the four diagnostic methods, AWGS combined with BMI had the poorest agreement (κ = −0.002 with other methods), AWGS combined with VFA had the best agreement (κ = 0.641 and 0.682 with AWGS combined with PBF and with AWGS combined with WC, respectively). Conclusion the prevalence of SO vary considerably and the diagnostic agreement is poor-to-moderate with non-uniform diagnostic methods. BMI has the lowest sensitivity, whereas VFA has the highest sensitivity in diagnosis of SO, and VFA has a relatively good diagnostic agreement with other diagnostic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, urban resettlement as a specific form of urbanisation has gained its momentum in planning practices to accommodate newcomers of cities, in line with the macro policy reforms of urban-rural integration. This paper synthesises literature related to the proposed term 'urban resettlement with Chinese characteristics' to shed light on the distinctive and unparalleled socio-economic and spatial transformation entailed by the ongoing urban resettlement in China. Mindful of China's socialist ideology and authoritarian regime, we argue that urban resettlement has become a potent tool for the Chinese government to fuel economic development and urbanisation. The longstanding issues such as involuntary resettlement have been alleviated with the gradualist institutional changes, but emerging predicaments concerning social mismatch, space mismatch, and spatial mismatch still linger. This paper calls for researchers to draw lessons and implications from the discourse of 'urban resettlement with Chinese characteristics' to expand the knowledge of sustainable urban-rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a theory‐based patient‐family carer partnership intervention for people with hypertension in a Chinese rural community. Design: A pilot randomised controlled trial using pretest and post‐test design. Setting: Rural China Participants: Forty‐four hypertensive patients and their family carers (family dyads) were randomly recruited from a village clinic located in China between November 2019 and January 2020. Interventions: Participants were randomised to either an intervention group receiving a five‐session patient‐family carer partnership intervention over 10 weeks or a control group receiving usual care. Main outcome measures: The feasibility and acceptability of patient‐family carer partnership intervention and the changes in patients' systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and percentage of normal controlled blood pressure. Results: The patient‐family carer partnership intervention was a feasible and acceptable program with high recruitment (81.5%) and completion rates (95.5%) and positive feedback from participants. Greater improvement in the percentage of normal controlled blood pressure was identified in the intervention group tested by the χ2 tests, with P =.03. Two‐way ANOVA results indicated its interaction (Group × Time) effects on patients' systolic blood pressure (P <.001), diastolic blood pressure (P <.001), dyadic partnership quality (P =.002), self‐care (P <.001), self‐efficacy (P =.02), antihypertensive drug treatment rate (P =.02), prescription adjustment (P =.03), perceived anxiety (P <.001) and health‐related quality of life (EuroQol five‐dimensional five‐level: P =.02; EuroQol visual analogue scale: P <.001); family carers' dyadic partnership quality (P =.002), perceived depression (P =.04) and health‐related quality of life (P =.02) were significant. Conclusion: Our findings support the feasibility and acceptability of the patient‐family carer partnership intervention and indicate benefits in improving patients' blood pressure control, dyadic relationship and psychological well‐being of family dyads in rural area. Further research to test the longer‐term effect in a large‐sized population is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores stakeholders' understandings of authenticity in a selected historic landscape of China, and focuses on views about appropriate conservation and management strategies. The World Heritage listed site, Slender West Lake Scenic and Historic Interest Area, is examined as a case study. The study shows that various stakeholders think the originality of fabric, the representation of intangible values, and social engagement are three major indicators of the authenticity of this historic landscape. The finding leads us to suggest that, in China, authenticity is significantly influenced by specific social, political, and economic factors and by native Chinese philosophies and the cultural characteristic of naïve dialecticism, which partly explains contemporary conservation practices there. The case study also demonstrates that creative reconstruction has always been an important cultural practice in the history and geography of the Slender West Lake site. However, the superficial application of this cultural practice may create challenges for contemporary landscape conservation. The concept of dialectical authenticity therefore has implications for future conservation practices of historic landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer education has been extensively incorporated into various inclusion schemes, for purposes ranging from health promotion to participant empowerment. This paper examines the impact of peer education on reducing stigmatization in marginalized populations through an examination of the structure and activities of Rebirth Peer Education, a Chinese anti-drug peer education program. Based on the thematic analysis of organizational documents and interview data collected from RPE's social workers, peer educators, and peer members, this study finds that peer education can actually work to exacerbate the stigmatization and marginalization of people who use drugs (PWUD) through the 'othering' processes encountered in these programs. 'Othering' is a process in which those who are considered different are labelled, dismissed and scapegoated. Consequently, this process also stigmatizes and marginalizes those who are defined as 'others.' In RPE, 'othering' takes place through the organizations' recruitment and promotion processes, which are based on and further reinforce a perception of 'clean,' strong-willed, former PWUD and 'unclean,' weak, current PWUD. The glorification of peer educators further works to 'other' PWUD. The results suggest that peer education has the potential to further, rather than reduce, the stigmatization of PWUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the social network perspective and a case study of Chongqing Jiaotong University, this study analyzes the engagement of alumni entrepreneurs in the university student entrepreneurship development process in China. It employs primary data gathered through interviews of senior university managers, alumni and student entrepreneurs, and student start-ups. The study found that the importance of alumni entrepreneurs is comparatively weak at the formation stage of student entrepreneurial intention but relatively strong at the entrepreneurial resource acquisition stage. The most important resource provided by the alumni is information, followed by materials, clients, and human, technological and financial resources. Professors play the most important role in nurturing student entrepreneurship, both at the formation stage and the resource acquisition stage. The findings suggest that universities should involve alumni entrepreneurs actively