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With the occurrence of the global financial crisis in 2008, the U.S. unconventional monetary policy affected the Chinese market. Based on a monthly data sample from 2008M1 to 2015M12, in this paper we identify U.S. and Chinese monetary policy shocks by using a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) model with multi-external instrumental variables along with principal component analysis (PCA) combined with high-frequency financial market data. The empirical results show that the unconventional monetary policies had a negative effect on China's inflation and output due to the signal effect, and China's stock and commodity markets increased in the short term. During the same period, China's monetary policy had a greater impact on the domestic economy and financial markets. The conclusion of this paper provides a significant reference for relevant departments to make decisions amidst the new wave of unconventional U.S. monetary policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: According to the reactivity hypothesis and the diathesis-stress model, repeated activation of the stress system has a negative effect on health, and this effect may differ because of individual characteristics. Thus, the present study explores the effect of chronic stress on fatigue and investigates its mechanism. Methods: A questionnaire survey of 288 participants selected from the northwest part of China was conducted (13.89% females; ages ranged from 18 to 34 years, with M  ±  SD  =  23.14  ±  3.79 years) on chronic stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and negative emotion differentiation. SPSS 28.0 was used to process descriptive statistics and correlation analysis and the PROCESS macro was used to analyze the moderated chained multi-mediation. Results: Chronic stress was found to be positively correlated with fatigue, depression, and anxiety; depression and anxiety played a chained multimediating role between chronic stress and fatigue, and negative emotion differentiation played a moderating role in the chained multi-mediation model. Discussion: Compared with depression, anxiety plays a more important role in the influence of chronic stress on fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to anxiety symptoms and take appropriate intervention measures. Negative emotion differentiation plays a moderating role. Improving negative emotion differentiation through mindfulness and adaptive emotion regulation is an effective way to reduce the influence of chronic stress on fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study builds a theoretical framework on how subnational governments use promotion schemes to motivate local bureaucrats to address conflicting tasks of economic development and environmental protection. We argue that subnational (province) governments can strategically allocate polluting industries to border areas to make neighbors bear the social cost of pollution and use promotion incentives to make their subordinates (city leaders) comply. Hence, when the central government imposes a stricter environmental regulation policy on provincial governments, border-city leaders obtain a higher probability of promotion. Based on a panel dataset of leaders' career information and administrations across cities in China, we find an increase in promotion probability for border-city leaders compared with their non-border counterparts after 2011 when the environmental protection task became more important. A potential channel is that border-city leaders accept the migration of polluting industries as a signal of compliance. In addition, this effect is more prominent for newly appointed leaders who have stronger political motivations and rely more on their superiors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer poses a heavy health burden in China, with the second highest incidence and mortality rate among female tumors, yet human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rate among female university students remain remains low. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the degree of HPV vaccine hesitancy among female university students and to explore the potential association between knowledge, risk perception, trust, and HPV vaccine hesitancy. Methods: A total of 1,438 female university students from four Chinese cities were recruited through stratified, multistage, cluster sampling method. The mediation model was constructed using the Bootstrap method, introducing trust and risk perception as mediating variables to examine the effect of knowledge on HPV vaccine hesitancy. Results: The study found that 8.9% (95%CI:7.4%∼10.4%) of the female university students exhibited HPV vaccine hesitancy. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a negative association between vaccine hesitancy and knowledge, risk perception, and trust. The mediation model showed that knowledge had significant indirect effects on HPV vaccine hesitancy through trust (indirect effect: -0.224, 95% CI: -0.293 ∼ -0.167) and risk perception (indirect effect: -0.013, 95% CI: -0.033 ∼ -0.002). Conclusion: HPV vaccine hesitancy among female university students has mitigated, but still needs to be addressed. In addition, trust and risk perception are mediators mediating the relationship between knowledge with HPV vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen public health education to improve knowledge, with a particular focus on providing information about trust and risk perception to reduce HPV vaccine hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir (Epclusa, ECS) is the first pan-genotype direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and Danoprevir (DNV) is the first DAA developed by a Chinese local enterprise, which is suitable for combined use with other drugs to treat genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C. However, previous reports have never compared the real-world data of ECS and DNV. Patients and methods: 178 chronic hepatitis C patients were retrospectively recruited, and 94cases were accepted with Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir ± Ribavirin (ECS group), and others (n = 84 treated with DNV combination therapy (DNV group). The HCV genotype, virological response, adverse effects and some laboratory biochemical indexes were contrasted between above two groups in the real world study. Results: DNV group had significantly lower level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), lower rates of decompensated cirrhosis (P < 0.05). ECS group possessed more 6a (31.91% vs.13.10%) while DNV group was provided with more 1b (48.81% vs. 22.34%) patients. Significantly poor liver function was detected in ECS group at 4-week treatment (ALT and AST) and 12-week follow-up (AST) (all P < 0.05). The SVR12 undetectable rates of both groups were 100%, and no serious event was observed during the treatment and follow-up in both groups. Conclusion: In this retrospective real-world study, the efficacy of DNV combined therapy is similar to Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir ± Ribavirin for chronic HCV infection, and the safety is comparable. DNV based therapy is a promising regimen for chronic hepatitis C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water Diversion Projects have become increasingly popular in improving water quality in various water ecosystems. However, these projects also require a more comprehensive evaluation. In this study, we introduced a digital stable marker tracing module and proposed a continuation-dynamic constitution analysis approach. We applied this approach to analyze the ecological tidal water diversion in Changshu town, China. The results showed that the mean diversion water age of the Yangtze River water source was 10.80 h, the residence time of the background water source in Baimaotang was approximately 4.0 h, and the contribution of inflow water sources from tributaries accounted for 15% of discharges. The results can demonstrate practicality of our approach in quantitatively evaluating water diversion impacts and optimizing cooperative diversion projects. Furthermore, our discussion led to the design of an ecological tidal water diversion based on optimized cooperative diversion, which showed element-complementary and whole-comprehensive effects. This indicates that the ecological tidal water diversion can extend the impact of cooperative diversion. The continuation-dynamic constitution analysis approach enhances the tracing capacity of inflow constitution and enables the distinction of different time-varying distributions of each inflow constitution. Therefore, this approach holds promise as an embedded "Digital stable marker tracing" module in the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel goose parvovirus (NGPV), a genetic variant of goose parvovirus, has been spreading throughout China since 2015 and mainly infects ducklings with the symptoms of growth retardation, beak atrophy, and protruding tongue, leading to huge economic losses every year. A safe and effective vaccine is urgently needed to control NGPV infection. In this study, virus-like particles (VLPs) of NPGV were assembled and evaluated for their immunogenicity. The VP2 protein of NGPV was expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells using baculovirus as vector. The VP2 protein was efficiently expressed in the nucleus of insect cells, and the particles with a circular or hexagonal shape and a diameter of approximately 30 nm, similar to the NGPV virion, were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The purified particles were confirmed to be composed of VP2 using western blot and TEM, indicating that the VLPs of NGPV were successfully assembled. Furthermore, the immunogenicity of the VLPs of NGPV was evaluated in Cherry Valley ducks. The level of NGPV serum antibodies increased significantly at 1–4 weeks post-immunization. No clinical symptoms or deaths of ducks occurred in all groups after being challenged with NGPV at 4 weeks post-immunization. There was no viral shedding in the immunized group. However, viral shedding was detected at 3–7 days post-challenge in the non-immunized group. Moreover, VLPs can protect ducks from histopathological lesions