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This study takes an ergonomic perspective to discuss the mismatch between academic training and employers' expectations in the Chinese context. Drawing on information from 36 MA students who worked as translation interns before graduating from two leading Chinese universities, this article presents the latest developments in China's translation industry and discusses the main weaknesses of MA programmes in translation and interpreting. The article also proposes recommendations at institutional and policy levels with regard to ergonomics that may help improve career preparation for MA students. We hope this article attracts the attention of international scholars interested in conducting comparative studies on translation industries and policies in translation education in different national and regional contexts.

This study is nationwide multicenter epidemiological research, aimed at investigating the distribution changes and seasonal patterns of various airborne allergens among preschool children with allergic rhinitis (AR) in different regions of China, and analyzing the clinical correlation between sensitization to various airborne allergens and AR symptoms in children. Information on children was collected through standard questionnaires, and total IgE (tIgE) and specific IgE (sIgE) for 11 inhalant allergens were tested. The results showed that dust mites are the primary allergens for preschool AR children (39%). Among pollen allergens, Amb a had the highest positivity rate (8.1%), followed by Art v (7.8%). The sensitization rates for two mites peaked in May (46.9% and 40.6%). Art v peaked in August (21.5%), while Amb a had peaks in May (12.7%) and August (17.8%). The sensitization peaks for various tree pollens mainly occurred in August. In the Eastern monsoon region, the sensitization rate to mites was significantly higher than in the Northwest arid and semi-arid regions; whereas, for pollen allergens, the sensitization rates to Amb a, Pla a, Pin a, Pop d, and Bet v were significantly higher in the Northwest arid and semi-arid regions than in the Eastern monsoon region. The correlation among various tree pollens, specifically between Pla a, Pin r, Pop d, and Bet v was strong (0.63 ~ 0.79), with a cross-overlapping percentage of 53.9%. Children with multiple pollen sensitizations had higher cumulative nasal symptom scores than those negative for pollen (P < 0.01). Children with only pollen sensitization had higher cumulative rhinitis symptom scores than the all-negative group (P < 0.0001) and the mite-only sensitization group [P < 0.05], while the mite-only sensitization group also had higher scores than the all-negative group [P < 0.05], and the group sensitized to both pollen and mites had lower scores than the pollen-only group [P < 0.05]. This study indicates that sensitization to mites and grass pollens exhibits significant regional differences, with grass pollen allergies primarily occurring in autumn, sensitization to pollens in general exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern. Moreover, pollen sensitization aggravates nasal and ocular symptoms in AR children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feeding value of five varieties of whole-plant cassava (SC5, SC7, SC9, SC14, and SC205) was assessed through analysis of the nutritional composition and in situ ruminal degradability. The results showed abundant nutrients in whole-plant cassava, and the means of starch and crude protein (CP) were 267.7 and 176.8 (g kg−1), and ranged from 223.7 g kg−1 (SC9) to 296.4 g kg−1 (SC14) and from 142.4 g kg−1 (SC5) to 195.8 g kg−1 (SC9) (p < 0.05), respectively. Meanwhile, the moderate neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of whole-plant cassava was also observed and ranged from 266.2 g kg−1 in SC9 to 286.6 g kg−1 in SC14 (p < 0.05). In addition, the trace elements, such as Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn, in whole-plant cassava were relatively enriched, and their mean concentrations were 135.8, 1225.2, 5.8, and 105.3 mg kg−1 (p < 0.05), respectively. Both the highest essential amino acid and total amino acid concentrations were obtained in SC7 (p < 0.01). The hydrogen cyanide (HCN) content of fresh and dried whole-plant cassava ranged from 76.5 to 131.6 and from 36.0 to 56.7 mg kg−1 (p < 0.05), respectively. The in situ dry matter ruminal degradability and metabolizable energy (ME) varied significantly (p < 0.05) and were consistently lowest and highest in SC9 and SC14, ranging from 50.9% to 80.0% and from 7.5 to 12.3 MJ kg−1, respectively. Collectively, all varieties of whole-plant cassava had a high feeding value, as reflected by abundant starch, minerals, amino acid, and water-soluble carbohydrates, while having a low fiber content and HCN toxicity, as well as excellent ruminal digestibility characteristics, and they could be used as a potential feed resource for ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auricularia is a genus of edible jelly fungi whose highly plastic fruiting bodies lack differentiation between stalks and caps, making accurate identification of similar species difficult. Auricularia villosula (A. villosula) is a wild edible mushroom that is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Here, we sequenced and assembled its mitochondrial genome using Illumina short reads. The complete sequence is 230,069 bp in length with a GC content of 30.1%. It harbors 41 genes (25 tRNA, 2 rRNA, and 14 protein-coding): 2 on the N strand (−) and 29 on the J strand (+). Analysis of nucleotide composition revealed positive GC (0.027) and AT (0.002) skews. The mitochondrial genome included a very large intergenic region (22,840 bp) between cytochrome b (CytB) and tRNATyr, lacked overlapping nucleotides between genes, and used non-standard start codons for some genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. villosula was distant from other species of Polyporales, Agaricales, and Russulales. The A. villosula mitogenome sequence will be useful for future taxonomic and genetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lamprophyre is one of the most important probes to understand the enrichment and depletion processes of the lithospheric evolution. Determining the age and petrogenesis of lamprophyres could provide critical data for deducing the timing and process of lithospheric revolution of the Sulu Orogenic Belt (SOB) and North China Craton (NCC). In this study, the Taolin lamprophyre in SOB was delineated by zircon U–Pb dating with the ages of 126 Ma. This lamprophyre is characterized by high contents of SiO2 and total alkali contents (Na2O + K2O), low Mg# value, low contents of total Fe2O3, MgO, and compatible elements, enriched in LREE and LILE but strong depleted in HFSE, as well as enriched Sr–Nd and depleted Pb isotope compositions (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.707757 to 0.708048, εNd(t) = – 13.0 to – 12.7, 206Pb/204Pb(t) ratios of 16.934 to 17.000, 207Pb/204Pb(t) of 15.435 to 15.442, and 208Pb/204Pb(t) of 37.682 to 37.706). Interpretations of whole-rock elemental data suggest the Taolin lamprophyre was derived from 1% to 5% partial melting of spinel peridotite; and MELTS modelling indicates fractional crystallization of ~16.7% orthopyroxene and ~16.6% clinopyroxene under 1.5 Gbar. Based on the analyses of Neoproterozoic relic zircons and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic components of the Taolin lamprophyre and adjacent lamprophyres, we put forwards that there are several subducted crustal materials were trapped into the SOB lithospheric mantle, and the magma source of these lamprophyres might have experienced metasomatic processes not only by the hydrous fluids derived from the subducting Paleo–Pacific oceanic crust in the Jurassic, but also by melts derived from partial melting of the subducting South China continental crust in the Triassic. A geodynamic trigger for generation of the Taolin lamprophyre is proposed to be related to lithospheric thinning coupled with asthenospheric upwelling beneath the North China Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auricularia delicata (Mont.) Henn. 1893 is an edible and medicinal jelly mushroom popular in China. Here, we report the assembly and annotation of a complete A. delicata mitochondrial genome based on data sequenced using an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. The length of the complete circular A. delicata mitochondrial genome is 189,696 bp, with a GC content of 34.1%. The A. delicata mitochondrial genome contains 60 genes, including 32 protein-coding genes, 26 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that A. delicata clustered with the Auricularia group, alongside A. auricula-judae and A. heimuer. Additionally, A. delicata was found to be genetically distant from other species of Polyporales, Russulales, and Agaricales. This genome will provide an invaluable reference for the continued study and utilization of A. delicata and other Auricularia species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, China has become the world's third largest international trading country and the largest container manufacturer. However, with the demand of industrial production, resulting in the decrease of tropical rain forest year by year, clonal wood (apitong) has become a rare tree species, and the raw materials used in the production of container wood flooring have gradually developed from imported clonal wood to multi-timber. In this case, it is very important to find new materials to replace imported clone wood and study the mechanism of damage (destruction) of container wood flooring subjected to external strength. Based on the mechanical analysis and comparison of 7 260 kg container wood floor test in trolley and conventional laboratory load test, the causes and cracking position of container wood floor opening were studied, and the form and mechanism of container wood floor under the action of external strength were clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study is to explore the status quo of foot pruritus and related factors in elderly diabetics and provide a reference for targeted preventive measures. The study involved a survey using a self‐designed foot pruritus assessment scale to understand the status quo of foot pruritus among 411 cases of elderly diabetics from 5 communities in Shanghai. The morbidity rate of foot pruritus in elderly diabetics in the community was 20.1%. Good self‐management behaviour was the protective factor, while diabetic peripheral neuropathy, hyperlipidemia, and dry skin were risk factors (all P < 0.05). The incidence of foot pruritus in elderly diabetics was high and influenced by several factors. We recommend that self‐management behaviour of patients be improved. Additionally, screening and interventions to address hyperlipidemia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and dry skin should be conducted regularly to prevent diabetic foot ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we forecasted the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) over the region of China using the bidirectional convolutional gated recurrent unit (BiConvGRU) model. We first generated the China Regional Ionospheric Maps (CRIMs) using GNSS observations provide by the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC). We then used gridded TEC maps from 2015 to 2018 with a 1 h interval from the CRIMs as the dataset, including quiet periods and storm periods of ionospheric TEC. The BiConvGRU model was then utilized to forecast the ionospheric TEC across China for the year 2018. The forecasted TEC was compared with the TEC from the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2016), Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM), Convolutional Gated Recurrent Unit (ConvGRU), Bidirectional Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (BiConvLSTM), and the 1-day Predicted Global Ionospheric Map (C1PG) provided by the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE). In addition, indices including Kp, ap, Dst and F10.7 were added to the training dataset to improve the forecasting accuracy of the model (-A indicates no indices, while -B indicates with indices). The results verified that the prediction accuracies of the models integrated with these indices were significantly improved, especially during geomagnetic storms. The BiConvGRU-B model presented a decrease of 41.5%, 22.3%, and 13.2% in the root mean square error (RMSE) compared to the IRI-2016, ConvGRU, and BiConvLSTM-B models during geomagnetic storm days. Furthermore, at a specific grid point, the BiConvGRU-B model showed a decrease of 42.6%, 49.1%, and 31.9% in RMSE during geomagnetic quiet days and 30.6%, 34.1%, and 15.1% during geomagnetic storm days compared to the IRI-2016, C1PG, and BiConvLSTM-B models, respectively. In the cumulative percentage analysis, the BiConvGRU-B model had a significantly higher percentage of mean absolute error (MAE) within the range of 0–1 TECU in all seasons compared to the BiConvLSTM-B model. Meanwhile, the BiConvGRU-B model outperformed the BiConvLSTM-B model with lower RMSE for each month of 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Because of the wide distribution of overland oil and gas pipelines, some pipelines will unavoidably pass through landslide-prone mountainous areas. Landslides may cause deformation or even damage to pipelines, affecting the normal working of the pipeline system. Therefore, it is necessary to study the multiple influence factors of pipeline deformation caused by landslides and establish a forewarning model for oil and gas pipelines buried in landslides. In the present research, the field investigation and a series of large deformation numerical simulations are conducted along four pipelines located in the southeast region of China. Results show that small soil landslides are the main types of landslides threatening the safety of pipelines, whose deformation degree mainly depends on the scale of the landslides and the location of the pipelines in the landslides. Through the investigation, the scale of landslides is the main factor determining the deformation of pipelines induced by landslides. Considering the variation of the scale of landslides, with the increase of the angles, thicknesses, and lengths of the landslides, the pipeline deformation keeps increasing. When crossing the landslides laterally, the pipeline buried in the leading edge of landslides is safer than in the tail edge. What is more, it is most dangerous when the pipeline is buried in the middle of a landslide. Considering the variation of the scale of landslides, including the longitudinal length, horizontal width, thickness, and slope of landslides, as well as the location of pipelines in the landslides, a piecewise forewarning model including those parameters was established based on the influence function for crossing pipelines in landslides. The proposed forewarning model can be used for monitoring and evaluating landslide geological disasters of pipelines and reduce the risk of pipeline landslide geological hazards in the monitored area effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kangaroo mother care has reduced mortality and morbidity in preterm and low birth weight infants and has many benefits, such as promoting breastfeeding. Based on the current evidence in China and international, we developed a clinical practice guideline for kangaroo mother care in preterm and low birth weight infants using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation and proposed 34 recommendations for 20 key questions. Our goal is to promote the appropriate implementation of kangaroo mother care in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, renewable energy projects gradually receive due attention, among which the photovoltaic power stations in Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park represents the most typical power stations in Pakistan. The construction and development processes of the photovoltaic power stations are divided into three stages, with enterprises involved including TBEA Xinjiang Sunoasis Co., Ltd., Urumqi, China and Zonergy Solar Technology Co., Ltd., Zigong, China. The development model of the photovoltaic power stations changed from engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) plus operation and maintenance (O&M) mode to the Build–Own–Operate (BOO) mode. Through solar power generation and marginal emission factors of photovoltaic power stations, the cumulative electricity generation during the operation period can reach nearly 40.09 billion kWh, and the cumulative emission reduction potential of photovoltaic power stations can reach 23.82 Mt CO2-eq. Based on the multi-stage construction of photovoltaic power stations in the solar park, the land, infrastructure, and transmission facilities could be arranged to simplify the procedures and attract overseas investment. The construction and development model of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park could provide a reference for the promotion of low-carbon transition, the adjustment of traditional energy structures, the fulfillment of carbon reduction commitments, and the mitigation of climate change, which could provide policy implications for renewable energy development and low-carbon transition in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dietary diversity is essential for human health. The gut ecosystem provides a potential link between dietary diversity, host metabolism, and health, yet this mechanism is poorly understood. Objectives Here, we aimed to investigate the relation between dietary diversity and the gut environment as well as host metabolism from a multiomics perspective. Methods Two independent longitudinal Chinese cohorts (a discovery and a validation cohort) were included in the present study. Dietary diversity was evaluated with FFQs. In the discovery cohort (n  = 1916), we performed shotgun metagenomic and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing to profile the gut microbiome. We used targeted metabolomics to quantify fecal and serum metabolites. The associations between dietary diversity and the microbial composition were replicated in the validation cohort (n  = 1320). Results Dietary diversity was positively associated with α diversity of the gut microbiota. We identified dietary diversity–related gut environment features, including the microbial structure (β diversity), 68 microbial genera, 18 microbial species, 8 functional pathways, and 13 fecal metabolites. We further found 332 associations of dietary diversity and related gut environment features with circulating metabolites. Both the dietary diversity and diversity-related features were inversely correlated with 4 circulating secondary bile acids. Moreover, 16 mediation associations were observed among dietary diversity, diversity-related features, and the 4 secondary bile acids. Conclusions These results suggest that high dietary diversity is associated with the gut microbial environment. The identified key microbes and metabolites may serve as hypotheses to test for preventing metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionospheric total electron content (TEC) is important data for ionospheric morphology, and also an important parameter for ionospheric correction in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) precise positioning, navigation, and radio science. In this study, we present a data assimilation model for regional ionosphere based on a local ensemble Kalman filter (LEnKF) with the International Reference Ionosphere 2016 (IRI-2016) model as the background, to assimilate ionospheric TEC observations from GNSS. To demonstrate the results, the TEC estimates from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC), which is about 260 stations in China, are applied as observation. The assessments are performed against the TEC estimates from BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) geostationary