to foster student entrepreneurship as well as incentivize professors to proactively nurture student entrepreneurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-armed scarab (Cheirotonus gestroi) is an endangered large insect in southwestern China and neighboring countries; however, limited information is available regarding its population genetics, hindering conservation efforts. Therefore, we investigated the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of C. gestroi in southwestern China. Twenty-five haplotypes were obtained from 47 specimens across five populations. The Dawei Mountain (DWS) population differed from other populations by a high genetic distance. Population structure analysis generated three distinct clades, corresponding to Hengduan Mountains (HM), Ailao Mountains (AM), and Dawei Mountains (DM), and high-level genetic diversity was found in two HM populations. Collectively, the strong genetic differentiation among populations might be due to limited gene flow, geographical isolation, and habitat fragmentation. Therefore, while developing a conservation strategy, HM, AM, and DM groups should be defined as separate management units. Additionally, the DWS population should be given priority protection due to its uniqueness and low genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, rural landscapes have been the subject of increasing international cultural heritage research, and one of the most important issues under investigation at both theoretical and pragmatic levels concerns how to identify the spatial character of rural landscapes for conservation purposes. This article establishes an innovative approach adopting a cultural landscape perspective with the support of point cloud technologies to capture spatial patterns of rural landscapes. This approach was explored by reference to Tunpu villages in Guizhou, China—these being a specific kind of military fortress settlement. Cultural landscape values and landscape characters of Tunpu villages were identified using historical research and document analysis. Aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry and laser scanning systems were combined to collect and process spatial information at environmental, village, and architectural scales. Point cloud models can quantitatively represent villages' spatial patterns and inform the interpretation of their heritage significance. We conclude that the strengths of point cloud technologies could meet the requirements of rural landscape heritage documentation from a cultural landscape perspective. This mixed‐technology approach could also greatly improve the efficiency and precision of traditional rural landscape documentation, which has the potential to change methodologies applied to rural landscape research and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers on the yield of 'Jianbao' pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duch), we conducted experiments using the "3414" optimal design scheme in Dehua County, Quanzhou, Fujian, China. Overall, three fertilizer factors (N, P, K) were tested with four fertilization levels (level 0, no fertilizer; level 1, 0.5-times the typical fertilizing amount; level 2, typical fertilizer application; level 3, 1.5-times the typical application), with a total of 14 different fertilization treatments. Based on the results of this study, a corresponding fertilization performance model was established to provide a practical basis for ensuring highly efficient cultivation of pumpkin in the field. Our results showed that the experimental data could not be fitted with a ternary quadratic polynomial fertilizer model, but that it could be fitted with a single-variable quadratic fertilizer model. According to the fitted model, pumpkin yield first increased and then decreased with the increasing amount of N, P, and K used. We identified significant regression relationships between 'Jianbao' pumpkin yield and the amount of N, P, andKin the fertilizer. Finally, based on the singlevariable quadratic fertilizer model, we suggest that the quantities of N, P, andK fertilizer used for growing 1 ha of 'Jianbao' pumpkin should be 390.5, 213.8, and 371.3 kg, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the seasonality of, and contributors to, surface urban heat island (SUHI) will pave the way for developing more generalized urban cooling strategies. The direction and shape of SUHI seasonal hysteresis have been thought to be background climate dependent. However, there remains a relative paucity of knowledge about the patterns and driving mechanisms of such hysteretic phenomena across diverse climates. Here we show that the seasonal hysteretic cycles of SUHI in the daytime and nighttime across Chinese cities between 2003 and 2020 can be identified as eight and six primary patterns, characterized by diverse and complex behaviors including clockwise, anti-clockwise, twisted, concave, and convex directions/loops. The urban-rural differences in evapotranspiration (ΔET) and surface albedo (ΔABD) have been recognized as the primary contributors to SUHI in the daytime and nighttime and their seasonal hysteresis, respectively, as measured by structural equation modeling (SEM) and time lead/lag analysis. These biophysical mechanisms for diverse seasonal hysteretic cycles of SUHI in China re-emphasized climate context dependencies in SUHI terms. Furthermore, the observed divergence of SUHI hysteresis typologies within similar background climates highlighted the additional drivers of complex urban systems because SUHI is a combined result of rural background and urban characteristics. We conclude that the cost-effective UHI mitigation strategies creating synergies or avoiding trade-offs among seasons should be climate context-specific and tailored to local urbanicity. • More diverse SUHI seasonal hysteresis across Chinese cities has been identified. • Re -emphasized climate context dependencies of SUHI patterns and dynamics. • Urban and rural surface elements together shaped the SUHI hysteresis cycles. • Biophysical factors directly contributed to SUHI and their seasonal hysteresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common injuries in sport. To reduce the risk of noncontact ACL injury, it is critical to understand the effects of an intervention program on neuromuscular control–related biomechanical risk factors. Hypothesis: A newly developed 4-week intervention program would significantly increase the knee flexion angle at peak impact posterior ground-reaction force and would significantly decrease the peak impact posterior and vertical ground-reaction forces in the stop-jump and side-cutting tasks, while the intervention effects would be retained after the training was completed. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 22 male and 18 female collegiate basketball and volleyball players with biomechanical characteristics associated with increased risk of ACL injury were recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group executed a program to improve landing techniques through strength and plyometric training 3 times a week for 4 weeks while participating in their regular training. The control group participated in only their regular training for 4 weeks. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data in the stop-jump and side-cutting tasks were collected at week 0 (the beginning of the study) and at the ends of weeks 4, 8, 16, and 20. Knee flexion angle and ground-reaction forces were calculated. Analyses of variance with a mixed design were performed to determine the intervention effects and the retention of intervention effects for each sex. Results: Male participants in the intervention group significantly increased the knee flexion angle at peak impact posterior ground-reaction force in the stop-jump task at weeks 8, 12, and 20 when compared with that at week 0 and with the male control group (P ≤ .002). No significant intervention effects on knee flexion angle and ground-reaction force were found in the side-cutting task for male participants. No significant interaction effects on takeoff velocities were detected in any task for male participants. No significant intervention effects on knee flexion angle and ground-reaction force were found in any task for female participants. Vertical takeoff velocity in the stop-jump task was significantly lower in the intervention group at week 20 compared with the control group (P = .011). Conclusion: A 4-week intervention program significantly increased the knee flexion angle at peak impact posterior ground-reaction force of male collegiate athletes in the stop-jump task without significant effect on the performance of the task. This intervention effect was retained for at least 16 weeks after the training was completed. The intervention program, however, did not affect knee flexion angle and ground-reaction force in any task for female collegiate athletes. A reduction in vertical takeoff velocity of the stop-jump task was observed for female collegiate athletes 16 weeks after the intervention. Clinical Relevance: The intervention program with strength conditioning and plyometric exercises could modify landing biomechanics of male collegiate athletes in a stop-jump task. The intervention program may be a useful tool for preventing noncontact ACL injury for male collegiate athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandstone type uranium is the most valuable and has the most potential for mining among the known uranium deposits. In the process of forming, the hydrolytic migration and enrichment of uranium require special basin sedimentary environment and tectonic background. Therefore, the mineralization process of sandstone type uranium deposits has certain layering characteristics and distribution rules in the underground vertical depth space. It is important to mine the spatial distribution characteristics of vertical uranium-bearing layers, and thus, reconstruct the three-dimensions of uranium orebodies. In this paper, according to the metallogenic law and distribution characteristics of sandstone type uranium in the underground vertical space, a nonlinear uranium-bearing layers identification (NULI) method of sandstone type uranium is proposed by using different types, resolutions and scales of borehole data. Then, the depth of uranium mineralization for the Daying uranium deposit within northern Ordos Basin is identified accurately and the spatial distribution characteristics of the uranium-bearing layer on the exploration line are obtained. Finally, the occurrence mode of the underground uranium orebodies are presented by using three-dimensional reconstruction analysis. It provides a basis for the prediction, exploration and mining of sandstone type uranium deposits within the Ordos Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1999, QX-like (GI-19) avian infectious bronchitis viruses have been the predominant strains in China till now. Vaccination is the most effective way to control the disease, while live attenuated vaccine is widely used. In the current research, we evaluated the effect of several monovalent and bivalent live IBV vaccines in young chickens against the QX-like (GI-19) IBV infection. The results showed that monovalent 4/91 and bivalent Ma5+LDT3 vaccines could provide efficient protection in day-old chickens that reduced morbidity and mortality, ameliorated histopathology lesions, and reduced viral loads were observed. These data suggest that vaccination through nasal route with monovalent 4/91 or bivalent Ma5+LDT3 in day-old chickens could serve a safe and effective vaccination strategy for controlling QX-like (GI-19) infectious bronchitis virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical study on 90% ethanol extract from the green walnut husks of Juglans mandshurica Maxim. resulted into the isolation of three undescribed triterpenoids, juglansmanoids A–C (1–3). Structural elucidation of all the compounds were performed by spectral methods such as 1D and 2D (1H-1H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) NMR spectroscopy, in addition to high resolution mass spectrometry. The isolated components were evaluated in vitro for anti-hyaluronidase activities. As a result, triterpenoid 1 exhibited potent anti-hyaluronidase activity (IC50 = 9.78 μg/ml) three times more than the positive control drug oleanolic acid (IC50 = 40.12 μg/ml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is a large industrial country where tropical meteorological disasters occur frequently. Therefore, natural-technological (Natech) risk cannot be ignored. Assessing the social vulnerability of an industrial city prone to tropical meteorological disaster-induced Natechs is urgent. To analyze the social vulnerability of such cities, we propose a Bayesian network (BN)-based method to model the social vulnerability framework. Natech is characterised by high-consequence and low-probability. The industrial cities in Southeast China are selected as a case study. The Monte Carlo method simulates the data generated in industrial cities suffering from tropical disaster-induced Natechs, and the conditional probability tables of BN descendant nodes are obtained by the expert scoring method. After sensitivity analysis, we conclude that the 'catastrophic index of tropical cyclones,' 'population density,' and 'prevention capacity' have important impacts on social vulnerability. Human traits, the social environment, and the economy play important roles in social vulnerability assessments. Therefore, reducing the catastrophic index of tropical cyclones and population density and strengthening prevention capacity management measures are necessary. Some suggestions obtained after sensitivity analysis can assist governments in improving disaster prevention and mitigation abilities and formulating urban planning policies for sustainable development. Highlights Industry city's vulnerability analysis for Natural-technological (Natech) accidents A social vulnerability assessment framework for sustainable development A Bayesian network combined with the Monte Carlo simulation data and expert judgment Risk management for high-consequence and low-probability events [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's rapid urbanization involves the large-scale relocation of rural villagers and the production of concentrated resettlement communities in urban areas. This new urban population's post-resettlement adaptation and socio-economic situations raise concerns for urban scholars and policymakers alike. This paper invokes the concept of deprivation and aims to establish indices of multiple deprivations (IMDs) for such communities. In doing so, this research use accessibility as a proxy and integrates the space syntax approach with multi-criteria decision analysis to construct the IMDs of concentrated resettlement communities in Hangzhou, China. The findings suggest that material deprivation may not be the primary concern for residential