caused by NGPV and significantly reduce viral load in tissue at 5 days post-challenge. Based on these findings, NGPV VLPs are promising candidates for vaccines against NGPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Human activities posed an increasing threat to leopard cats' habitats. By utilizing infrared camera trapping, we analyzed the spatial distribution and habitat suitability of the leopard cats on Xinlong, located in the mountains of Southwest China. We also investigated the interaction between leopard cats and human disturbances in high-altitude regions. Our findings indicated that human disturbances had minimal effects on the habitat suitability, landscape structure, and spatial relationships of leopard cats. Their habitat preferences were shaped by competition with small carnivores like yellow-throated martens and environmental factors such as distance to water and terrain roughness index. This limited human impact may be attributed to local wildlife-friendly customs and leopard cat's adaptability. To protect leopard cats and other wildlife, we recommend a conservation strategy that capitalizes on Xinlong's distinctive ecological and cultural dynamics. The habitat plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival of wildlife. However, the increasing disturbances caused by human activities present a substantial threat to habitats, especially for species such as the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), which is a significant small predator. Currently, research on leopard cats predominantly focuses on low-altitude regions within its distribution range, leaving plateau areas understudied. To enhance our understanding of the impact of human disturbances on leopard cat habitats, we undertook a study employing infrared camera trappings to monitor leopard cats' activity in Xinlong of southwestern China between 2015 and 2023. We analyzed the spatial distribution and habitat suitability of the leopard cats by utilizing ensemble species distribution models (ESDMs). Moreover, we employed two-species occupancy models to investigate the spatial interaction between leopard cats and human disturbances. The results indicated that (1) the potential suitable habitat area for leopard cats encompassed approximately 1324.93 km2 (14.3%), primarily located along the banks of Yalong river. (2) The distribution of suitable habitat was predominantly influenced by competitors, specifically the yellow-throated marten (YTM), accounting for 52.4% of the influence, as well as environmental factors such as distance to water (DTW) at 12.0% and terrain roughness index (TRI) at 10.0%. Human interference, including cattle presence (4.6%), distance to road (DTD, 4.9%), and distance to settlement (DTS, 3.5%), had a limited impact on the habitat distribution. (3) Within a 5 km radius, habitat suitability increased with proximity to human settlements. (4) Leopard cats exhibited spatial independence from humans and domestic cattle (species interaction factor (SIF) = 1.00) while avoiding domestic horses (SIF = 0.76 ± 0.03). The relatively minor impact of human disturbances in Xinlong could be attributed to traditional cultural practices safeguarding wildlife and the leopard cat's environmental adaptability. We recommend establishing a novel conservation paradigm based on the living dynamics of wildlife communities in Xinlong, thereby offering a more targeted approach to biodiversity preservation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Castanopsis is one of the most common genus of trees in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests and tropical monsoon rainforests in China. Castanopsis hainanensis and Castanopsis wenchangensis are endemic to Hainan Island, but they were once confused as the same species due to very similar morphologies. In this study, nuclear microsatellite markers and chloroplast genomes were used to delimit C. hainanensis and C. wenchangensis. The allelic variations of nuclear microsatellites revealed that C. hainanensis and C. wenchangensis were highly genetically differentiated with very limited gene admixture. Both showed higher genetic diversity within populations and lower genetic diversity among populations, and neither had further population genetic structure. Furthermore, C. wenchangensis and C. hainanensis had very different chloroplast genomes. The independent genetic units, very limited gene admixture, different distribution ranges, and distinct habitats all suggest that C. wenchangensis and C. hainanensis are independent species, thus they should be treated as distinct conservation units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous development of economy and society, great changes have taken place in the national water intake situation. In order to adapt to the requirements of high-quality development of water resources management in the new situation and respond to the needs of building a smart water digital twin data base, the construction of the national water resources monitoring and measurement system needs to be strengthened. As the main water intake form in China at this stage, it is necessary to study the technical methods to improve its monitoring and measurement capacity. This paper investigates and studies the data of more than 5.5 million water intakes nationwide collected in 2021 by combining field investigation and data collection. From the national and typical provincial levels, the current situation of water intake monitoring and metering is analyzed according to different water intake scales, water intake purposes, water intake projects, monitoring and metering facilities and water transmission type, and the comparison and selection of monitoring and metering facilities, improvement of monitoring accuracy. Technical methods are proposed to improve the stability and durability of monitoring, improve the application of system platform functions, and promote the improvement of pipeline type water intake monitoring and metering capacity. The research shows that: ➀ The number and distribution of water intakes across the country are significant. The number of water intakes is huge and the spatial distribution is uneven. There are many water intakes in the north, mainly groundwater intakes, and few water intakes in the south, mainly surface water intakes. ➁ The national water intake monitoring and metering work should be further strengthened. At this stage, the focus should be on improving the pipeline type water intake monitoring and metering capacity. The monitoring and metering methods and facilities used are different due to different conditions such as water intake scale, water intake scene and water intake purpose. The error, environmental adaptability, measurement cost, advantages and disadvantages and unique application scenarios of different monitoring and measurement facilities are quite different. ➂ The monitoring and metering lifting of pipeline type water intakes is a comprehensive task. It is necessary to comprehensively improve the monitoring and metering capacity of the water intake from four aspects: metering accuracy, stability and durability, system platform application capability, and the introduction of relevant technical standards. The research findings provide an important basic data reference for comprehensively understanding the current situation of water intake monitoring and metering in China, a technical reference for improving the monitoring and metering capacity of pipeline water intakes, and a technical support for the next step of water intake supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows that worldwide earnings news can significantly influence the asset pricing in China, indicating the information transmission along the global supply chain. We investigate how stock prices of Chinese-listed firms react to the earnings announcements of their worldwide supply-chain partners and find that stock returns will exhibit a significant drift upwards (downwards) after the good (bad) news of their customers and suppliers. Moreover, we provide evidence that the equity price movement may be driven by the earnings information transmission between supply-chain partners and this effect is strengthened for the firms with higher information asymmetry or investor attention. Third, our primary results hold with a battery of robustness checks, including multiple controls consideration, proxy usage of earnings news, division of the sample, and length of market responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk assessment for landslide dams is very important to avoid unanticipated landslide failure and calamity. Recognition of the risk of landslide dams associated with changing influencing factors is to identify the risk grade and provide early warning of oncoming failure, while quantitative risk analysis of landslide dams due to many influencing factors changing in spatiotemporal domain is currently lacking. We applied the model to analyze the risk level of the Tangjiashan landslide dam caused by the Wenchuan Ms 8.0 earthquake. The risk evaluation, obtained according to the analysis of the influencing factors located in the risk assessment grade criteria, clearly shows that the risk reaches a higher level at that moment. Our analysis shows that the risk level of landslide dams can be quantitatively analyzed with our assessment method. Our results suggest that the risk assessment system can be an effective measure to dynamically predict the risk level and provide a sufficient early warning of the oncoming hazard by analyzing the variables of influencing factors at different times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the iron-based carbon composite (hereafter FCN-x, x = 0, 400, 500, and 600 calcination) was synthesized by a simple high-temperature pyrolysis method using iron-containing sludge coagulant generated from wastewater treatment settling ponds in chemical plants. The FCN-x was used for the adsorptive reduction of aqueous phase Cr(VI) effectively. The FCN-x was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory (BET). FCN-x adsorption of Cr(VI) was examined in batch experiments using CrO42− as a function of physicochemical parameters. The chemical kinetics of Cr(VI) adsorption by FCN-500 were modeled by 1st and 2nd order