earth orbit (GEO) and against the final products from the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE). The assimilation results are in good agreement with BDS GEO TEC and the CODE TEC on a quiet or disturbed day. The correlation coefficient after assimilation is increased by about 17% compared with that before assimilation, and the RMSE after assimilation is decreased by about 42% compared with that before assimilation. Furthermore, the assimilated method is also evaluated in the single-frequency precise point positioning (PPP). The experimental results indicate that the PPP/Assimilated method can improve the GNSS positioning accuracy more effectively in comparison to the PPP/CODE. These results reveal that the LEnKF method can be considered as a useful tool for ionospheric assimilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco foreign material eliminating is an important step in the process of cigarette production. Through combing the research progress of tobacco foreign material eliminating technology in cigarette processing in China, it was pointed out that there were significant differences of tobacco foreign material in threshing and redrying, tobacco primary processing, rolling and wrapping process and waste cigarette treatment process. The tobacco foreign material eliminating methods in domestic cigarette processing included air purification removal, photoelectric impurity removal, laser impurity removal, etc. Different impurity removal methods had their advantages, disadvantages and applicable conditions. However, these impurity removal methods and technologies for tobacco were basically used alone, which made it difficult to meet the impurity removal efficiency while taking into account other index requirements. In the future, it should focus on in-depth research from three aspects: clarifying the characteristics and service conditions of various impurity removal methods, optimizing and upgrading the existing commonly used impurity removal methods, and carrying out research on multiple impurity removal and integrated composite impurity removal technologies. This would comprehensively improve the level of tobacco foreign material eliminating technology in the cigarette processing process, and then improve the cigarette product processing quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the changes in allergen sensitization in China secondary to the environmental variations over the past decade. We aimed at investigating the variations in sensitization among asthma and/or rhinitis patients in China between 2008 and 2018. Methods: This study analyzed cross‐sectional data from national surveys conducted in China in 2008 and 2018. After finishing the questionnaire, participants underwent serum specific IgE measurements. A total of 2322 and 2798 patients were enrolled in 2008 and 2018, respectively. The significance of differences in sensitization rates among four regions of China were assessed. Correlation analysis was used to identify the associations of sensitization with climate change and planting of Artemisia desertorum between the two surveys. Results: Compared with 2008, the general sensitization rate to mites significantly increased in 2018, which ranked highest among all tested allergens. Sensitization to pollens, especially Artemisia vulgaris, showed the greatest increase in the north. The annual mean temperature, rainfall and relative humidity in all four regions, and the Artemisia desertorum coverage in the northeastern area, increased significantly in 2018 as compared with 2008. From 2008 to 2018, an increase in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus sensitization was significantly associated with an increase in relative humidity (r = 0.54, p = 0.037). The increase in A. vulgaris sensitization was significantly associated with the increase in the A. desertorum planting area (r = 0.67, p = 0.006) and with a decrease in rainfall (r = −0.59, p = 0.021). Conclusions: House dust mites remain the most important allergen in Chinese individuals with asthma and/or rhinitis. Pollen sensitization dramatically increased in northern China. Increases in sensitization to dust mites and Artemisia were related to the increases in humidity and planting area of A. desertorum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart energy plays an important role in alleviating energy poverty in China in the context of the new technological revolution and industrial change. This paper uses China's smart pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment, employing China's provincial panel data from 2011 to 2022, measuring energy poverty indices based on a projection pursuit evaluation model, and conducting a quasi-natural experiment using a synthetic control method to assess the effect of smart energy on energy poverty and specific mechanisms of action. The study found that smart energy has a specific and significant impact on energy poverty, but the effect differs in different regions depending on the construction cycle and energy endowment. In the mechanism test, smart energy significantly alleviates energy poverty through the mechanisms of improving energy supply capacity, improving energy payment capacity, and improving energy cleanliness. The results of the study provide empirical references for regional solutions to energy poverty and the planning of smart energy construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The mechanisms of SE on CE in SC were explored from single and holistic perspectives. • Quantified the effect of SE on CE in SC. • Providing a reference for SE construction in SC in developing countries. • Synthetic DID and spatial DID models are used to estimate the impact of SE on CE in SC. • SE in SC has a significant reduction in CE and spatial spillover effects. Smart energy, as an important component of smart cities and directly related to carbon emissions, plays a crucial role in smart cities to achieve carbon neutrality, but the theoretical research and empirical evidence on the impact of smart energy on carbon emissions in smart cities are limited. This paper investigates, from single and holistic perspectives, the effect of smart energy on smart city carbon emissions and potential mechanisms. Based on the panel data of 100 smart cities in China from 2014–2019, it uses synthetic difference-in-difference mode and spatial difference-in-difference mode to estimate the carbon emission reduction effect and test the potential mechanisms. The results show that: (1) Smart energy reduces carbon emissions in smart cities by an average of 5.65 %. (2) Smart energy reduces smart city carbon emissions mainly through mechanisms including optimizing energy structure and improving energy efficiency. (3) Smart energy in smart cities has a significant spatial carbon emission reduction effect. (4) Smart energy in smart cities influences holistic regional carbon emissions through spatial mechanisms including technology spillover, peer effect, and scale effect. Finally, this study provides quantitative evidence and valuable insights for cities in developing countries with similar backgrounds to China to design emission reduction paths and adjust smart city strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mitochondria have been shown to play vital roles during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) development. Currently, it is unclear whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants, which define mtDNA haplogroups and determine oxidative phosphorylation performance and reactive oxygen species production, are associated with COVID-19 risk. Methods: A population-based case–control study was conducted to compare the distribution of mtDNA variations defining mtDNA haplogroups between healthy controls (n = 615) and COVID-19 patients (n = 536). COVID-19 patients were diagnosed based on molecular diagnostics of the viral genome by qPCR and chest X-ray or computed tomography scanning. The exclusion criteria for the healthy controls were any history of disease in the month preceding the study assessment. MtDNA variants defining mtDNA haplogroups were identified by PCR-RFLPs and HVS-I sequencing and determined based on mtDNA phylogenetic analysis using Mitomap Phylogeny. Student's t-test was used for continuous variables, and Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. To assess the independent effect of each mtDNA variant defining mtDNA haplogroups, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with adjustments for possible confounding factors of age, sex, smoking and diseases (including cardiopulmonary diseases, diabetes, obesity and hypertension) as determined through clinical and radiographic examinations. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the most common investigated mtDNA variations (> 10% in the control population) at C5178a (in NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene, ND2) and A249d (in the displacement loop region, D-loop)/T6392C (in cytochrome c oxidase I gene, CO1)/G10310A (in ND3) were associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 (OR = 0.590, 95% CI 0.428–0.814, P = 0.001; and OR = 0.654, 95% CI 0.457–0.936, P = 0.020, respectively), while A4833G (ND2), A4715G (ND2), T3394C (ND1) and G5417A (ND2)/C16257a (D-loop)/C16261T (D-loop) were related to an increased risk of severe COVID-19 (OR = 2.336, 95% CI 1.179–4.608, P = 0.015; OR = 2.033, 95% CI 1.242–3.322, P = 0.005; OR = 3.040, 95% CI 1.522–6.061, P = 0.002; and OR = 2.890, 95% CI 1.199–6.993, P = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions: This is the first study to explore the association of mtDNA variants with individual's risk of developing severe COVID-19. Based on the case–control study, we concluded that the common mtDNA variants at C5178a and A249d/T6392C/G10310A might contribute to an individual's resistance to developing severe COVID-19, whereas A4833G, A4715G, T3394C and G5417A/C16257a/C16261T might increase an individual's risk of developing severe COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landslide caused a huge disaster to the living environment and seriously threatened the lives and property safety of nearby residents. Assess or predict landslide-susceptible the landslide displacement through monitoring are great beneficial to guide landslide control and mitigate these hazards by taking appropriate preparatory measures. In this paper, a new water cycle algorithm optimization BP neural network (BPNN) dynamic prediction model (WCA-BPNN) was established to make up for the shortcoming of BPNN convergence speed. A typical step-wise landslide——Langshuwan Landslide happened in the Three Gorges Reservoir area of China is taken as a case, and the displacement monitoring data of 4 years was used for time series analysis and modeling. The long-term creep effect of the landslide and the short-term acceleration effect of the climate are considered in the model, and the accumulative displacement is divided into two kinds of trend displacement and periodic displacement. The key influencing factors of landslide periodic displacement were screened by gray relational grade analysis method, and then used as learning data. In addition to comparing the predicted value of the model with the measured value, it also compares the accuracy of the three models of BPNN, support vector machine, extreme learning machine under the training conditions of the same learning data set. The results show that the WAC-BPNN model has faster convergence speed and higher prediction accuracy than the traditional BPNN model, and it is also the most accurate of the four models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the fermentation quality of 12 varieties of Pennisetum sinese grown in different regions of Southern China. Following the production of silage from the natural fermentation of P. sinese , the interplay between the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, environmental factors, and microbiome was examined to understand the influence of these factors on the fermentation quality of silage. The silage quality produced by most of the P. sinese was low; the pH value of the silage was high (4.26–4.86), whilst the lactic acid content was low (10.7–24.1 g/kg DM), with V-scores between 57.9 and 78.3. The bacterial alpha diversities of the 12 P. sinese silages were distinct. There was a predominance of undesirable bacteria (Pseudomonas , Massilia , and Raoultella) , which likely caused the poor fermentation quality. The chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of the silage were closely correlated with the composition of the bacterial community. Furthermore, environmental factors (precipitation, temperature, humidity, location) were found to significantly influence the microbiome of the silage. The results confirmed that silage produced from the natural fermentation of 12 different P. sinese varieties had significant variation in their bacterial communities. The difference in environmental factors, due to the P. sinese being grown in various locations across south china, greatly affected the bacterial community found in the silage and thus the fermentation quality. The specific cultivar used for the silage and the environment in which the cultivar is grown must therefore be considered before the initiation of production of silage in order to ensure a higher quality product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006, atypical porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) caused by a highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP-PRRSV) strain broke out in China. Atypical PRRS is characterized by extremely high fever and high mortality in pigs of all ages. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) derived from arachidonic acid through the activation of the rate-limiting enzyme cyclooxygenase type 1/2 (COX-1/2) plays an important role in fever. Here, we showed that HP-PRRSV infection increased PGE2 production in microglia via COX-2 up-regulation depending on the activation of MEK1-ERK1/2-C/EBPβ signaling pathways. Then, we screened HP-PRRSV proteins and demonstrated that HP-PRRSV nonstructural protein 2 (NSP2) activated MEK1-ERK1/2-C/EBPβ signaling pathways by interacting with 14-3-3ζ to promote COX-2 expression, leading to PGE2 production. Furthermore, we identified that the amino acid residues 500-596 and 658-777 in HP-PRRSV NSP2 were essential to up-regulate COX-2 expression and PGE2 production. Finally, we made mutant HP-PRRS viruses with the deletion of residues 500-596 and/or 658-777, and found out that these viruses had impaired ability to up-regulate COX-2 and PGE2 production in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, pigs infected with the mutant viruses had relieved fever, clinical symptoms, and mortality. These data might help us understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the high fever and provide clues for the development of HP-PRRSV attenuated vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides are natural phenomena, causing serious fatalities and negative impacts on socioeconomic. The Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) area of China is characterized by more prone to landslides for the rainfall and variation of reservoir level. Prediction of landslide displacement is favorable for the establishment of early geohazard warning system. Conventional machine learning methods as forecasting models often suffer gradient disappearance and explosion, or training is slow. Hence, a dynamic method for displacement prediction of the step-wise landslide is provided, which is based on gated recurrent unit (GRU) model with time series analysis. The establishment process of this method is interpreted and applied to Erdaohe landslide induced by multi-factors in TGR area: the accumulative displacements of landslide are obtained by the global positioning system; the measured accumulative displacements is decomposed into the trend and periodic displacements by moving average method; the predictive trend displacement is fitted by a cubic polynomial; and the periodic displacement is obtained by the GRU model training. And the support vector machine (SVM) model and GRU model are used as comparisons. It is verified that the proposed method can quite accurately predict the displacement of the landslide, which benefits for effective early geological hazards warning system. Moreover, the proposed method has higher prediction accuracy than the SVM model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to explore the indicators for severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in young patients between the ages of 18 and 40 years.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 65 consecutively admitted patients with COVID-19 who were between 18 and 40 years old in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University in Wuhan, China. Among them, 53 were moderate cases, and 12 were severe or critical cases. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics and treatment data were collected. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was implemented to explore risk factors.Results: The patients with severe/critical cases had obviously higher BMI (average 29.23 vs. 22.79 kg/m2 ) and lower liver computed tomography value (average 50.00 vs. 65.00 mU) than the group of moderate cases. The patients with severe/critical cases had higher fasting glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine compared with patients with moderate cases (all P < 0.01). More severe/critical cases (58.33% vs. 1.92%) had positive urine protein levels. The severe/critical cases also experienced a significant process of serum albumin decline. Logistic regression analysis showed that male sex, high BMI (especially obesity), elevated fasting blood glucose, and urinary protein positivity were all risk factors for young patients with severe COVID-19.Conclusions: Obesity is an important predictor of COVID-19 severity in young patients. The main mechanism is related to damage of the liver and kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The balancing of civil airspace capacities with customer demands is achieved through air traffic management (ATM), which uses decision support tools in ATM systems that are ensured by advanced communications and contemporary navigation technologies. However, uncertainties and perturbations can emerge during low-altitude airspace traffic management when considering plans to gradually open up low-altitude airspace in China. Domino effects of time and space deviations to one trajectory may lead to the generation of other 4-D trajectories (4-D trajectories defined based on a series of sequential waypoints recording three dimensions of spatial information and their relevant time information) due to strong levels of spatiotemporal connectivity between trajectories, rendering management challenging. This paper introduces background information and a literature review about conflict detection and resolution (CD&R) for open low-altitude airspace. From our analysis, a CD algorithm for a spatial grid partition system (SGPS) is presented. A conflict resolution (CR) framework of temporally and spatially integrated strategies including the time scheduling-based technique and vertical change-based technique (VCBT) was applied to the CR process. The CD&R algorithm was tested based on a practical maneuver scenario to check its validity, and an analysis of computational performance levels was conducted through several experiments. Airspace capacities can be enhanced to alleviate local airspace network perturbations through the use of the proposed CD&R algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDPs) are leading perinatal diseases. Using a national cohort of 2,043,182 pregnant women in China, we evaluated the association between ambient temperatures and HDP subgroups, including preeclampsia or eclampsia, gestational hypertension, and superimposed preeclampsia. Under extreme temperatures, very cold exposure during preconception (12 weeks) increases odds of preeclampsia or eclampsia and gestational hypertension. Compared to preconception, in the first half of pregnancy, the impact of temperature on preeclampsia or eclampsia and gestational hypertension is opposite. Cold exposure decreases the odds, whereas hot exposure increases the odds. Under average temperatures, a temperature increase during preconception decreases the risk of preeclampsia or eclampsia and gestational hypertension. However, in the first half of pregnancy, temperature is positively associated with a higher risk. No significant association is observed between temperature and superimposed preeclampsia. Here we report a close relationship exists between ambient temperature and preeclampsia or eclampsia and gestational hypertension. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are prevalent perinatal diseases. Here the authors report an association between ambient temperature before or after conception and risk of preeclampsia or eclampsia and gestational hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The affecting factors of mucocutaneous manifestations in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients remain unclear in China. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted among HIV/AIDS patients in Yunnan, China. The demographic data, mucocutaneous manifestations, CD4 cell counts, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens were collected. The effects of CD4 cell count and ART on the spectrum of mucocutaneous manifestations were evaluated. Results: Among 508 HIV/AIDS patients, 86.0% of cases showed mucocutaneous manifestations. The average CD4 cell count (176 cells/μl) of the patients with manifestations was significantly lower than those without manifestations (328 cells/μl) (P < 0.001). Diseases such as herpes zoster, oral candidiasis, condyloma acuminatum, genital herpes, oral leukoplakia, talaromycosis, cryptococcosis, and HIV‐PPE (pruritic papular eruption) were represented quite frequently in patients with CD4 cell count <200 cells/μl (P < 0.05), but eczema was suffered by those with CD4 cell count ≥200 cells/μl (P < 0.05). ART could decline the incidence of herpes zoster, oral candidiasis, condyloma acuminatum, genital herpes, oral leukoplakia, talaromycosis, and cryptococcosis (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Mucocutaneous manifestations are closely related to the CD4 cell count and can be used as early predictors of HIV/AIDS and immune status in clinic. ART could reduce the incidence of certain mucocutaneous manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To perform a review and data analysis of the pediatric projects funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China from 2009 to 2018, and to investigate the changes in key support areas, research interest, and research hotspots in pediatrics. Methods The database of National Natural Science Foundation of China was searched to screen out pediatric research projects in 2009-2018, and the changes in funding intensity and research direction were analyzed. Results From 2009 to 2018, a total of 1 017 pediatric projects were funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China, with 485 (47.69%) General Projects, 426 (41.89%) Youth Fund Projects, 73 (7.18%) Regional Research Programs, 16 (1.57%) Key Programs, 6 (0.59%) Outstanding Youth Fund Projects, 7 (0.69%) Overseas Programs, and 4 (0.39%) other programs. There was a seven-fold increase in the total amount of subsidies, which increased from 8.42 million yuan in 2009 to 66.25 million yuan in 2018. The projects with the Primary Discipline Code of reproductive system/perinatology/neonatology, nervous system and mental illness, or circulatory system received the highest amount of fund. Conclusions The support of pediatric projects by National Natural Science Foundation of China continues to increase in the past ten years, and the main types of projects are General Projects and Youth Fund Projects. Neonatology, nervous system/mental illness, and circulatory diseases are the main directions of funded projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to more effectively reduce the regulation costs of power grids and to improve the automatic generation control (AGC) performance, an optimization mathematical model of generation command dispatch for AGC with an electric vehicle (EV) charging station is proposed in this paper, in which a cost consensus algorithm for AGC is adopted. Particularly, virtual consensus variables are applied to exchange information among different AGC units. At the same time, the actual consensus variables are utilized to determine the generation command, upon which the flexibility of the proposed algorithm can be significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the implement feasibility of such an algorithm is verified through a series simulation experiments on the Hainan power grid in southern China, where the results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can effectively realize an autonomous frequency regulation of EVs participating in AGC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to examine the independent associations of each individual physical performance measure (i.e., grip strength, walking speed, repeated chair stands, and balance test) with subdomains of cognitive function and to determine predictors for each subdomain of cognitive function. A secondary data analysis was performed using a nationally representative middle-aged and older sample of hypertensive population. The findings showed that after adding all four physical performance measures, stronger grip strength was significantly associated with better visuospatial abilities, episodic memory, orientation/attention, and overall cognitive function. In addition, faster walking speed and faster repeated chair stands were strongly associated with better episodic memory and overall cognitive function, respectively. Because grip strength was significantly associated with several subdomains of cognitive functioning, it seems conceivable that increasing physical activity would improve both grip strength and cognitive function in patients with hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is the most common pathogen isolated in intensive care units (ICUs) and the most frequently encountered carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Increasing antimicrobial drug resistance, especially in carbapenem-resistant KP (CRKP), can limit the choice of antibiotics used for the treatment of infectious diseases and further poses a negative impact on patient outcome. However, the reason behind this increasing resistance is not well known. Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of laboratory records and clinical cases of KP infection in the ICUs of a hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 was conducted. The disk diffusion method and double-paper synergy test were used to test drug sensitivity for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) detection. WHONET5.6 and SPSS 21.0 software were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 64.8% (570/847) of patients with KP infection were older than 60 years. The lower respiratory tract was the main infection site, accounting for 70.84% (600/847); the highest rate of ICU admission was for neurosurgery, accounting for 28.69% (243/847). Some 444 multidrug-resistant KP strains were detected, including 69 CRKP and 299 ESBL-producing strains. In the past 5 years, the resistance rate of detected strains to common antibiotics increased to various degrees, particularly carbapenem-resistant strains which increased from 4.76% (9/189) in 2013 to 16.00% (28/175) in 2017. All carbapenem-resistant isolates were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics, and no isolates were resistant to tigecycline. Conclusion: CRKP and ESBLKP prevalence and resistance rates gradually increased in our ICUs in the past 5 years. The reasons for this are manifold. Regular surveillance of resistance, rational use of antibiotics, and other effective infection control measures need to be strengthened to slow down the production of multidrug-resistant bacteria and prevent their spread in ICU settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionospheric disturbances constitute the main restriction factor for precise positioning techniques based on global positioning system (GPS) measurements. Simultaneously, GPS observations are widely used to determine ionospheric disturbances with total electron content (TEC). In this paper, we present an analysis of ionospheric disturbances over China mid- and low-latitude area before and during the magnetic storm on 17 March 2015. The work analyses the variation of magnetic indices, the amplitude of ionospheric irregularities observed with four arrays of GPS stations and the influence of geomagnetic storm on GPS positioning. The results show that significant ionospheric TEC disturbances occurred between 10:30 and 12:00 UT during the main phase of the large storm, and the static position reliability for this period are little affected by these disturbances. It is observed that the positive and negative disturbances propagate southward along the meridian from mid-latitude to low-latitude regions. The propagation velocity is from about 200 to 700ms-1 and the amplitude of ionospheric disturbances is from about 0.2 to 0.9 TECU min-1. Moreover, the position dilution of precession (PDOP) with static precise point positioning (PPP) on storm and quiet days is 1.8 and 0.9 cm, respectively. This study is based on the analysis of ionospheric variability with differential rate of vertical TEC (DROVT) and impact of ionospheric storm on positioning with technique of GPS PPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the significance of transperineal two-dimensional ultrasound in the diagnosis and classification of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Methods: A total of 87 preoperative SUI patients (group A) from the Department of Gynecology of Peking University People's Hospital