segregation of resettlement communities in urban areas. Besides, the accessibility to different services reflects diverse deprivation patterns among resettlement communities. Moreover, various stakeholder groups' perceptions of deprivation may lead to different results of the IMDs. The diverse criteria or domains of deprivation contribute differently to the deprivation, which requires a tailored treatment strategy when constructing IMDs, such as the sensitivity analysis used in this research. The proposed measurement of deprivation has important policy implications for sustainable urban development in China. • The indices of multiple deprivations (IMDs) of resettlement communities are proposed. • Material deprivation is not the primary concern for the residential segregation of resettlement communities. • The accessibility to different services reflects diverse deprivation patterns. • Various stakeholder groups' perceptions of deprivation may lead to different results of IMDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With large patient population and complement inhibitors naïve background, the characteristics patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in China have not been well studied, especially for different subtypes. We retrospectively reviewed patients with complete data who visited Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from 2009 to 2019 and had been followed up for more than 2 years. Five hundred and twelve patients were enrolled including 56.3% males and 43.7% females. The median age at disease onset was 33 (9∼80) years. Most were aged 21∼40 years (50.6%). 52.1%, 46.3% and 1.6% of the patients had classic PNH, bone marrow failure (BMF)/PNH and subclinical PNH, respectively. Symptoms of classic PNH were associated with hemolysis, whereas bleeding was more common in BMF/PNH patients. Classic PNH had higher survival rate, larger PNH clone size, higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level and lower ferritin level than BMF/PNH. Although the rate of thrombosis was similar in the classic PNH and BMF/PNH (P = 0.66), those with BMF/PNH had higher chance of renal impairment (P < 0.05). Immunosuppressive agents was more common use in BMF/PNH (P < 0.05), but glucocorticoids, iron supplements and anticoagulants were more common used in classic PNH (P < 0.05) patients. Less evolution to myeloid malignancies was observed in classic PNH than in BMF/PNH (P = 0.02). The major causes of deaths were thrombosis (29.6%), hemorrhage (18.5%) and infections (18.5%). Patients with classic PNH and BMF/PNH have different clinical profiles, and we described a more hemolytic features of PNH in China which might be improved with complement inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older people with multimorbidity are usually required to manage multiple medications and complex medication regimens. However, clinical guidelines for medication management almost entirely focus on a single disease. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of medication self-management interventions for older people with multimorbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led medication self-management intervention on medication adherence and health outcomes in older people with multimorbidity. A single-blind, two-arm randomised controlled trial. Three community health centres in Changsha, China. Older people with multimorbidity. A total of 136 participants were recruited and randomly allocated into either a 6-week nurse-led medication self-management intervention group (n = 67) or usual care group (n = 69). The intervention consisted of three one-on-one educational sessions on medication-related information, motivation and self-management skills and two follow-up phone calls. The primary outcome was medication adherence. Secondary outcomes included medication self-management capacity, treatment experiences, quality of life and utilisation of health care services. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. The intervention effects were assessed using generalised estimating equation models. Statistically significant improvements were found in medication adherence (β = 1.63, p = 0.034), medication knowledge (β = 2.61, p < 0.001), beliefs about harm of medication (β = − 1.83, p < 0.001), medication self-efficacy (β = 3.22, p < 0.001) and satisfaction with convenience of medication use (β = 5.02, p = 0.005) for the intervention group compared with the control group immediately post-intervention. Compared with the control group at 3 months follow-up, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in medication knowledge (β = 2.26, p < 0.001), beliefs about necessity of medication (β = 2.68, p = 0.002) and concerns about medication (β = − 2.44, p = 0.002), medication self-efficacy (β = 1.87, p = 0.015) and medication burden (β = − 3.96, p = 0.004). Improved medication adherence was observed in the intervention group at 3 months follow-up compared with baseline, although the differences between the groups were not significant. No statistically significant effects were found on quality of life and utilisation of health care services at either time point. A 6-week medication self-management intervention significantly improved medication adherence immediately post-intervention, suggesting a short-term intervention effect. A longer intervention period and continuous follow-up support may be required to achieve sustained improvements in medication adherence and health outcomes in older people with multimorbidity. ChiCTR.org.cn (ChiCTR2000030011); Start of recruitment: June 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of planetary urbanization, urbanization through resettlement in the global south has garnered increasingly scholarly attention. In China, state-led rural-to-urban resettlement has become a potent tool for the government. The production of concentrated resettlement communities (CRCs) to accommodate resettled villagers and facilitate their post-resettlement adaptation creates a unique urban phenomenon. However, existing research has insufficiently unpacked the evolution of the production process. Drawing on the theory of space production, this research proposes a dynamic spatial-temporal conceptual framework to examine the process of space production. Based on several months of fieldwork conducted in Hangzhou in 2021, this research offers an empirical lens on how CRCs have evolved and how landless farmers have adapted to the host city. This research first finds that CRCs in Hangzhou have three typologies. Secondly, resettled villagers in early CRCs are confronted with economic challenges but maintain well social relations. Their shared collectivism is conducive to their spatial adaptation. In recent CRCs, strict planning and community management have further limited resettled villagers' spontaneous attempts in reshaping space to support their adaptation. These findings have important policy implications for achieving inclusive resettlement in China and the Asian context. • A dynamic spatial-temporal conceptual framework is proposed to examine space production. • Concentrated resettlement communities (CRCs) in Hangzhou have three typologies. • Resttled villagers' adaptation processes are distinct in different CRCs. • The changing spatial practice and the evolving planning and community governance have produced distinctive CRCs. • The diluted collectivism in recent CRCs weakens villagers' collective adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: From 1973 to 2005, the lung cancer mortality in Xuanwei had increased constantly. Effect analysis of age and non-age factors on lung cancer is important for local policy-making.Methods: Demographic and death data was collected and used. Factors of lung cancer were classified into age and non-age factors. The contribution of the two factors to lung cancer was evaluated by method of decomposing the differences of mortality rate.Results: For males, the non-age factors were the major contributor to growth of lung cancer mortality, and 78.46% of all growth was attributed to non-age factors. For females, the non-age factors were the absolute contributor to growth of lung cancer in 1973-1992. From 1992 to 2005, the contribution proportion had reduced to 75.39%.Conclusions: Aging was one of risk factors for lung cancer in Xuanwei, but not the main factor. It was supposed that multiple environmental risk factors were related with high growth of lung cancer in Xuanwei. Policy-making should focus on the non-age factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular identification of plant species may be highly related to the geographic isolation and speciation stages among species. In this study, we examined these possibilities in a group of white pines in China. We sampled 449 individuals from 60 natural populations of seven species from sect. Quinquefoliae subsect. Strobus . We sequenced four chloroplast DNA regions (around 3100 bp in length) and two mitochondrial DNAs (around 1000 bp in length). We identified 21 chlorotypes and 10 mitotypes. Both chlorotypes and mitotypes recovered from four species with long disjunction and restricted distributions in northern or northwestern China, Pinus sibirica , Pinus koraiensis , Pinus wallichiana and Pinus pumila are species-specific, suggesting that these cytoplasmic DNAs can distinguish them from the close relatives. Allopatric isolations should have contributed greatly to their genetic divergences. However, both chlorotypes and mitotypes recovered for Pinus dabeshanensis and Pinus fenzeliana distributed in southeastern and southern China are shared or closely related to those found in the widely distributed Pinus armandii . These two species may have diverged or derived from P. armandii recently. All of our findings together suggest that the discrimination power of the molecular identifications based on the cytoplasmic DNA barcodes may show variable discriminability depending on geographic isolation and speciation stages among the sampled species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Characteristics, sources and health risks of PM 2.5 -bound elements were explored. • The accumulated cancer risk exceeded the threshold of 10−6. • Dust was the leading source, but traffic source was the main contributor of risks. • Serious health risks caused by trace elements existed in special events. To gain a comprehensive understanding of sources and health risks of trace elements in an area of China with high population densities and low PM 2.5 concentrations, 15 trace elements (Al, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sn, Ba, Pb) in PM 2.5 were monitored from December 2020 to November 2021 in a representative city, Xiamen. The concentrations of trace elements in Xiamen displayed an obvious seasonal variation and were dominated by K, Fe, Al, Ca and Zn. Based on Positive Matrix Factorization analysis, source appointment revealed that the major sources of trace elements in Xiamen were traffic, dust, biomass and firework combustion, industrial manufacture and shipping emission. According to health risk assessment combined with the source appointment results, it indicated that the average noncarcinogenic risk was below the threshold and cancer risk of four hazardous metals (Cr, Ni, As, Pb) exceeded the threshold (10−6). Traffic-related source had almost half amount of contribution to the health risk induced by PM 2.5 -bound trace elements. During the dust transport period or Spring Festival period, the health risks exceeded an acceptable threshold even an order of magnitude higher, suggesting that the serious health risks still existed in low PM 2.5 environment at certain times. Health risk assessment reminded that the health risk reduction in PM 2.5 at southeastern China should prioritize traffic-related hazardous trace elements and highlighted the importance of controlling vehicles emissions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fujian Province, China was chosen as the study area for estimating the marginal agricultural abatement costs within the province based on data for 2010-2020. The study employed these estimations as a pivotal factor affecting the efficiency of carbon emissions reduction, constructed an index model to gauge the potential of agricultural carbon emissions reduction, and delved into the urban agricultural carbon emissions reduction potential from the perspectives of economic development rights (equity) and carbon emissions reduction difficulty (efficiency). Our findings indicated a marked regional disparity in the marginal abatement costs of agriculture across Fujian Province, with the highest recorded at EUR 1.3771 × 108 per 104 tonnes and the lowest at EUR 0.6526 × 108 per 104 tonnes, albeit demonstrating general upward inter-annual trends. Furthermore, the assessment of agricultural carbon emissions reduction potential, grounded in the principles of equity and efficiency, revealed four distinct developmental tiers. Resource allocation pathways for carbon emissions reduction were subsequently delineated, informed by the stratification of high- and low-carbon emissions reduction potential indices alongside typological characteristics. The outcomes of this study offer strategic guidance to the government of Fujian Province in crafting suitable carbon emissions reduction strategies and in devising targeted action plans aimed at achieving the twin goals of 'carbon peaking' and 'carbon neutrality'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine rotavirus A (PoRVA) is an enteric pathogen capable of causing severe diarrhea in suckling piglets. Investigating the prevalence and molecular characteristics of PoRVA in the world, including China, is of significance for disease prevention. In 2022, a total of 25,768 samples were collected from 230 farms across China, undergoing porcine RVA positivity testing. The results showed that 86.52% of the pig farms tested positive for porcine RVA, with an overall positive rate of 51.15%. Through the genetic evolution analysis of VP7, VP4 and VP6 genes, it was revealed that G9 is the predominant genotype within the VP7 segment, constituting 56.55%. VP4 genotypes were identified as P[13] (42.22%), P[23] (25.56%) and P[7] (22.22%). VP6 exhibited only two genotypes, namely I5 (88.81%) and I1 (11.19%). The prevailing genotype combination for RVA was determined as G9P[23]I5. Additionally, some RVA strains demonstrated significant homology between VP7, VP4 and VP6 genes and human RV strains, indicating the potential for human RV infection in pigs. Based on complete genome sequencing analysis, a special PoRVA strain, CHN/SD/LYXH2/2022/G4P[6]I1, had high homology with human RV strains, revealing genetic reassortment between human and porcine RV strains in vivo. Our data indicate the high prevalence, major genotypes, and cross-species transmission of porcine RVA in China. Therefore, the continuous monitoring of porcine RVA prevalence is essential, providing valuable insights