empirical pseudo kinetics. Based on these experiments, FCN-500 has been selected for further studies on Cr(VI) adsorptive reduction. The maximum Cr(VI) adsorption by FCN-500 was 52.63 mg/g showing the highest removal efficiency. The Cr(VI) adsorption by the FCN-500 was quantified by the Langmuir isotherm. XPS result confirmed the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by the FCN-500. The iron-based carbon composites have high reusability and application potential in water treatment. The electroplating wastewater with 117 mg/L Cr(VI) was treated with FCN-500, and 99.93% Cr(VI) was removed within 120 min, which is lower than the national chromium emission standard of the People's Republic of China. This work illustrates the value-added role of sludge generated from dye chemical plants to ensure environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) for CO2 of China's industrial sector. Leveraging comprehensive firm-level panel data spanning the period 2011–2015, we employ a parameterized directional output distance function to estimate the shadow price of CO2. By doing so, we derive the marginal abatement cost for individual firms across different years, which provides crucial insights into two fundamental aspects: first, the variation in shadow prices as indicators of the economic efficiency of existing climate policies; and second, the carbon price levels necessary to achieve CO2 mitigation targets in the future. Furthermore, we conduct scenario simulations to assess the potential industrial output loss resulting from forthcoming carbon policies, such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Our findings underscore the necessity for a considerably higher tax rate to stimulate pollution reduction in order to meet the desired emission targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on ERA5 reanalysis data and multi-source observations, including polarimetric radar and automatic weather stations, this study analyzes the formation mechanism and microphysical characteristics of a warm-sector heavy rainfall event caused by a convective system with multiple-rain-bands organizational mode over the western coast of south China. In the early stage, under the influence of coastal convergence and topography, convection was triggered in the coastal mountainous areas and moved north-eastwards. Nocturnal cooling induced the north winds in the inland mountainous area. A mesoscale convergence line was formed in the middle of Yangjiang city between the inland north and coastal south winds, which facilitated the developing and merging of convective storms into a linear convective band along the convergence line. This relatively long convective band presented a quasi-stationary state in the south of Mt. Ehuangzhang and Mt. Tianlu, which results in the first precipitation peak. At this stage, the convection developed to a higher level, with relatively larger raindrops, producing larger amounts of rainfall, which was probably related to the active merging of convection. In the later phase, as the environmental winds shifted, convective bands tended to move southeastwards, accompanied with the cold pools. At the same time, the multiple short convective bands were formed, which were almost parallel to the shear line, and a multiple-rain-bands organizational mode occurred. The mesoscale convergence line maintained due to the outflows of cold pools caused by precipitation in the preceding period, and then gradually moved southwards. Under the influence of the mesoscale convergence and topography, convection was continuously triggered at the southern end of the short convective bands. This back-building characteristic favored the development of the convective system. The multiple rain bands passed through the same place in a "rainband-training" form, resulting in the second peak of precipitation. The collision process was active in the low levels during this event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the role of public climate attention, captured by the Baidu search volume index, in the downside risk. Using 45 keywords from five perspectives related to climate change, we construct a public climate attention index in China. We find a positive and significant relationship between climate attention and downside risk at the market‐level and firm‐level. Moreover, the risk‐increase effect of climate attention becomes more prominent for state‐owned and high‐carbon‐emission firms. Further analysis shows that excellent sustainable performance can moderate the adverse effect of rising climate attention, while the major climate disasters exacerbate the effect. Overall, our findings shed additional light on the important role of collective climate beliefs in corporate risk management and investor decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions persist on the relationship between tourism dependence and economic growth in ethnic tourism areas. This study addresses such gaps by constructing a threshold regression model based on socio-economic data from 2006 to 2019 for nine sites in Enshi Prefecture of central China. ArcGIS and other open-source data were also used to visualize changing tourism resources in the region. Findings suggest that tourism dependence (the ratio of tourism-based GDP to overall GDP) significantly promotes economic growth in ethnic minority areas. However, the positive influence of tourism dependence on economic growth appears dynamic and non-linear — rising at first before falling when tourism dependence exceeded a threshold of 34%, with effects varying by site and year. Methods and findings make crucial theoretical contributions to understanding tourism dependence and poverty alleviation linkages. This paper also highlights the importance of political support and balanced investment in diverse industries to minimize decreasing returns beyond tourism dependence thresholds in destinations worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red-mud leachate from tailings ponds contains Cr(VI), which can pollute groundwater via infiltration through anti-seepage layers. This paper investigates leachate from a red-mud tailings pond in southwest China and the red clay in the surrounding area to simulate the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto clay at different pHs, using geochemical equilibrium software (Visual MINTEQ). We also performed dynamic adsorption testing of Cr(VI) on a clay anti-seepage layer. The dynamic adsorption behaviors and patterns in the dynamic column were predicted using the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models. Visual MINTEQ predicted that Cr(VI) adsorption in red-mud leachate onto clay was 69.91%, increasing gradually with pH, i.e., adsorption increased under alkaline conditions. Cr(VI) concentration in the effluent was measured using the permeability test through a flexible permeameter when the adsorption saturation time reached 146 days. At a low seepage rate, Cr(VI) adsorption onto the clay anti-seepage layer took longer. Saturation adsorption capacity, q0, and adsorption rate constant, Kth, were determined using the Thomas model; the Yoon–Nelson model was used to determine when the effluent Cr(VI) concentration reached 50% of the initial concentration. The results provide parameters for the design and pollution prediction of the clay anti-seepage layer of red-mud tailings ponds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygonum capitatum, known as "Tou Hua Liao" (Chinese name), is a crucial source of Hmong medicinal plants that has benefited human health for a long time. This folk-medicinal plant is widely distributed in the south-west of China for the treatment of various urologic disorders including urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, and urinary calculus. The purpose of this paper was to provide a systematic and comprehensive overview of the traditional usages, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and clinical applications of this flora. Up until the end of 2022, at least 91 compounds had been reported from P. capitatum, mainly covering the classes of flavonoids, lignanoids, phenols and other components. The compounds and extracts isolated from P. capitatum exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, hypothermic, diuretic and other pharmacological effects. Qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses were also covered. Furthermore, the possible development trends and perspectives for future research on this medicinal plant were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate if deep-sedated colonoscopy affects adenoma detection in certain colorectal segment. Review of colonoscopy reports, electronic images and medical records of individuals underwent screening colonoscopy with or without propofol sedation between October 2020 and March 2021 from seven hospitals in China. A total of 4500 individuals were analyzed. There was no significant difference in ADR between deep-sedated colonoscopy and unsedated colonoscopy [45.4% vs. 46.3%, P > 0.05]. The APP of deep-sedated colonoscopy was lower than unsedated colonoscopy (1.76 ± 0.81 vs. 2.00 ± 1.30, P < 0.05). Both average number of adenomas and luminal distention score of splenic flexure and descending colon were lower in deep-sedated colonoscopy (P < 0.05), and average number of adenomas was positively correlated with an improved distension score in splenic flexure and descending colon (splenic flexure r = 0.031, P < 0.05; descending colon r = 0.312, P < 0.05). Linear regression model showed deep-sedated colonoscopy significantly affected luminal distention of splenic flexure and descending colon as well as average number of adenomas detected in splenic flexure (P < 0.05). Deep-sedated colonoscopy decreased adenoma detection in splenic flexure and the luminal distention of splenic flexure and descending colon compared with unsedated colonoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant efforts have been made to characterize viral diversity in bats from China. Many of these studies were prospective and focused mainly on Rhinolophus bats that could be related to zoonotic events. However, other species of bats that are part of ecosystems identified as virus diversity hotspots have not been studied in-depth. We analyzed