Search

Objective To investigate the influencing factors of falls and serious falls among individuals aged 45 years and above in China, as well as explore the association between falls and multimorbidity, thereby providing empirical evidence for the formulation of effective strategies to prevent falls. Methods The study utilized data from the CHARLS 2020 dataset and employed various statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, χ² test, quadratic regression, and logistic regression. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted on key variables. Results The prevalence of falls and serious falls among individuals aged 45 and above in China was found to be 17.42% and 6.86%, respectively. Multimorbidity emerged as a significant determinant influencing both falls and serious falls, with a higher number of diseases being associated with an increased prevalence of these events. Conclusion In order to effectively address the issue of falls in middle-aged and elderly individuals, particularly those with multimorbidity, it is imperative to integrate multimorbidity considerations into the comprehensive fall intervention process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of farmland in China underscores the need for developing and utilizing saline-alkali soil. Soil health relies on microbial activity, which aids in the restoration of the land's ecosystem, and hence it is important to understand microbial diversity. In the present study, two Gram-stain-positive strains HR 1-10T and J-A-003T were isolated from saline-alkali soil. Preliminary analysis suggested that these strains could be a novel species. Therefore, the taxonomic positions of these strains were evaluated using polyphasic analysis. Phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that these strains should be assigned to the genus Halalkalibacter. Cell wall contained meso-2,6-diaminopimelic acid. The polar lipids present in both strains were diphosphatidyl-glycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and an unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids (>10%) were anteiso-C15:0, C16:0 and iso-C15:0. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA#x2013;DNA hybridization values were below the threshold values (95% and 70%, respectively) for species delineation. Based on the above results, the strains represent two novel species of the genus Halalkalibacter, for which the names Halalkalibacter flavus sp. nov., and Halalkalibacter lacteus sp. nov., are proposed. The type strains are HR 1-10T (=GDMCC 1.2946T = MCCC 1K08312T = JCM 36285T), and J-A-003T (=GDMCC 1.2949T = MCCC 1K08417T = JCM 36286T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) occur frequently in low-latitude areas and have a non-negligible impact on navigation satellite signals. To systematically analyze the effects of a single EPB event on multi-frequency signals of GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BDS, all-sky airglow images over South China are jointly used to visually determine the EPB structure and depletion degree. The results reveal that scintillations, or GNSS signal fluctuations, are directly linked to EPBs and that the intensity of scintillation is positively correlated with the airglow depletion intensity. The center of the airglow depletion often corresponds to stronger GNSS scintillation, while the edge of the bubble, which is considered to have the largest density gradient, corresponds to relatively smaller scintillation instead. This work also systematically analyzes the responses of multi-constellation and multi-frequency signals to EPBs. The results show that the L2 and L5 frequencies are more susceptible than the L1 frequency is. For different constellations, Galileo's signal has the best tracking stability during an EPB event compared with GPS, GLONASS, and BDS. The results provide a reference for dual-frequency signal selection in precise positioning or TEC calculation, that is, L1C and L2L for GPS, L1C and L5Q for Galileo, L1P and L2C for GLONASS, and L1P and L5P for BDS. Notably, BDS-2 is significantly weaker than BDS-3. And inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO) satellites have abnormal data error rates, which should be related to the special signal path trajectory of the IGSO satellite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The environmental effects on the prognosis of ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) remain largely unexplored. Aim To investigate the association between specific environmental factors and the generalization of OMG. Design The cohort study was conducted in China based on a nationwide multicenter database. Methods Adult patients with OMG at onset, who were followed up for at least 2 years until May 2022, were included. We collected data on demographic and clinical factors, as well as environmental factors, including latitude, socioeconomic status (per capita disposable income [PDI] at provincial level and education) and smoking. The study outcome was the time to the development of generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG). Cox models were employed to examine the association between environmental exposures and generalization. Restricted cubic spline was used to model the association of latitude with generalization risk. Results A total of 1396 participants were included. During a median follow-up of 5.15 (interquartile range [IQR] 3.37–9.03) years, 735 patients developed GMG within a median of 5.69 (IQR 1.10–15.66) years. Latitude of 20–50°N showed a U-shaped relation with generalization risk, with the lowest risk at around 30°N; both higher and lower latitudes were associated with the increased risk (P for non-linearity <0.001). Living in areas with lower PDI had 1.28–2.11 times higher risk of generalization. No significant association was observed with education or smoking. Conclusions Latitude and provincial-level PDI were associated with the generalization of OMG in China. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings and investigate their potential applications in clinical practice and health policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate warming exacerbates the degradation of the mountain cryosphere, including glacier retreat, reduction in snow cover area, and permafrost degradation. These changes dramatically alter the local and downstream hydrological regime, posing significant threats to basin-scale water resource management and sustainable development. However, there is still a lack of systematic research that evaluates the variation of cryospheric elements in mountainous catchments and their impacts on future hydrology and water resources. In this study, we developed an integrated cryospheric-hydrologic model, referred to as the FLEX-Cryo model. This model comprehensively considers glaciers, snow cover, frozen soil, and their dynamic impacts on hydrological processes in the mountainous Hulu catchment located in the Upper Heihe river of China. We utilized the state-of-the-art climate change projection data from the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) to simulate the future changes in the mountainous cryosphere and their impacts on hydrology. Our findings showed that the two glaciers in the Hulu catchment will completely melt out around the years 2045–2051. By the end of the 21st century, the annual maximum snow water equivalent is projected to decrease by 41.4 % and 46.0 %, while the duration of snow cover will be reduced by approximately 45 and 70 days. The freeze onset of seasonal frozen soil is expected to be delayed by 10 and 22 days, while the thaw onset of permafrost is likely to advance by 19 and 32 days. Moreover, the maximum freeze depth of seasonal frozen soil is projected to decrease by 5.2 and 10.9 cm per decade, and the depth of the active layer will increase by 8.2 and 15.5 cm per decade. Regarding hydrology, runoff exhibits a decreasing trend until the complete melt-out of glaciers, resulting in a total runoff decrease of 15.6 % and 18.1 %. Subsequently, total runoff shows an increasing trend, primarily due to an increase in precipitation. Permafrost degradation causes the duration of low runoff in the early thawing season to decrease, and the discontinuous baseflow recession gradually transitions into linear recessions, leading to an increase in baseflow. Our results highlight the significant changes expected in the mountainous cryosphere and hydrology in the future. These findings enhance our understanding of cold-region hydrological processes and have the potential to assist local and downstream water resource management in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of Anti-PD-1 therapy has yielded promising outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, limited research has been conducted on the overall survival (OS) of patients with varying tumor responses and treatment duration. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed HCC patients who received sintilimab between January 2019 and December 2020 at four centers in China. The evaluation of tumor progression was based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. The study investigated the correlation between tumor response and OS, and the impact of drug use on OS following progressive disease (PD). Results: Out of 441 treated patients, 159 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Among them, 77 patients with disease control exhibited a significantly longer OS compared to the 82 patients with PD (median OS 26.0 vs. 11.3 months, P < 0.001). Additionally, the OS of patients with objective response (OR) was better than that of patients with stable disease (P = 0.002). Among the 47 patients with PD who continued taking sintilimab, the OS was better than the 35 patients who discontinued treatment (median OS 11.4 vs. 6.9 months, P = 0.042). Conclusions: In conclusion, the tumor response in HCC patients who received sintilimab affects OS, and patients with PD may benefit from continued use of sintilimab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "dual circulation" development pattern is a major economic strategy proposed by China. Using samples gathered from firms located in the Haidian Science and Technology Park in Zhongguancun between 2013 and 2019, this paper constructs an index system for measuring the degree of synergy of the dual circulation coupling of the firms, and then uses the Cloglog survival model to empirically verify its effect on the survival of firms. It is found that the dual circulation coupling synergy of firms significantly contributes to firm survival, a finding that still holds after robustness tests. Mechanism tests show that firm dual circulation coupling synergies contribute to firm survival by promoting firm innovation, market demand, and resource allocation efficiency. Further analysis reveals that the coupled synergy of the dual circulation of firms contributes more significantly to the survival of growing and mature firms, MSMEs, private firms and non-start-up firms. This paper is the first to measure dual circulation. It provides micro-theoretical mechanisms and relevant empirical evidence for the dual circulation coupling synergy for firm survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, China has been building several inter-basin water conveyance projects across mountains and deep valleys, leading to the extensive use of long tunnels and inverted siphons. The dynamics of mixed free-surface-pressurized flows are critical for tunnel design and operational safety. However, traditional numerical computation schemes cannot precisely and efficiently capture the pressure interface because the tunnel may be more than 70 km long. This study aims to develop a hybrid scheme that is as fast as the large-time-step Preissmann four-point scheme (FDM) and has the approximate interface accuracy of the finite volume method (FVM) by dynamic grid meshing. A dynamic mesh domain model (DM) is proposed by adopting an FVM mesh with a small time step to dynamically capture the interface and applying an FDM mesh with a large time step to improve computational efficiency. The results show that the method can simulate flow patterns, such as transcritical and pressurized flows, by ignoring the acceleration convection terms and capturing mixed free-surface-pressurized