for virus prevention and control, and supporting the development of candidate vaccines against porcine RVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollution of atmospheric ozone in China shows an obvious upward trend in the past decade. However, the studies on the atmospheric oxidation capacity and O 3 formation in four seasons in the southeastern coastal region of China with the rapid urbanization remain limited. Here, a four-season field observation was carried out in a coastal city of southeast China, using an observation-based model combining with the Master Chemical Mechanism, to explore the atmospheric oxidation capacity (AOC), radical chemistry, O 3 formation pathways and sensitivity. The results showed that the average net O 3 production rate (14.55 ppbv/hr) in summer was the strongest, but the average O 3 concentrations in autumn was higher. The AOC and RO x levels presented an obvious seasonal pattern with the maximum value in summer, while the OH reactivity in winter was the highest with an average value of 22.75 sec−1. The OH reactivity was dominated by oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) (30.6%-42.8%), CO (23.2%-26.8%), NO 2 (13.6%-22.0%), and alkenes (8.4%-12.5%) in different seasons. HONO photolysis dominated OH primary source on daytime in winter, while in other seasons, HONO photolysis in the morning and ozone photolysis in the afternoon contributed mostly. Sensitivity analysis indicated that O 3 production was controlled by VOCs in spring, autumn and winter, but a VOC-limited and NO x -limited regime in summer, and alkene and aromatic species were the major controlling factors to O 3 formation. Overall, the study characterized the atmospheric oxidation capacity and elucidated the controlling factors for O 3 production in the coastal area with the rapid urbanization in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most prevalent congenital malformation worldwide, and the association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure and CHD in population has only received limited study. Therefore, we conducted a multicenter case-control study to explore the associations between prenatal exposure to individual PFASs, and also a PFAS mixture, and CHD risk, including 185 CHDs and 247 controls in China from 2016 to 2021. Thirteen PFASs in maternal plasma were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression and two multipollutant models (Bayesian kernel machine regression [BKMR] and quantile g-computation [qgcomp]) were used to assess the potential associations between any individual PFAS, and also a PFAS mixture, and CHD risk. After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression indicated significant associations between elevated levels of perfluorononanoic acid (odds ratio [OR]= 1.30, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.07–1.58), perfluorodecanoic acid (OR=2.07, 95%CI: 1.32–3.26), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (OR=2.86, 95%CI:1.45–5.65) and CHD risk. The BKMR model and qgcomp approach identified that a significant positive association between the PFAS mixture and risk for CHD. These findings provide essential evidence that there is indeed a health crisis associated with PFASs and that it is linked to CHD. [Display omitted] • Prenatal exposure to individual PFASs and a PFAS mixture was associated with increased risk for CHD. • 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonic acid was significantly linked to an elevated risk for complex CHD. • PFAS exposure had a stronger association with CHD in males than in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) are important atmospheric pollutants that affect air quality, radiation, and human health. In this study, 14 typical SOA tracers were measured in PM 2.5 collected from three central cities of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region in the winter of 2014 and the summer of 2015. Among the determined SOA tracers, α/β-pinene SOA tracers contributed 55.9%, followed by isoprene SOA tracers (33.7%), anthropogenic benzene SOA tracer (6.4%) and β-caryophyllene SOA tracer (4.0%). There was no significant difference in the concentration of individual SOA tracers among the three cities (p > 0.05), indicating a high degree of regional consistency. The concentrations of isoprene, α/β-pinene, and toluene SOA tracers were significantly higher in summer than in winter. A correlation of SOA tracers with temperature implies that the isoprene and α/β-pinene SOA tracers in summer were greatly boosted by plant emissions and the high DHOPA in summer could be attributed to evaporation of paint and solvent. In contrast, the elevated β-caryophyllene SOA tracer in winter was likely associated with active biomass burning. Furthermore, we observed a close correlation of summer isoprene and α/β-pinene SOA tracers with sulfate only in Shanghai, which verifies that biogenic SOA formation was facilitated by high concentration of sulfate. The ratios of MGA/MTLs and P/M were applied to reveal the impact of NO x on SOA formation and the aging degree of SOA, respectively. The MGA/MTLs ratios were comparable for the three cities, but much higher than the background value of this region as expected. The P/M ratios suggest that the aging degree of SOA in the YRD region was generally low, but the winter SOA were fresher than the summer SOA. Our research helps to understand pollution characteristics of SOA tracers in the urban agglomeration. [Display omitted] • PM 2.5 -bound SOA tracers in three central cities of the YRD region were investigated. • Reasons for the differences of SOA tracers among sites and seasons were discussed. • Implication of α/β-pinene SOA tracers for aerosol aging degree. • Isoprene SOA tracers indicates the effects of large anthropogenic NO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety management is a key issue in the railroad industry that needs to be continuously focused on. And it is essential to study causes of accidents for preventing accidents. However, there is a limited academic discussion on the systematic study of organizations and accidents, as well as their safety-related interactions and accidents, as opposed to human-caused disasters. Thus, the model of China's railway safety supervision and management system by sorting out the existing organizations involved in management in China is established in this paper. Firstly, social forces and auxiliary enterprises are specifically added to the model. And then, the relationship between organizations and accidents, as well as the relationship between safety interactions among organizations and accidents are explored by analyzing 224 accident reports, which led to 4 principles for accident prevention. Finally, based on these principles, measures to secure organizational nodes, as well as measures to promote safe interactions among organizations are proposed. The results showed that: (1) China Railway node is not only the most critical node in the safety supervision and management system but also the most vulnerable to the influence of other nodes. (2) The accident occurred due to the simultaneous occurrence of an accident at the China Railway node and the social force node. (3) When there are often safety risks in auxiliary enterprises and social forces simultaneously, the government's management is likely to be defective. The findings in this study can provide helpful references not only for improvement of safety management system structure and supervision