the virome of a group of Myotis fimbriatus bats collected from the Yunnan Province during 2020. The virome of M. fimbriatus revealed the presence of families of pathogenic viruses such as Coronavirus, Astrovirus, Mastadenovirus, and Picornavirus, among others. The viral sequences identified in M. fimbriatus were characterized by significant divergence from other known viral sequences of bat origin. Complex phylogenetic landscapes implying a tendency of co-specificity and relationships with viruses from other mammals characterize these groups. The most prevalent and abundant virus in M. fimbriatus individuals was an alphacoronavirus. The genome of this virus shows evidence of recombination and is likely the product of ancestral host-switch. The close phylogenetic and ecological relationship of some species of the Myotis genus in China may have played an important role in the emergence of this alphacoronavirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the roles of ecological drivers in shaping biodiversity is fundamental for conservation practice. In this study, we explored the effects of elevation, conservation status, primary productivity, habitat diversity and anthropogenic disturbance (represented by human population density and birding history) on taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional avian diversity in a subtropical landscape in southeastern China. We conducted bird surveys using 1‐km transects across a total of 30 sites, of which 10 sites were located within a natural reserve. Metrics of functional diversity were calculated based on six functional traits (body mass, clutch size, dispersal ratio, sociality, diet and foraging stratum). We built simultaneous autoregression models to assess the association between the ecological factors and diversity of the local avian communities. Local avian diversity generally increased with increasing habitat diversity, human population density and primary productivity. We also detected phylogenetic and functional clustering in these communities, suggesting that the avian assemblages were structured mainly by environmental filtering, rather than interspecific competition. Compared with sites outside the natural reserve, sites within the natural reserve had relatively lower avian diversity but a higher level of phylogenetic heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Castanopsis sclerophylla (Lindl.) Schott. is a canopy tree species of evergreen broad-leaved forests in subtropical China. In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of C. sclerophylla were investigated by using chloroplast DNA sequences and nuclear microsatellite markers. Permutation tests with chloroplast DNA sequences indicated the presence of phylogeographic structure in C. sclerophylla. Based on nuclear microsatellite markers, Bayesian clustering analysis revealed eastern-to-western differentiation in C. sclerophylla, and the analysis of molecular variance suggested population divergence has arisen along the Xuefeng, Luoxiao, and Wuyi mountain ranges. The approximate Bayesian computation demonstrated that the genetic diversity pattern of C. sclerophylla could be explained by geographic isolation followed by secondary contact. Ecological niche modelling showed that distribution of C. sclerophylla shrank southward at the Last Glacial Maximum and expanded northward at the Mid Holocene. These results suggested that the uplift of the Xuefeng, Luoxiao, and Wuyi mountain ranges and the interglacial–glacial climate change shaped the genetic diversity of C. sclerophylla. The Luoxiao mountain range should be considered as a key conservation unit of C. sclerophylla due to its higher level of genetic diversity. Our study supplies important information for prioritizing the conservation and sustainable utilization of C. sclerophylla, and provides insight on the dynamics of evergreen broad-leaved forests in subtropical China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, fence net aquaculture practices have been established in some subsidence waters that have been formed in coal mining subsidence areas. Within this dynamic ecological context, diverse fish species grow continuously until being harvested at the culmination of their production cycle. The purpose of this study was to investigate diverse factors influencing the bioavailability and distribution of mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg), which have high physiological toxicity in fish, in the Guqiao coal mining subsidence area in Huainan, China. Mercury and MeHg were analyzed in 38 fish samples of eight species using direct mercury analysis (DMA-80) and gas chromatography–cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (GC-CVAFAS). The analysis results show that the ranges of Hg and MeHg content and methylation rate in the fish were 7.84–85.18 ng/g, 0.52–3.52 ng/g, and 0.81–42.68 %, respectively. Meanwhile, conclusions are also summarized as following: (1) Monophagous herbivorous fish that were fed continuously in fence net aquaculture areas had higher MeHg levels and mercury methylation rates than carnivorous fish. Hg and MeHg contents were affected by different feeding habits of fish. (2) Bottom-dwelling fish show higher MeHg levels, and habitat selection in terms of water depth also partially affected the MeHg content of fish. (3) The effect of fence net aquaculture on methylation of fish in subsidence water is mainly from feed and mercury-containing bottom sediments. However, a time-lag is observed in the physiological response of benthic fishes to the release of Hg from sediments. Our findings provides baseline reference data for the ecological impact of fence net aquaculture in waters affected by soil subsidence induced by coal mining in China. Prevalent environmental contaminants within coal mining locales, notably Hg, may infiltrate rain-induced subsidence waters through various pathways. [Display omitted] • Fish mercury methylation in subsidence water differs from natural water. • Mercury in fish mainly accumulated by feeding, and habitat also had some effect. • Impact of fence net aquaculture on fish mercury methylation mainly from feeding. • Mercury response lag resulted in fish not getting more mercury from the sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of dementia in China, particularly in rural areas, is consistently increasing; however, research on population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of risk factors for dementia is scarce. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey, namely, the China Multicentre Dementia Survey (CMDS) in selected rural and urban areas from 2018 to 2020. We performed face-to-face interviews and neuropsychological and clinical assessments to reach a consensus on dementia diagnosis. Prevalence and weighted PAFs of eight modifiable risk factors (six classical: less childhood education, hearing impairment, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, and social isolation, and two novels: olfactory decline and being unmarried) for all-cause dementia were estimated. Results: Overall, CMDS included 17,589 respondents aged ≥ 65 years, 55.6% of whom were rural residents. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence for all-cause dementia was 9.11% (95% CI 8.96–9.26), 5.19% (5.07–5.31), and 11.98% (11.8–12.15) in the whole, urban, and rural areas of China, respectively. Further, the overall weighted PAFs of the eight potentially modifiable risk factors were 53.72% (95% CI 52.73–54.71), 50.64% (49.4–51.89), and 56.54% (55.62–57.46) in the whole, urban, and rural areas of China, respectively. The eight risk factors' prevalence differed between rural and urban areas. Lower childhood education (PAF: 13.92%) and physical inactivity (16.99%) were primary risk factors in rural and urban areas, respectively. Conclusions: The substantial urban–rural disparities in the prevalence of dementia and its risk factors exist, suggesting the requirement of resident-specific dementia-prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's innovation policies for artificial intelligence (AI) are widely considered as having made a remarkable achievement, which offers us a pertinent case to explore how to design and implement an effective innovation policy mix for an emerging technology. On the basis of literature on the characteristics of emerging technologies and the typology of innovation policy, this paper proposes a four‐dimensional framework. It then conducts a categorical principal component analysis and a k‐prototype cluster analysis by using data on 116 China's AI policy programmes from 2009 to 2021, which show that the characteristics of the innovation policy mix can be captured by the four dimensions. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that China's AI innovation policy mix evolves following the changing characteristics of AI technology over time. This paper has some implications for designing AI innovation policy mixes in other countries and designing innovation policy mixes for other emerging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resource, environment, and ecological value of drinking reservoirs have received widespread concerns due to the pollution of persistent organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Therefore, we comprehensively studied the occurrence, source, distribution, and risk assessment of representative PAHs in Fengshuba Reservoir (FSBR) (large drinking reservoir, China). The total concentrations of 16 USEPA PAHs in the water phase, porewater phase, sediment phase, and soil phase were in ranges of 109.72–393.19 ng/L, 5.75–35.15 μg/L, 364.4–743.71 μg/kg, and 367.81–639.89 μg/kg, respectively. The naphthalene (Nap) was the dominant PAHs in the water phase, while it was Nap and phenanthrene (Phe) in porewater, sediment, and soil phase. The main sources of PAHs in FSBR were biomass combustion. Redundancy analysis indicated that the NTU, NO2-, NH4+, Chl-α, and IC were the dominant factors influencing the PAH distribution in water phase, and the PAHs in sediment phase was affected by T and NO3-. Pseudo-partitioning coefficients indicated that the PAHs in the porewater phase were more likely to migrate to the sediment phase. Risk assessment indicated that the PAHs both in the water and