were included into this study. These patients were further divided into two groups (groups A1 and A2) according to the severity of their disease. In addition, during the same period, 72 age-matched women without SUI were enrolled into this study and assigned as the control group (group B). Through transperineal two-dimensional ultrasound technique, detrusor wall thickness (DWT) was measured in the resting state, the bladder neck descent (BND) was measured under the maximal valsalva maneuver, the proximal urethral rotation angle (α angle) and posterior vesicourethral angle (β angle) were measured, and the formation of the funnel-shaped urethra was observed.Results: Under the resting state, differences in DWT between groups A and B, as well as between groups A1 and A2, were not statistically significant (P> 0.05). The BND, α and β angles were significantly larger in group A than in group B under the maximal Valsalva maneuver; and the differences were statistically significant (P< 0.05). The formation rate of the funnel-shaped urethra was significantly higher in group A (94%) than in group B (3%), and the difference was statistically significant; while the difference between groups A1 and A2 was not statistically significant (P> 0.05).Conclusion: Transperineal two-dimensional ultrasound can play an assistant role in the diagnosis of female SUI. However, its role in the assessment of the severity of SUI remains to be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal is the main source of energy for China's economic development, but coal gangue dumps are a major source of heavy metal pollution. Bacterial communities have a major effect on the bioremediation of heavy metals in coal gangue dumps. The effects of different concentrations of heavy metals on the composition of bacterial communities in coal gangue sites remain unclear. Soil bacterial communities from four gangue sites that vary in natural heavy metal concentrations were investigated using high-throughput sequencing in this study. Correlations among bacterial communities, heavy metal concentrations, physicochemical properties of the soil, and the composition of dissolved organic matter of soil in coal gangue dumps were also analyzed. Our results indicated that Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteriota, and Gemmatimonadota were the bacterial taxa most resistant to heavy metal stress at gangue sites. Heavy metal contamination may be the main cause of changes in bacterial communities. Heavy metal pollution can foster mutually beneficial symbioses between microbial species. Microbial-derived organic matter was the main source of soil organic matter in unvegetated mining areas, and this could affect the toxicity and transport of heavy metals in soil. Polar functional groups such as hydroxyl and ester groups (A 226-400) play an important role in the reaction of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), and organic matter with low molecular weight (S R) tends to bind more to mercury (Hg). In addition to heavy metals, the content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and total organic carbon (TOC) also affected the composition of the bacterial communities; TOC had the strongest effect, followed by N, SOM, and P. Our findings have implications for the microbial remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils in coal gangue sites and sustainable development. [Display omitted] • Natural differences of heavy metal concentration gradients at mine gangue sites. • Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria were the main bacteria observed under heavy metal contamination. • KD4-96, Vicinamibacteraceae, Vicinamibacterales, Streptomyces may be resistant to Hg. • Actinomarinales, Pedomicrobium, and Alphaproteobacteria may be resistant to Cd and Pb. • Heavy metal pollution may promote mutually symbiosis between bacterial species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The translation, dissemination and reception of knowledge has served as an excellent indicator of changing ideologies and the major catalyst for institutional changes, language reforms and social transformation in China. However, English representations of the Chinese tradition of translation (e.g. Hung 2005; Hung and Pollard 2009) have not incorporated research findings from Chinese studies (e.g. Cohen 1995; Amelung, Kurtz and Lackner 2001; Elman 2005) and tend to provide unsubstantiated generalizations and hasty conclusions. This article uses a combination of "cultural tool" (Even-Zohar 2005) and "culture planning" (Even-Zohar 2008) as a frame of reference to provide a macroscopic perspective on knowledge translation in different Chinese historical periods as "a means of planning" (Toury 2002: 166) to promote religious agendas, modernize traditional Chinese natural studies, Westernize educational and academic systems, facilitate modernization of the state or participate in global knowledge production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 30 years, China has fully exploited its advantage to steadily foster an innovation system for the biomedical industry with Chinese characteristics, that is, ‘Government-guided, resource-integrated and long-term planning.’ The system originated from historically famous ‘863 program’ in the 1980s, evolved with a series of favourable policies in the different periods, and eventually has taken shape in the industrial clusters across the country. It features with a systematic and integrated R&D infrastructure (or public platform) at different levels. In this study, China’s biomedical innovation system will be examined and the leading role of Chinese authorities will be explored from the perspective of Triple Helix theory. As the ‘highland of innovation’, Shanghai case is highlighted with plentiful information gathered from primary sources in the involved agencies for the first time, including the Shanghai Biopharma Service Platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marble-hosted eclogite is volumetrically minor in collisional orogens, but its geochemistry has great bearing on the origin of deeply subducted crustal rocks and the fluid mobility of subduction zones. This paper presents a combined study of whole-rock major-trace elements and Sr Nd isotopes, mineral O isotopes, carbonate C and O isotopes, and zircon U Pb ages and Lu Hf isotopes for marble-hosted ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic eclogites from Rongcheng and Sanqingge in the Sulu orogen. The results provide insights into the protolith nature of eclogites and the fluid mobility of subduction zones. Zircon U Pb dating yields consistent middle Triassic ages for the two occurrences of eclogites, indicating new growth of metamorphic zircon during continental collision. The Sanqingge eclogite shows LREE-enriched patterns and negative ε Nd (t) of − 16.6 to − 14.3 for whole-rock and negative ε Hf (t) of − 27.1 to − 15.2 for metamorphic zircon. A few relict zircon domains show middle Neoproterozoic U Pb ages and negative ε Hf (t) of − 35.2 to − 15.5. Thus, the Sangqingge eclogite was metamorphosed from a mafic rock that was derived from partial melting of an anciently enriched mantle source. In contrast, the Rongcheng eclogite exhibits flat or even LREE-depleted patterns with negative ε Nd (t) values of − 12.2 to − 1.0 for whole-rock but positive ε Hf (t) values of 5.4 to 10.4 for zircon. The occurrence of interstitial and highly cuspate plagioclase along grain boundaries indicates the presence of partial melting in the eclogite. Thus, its positive zircon ε Hf (t) values are ascribed to the eclogite protolith of juvenile origin, whereas the LREE depletion is due to extraction of LREE-rich anatectic melt from the eclogite during the Triassic continental collision. As such, the Rongcheng eclogite was metamorphosed from a mafic rock that was derived from partial melting of a less enriched mantle source. All the eclogites from both areas show variably high δ 18 O values of 9.4‰ to 19.5‰. Oxygen isotope fractionations between mineral pairs mostly yield eclogite-facies temperature of 600 to 800 °C, suggesting that the high δ 18 O signature was inherited from their protoliths before the Triassic subduction. In combination with the field relation between the eclogite and marble, it is inferred that the eclogite protolith is probably basaltic tuff and its high δ 18 O value would be acquired together with the marble protolith during their deposition from the surface water. Therefore, there would be the limited isotopic exchange between marble and eclogite during continental collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advantages and disadvantages of existing methods for predicting coal and gas outbursts in coal roadways were analyzed, and the primary factors influencing coal and gas outbursts, including the expansion energy of the initially released gases, were studied. To this end, a theoretical formula for calculating the amount of gas released from boreholes during drilling was deduced. In addition, it was determined that the gas emission per unit borehole length was related to the ground stress, gas pressure, and coal strength around the borehole during drilling. By collecting these continuously released gases from boreholes during drilling, that is, by adopting line prediction technology, the influence of those parameters (ground stress, gas pressure, coal strength) on the outburst process can be determined, and the outburst hazard can be predicted. To test this approach, a specially developed line prediction device was applied to the No. 3 coal seam of the Xinyuan coal mine, Shanxi Province, China. The test results demonstrate that the gas emissions per meter of borehole, Q Lm , measured by the line prediction technique differed between outburst and non-outburst samples. Additionally, compared with existing indices used for predicting coal and gas outbursts in coal roadways, including K 1 and S max , the line prediction technique was more sensitive and could reflect the outburst hazard in front of