and management mechanism but also for the formulation of safety supervision and management policies in China and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yiqi Qubai (YQ) formula is a hospital preparation for treating vitiligo in China that has had reliable efficacy for decades. The formula consists of four herbs; however, the extraction process to produce the formula is obsolete and the active ingredients and mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, in this paper, fingerprints were combined with the chemometrics method to screen high-quality herbs for the preparation of the YQ standard decoction (YQD). Then, the YQD preparation procedure was optimized using response surface methodology. A total of 44 chemical constituents, as well as 36 absorption components (in rat plasma) of YQD, were identified via UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Based on the ingredients, the quality control system of YQD was optimized by establishing the SPE-UPLC-Q-TOF/MS identification method and the HPLC quantification method. Network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking showed that carasinaurone, calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, methylnissolin-3-O-glucoside, genkwanin, akebia saponin D, formononetin, akebia saponin B, and apigenin may be the key active components for treating vitiligo; the core targets associated with them were AKT1, MAPK1, and mTOR, whereas the related pathways were the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and FoxO signaling pathways. Cellular assays showed that YQD could promote melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity, as well as the transcription and expression of tyrosinase-associated proteins (i.e., TRP-1) in B16F10 cells. In addition, YQD also increased extracellular tyrosinase activity. Further efficacy validation showed that YQD significantly promotes melanin production in zebrafish. These may be the mechanisms by which YQD improves the symptoms of vitiligo. This is the first systematic study of the YQ formula that has optimized the standard decoction preparation method and investigated the active ingredients, quality control, efficacy, and mechanisms of YQD. The results of this study lay the foundations for the clinical application and further development of the YQ formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Autism Mental Status exam (AMSE) has demonstrated excellent sensitivity and specificity in Western high-risk population with suspected autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the AMSE in a sample of high-risk Chinese children, and to determine the optimal cutoff score of the Chinese version of the AMSE in supporting ASD diagnosis. 66 young children aged from 2 to 11 years with suspected ASD were enrolled in the present study. A diagnosis of ASD or non-ASD was determined by a Best Estimate Diagnosis protocol according to the DSM-5 criteria. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the validity of the AMSE and search for the most effective cutoff score. The ROC curve analysis yields the area under the ROC curve of 0.98 which represents excellent diagnostic accuracy. Findings indicate the optimal cutoff score of the Chinese version of the AMSE was estimated as 6, producing the highest sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 87%. Preliminary findings of the study suggest the AMSE has promising psychometric properties as an assessment tool for identifying ASD symptoms and supporting diagnostic decision-making in high-risk Chinese children population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium species, seriously threatens the safety of wheat (Triticum aestivum) production. Resistant cultivars and fungicides are frequently used to control these FHB pathogens. However, Fusarium species have been adapting the current FHB control approaches in a manner that raises concern for future FHB control strategies, which could lead to a greater risk of FHB outbreaks. In this study, a total of 521 strains of Fusarium were isolated from Sichuan province of China, to investigate the diversity of Fusarium species and the genes associated with their adaptation. Seven species were identified based on molecular markers and morphological analysis. The virulence assays showed that Fusarium asiaticum (Fa) and Fusarium graminearum (Fg) were the two major causal agents of FHB, with high virulence and more frequent isolates. Fungicide resistance analysis showed that four isolates had developed the resistance to carbendazim, and four isolates had developed the resistance to tebuconazole. Of note, two point-mutation variants (F200Y and E198Q) occurred in the β2-tubulin gene, leading to the carbendazim resistance. The landscape of genomic diversity was analyzed through whole-genome sequencing, revealing a total of 182,811 and 430,733 variants (including: single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNP, insertion and deletion, Indel, and structure variation, SV) among the Fa and Fg isolates, respectively. In addition, potential alterations in gene function (15.22%) were predicted among Fg variants. These alterations offer potential helps for the Fusarium species to adapt to various managements of FHB, which may increase risks in developing fungicide-resistant isolates. However, these annotated genetic variants are valuable resources for further genetic and genomic studies, as well as potential markers to assist disease risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few effective therapies are available to treat patients with relapsed/refractory myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS). Luspatercept was shown to display good efficacy in a phase 3 clinical trial for lower-risk MDS (LR-MDS) patients, yet real-world data are limited, especially in China. Therefore, data from patients diagnosed as having MDS with low blasts and SF3B1 mutation (MDS-SF3B1) and MDS with SF3B1 mutation and thrombocytosis were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 23 enrolled patients, 17 (73.9%) were males (median age 67 years: range 29 to 80 years). Previously, a total of 22 (95.7%) patients had received recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), 9 (39.1%) roxadustat, 7 (30.4%) lenalidomide and 3 (13.0%) hypomethylating agents (HMA). The median treatment time was 22.9 weeks (9.0–32.4). At week 12, 60.9% (14/23) of the patients achieved a hematologic improvement–erythroid (HI-E) response. Red blood cell transfusion independence (RBC-TI) for ≥ 8 weeks was found in 57.1% (8/14) of transfusion-dependent patients. The median hemoglobin concentration was 84 g/L, and patients had significantly higher hemoglobin concentrations after 12 weeks of treatment (P < 0.001). It is noteworthy that responders had a greater reduction in serum ferritin (P = 0.021). Those with serum EPO < 500 IU/L at baseline tended to have a higher HI-E rate (P = 0.081), but only patients in non-transfusion and low transfusion burden (LTB) subgroups had statistical differences (P = 0.024). The most commonly occurring adverse events were blood bilirubin increase (17.4%), fatigue (13.0%) and dizziness (13.0%). Luspatercept was effective and tolerated well in refractory LR-MDS-SF3B1 patients. In particular, baseline non-transfusion and LTB patients exhibited a greater response rate to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change material (PCM) wall is expected to match the building type and its climate region effectively. In