sediment phases were generally in a low-risk state, while the PAHs in the soil phase were in a moderate-risk state, and the Nap was in a high-risk state, and exposure to the PAHs in FSBR through drinking and skin exposure had little impact on consumers' health. In summary, Nap could be used as a key indicator to evaluate the existence and potential risk of PAHs in FSBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) is a disease caused by Bipolaris maydis. Pydiflumetofen is a novel succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicide. However, its inhibitory activity against B. maydis has not been investigated in depth. In this study, mycelial growth rate and spore germination methods were used to establish a baseline for the sensitivity of 102 B. maydis strains collected from five regions of China to pydiflumetofen. The results showed that pydiflumetofen exhibited strong inhibitory activity against B. maydis. The EC 50 values ranged from 0.0292 to 0.5207 μg/mL and from 0.0115 to 0.4883 μg/mL, with the average EC 50 values of 0.2050 ± 0.1779 μg/mL and 0.1858 ± 0.0994 μg/mL for inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination, respectively. After treatment with pydiflumetofen, the apical branching of mycelia increased significantly, and morphological changes such as twisting, deformation, rupture, and shriveling of mycelia and spores were observed. In addition, it significantly increased cell membrane permeability and decreased succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. Moreover, the SDH gene expressions were changed, in which MbSdhB , MbSdhC and MbSdhD expressions were significantly upregulated, except for MbSdhA expression, which was significantly downregulated. In detached leaf experiments, pydiflumetofen showed strong protective and curative effects against B. maydis , superior to the same concentration of prochloraz and pyraclostrobin, and its protective effect was better than its curative effect. The field trials showed that the control efficacy of pydiflumetofen at 225 g/hm2 was >70% and its control efficacy at 300 g/hm2 reached 81.77%, which was significantly higher than that of pyraclostrobin and epoxiconazole at the same dosage. After 1:1 mixing of pydiflumetofen with the above control agents, the control efficacies of these mixtures at the same dosage increased compared to the use of a single agent. All the above results demonstrated that pydiflumetofen exhibits excellent inhibitory activity against B. maydis and good control of SCLB, suggesting that it could be used as an alternative fungicide for the control of SCLB. [Display omitted] • Pydiflumetofen, a novel SDHI fungicide shows significant anti-fungal activity against Bipolaris maydis. • The baseline sensitivity of Bipolaris maydis to pydiflumetofen was established. • Pydiflumetofen inhibits B. maydis growth through decreasing SDH activity and ATP content. • Pydiflumetofen provided excellent control efficacy against SCLB in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant pathogenic bacteria can cause numerous diseases for higher plants and result in severe reduction of crop yield. Introduction of new bactericides can always effectively control these plant diseases. Benziothiazolinone (BIT) is a novel fungicide registered in China for the control of plant fungal diseases, however, its anti-bacterial activity is not well studied. The results of activity tests showed that BIT exhibited stronger inhibitory activity against bacteria, particularly for Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) (EC 50 = 0.17 μg/mL), which was superior than that of the tested fungi in vitro. BIT also exhibited excellent protective and curative activity against rice bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xoo with the control efficacies of 71.37% and 91.64% at 600 μg/mL, respectively. After treatment with BIT, Xoo cell surface became wrinkled and the cell shape was distorted with extruding cellular content. It was also found that BIT decreased DNA synthesis and affected the biofilm formation and motility of Xoo cells. However, no significant change in the protein content was observed. Moreover, the results of quantitative real-time PCR also showed that expressions of several genes related to DNA synthesis, biofilm formation and motility of Xoo cells were down- or up-regulated, which further proved the anti-bacterial activity of BIT in influencing the biological properties of Xoo. Additionally, BIT also enhanced the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), a plant defense enzyme. Taken together, benziothiazolinone might be served as an alternative candidate for the control of BLB. [Display omitted] • Benziothiazolinone exhibited strong inhibitory activity against bacteria. • Benziothiazolinone affected the morphology of Xoo and led to cell rupture. • Benziothiazolinone affected biofilm formation, DNA synthesis, and motility of Xoo. • Benziothiazolinone provided excellent control efficacy against BLB of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the improved access to health services in China, inadequate diagnosis and management of dementia are common issues, especially in rural regions.Objective: The Hubei Memory & Aging Cohort Study was designed as a prospective study in Central China to determine the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among urban and rural older adults.Methods: From 2018-2020, participants aged ≥65 years were screened, and data regarding their life behaviors, families, socio-economic status, physical and mental health, social and psychological factors, and cognition were collected. Diagnoses of MCI and dementia were made via consensus diagnosis using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition criteria.Results: Of 8,221 individuals who completed their baseline clinical evaluation, 4,449 (54.1%) were women and 3,164 (38.4%) were from remote rural areas (average age: 71.96 years; mean education period: 7.58 years). At baseline, 25.98%(95%confidence interval [CI]: 24.99-26.96) and 7.24%(95%CI: 6.68-7.80) of the participants were diagnosed with MCI and dementia, respectively. Prevalence showed a strong relationship with age. The substantial disparities between rural and urban regions in MCI and dementia prevalence and multiple dementia-related risk factors were revealed. Especially for dementia, the prevalence rate in rural areas was 2.65 times higher than that in urban regions.Conclusion: Our results suggested that public health interventions are urgently needed to achieve equitable diagnosis and management for people living with dementia in the communities across urban and rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the experiences of patients with cancers in hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Design: A qualitative research study. Methods: Using a phenomenological approach, we enrolled 22 patients with cancers in the Hunan Cancer Hospital from 20 February 2020 to 10 April 2020. The interviews were conducted face‐to‐face and were analysed by Colaizzi's 7‐step method. This study aligns with the COREQ checklist. Results: The experiences of patients with cancers in hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic can be categorized into four major themes: (1) emotional changes; (2) delays in visiting hospital; (3) barriers to accessing medical care services, and (4) inconvenience related to logistics services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing evidence has demonstrated that childhood adversity was a predictor of pain and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis genetic variation is associated with pain risk. This study aims to explore possible effects of prolonged childhood separation from parents and HPA polygenic risk score (PRS) on pain among adolescents in rural China.Method: We used data from 219 adolescents in rural area of Fuyang city, Anhui province, China. Parent-child separation was collected through interview and pain intensity was reported using the 11-point Numerical Rating Scale. SNP genotyping was performed using an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) technique. The PRS was computed based on 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 2 genes (FKBP5 and NR3C1) related to HPA-axis stress reactivity.Results: Pain among adolescents separated from both parents scored higher compared to those without parent-child separation, however, this association was only observed in adolescents with moderate to high tertiles of PRS groups (parent-child separation in moderate group vs. no parent-child separation in moderate group: 3.07 vs. 1.57, P < 0.001; parent-child separation in highest group vs. no parent-child separation in highest group: 3.02 vs. 1.26, P < 0.001; parent-child separation in lowest group vs. no parent-child separation in lowest group: 2.34 vs. 1.25, P = 0.225). After controlled for demographic characteristics, psychopathological symptoms, adverse childhood experiences, parental warmth, prolonged childhood parent-child separation increased pain scores by 1.52 points (95% CI:0.72, 2.33) and 1.72 points (95% CI:1.13, 2.31) in moderate and high PRS groups, respectively.