working faces more accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A moderate geomagnetic storm occurred on March 17, 2013, during which large-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (LSTIDs) are observed over China by ionosondes and GPS from Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) and the International GNSS Service (IGS). Ionosonde data and computerized ionospheric tomography (CIT) technique are employed to analyze the disturbances in our study. The maximum entropy cross spectral analysis (MECSA) method is used to obtain the propagation parameters of the LSTIDs. Spatio-temporal variations of ionospheric electron density (IED) and total electron content (TEC) during this geomagnetic storm over China are investigated. Disturbance images of IED and TEC are also presented in the paper. The results show two LSTID events at about 12:00 UT and 15:00 UT during the main phase of the storm. Besides, the LSTIDs with a duration of 40 min are detected over China. It is confirmed that the LSTIDs travel from north to south with a horizontal velocity of 400–500 m/s, and moved southwestwards with a horizontal velocity of 250–300 m/s, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the impact of microorganisms on the fate of thorium in soils, we have investigated the thorium biosorption behavior and mechanism on the living and dead cells of Streptomyces sporoverrucosus dwc-3, isolated from soils in China. The living cells need more time (24 h) to reach equilibrium than dead cells (24 h). The biosorption is greatly dependent on pH and ionic strength for the two kinds of cells. SEM and TEM indicate that thorium initially bind with the cell surface which is probably controlled by ion-exchange, evidence by PIXE, and inner-sphere complexation mechanism and then accumulated in the cytoplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A determination model of critical value of prediction index is proposed. • Apparent density and briquetting pressure of coal briquettes is exponential. • The characterization of initial gas emission from a borehole has three categories. This study developed a platform for determination of the predictive index for outbursts by simulating the field working face of coal roadway and a system for determining briquetting pressures of coal briquettes. Taking a predictive index called the 'initial gas emission from a borehole' (IGEB) as an example, this research carried out the test for measuring this index in the laboratory and determined its critical value for outburst risk in the 31,011 working face in Xinyuan Coal Mine, Shanxi Province, China. Moreover, outburst risk at the 31,011 working face was predicted in the field. The research results on this premise of ignoring the influences of human factors on the outburst risk in the working face showed that: the established platform for simulating the determination of the predictive index for outburst risk in the working face in the coal roadway can realise 100% accuracy in predicting the condition with no outburst risk by using critical value of the predictive index. Briquetting pressure of coal briquettes shows a relationship of exponential function with apparent density of the coal samples. When the briquetting pressure is greater than 30 MPa, the rate of increase thereafter in apparent density decreases, so that coal briquettes undergo work-hardening. The IGEB is a comprehensive predictive index for outburst risk reflecting in situ stress, gas pressure, and mechanical properties of coal mass. The index value can, both sensitively and continuously, reflect changes in the conditions for occurrence of coal mass in front of the working face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of surgery compared with reirradiation in the primary treatment of patients with resectable, locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who have previously received radiotherapy is a matter of debate. In this trial, we compared the efficacy and safety outcomes of salvage endoscopic surgery versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with resectable locally recurrent NPC.Methods: This multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial was done in three hospitals in southern China. We included patients aged 18-70 years with a Karnofsky Performance Status score of at least 70 who were histopathologically diagnosed with undifferentiated or differentiated, non-keratinising, locally recurrent NPC with tumours confined to the nasopharyngeal cavity, the post-naris or nasal septum, the superficial parapharyngeal space, or the base wall of the sphenoid sinus. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either endoscopic nasopharyngectomy (ENPG group) or IMRT (IMRT group). Randomisation was done manually using a computer-generated random number code and patients were stratified by treatment centre. Treatment group assignment was not masked. The primary endpoint was overall survival, compared between the groups at 3 years. Efficacy analyses were done by intention to treat. Safety analysis was done in patients who received treatment according to the treatment they actually received. This trial was prospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TRC-11001573, and is currently in follow-up.Findings: Between Sept 30, 2011, and Jan 16, 2017, 200 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive either ENPG (n=100) or IMRT (n=100). At a median follow-up of 56·0 months (IQR 42·0-69·0), 74 patients had died (29 [29%] of 100 patients in the ENPG group and 45 [45%] of 100 patients in the IMRT group). The 3-year overall survival was 85·8% (95% CI 78·9-92·7) in the ENPG group and 68·0% (58·6-77·4) in the IMRT group (hazard ratio 0·47, 95% CI 0·29-0·76; p=0·0015). The most common grade 3 or worse radiation-related late adverse event was pharyngeal mucositis (in five [5%] of 99 patients who underwent ENPG and 26 [26%] of 101 patients who underwent IMRT). Five [5%] of the 99 patients who underwent ENPG and 20 [20%] of the 101 patients who underwent IMRT died due to late toxic effects specific to radiotherapy; attribution to previous radiotherapy or trial radiotherapy is unclear due to the long-term nature of radiation-related toxicity.Interpretation: Endoscopic surgery significantly improved overall survival compared with IMRT in patients with resectable locally recurrent NPC. These results suggest that ENPG could be considered as the standard treatment option for this patient population, although long-term follow-up is needed to further determine the efficacy and toxicity of this strategy.Funding: Sun Yat-sen University Clinical Research 5010 Program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing nonpoint-source pollution and improving soil quality by applying best management practices (BMPs) on sloping farmland are essential for ensuring water environmental safety and sustainable agricultural development. However, little is known about the accumulative effect of the long-term application of BMPs on reducing pollution and improving soil quality in major land use types of sloping farmland in watersheds. We conducted a nine-year field experiment for citrus orchard and cropland of sloping farmland in the Three Gorges Reservoir area of China. The treatment settings for the citrus experimental plots were as follows: (1) citrus intercropped with white clover (WC), (2) citrus orchard soil mulched with straw (SM), (3) citrus intercropped with Hemerocallis flava contour hedgerows (HF) and (4) conventional citrus planting pattern (C-CK). The treatment settings for the crop experimental plots were as follows: (1) wheat-peanut rotation intercropped with Toona sinensis contour hedgerows (TS), (2) wheat-peanut rotation intercropped with alfalfa contour hedgerows (AF), (3) ryegrass-sesame rotation (RS) and (4) conventional wheat-peanut rotation (W-CK). We found that compared with C-CK and W-CK, (1) runoff, sediment, total nitrogen and total phosphorus losses were reduced by 18.0 %, 66.1 %, 35.6 % and 40.2 %, respectively, in WC; by 22.4 %, 61.2 %, 43.9 % and 52.4 %, respectively, in SM; by 25.4%, 69.5 %, 52.0 % and 58.1 %, respectively, in HF; by 45.1 %, 73.7 %, 64.6 % and 66.0 %, respectively, in TS; by 41.8 %, 67.4 %, 59.3 % and 60.8 %, respectively, in AF; and by 24.1 %, 42.9 %, 39.3 % and 40.3 %, respectively, in RS; (2) the soil quality index values of the BMP treatments increased; and (3) the application of these BMPs did not significantly affect yield or product value. We suggest the application of these BMPs on sloping farmland to (1) efficiently reduce total runoff, total sediment, and soil total nitrogen and total phosphorus losses; (2) improve soil quality; and (3) have no significant effect on output, of which the BMP HF applied to citrus orchard and the BMP TS applied to cropland are the most effective. • Clarified accumulative effects of long-term application of best management practices for two major land use types. • Best management practices reduce the runoff, sediment, and soil nutrient losses of the land use types. • Best management practices improve the soil quality without reducing the output of the land use types. • The optimal best management practices for the two major land use types in the watershed are selected. • This study is essential for identifying the optimal best management practices for watershed sloping farmland use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Comparative investigation of Paeonia ostii stamens in different regions of China. • Bioactive constitutes were analyzed through integrated metabolomics approach. • Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) platform enhanced metabolite identification. • Eight predominant chemical markers were selected for quality control. • Unveiled the antibacterial, antitumor, and anti-neuroinflammation potentials. Paeonia ostii is a widely cultivated medicinal and oilseed crop in China. The stamens of P. ostii are important by-products of this crop and conventionally used as tea with putative beneficial effects on human