flows conveniently, accurately and efficiently. Furthermore, it can accelerate the computational speed of the transient mixed flow by a factor of approximately 100 when the target tunnel length exceeds 1200 m. The proposed scheme cannot capture the water hammer pressure because of the large time step. However, it can be effectively utilized in large cascade water delivery systems where the flow changes gradually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) can cause detrimental impacts on the ecosystem. It is well known that coal-fired power plants play a dominant role in SO2 emissions, and consequently industrial flue gas desulfurization (IFGD) systems are widely used in coal-fired power plants. To remove SO2 effectively such that ultra-low emission standard can be satisfied, IFGD modeling has become urgently necessary. IFGD is a chemical process with long-term dependencies between time steps, and it typically exhibits strong non-linear behavior. Furthermore, the process is rendered non-stationary due to frequent changes in boiler loads. The above-mentioned properties make IFGD process modeling a truly formidable problem, since the chosen model should have the capability of learning long-term dependencies, non-linear dynamics and non-stationary processes simultaneously. Previous research in this area fails to take all the above points into account at a time, and this calls for a novel modeling approach so that satisfactory modeling performance can be achieved. In this work, a novel bivariate empirical mode decomposition (BEMD)-based temporal convolutional network (TCN) approach is proposed. In our approach, BEMD is employed to generate relatively stationary processes, while TCN, which possesses long-term memory ability and uses dilated causal convolutions, serves to model each subprocess. Our method was validated using the operating data from the desulfurization system of a coal-fired power station in China. Simulation results show that our approach yields desirable performance, which demonstrates its effectiveness in the IFGD dynamic modeling problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Naoli River (NLR) Basin is a crucial distribution area for wetlands in China. Investigating the link between land use changes and carbon storage in this basin is of significant importance for protecting regional ecosystems and promoting the sustainable development of the social economy. This paper uses long-term Landsat satellite images provided on the GEE (Google Earth Engine) platform and the random forest classification algorithm to create spatial distribution maps of land use in the NLR Basin from 1993 to 2022. The study analyzes the dynamic changes in wetlands in the basin over the past 30 years and employs the InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) model to explore the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of carbon storage. The results reveal that the wetland area of the NLR Basin showed a downward trend from 1993 to 2022, with a total decrease of 1507.18 hm2 over 30 years. During this period, the carbon storage in the NLR Basin decreased, with a cumulative loss of 1.98 × 107 t, mainly due to the continuous reductions in wetland and forest land. Additionally, the change in carbon storage in the basin has a strong spatial and temporal relationship with the changes in land use/cover area. The total carbon storage is positively associated with the areas of wetland, forest land, and water bodies. The conversion of wetlands into any other land type results in the reduction in carbon storage. These findings can improve our understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of wetlands in the NLR Basin over the past 30 years and enable us to analyze the relationship between land use changes and regional carbon storage. The results of this study have great significance for protecting the wetland ecology and regional carbon balance in the NLR Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault grouting is important in preventing groundwater inrush into coal mines from aquifers underlying the coal seams. However, evaluating the effect of grouting in the coal mine is difficult and expensive; hence, the region is sparsely explored. Therefore, we propose a more economical and efficient method for investigating grouting in the coal mine, which utilizes a real-time microseismic monitoring system. A system is an integrated approach involving a deep neural network phase picker method, grid search location method, and double-difference seismic tomography method for enhanced real-time processing of the microseismic data of 1613A working face in Zhangji coal mine, China. The velocity structure of the 1613A working face has been inverted using the microseismic events in September 2020. We found that the grouting treatment area is considerably perturbed during mining, with the 50-m area below the mining floor characterized by a high seismic velocity of up to 4.3 km/ s, showing optimal grouting. The checkerboard resolution test shows that the seismic velocity results in concern have high reliability. The effect of grouting is well evaluated by machine learning-based microseismic catalog and passive seismic tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The results of laboratory testing are crucial basis for clinicians to prescribe antimicrobial. Laboratory testing is a highly complex process, and increasing evidence suggests that errors and obstacles in the pre-analytical process (PP) will affect reasonable antimicrobial use. However, PP was an easily neglected link in hospital infection management and the current situation of it and the influencing factors of management are not clear. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the department of clinical, specimen collection, transportation, and inspection in 109 secondary and tertiary hospitals in Central China. The rate of antimicrobial susceptibility test request (AST) and related indexes of above departments were calculated to describe the situation. Management characteristics (frequency of training etc.) were described as proportions and fractional probit regression analysis was used to determine the influencing factors. Results: The average rate of non restricted-use antimicrobial was 63%, the restricted-use was 86%, the special-use was 95%. The zero obstacle rate of specimen collection was 27.3%, of specimen transportation was 19.4% and of inspection feedback was 61.7%. There was a difference between the secondary and tertiary hospitals on non restricted-use (X2 = 22.968, P < 0.001); restricted-use (X2 = 29.466, P < 0.001); special-use (X2 = 27.317, P < 0.001). Taking non restricted-use as an example, training (OR = 0.312, 95%CI: 0.148,0.429), low-frequency appraisal (OR = 0.153, 95%CI: 0.082,0.224), guidance (OR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.237,0.403) and information technology (OR = 0.104, 95%CI: 0.009,0.199) were positive factors. Conclusions: There were substantial differences in the rate of AST request in clinical department between secondary and tertiary hospitals. The zero obstacle rate in collection, transportation and inspection department were still low. In most departments, training and performance appraisal were positive factors, guidance and information technology were positive supporting factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apis cerana is widely distributed in China and, prior to the introduction of western honeybees, was the only bee species kept in China. During the long-term natural evolutionary process, many unique phenotypic variations have occurred among A. cerana populations in different geographical regions under varied climates. Understanding the molecular genetic basis and the effects of climate change on the adaptive evolution of A. cerana can promote A. cerana conservation in face of climate change and allow for the effective utilization of its genetic resources. Result: To investigate the genetic basis of phenotypic variations and the impact of climate change on adaptive evolution, A. cerana workers from 100 colonies located at similar geographical latitudes or longitudes were analyzed. Our results revealed an important relationship between climate types and the genetic variation of A. cerana in China, and a greater influence of latitude compared with longitude was observed. Upon selection and morphometry analyses combination for populations under different climate types, we identified a key gene RAPTOR, which was deeply involved in developmental processes and influenced the body size. Conclusion: The selection of RAPTOR at the genomic level during adaptive evolution could allow A. cerana to actively regulate its metabolism, thereby fine-tuning body sizes in response to harsh conditions caused by climate change, such as food shortages and extreme temperatures, which may partially elucidate the size differences of A. cerana populations. This study provides crucial support for the molecular genetic basis of the expansion and evolution of naturally distributed honeybee populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding households' attitudes and willingness to pay (WTP) for clean heating can provide a scientific basis for decision-makers to assess the potential to develop clean heating, choose heating methods, and formulate subsidy standards in the region. In this paper, the double-bounded dichotomous contingent valuation method—modified by the spike model—was used to better estimate the actual WTP of households through a sample survey of 456 households in rural areas of Yongcheng City, China, in 2021. The factors influencing attitudes and WTP were examined to reveal mechanisms of accepting clean heating. The results showed that 94.96% of households were willing to pay for clean heating. The annual WTP was 1071 yuan per household, more than eight times the current heating cost. Factors that affect clean heating attitudes do not necessarily affect the WTP. Specifically, gender, length of time spent living at home, and family income had significant influences on WTP, whereas the educational level, adaptive perceptions in relation to environmental perceptions, and the recognition variables for gender equality in energy consumption had a significant impact on attitudes. It is worth noting that elderly people and females were identified as vulnerable groups in the implementation of clean heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data-driven models are widely used in the field of water level prediction due to their generalizability and predictive abilities. In long-series prediction, however, data-driven models degrade rapidly due to the uncertainty and constraints of model data and parameters. To address the problem of inaccurate continuous water level prediction, this study introduced a data assimilation technique, the unscented Kalman filter (UKF), and embedded support vector regression (SVR) into the framework and applied it to Dongting Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in China. The results demonstrated that the assimilation model is significantly better than the non-assimilation model in predicting water levels and is not affected by the characteristics of lake level changes, with the R2 increasing from 0.975–0.982 to 0.998–0.999 and the RMSE decreasing from 0.436–0.159 m to 0.105–0.042 m. The prediction lead time also increased with the increase of continuous assimilation data. Further analysis of the assimilation model showed that when there was an assimilation cycle, the prediction remained stable for successive sets of two or more assimilated data, and the prediction lead time increased with successive assimilated data, from 4–8 days (one successive assimilation data) to 9–12 days (five successive assimilation data). Overall, this study found that the data assimilation framework can improve the prediction ability of data-driven models, with assimilated models having a smaller fluctuation range and higher degree of concentration than non-assimilated models. The increase in assimilated data will improve model accuracy as well as the number of days of prediction lead time when an assimilation cycle exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Surgical treatment is the first‐line treatment for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0 