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that adolescents separated from both parents while carrying more risk alleles related to HPA-axis stress reactivity are at heightened risk of pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the in vitro drug sensitivity of Cryptococcus spp. from Guangxi, Southern China. One hundred three strains of Cryptococcus were recovered from 86 patients; 14 were HIV positive and 72 were HIV negative. Ninety-two strains were identified as Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii , while 11 strains were identified as Cryptococcus gattii (5 C. gattii sensu stricto and 6 Cryptococcus deuterogattii). The recovered strains were tested against commonly used antifungal drugs (fluconazole, amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, itraconazole, and voriconazole) and to novel antifungal drugs (posaconazole and isavuconazole) using CLSI M27-A4 method. The results showed that all isolates were susceptible to most antifungal drugs, of which the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges were as follows: 0.05–4 μg/ml for fluconazole, 0.25–1 μg/ml for amphotericin B; 0.0625–2 μg/ml for 5-fluorocytosine, 0.0625–0.25 μg/ml for itraconazole, 0.0078–0.25 μg/ml for voriconazole, 0.0313–0.5 μg/ml for posaconazole, 0.0020–0.125 μg/ml for isavuconazole for C. neoformans var. grubii isolates, and 1–16 μg/ml for fluconazole, 0.125–1 μg/ml for 5-fluorocytosine, 0.25–1 μg/ml for amphotericin B, 0.0625–0.25 μg/ml for itraconazole, 0.0156–0.125 μg/ml for voriconazole, 0.0156–0.25 μg/ml for posaconazole, and 0.0078–0.125 μg/ml for isavuconazole for C. gattii isolates. Furthermore, some C. neoformans var. grubii isolates were found to be susceptible-dose dependent to 5-fluorocytosine and itraconazole. In addition, a reduction in the potency of fluconazole against C. gattii is possible. We observed no statistical differences in susceptibility of C. neoformans var. grubii and C. gattii in the tested strains. Continuous observation of antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus isolates is recommended to monitor the emergence of resistant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on the use of protein-polyphenol complex and protein-polyphenol: polysaccharide complexes to prepare oleogels through an emulsion-templated approach. Electrolysis soy protein isolate (ESPI) could be effectively adsorbed on the surface of a single-layer emulsion to increase the particle size. The order of the negative charges of the emulsion after adding polysaccharides was xanthan gum (XG)> pectin> carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Rheological behavior showed that the stability of the double-layer emulsions increased, and the viscoelasticity increased around one order of magnitude with the addition of polysaccharides. The oil binding capacity (OBC) of the oleogel prepared by adding polysaccharides increased to more than 97%. The peroxide value (PV) and anisidine value (AV) of XG oleogel were the minimum values in all samples. The AV and POV were within the regulatory limits of China after storage for 21 days. This provides a reference to design of ESPI-based oleogel for different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red sandstone in the Luohe Formation in Shaanxi Province, China, contains a rich aquifer system. The excavation of coal mines and tunnels through the Luohe Formation affects the mechanical properties of the rocks in the surrounding environment, creating the need to determine the effect of the porewater pressure and unloading rate on the mechanical properties of the red sandstone. Using the constant axial pressure unloading method, triaxial unloading tests were performed under different unloading rates (0.1, 0.3 and 0.6 MPa s−1 and porewater pressure conditions (0, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 MPa). Based on the results, an unloading statistical damage model of red sandstone was established under the impacts of unloading rate and porewater pressure. During the loading stage, as the porewater pressure increased, the slope of the stress–strain curve and elastic modulus gradually decreased. During the unloading stage, lateral deformation larger than the axial deformation was observed owing to the influence of porewater pressure. The porewater pressure effect became significant as the unloading rate decreased. An increase in porewater pressure or a decrease in the unloading rate increased the confining strain flexibility. Unloading failure of rock samples was dominated by tensile shear failure, thus indicating that a faster unloading rate or larger porewater pressure causes more tensile cracks and severe fracture in the rock samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation of the process of landslide occurrence, including deformation and failure, material movement and energy dissipation of slopes, can help in predicting the features, affected area and risk of potential landslides induced by earthquakes, thus providing support to decision-makers, which is of great practical significance in hazard prevention and mitigation. Taking the Chenjiaying potential landslide in Mian County, Shaanxi Province, China, as the scenario, this study used the discrete element method to develop a numerical simulation. The results showed that deformation of the slope started from the trailing edge, then gradually extended to the middle and leading edge until the failure occurred, via a progressive process. With the increase of the friction coefficient, the movement distance, velocity and failure time of the landslide were shortened, reduced and delayed, respectively, but the peak velocity remained at about 7.5 s after the seismic loading. The proportions of kinetic energy and collision energy in the total energy dissipation also decreased as the friction coefficient increased, but friction energy increased gradually, becoming dominant. The simulation also suggested that the landslide could not only bury houses to a depth of more than 3.8 m but also generate an impact of between 1.18 × 105 and 5.50 × 105 kN on the unit width of houses at the leading edge, which would pose a major threat to life and property safety for more than 50 households. These findings will aid in the assessment of landside risk caused by earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The association between serum uric acid (SUA) and tea consumption has been studied in previous work, and there were arguments among various population group employed as well as different statistical approaches. The aim of this work is to investigate the tea effect on SUA levels among older adults by comparing three large-scale populations with both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.Method: We examined the relationship between intake and SUA levels among older adults using linear regression. All the studies include the parameters SUA levels, tea intake, age, sex, education level, smoking status, alcohol drinking status, body mass index (BMI), and health history (diabetes, hypertension, and fasting plasma glucose). The cross-sectional analyses were conducted with 4579 older adults in the Weitang Geriatric Diseases Study (WGDS, ≥60 years), 2440 in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS, ≥60 years) and 1236 in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS, ≥62 years); and the longitudinal analyses were performed with 3870 (84.5%) in the WGDS and 420 (34.0%) in the CLHLS. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.Results: Cross-sectional studies showed that tea consumers tended to have higher SUA levels than non-tea consumers in all the three datasets (P < 0.05). However, longitudinal associations of SUA levels with tea consumption had no statistical significance (P>0.05). The results of sex-stratified analyses were consistent with those of the whole datasets.Conclusions: This work implied that any possible association between tea consumption and SUA levels could be very weak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone (O 3) pollution is of great concern in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region of China, and the regional O 3 pollution is closely associated with dominant weather systems. With a focus on the warm seasons (April–September) from 2014 to 2018, we quantitatively analyze the characteristics of O 3 variations over the YRD, the impacts of large-scale and synoptic-scale circulations on the O 3 variations and the associated meteorological controlling factors, based on observed ground-level O 3 and meteorological data. Our analysis suggests an increasing trend of the regional mean O 3 concentration in the YRD at 1.8 ppb per year over 2014–2018. Spatially, the empirical orthogonal function analysis suggests the dominant mode accounting for 65.7 % variation in O 3 , implying that an increase in O 3 is the dominant tendency in the entire YRD region. Meteorology is estimated to increase the regional mean O 3 concentration by 3.1 ppb at most from 2014 to 2018. In particular, relative humidity (RH) plays the most important role in modulating the inter-annual O 3 variation, followed by solar radiation (SR) and low cloud cover (LCC). As atmospheric circulations can affect local meteorological factors and O 3 levels, we identify five dominant synoptic weather patterns (SWPs) in the warm seasons in the YRD using the t -mode principal component analysis classification. The typical weather systems of SWPs include the western Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH) under SWP1, a continental high and the Aleutian low under SWP2, an extratropical cyclone under SWP3, a southern low pressure and WPSH under SWP4 and the north China anticyclone under SWP5. The variations of the five SWPs are all favorable to the increase in O 3 concentrations over 2014–2018. However, crucial meteorological factors leading to increases in O 3 concentrations are different under different SWPs. These factors are identified as significant decreases in RH and increases in SR under SWP1, 4 and 5, significant decreases in RH, increases in SR and air temperature (T2) under SWP2 and significant decreases in RH under SWP3. Under SWP1, 4 and 5, significant decreases in RH and increases in SR are predominantly caused by the WPSH weakening under SWP1, the southern low pressure weakening under SWP4 and the north China anticyclone weakening under SWP5. Under SWP2, significant decreases in RH, increases in SR and T2 are mainly produced by the Aleutian low extending southward and a continental high weakening. Under SWP3, significant decreases in RH are mainly induced by an extratropical cyclone strengthening. These changes in atmospheric circulations prevent the water vapor in the southern and northern sea from being transported to the YRD and result in RH significantly decreasing under each SWP. In addition, strengthened descending motions (behind the strengthening trough and in front of the strengthening ridge) lead to decreases in LCC and significant increases in SR under SWP1, 2, 4 and 5. The significant increases in T2 would be due to weakening cold flow introduced by a weakening continental high. Most importantly, the changes in the SWP intensity can make large variations in meteorological factors and contribute more to the O 3 inter-annual variation than the changes in the SWP frequency. Finally, we reconstruct an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) mode 1 time series that is highly correlated with the original O 3 time series, and the reconstructed time series performs well in defining the change in SWP intensity according to the unique feature under each of the SWPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International immigrants' health is receiving increasing attention, reflecting the need for health systems to adapt to diverse migrant populations. To better inform health policies suited for the needs of international immigrants living in China, empirical evidence on the health service utilization of these international immigrants living in China is urgently needed. Our study included 5459 international immigrants including inpatients and outpatients, who were treated over a 4-year period (2015–2018) in one of the most frequented hospitals by international immigrants in Yiwu, Zhejiang province. Data (e.g., demographic information, outpatient costs, inpatient costs, length of stay, and the average number of visits per patient) were extracted from the Health Information System at the hospital. Descriptive analysis was performed to analyze the basic characteristics of international immigrants living in China (e.g., medical costs, length of stay and the average number of visits per patient) during the study period. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess the factors that influence the health service utilization of international immigrants. International immigrants tended to use outpatient services (accounting for 97.22% of the whole sample) compared with inpatient services (only 2.78% of the whole sample). Most international immigrants visited the hospital because of orthopedics, otolaryngological diseases, pediatric-related diseases and skin-related diseases, followed by maternity and general surgery. The average number of visits to the outpatient department per patient was 2.1 in 2015 to 2.5 in 2018, and the length of stay increased from 3.45 days to 5.81 days during last four years. The outpatient costs increased from RMB 800.43(112.22 US$) to RMB 1756.98(246.33 US$), and inpatient costs rose from RMB 10,958.89(1536.44US$) to RMB 20,912.55(2931.94US$) during 2015–2018. The average number of visits and outpatient costs of international immigrants were both lower than those of local Chinese people (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistic difference in inpatient costs and LOS between international immigrants and Chinese. Having health insurance in China was significantly related with higher medical costs. Our results indicate that international immigrants living in China make greater use of outpatient services rather than hospitalization health services. Health services utilization is increasing in the last four years, but it was lower than that of local Chinese people especially outpatient service utilization. Moreover, more attention should be garnered toward specific health issues experienced by international immigrants, such as orthopedic health, maternal and child health, occupational diseases or accidents, and infectious diseases with skin-related symptoms. The policy implications from the results of this study are as follows. First, in order to improve international immigrants' health and access to health services in China, the government needs to pay more attention to incorporating international immigrants' health services to the current health system. Second, health policy is an important determining factor of access to health care, as policy can influence aspects of health services delivery such as the availability of resources, organization, and financing. Therefore, specific framework for the content of health policies focused on international immigrant populations should be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early diagnosis of gastric cancer is difficult in China due to the lack of a valid method for endoscopic screening. Early gastric cancer, especially flat gastric cancer, lacks specific endoscopic features. Many cases appear to be similar to ordinary gastritis cases under normal white light endoscopy, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Aims: In order to find a new method to improve detection rate of early gastric cancer in China, we designed a trial to validate linked color imaging (LCI) for screening of early gastric cancer in a high-risk population, as compared to white light imaging (WLI). Method: Subjects were randomly allocated to either the LCI + WLI or WLI group and then subjected to gastroscopy and all endoscopies were made after special preparation. All endoscopists had knowledge of this experiment. The main indicator was the rate of detection of gastric neoplastic lesions. The difference in the detection rate between the two groups is reported. Results: The detection rate was 4.31% in the WLI group and 8.01% in the LCI + WLI group. This is a difference of 3.70% with a P value < 0.001 and an OR (95% CI) of 1.934 (1.362, 2.746). The lower limit of the 95% CI was greater than 0, and the superiority margin was 1%. Conclusion: The detection rate of gastric neoplastic lesions was higher in the LCI + WLI group than in the WLI group, LCI might be an effective method for screening early gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habenaria is one of the largest terrestrial genera in the family Orchidaceae. Most field studies on Habenaria species with greenish–white and nocturnal scented flowers are pollinated by nocturnal hawkmoths and settling moths. However, H. rhodocheila presents reddish flowers lacking a detectable scent and fails to fit the moth pollination syndrome. We investigated the pollinators, breeding system, and functional traits of H. rhodocheila in South China and found that two diurnal swallowtail butterflies Papilio helenus and Papilio nephelus (Papilionidae) were the effective pollinators. When butterflies foraged for nectar in the spur, the pollinia became attached between the palpi. A triangular projected median rostellar lobe was found at the entrance (sinus) of the spur of H. rhodocheila. This lobe divided the spur opening into two entrances forcing butterflies to enter their proboscides through the left or right side. When the projection of median rostellar lobe was removed, the site of pollinium attachment changed to the eyes of the butterflies, leading to a higher rate of pollinium removal but lower rate of pollinium deposition. Our quartz glass cylinder choice experiment suggested that visual rather than olfactory cues provided the major stimuli for butterflies to locate these flowers. Hand pollination experiments suggested this species was self‐compatible but pollinator‐dependent. However, the proportion of seeds with large embryos produced in self‐pollinated fruits was significantly lower than in cross‐pollinated fruits, indicating a significant inbreeding depression. Unlike many other orchid species, fruit set was higher than rates of pollinium removal, indicating a high level of pollination efficiency in a species with friable pollinia. Shifts from moth to butterfly pollination in the genus Habenaria parallel other orchid lineages providing insights into the potential for pollinator‐mediated floral trait selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Chinese Smell Identification Test (CSIT) was developed specifically for Chinese populations. This work investigated the utility of this test in detecting Parkinson's disease (PD). Olfactory dysfunction is a common non-motor symptom of PD. There are different opinions on the efficacy of drugs for anosmia in PD. Objective: To investigate the olfactory function of Chinese PD patients, verify the effectiveness of the CSIT, and further detect the effects of dopaminergic drugs on anosmia. Methods: In total, 149 PD patients were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and 149 healthy comparison participants (HCP) were recruited from the Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The CSIT was used for olfactory function testing in all participants. Results: CSIT scores were significantly lower in the PD group than in the HCP group (t(296) = −12.797, P < 0.001, d = 1.48). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal threshold value for the olfactory recognition test was 22.5, which had a sensitivity and specificity of 71.1% and 89.3%, respectively, for the detection of Parkinson's disease. Sex showed a significant influence on CSIT score (t = −3.552, P = 0.001), with males being more likely to develop olfactory dysfunction. We found CSIT scores of the non-medication group and the group with medication were lower than those of the HCP group, and the difference was statistically significant (t(82) = −7.116, P < 0.0167, d = 1.59; t(82) = −4.907, P < 0.0167, d = 1.10). CSIT scores of the group with medication were significantly higher than those of the non-medication group (t(41) = −3.067, P < 0.0167, d = 0.41). Conclusions: In China, the CSIT is recommended to improve the sensitivity of PD detection. The olfactory function of PD patients was improved after treatment with dopaminergic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrio are widely distributed in aquatic environments and strongly associated with eutrophic environments and human health through the consumption of contaminated seafood. However, the response of the Vibrio community to seasonal variation in eutrophic environments is poorly understood. In this study, we used a Vibrio -specific 16S rRNA sequencing approach to reveal the seasonal distribution pattern and diversity of the Vibrio community in the Maowei Sea, Beibu Gulf of China. The Shannon diversity of the Vibrio community was highest in the summer, while β-diversity analysis showed that Vibrio community structures were significantly different between seasons. Distance-based redundancy analysis (dbRDA) and Mantel test analysis suggested that total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), salinity, and temperature were the key environmental factors shaping the Vibrio community structure, indicating a strong filtering effect of trophic condition on Vibrio communities. Furthermore, through random forest analysis, V. fluvialis , V. alginolyticus , V. proteolyticus , V. splendidus , and the other eight Vibrio species were more