order to meet the space cooling and heating of residential buildings in hot summer and cold winter regions in China, a new active casing pipe macro-encapsulated PCM wall is proposed, in which the cold storage and heat storage PCMs are sealed between the inner pipe and outer pipe with no leakage. To obtain the optimal structure parameters and better thermal performance of the PCM wall, the mathematical model of the PCM wall is established and validated by experiment, and the effects of PCM filling pattern, structural parameter of casing pipe, water temperature in inner pipe and indoor setting temperature are simulated and analyzed. The results show that the optimal PCM filling pattern is to fill the cold storage PCM and heat storage PCM in the gap between the inner pipe and outer pipe separately; the optimal PCM filling thickness is 13 mm; the optimal structural parameters are inner pipe diameter of 20 mm and casing pipe centre spacing of 61 mm. The water temperature in the inner pipe and PCM energy storage/release time reasonably match the indoor setting temperature. Under the optimal operating conditions, the average PCM wall surface temperatures of 20.5 and 26.8 ℃ and the PCM wall surface heat fluxes of 45.9 and 57.2 W/m2 can be obtained in summer and winter conditions, respectively. The research provides an optimized casing pipe macro-encapsulated PCM wall system that can reliably and efficiently meet both the space heating and cooling demands of residential buildings in hot summer and cold winter regions in China. • A new active casing pipe macro-encapsulated PCM wall with two PCMs for cold and heat storage was proposed. • The physical, mathematical and numerical models of the PCM wall were established and validated. • The effect of different parameters on PCM wall thermal performances was simulated and analyzed. • The optimal parameters of the PCM wall and matching schemes of water and indoor setting temperature were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Households have emerged as one of the primary sources for carbon emissions in China, thus posing challenges to the "dual carbon" objectives. Digital finance, an emergent form of industry that fused advanced technology with financial services, had a pronounced impact on household carbon emissions stemming from daily consumption. However, the mechanisms driving this impact have not been adequately examined. Based on micro-level household survey data across 25 Chinese provinces from 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018, the study identified the chief channels via which digital finance affected household carbon emissions, deriving several key findings. First, digital finance augmented household carbon emissions, presenting a significant negative impact on the climate. Second, due to the existence of "digital divide" between rural and urban areas, the impact of digital finance was more subdued in rural areas. Additionally, the effects of digital finance were more pronounced in the affluent eastern provinces. Third, income mobility obscured the positive relationship between digital finance and household carbon emissions. This is primarily attributed to the urban-rural divide in China; taking into account that urban-to-rural transfers make income distribution more equitable, there is a counterintuitive drop in per capita consumption, thereby suppressing consumption-related carbon emissions. This presented the conundrum of "income distribution equality—consumption negativity". Finally, financial literacy was identified as a crucial positive moderating role, enabling households with high financial literacy to harness the dividends of digital finance, thereby engaging in more diversified consumption activities and intensifying the negative impact of digital finance on carbon emissions. The findings reinforced the pivotal role of digital finance in bolstering efforts to combat climate change and ensuring environmentally-responsible economic advancements. • Chinese household-level data explored digital finance's effects on carbon emissions. • Varied impacts of digital finance differ notably across regions and jurisdictions. • China displays an "income distribution equality—consumption negativity" paradox. • Raising income mobility mitigates digital finance's impacts on carbon emissions. • Financial literacy intensifies digital finance impacts on carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TPN729, a novel phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), is in phase II clinical trials in China. Previous studies suggested that TPN729 possesses promising therapeutic value. In previous non-radiolabeled rat excretion studies, the recovery of TPN729 and its major metabolites accounted for approximately 8.58% of the administration dose in urine and faeces by 48 h post-dose. To solve this problem and further study the metabolism of TPN729 in rats, we used the radio-isotopic tracing technique for the first time. In this study, the mass balance, tissue distribution, and metabolism of TPN729 were evaluated in rats after a single oral dose of 25 mg/kg [14C]TPN729 (150 μCi/kg). At 168 h post-dose, the mean total radioactivity recovery of the dose was 92.13%. Faeces was the major excretion route, accounting for 74.63% of the dose, and urine excretion accounted for 17.50%. After oral administration of [14C]TPN729, radioactivity was widely distributed in all examined tissues, and a higher radioactivity concentration was observed in the stomach, large intestine, lung, liver, small intestine, and eyes. The concentration of drug-related materials were similar in plasma and blood cells. A total of 51 metabolites were identified in rat plasma, urine, faeces, and bile, and the predominant metabolically susceptible position of TPN729 was the pyrrolidine moiety. The main metabolic pathways were N-dealkylation, oxidation, and dehydrogenation. In summary, we solved the previous problem of low drug recovery, elucidated the major excretion pathway, determined the tissue distribution patterns, and investigated the metabolism of TPN729 in rats by using a radioisotopic tracing technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menispermum dauricum rhizome has been widely used in China to treat various cardiovascular and thrombosis disorders. Some studies have reported that the phenolic alkaloids of Menispermum dauricum rhizome (PAM) have protective effects against brain ischemia injury, but the mechanism of this action remains to be clarified. In the present study, we investigated the possible mechanisms of action of PAM on experimental brain ischemia injury. Oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in rat primary cortical cultures and middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats were used to mimic ischemia-reperfusion injury, respectively. The results suggested that PAM protected rat primary cortical cultures against OGD-reoxygenation induced cytotoxicity. PAM decreased extracellular glutamate content and markedly prevented the effects induced by OGD on protein level of GLT-1 and EAAC1 glutamate transporters. In addition, it reduced intracellular ROS generation. In vivo, PAM significantly reduced cerebral infarct area and ameliorated neurological functional deficits at different time points. Our findings revealed that the possible mechanism of action of PAM protected against brain ischemia injury involves regulation of GLT-1, EAAC1 and ROS generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]