health. However, the in-depth understanding of P. ostii stamens is scarce. In this study, comparative analysis was carried out to systematically characterize the bioactive constituents and biological activities of P. ostii stamens from different geographical regions of China. Seventy-seven secondary metabolites were tentatively identified through untargeted metabolomic analysis based on MS/MS molecular similar networking and other approaches. Targeted metabolomics conjugated with principal component analysis revealed that eight bioactive compounds, including oxypaeoniflorin, pentagalloyl glucose (PGG), paeoniflorin, and albiflorin, were the primary chemical markers for quality control. Habitats substantially affected the content of PGG, and geographical factor of Nujiang (Southern China) significantly promoted the accumulation of PGG. The extracts from peony stamens across all geographical regions exhibited potent antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumor, and anti-neuroinflammation properties, which were strongly correlated with bioactive compounds. Our results provide new insights into P. ostii stamens to be used for pharmaceutical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between dyslexia and anxiety/depressive symptoms among children in China is unclear. Besides, the pathways to explain the risks are also undefined.Methods: 3993 primary school students from grade 2 to 6 were recruited in this study. The Dyslexia Checklist for Chinese Children and the Pupil Rating Scale-Revised Screening for Learning Disabilities were used to filter the dyslexic children. The Chinese perceived stress scale, the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, and the Children's Depression Inventory-Short Form were used separately to assess stress, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms of the children. Time spent on homework was obtained by asking their parents: "How long does it take the children to complete the homework every day?". The chain mediation models were examined using SPSS PROCESS macro 3.3 software.Results: Dyslexic children spend more time on homework (2.61±1.15), and have higher scores for depression (4.75±3.60) and stress (26.55±7.40) compared to normal children (1.87±0.77, 3.25±3.32, and 23.20±8.43, respectively). The differences are statistically significant (all P<0.01). There is no direct association between dyslexia and anxiety symptoms, while dyslexia has a direct link with depressive symptoms. Dyslexia could affect anxiety/depressive symptoms via the independent mediating effect of stress and the chain mediating effect of time spent on homework and stress. The total indirect effect is 0.21 and 0.25, respectively.Limitations: The data used in our study is self-reported and this is a cross-sectional study.Conclusions: Time spent on homework and stress could mediate the association between dyslexia and anxiety/depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the effect of Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) intervention on the rehabilitation of preschool children having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in China. Sixty children with ASD were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). The intervention group received TEACCH training plus Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) for six months, while the control group received only DTT. The Chinese version of the Psycho-educational Profile (3rd ed.) (CPEP-3) was used to assess participants at baseline, posttest and at six-month follow-up. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t test, χ 2 or Fisher's exact test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). No significant difference was found between the two groups at baseline (p > 0.05). Repeated-measures ANOVA showed that the CPEP-3 subscales had a significant time effect (p < 0.001). The two groups significantly differed in expressive language, affective expression, social reciprocity, problem behavior, and personal self-care at posttest and six-month follow-up (p < 0.05). They also significantly differed in receptive language, fine motor at posttest (p < 0.05), but not at follow-up. This study demonstrated that TEACCH-based group rehabilitation training effectively improved the development of children having ASD. It provided enhanced rehabilitation strategies that assisted children with ASD to learn, function, and reach their goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Comparatively investigated various methods to predict outburst risk when uncovering coal in crosscuts. • The IEERG indexes has a higher prediction accuracy of outburst simulation test. • The initial released gas information of uncovering coal is closely related to the outburst risk. Currently, there are many methods to predict outburst risk when uncovering coal in crosscuts. When used, these prediction methods produce inconsistent prediction results. Consequently, engineers at the mining site are often at a loss on how to proceed. In the present studies, in the hope of addressing this problem, 23 different types of coal samples from 12 mines in five coal-producing provinces in China were collected to conduct 46 outburst simulation experiments in the laboratory under carbon dioxide and nitrogen conditions. In addition, coal seams under conditions identical to the outburst simulation experiments were fabricated, and various methods to predict outburst risk when uncovering coal in crosscuts were comparatively investigated. Furthermore, the accuracy of various outburst prediction methods was determined. Finally, the cause for the erroneous predictions generated using each index was theoretically analyzed. The research results provide a basis for selecting methods to predict outburst risk when uncovering coal in crosscuts at mining sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfed agriculture is important to meet the increasing demands of food production. However, there is a lack of knowledges for the rainfed wheat systems in abundant rainfall areas, where the erratic rainfall may constrain the wheat yield and increases N losses from wheat fields with excessive fertilizer inputs. In the present study, a 6 consecutive years field experiments were conducted to investigate the wheat yield and N losses responses to different N fertilizer rates in the Taihu Lake region. Despite the fluctuations in the wheat yield, a 10–30% reduction of the district average N input sustained the current-level of wheat yield for the 6 consecutive years. The N rate of 168 kg ha−1 might be the threshold N application rate, because if it was exceeded, it was no longer the predominant factor determining the wheat yield, but significantly increased the N losses fluxes. The seasonal total N losses fluxes were 69.2 kg N ha−1, which accounted for 28.8% of district averaged N input. Runoff was the predominant pathway of N loss from the wheat field, followed by ammonia volatilization and leaching. Nitrate was the predominant form in the runoff and leakage water. Seasonal cumulative nitrate losses via runoff and ammonia volatilization averaged 25.2 and 20.1 kg ha−1 per wheat season, respectively, corresponding to 10.5% and 8.38% of the regional N application rates. However, the seasonal nitrate loss via leakage was the lowest, less than 8.98 kg ha−1. Reducing the fertilizer N rates significantly decreased the N losses via runoff and ammonia volatilization, but not by leaching. Our findings indicated that reducing N fertilizer was impressive for the sustainable development of agriculture in Eastern China and 168 kg N ha−1 was recommended for the rainfed wheat. [Display omitted] • Reducing N inputs (168–216 kg ha−1) sustained current-level of wheat yields for 6 years in rice-wheat rotation. • N loss (kg ha−1) was affected by, in order, N runoff (30.7) > ammonia volatilization (20.1) > nitrate leaching (11.0). • Precipitations, solar radiations and sunshine durations were the critical factors determining wheat yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The parent magma of the ~130 Ma Taolin intrusion was derived from melting of the Yangtze crust. • The Early Cretaceous igneous event in the Sulu orogenic belt was related to an extensional setting. • Variable protoliths and complex magmatic processes led to the diversity of felsic rocks. Early Cretaceous felsic intrusions are widely exposed in the Sulu orogenic belt (SOB), eastern China. The Taolin granitic intrusion is an example of these intrusions and mainly comprises monzogranite, syenogranite, and granite. Here we present new geochronological and geochemical data for the intrusion. The ~130 Ma Taolin intrusion belongs to normal to fractioned I-type granite and is divided into two groups based on geochemical differences. Rocks in the Daxiezhuang and Malingzhan units belong to Group 1 and have relatively low SiO 2 (61.35–69.44 wt%), high Sr/Y ratios (26.04–60.18), low εHf(t) values (−27.2 to −21.4), and old T DM2 ages (2541–2903 Ma). They also display weak to no negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.65–1.29). Rocks from the Shibu and Tiqiushan units belong to Group 2 and have relatively high SiO 2 (76.38–77.68 wt%), low Sr/Y ratios (0.61–12.38), high εHf(t) values (−24.3 to −17.2) and young T DM2 ages (2271–2722 Ma). They have obviously negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.10–0.42). The partial melting of the Yangtze continental crust at different depths led to variable elemental and isotopic compositions of magma in Group 1 and Group 2. The SOB was in an extensional environment during the Early Cretaceous, which allowed the formation of felsic magmatic rocks with low Sr, Sr/Y, and Sr/CaO values. Early Cretaceous felsic magmatic rocks in the SOB were mainly sourced from the continental crust by crustal reworking. There are diverse rock types with variable geochemical features in the SOB, which is ascribed to the heterogeneity of the continental crust and the complex evolution of felsic magma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]