sensitive to eutrophic changes. This study revealed seasonal changes in Vibrio communities and the influence of environmental variation on Vibrio community composition, contributing to a better understanding of their potential ecological roles in a subtropical inland bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient compactness of rockfill materials may potentially cause excessive deformation of a concrete face rockfill dam (CFRD), thus resulting in cracking of the face slab and leakage of the dam body, thereby requiring reinforcement treatment. To date, there are no effective measures in strengthening rockfill materials. In this study, self-compacting mortar (SCM) was applied to the Shibaozhai CFRD in Gansu Province, China, to test the effectiveness of grouting reinforcement. Simultaneously, an indoor triaxial shear test was conducted to investigate the changes in the mechanical properties of rockfill materials before and after the grouting reinforcement. The on-site test results showed that the rockfill reached the desired porosity after grouting and grouting reinforcement enhanced the cementation degree of rockfill materials while maintaining uninterrupted drainage capacity, which met the requirements of rockfill grouting for the face rockfill dam. The results of the triaxial shear test indicated that the cohesive force of the rockfill materials rose by 3.95 times and the modulus increased by 7.24 times after grouting reinforcement，significantly enhancing the mechanical and deformation properties of the rockfill. An increase in the content of coarse particles was shown to enhance the stability of cementitious structures, which leads to a better skeleton effect and thereby raises the effectiveness of the grouting reinforcement. The rockfill materials also exhibited strain-softening characteristics following the grouting reinforcement. The research showed that grouting reinforcement technology is suitable for managing the deformation of high CFRDs or reinforcing ill rockfill dams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of metals in household dust remains a concern for human health. However, few studies to date have been conducted on the contribution of both indoor and outdoor environments to the health risks posed by metals. This study was carried out to assess the potential health risks from both indoor and outdoor household dust and the respective contribution to the health risks for children. The results showed that household dusts were heavily polluted by metal(loid)s, which were up to 30 times higher than the relative background level, and were attributed to smelting activity. However, there are other pollution sources in indoor environments, since the I/O ratio values of Pb, Cd, and As were significantly higher than 1. HI values of Pb and As exceeded the threshold of (1) and accounted for approximately 60% and 24% to the HIt, respectively. The HIts of Zn, Cr, Mn, Hg, and Cu were mainly attributable to indoor dust exposure, particularly for Hg (73.44%), indicating non‐carcinogenic health risks could be attributed more to the indoor dust exposure. This study highlights the potential risks of metal contamination in household environment, particularly indoor environment, on the health of children who live in the vicinity of smelting activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To explore the sources and distribution characteristics of SO42− in the surface waters of the Linhuan mining area in Huaibei, river and surface water samples in subsidence and mine drainage locations in the study area were collected at different times. The conventional hydrochemical indexes and the eigenvalues of sulfur and oxygen isotopes were tested and analyzed. The results suggested the following: (1) The SO42− content showed seasonal changes: low-flow seasons > mid-flow seasons > high-flow seasons. (2) Based on δ34SSO4 and δ18OSO4 isotope analyses, the main source of SO42− was the dissolution of evaporite salt rocks in the stratum of the upstream area. The SO42− in the subsidence area was mainly from the river water supply, mine drainage and coal gangue leaching. The high concentration of SO42− in the mine drainage was mainly from the dissolution of evaporative salt rocks. (3) The calculation results of the ternary mixing model showed that the SO42− in the subsidence area water was affected by mine drainage and gangue leaching to different degrees. The results showed that the sulfate contribution proportion of the river water source to the subsidence area water was 35.8–65.9%; the sulfate contribution proportion of the mine drainage source to the subsidence area water was 2.0–26.6%; and the sulfate contribution proportion of the gangue leaching end source ranged from 16.3% to 56.9%. Coal mining activities had an important impact on the sulfate in the subsidence area water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have been carried out on the water environment in coal-mining subsidence area, which have mainly focused on the two aspects of nitrogen and phosphorus as well as heavy metal pollution in water. However, little attention has been paid to the problem of sulfate pollution. The surrounding conditions of subsidence area in Linhuan are complex, and there are a large number of coal gangue accumulation and coal mining activities. The sulfate pollution in water body is serious, while the specific sulfate source remains unclear. In the present study, the mining subsidence area in Linhuan, Huaibei was selected as the main study area, and 21 water samples were systematically collected from river water, subsidence area water and mine drainage. The conventional hydrochemical indexes were analyzed, and sulfur and oxygen isotopes were used to trace sources of sulfate in river water and subsidence area water. Our results showed that the total dissolved solid content was high in surface water, the hydrochemical type of Huihe River water was mainly Na+-Ca2+-HCO 3 -, and the hydrochemical type of subsidence area water was mainly Na+-Cl--SO 4 2-. Before flowing through the mining area, sulfate in the main stream of Huihe River was mainly derived from two aspects: the dissolution of evaporative salt rocks in the upper reaches. The sulfate in the Baohe River tributaries was mainly derived from the combined effects of atmospheric precipitation. The two rivers converged and were discharged into the subsidence area, causing serious sulfate pollution and affecting the water quality in the subsidence area. The δ34S SO4 value and SO 4 2− content showed a good correlation in river water, subsidence area water and mine drainage, indicating that the SO 4 2− content in the subsidence area was mainly affected by double-ended sources. Besides the impact of the Huihe River, the discharge of local mining waste water was also an important sulfate source, reflecting the effect of coal-mining activities on the water environment. • The methods of sulfur and oxygen isotopes were used to trace the source of sulfate. • This paper mainly focused on the sulfate source in surface water of mining area. • The main distinction of sulfate sources was analyzed in different water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel approach for urban resilience assessment. • The assessment model assesses urban resilience from a multidimensional perspective. • A simplified equation for input evidence is devised. Pursuing the high-quality urbanisation and improving urban system reliability are the current goal of urban development. Urban resilience reflects the reliability of a city in coping with external and internal disturbances. Therefore, the urban system reliability can be quantified by assessing urban resilience. Simultaneously, urban resilience assessments can identify vulnerabilities that affect the urban system reliability. Based on this, targeted decisions are proposed to enhance the reliability, stability and safety of urban systems. This study constructs an assessment indicator system to quantitatively estimate the reliability of urban systems and develops a dynamic urban resilience assessment model by combining it with a dynamic network framework that accounts for time-varying factors. The model estimates the urban system reliability from a resilience perspective and identifies vulnerabilities in urban resilience. The applicability of the model is verified using Fujian Province as a research case. The case study uses annual urban data from 2016 to 2021, which is outstanding in terms of data objectivity. The results provide important insights for practitioners and researchers in optimising urban resilience, improving urban system reliability and formulating urban development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), is a kind of important rice pest in China. Chemical control is the most effective method in the field control of S. furcifera. However, due to the intensive use of chemicals, it has developed resistance to multiple insecticides. Here, we conducted insecticide resistance monitoring of 55 field populations of S. furcifera over the period 2014–2022. Monitoring data demonstrated that most of the field populations showed increased resistance to neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid, dinotefuran and thiamethoxam, which had developed moderate resistance levels. All field populations were still susceptible to triflumezopyrim (RR = 0.1–4.1-fold). Nearly all populations developed a low to moderate level of resistance to pymetrozine (RR = 1.0–46.1). About half of the field populations kept high levels of resistance to buprofezin (RR = 18.4–351.6-fold), and nearly all populations kept moderate levels of resistance to chlorpyrifos (RR = 0.1–88.2-fold). Synergism assay was conducted on a field buprofezin-resistant population and no significant synergistic effect was observed for three inhibitors, which implies that other mechanisms may be involved in resistance evolution in white-backed planthopper. [Display omitted] • The susceptibility of eight insecticides to the white backed planthopper were investigated. • Moderate to high resistance to buprofezin, chlorpyrifos and pymetrozine was observed. • Three detoxification enzymes play little role in the metabolic resistance to buprofezin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]