or A1 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and postoperative monitoring improves long‐term survival. We aimed to establish a reasonable short‐interval follow‐up duration for patients with HCC. Methods: The cohort for this retrospective study included 1396 HCC patients with BCLC stage 0 or A1 disease who underwent curative resection from 2013 to 2016 at five centers in China. Hazard rates for recurrence were calculated using the hazard function. Results: The recurrence rates in patients with BCLC stage 0 and A1 HCC were 46.4% and 58.0%, respectively. The hazard curve for stage 0 patients was relatively flat, and the hazard rate was consistently low (peak hazard rate 0.0163). The hazard rate curve for recurrence was initially high (peak hazard rate 0.0441) in patients with BCLC stage A1 disease and showed a rapid decreasing trend within 1 year, followed by a slow decreasing trend, reaching a low level (<0.0163) at approximately 36 months. The time to low risk was 47, 41, and 51 months in patients with cirrhosis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and satellite lesions, respectively. Conclusions: A short‐interval follow‐up of 1 year is sufficient for HCC patients with BCLC stage 0 disease, whereas a short‐interval follow‐up time of 3 years should be considered for patients with stage A1 disease. The follow‐up period should be appropriately prolonged for patients with cirrhosis, HBV infection, and satellite lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 5th Plenary Session of the 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee clearly states that developing science and technology through self-reliance and self-strengthening provides the strategic underpinning for China's development. Based on this background, this paper explores a metric model for assessing national scientific research strength through collaboration on research papers. We propose a novel metric model for assessing national scientific research strength, which sets two indicators, national scientific self-reliance (SR) and national academic contribution (CT), to reflect "self-reliance" and "self-strengthening" respectively. Taking the research papers in quantum technology as an example, this study analyzes the scientific research strength of various countries around the world, especially China in quantum technology. The results show that the research of quantum technology in China has always been relatively independent with fewer international collaboration papers and located in a more marginal position in cooperation networks. China's academic contribution (CT) to global quantum technology research is increasing and has been greater than that of the United States in 2020. Combining the two indicators, CT and SR, China's research strength in the quantum field closely follows the United States, and the United States is the most powerful with high research autonomy. This paper only reflects China's scientific research strength in quantum technology from collaboration on research papers and doesn't consider the segmentation of quantum technology and the industrial upstream and downstream aspects, which need further study. The model is helpful to better understand the national scientific research strength in a certain field from "self-reliance" and "self-strengthening". We propose a novel metric model to measure the national scientific research strength from the perspective of "self-reliance" and "self-strengthening", which provides a solid basis for the assessment of the strength level of scientific research in countries/regions and institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with a PD‐1 inhibitor and TACE combined with a PD‐1 inhibitor and lenvatinib have recently been reported as promising treatments to improve the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. This study aims to compare the efficacy of these two treatments. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, and patients were recruited from two centers in China. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared, and the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were evaluated according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) were analyzed to assess safety. Results: The median follow‐up for the entire cohort was 11.4 months. Of the 103 patients included in this study, 56 received triple therapy, and 47 received doublet therapy. PFS was significantly higher in the triple therapy group than in the doublet therapy group (mPFS 22.5 vs. 14.0 months, P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained in terms of OS (P = 0.001). The ORR and DCR were also better in the triple therapy group (64.3% vs. 38.3%, P = 0.010; 85.7% vs. 57.4%, P = 0.002). The most common AEs in the triple therapy group were decreased albumin (55.3%), decreased platelet count (51.8%) and hypertension (44.6%). Conclusions: The combination of TACE with a PD‐1 inhibitor and lenvatinib in patients with BCLC stage B HCC might result in significantly improved clinical outcomes with a manageable safety profile compared with TACE with a PD‐1 inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizoctonia cerealis is a worldwide soil-borne pathogenic fungus that significantly infects wheat and causes sharp eyespot in China. However, the biocontrol strains used for the control of Rhizoctonia cerealis are insufficient. In the present study, antagonistic strain B1302 from the rhizosphere of wheat were isolated and identified as Bacillus mojovensis based on their morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, and their 16S rDNA sequence. Culture filtrate of strain B1302 had a broad antifungal spectrum. In order to improve the antifungal activity of B1302, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the culture conditions. The final medium composition and culture conditions were 13.2 g/L of wheat bran, 14.1 g/L of soybean meal, 224 r/min of rotation speed, 7.50 of initial pH, and 1.5 × 108 CFU/mL of inoculation amount at 35 °C for a culture duration of 72 h. B. mojavensis B1302 inhibited the hyphae growth of R.cerealis and produced hydrolytic enzymes (protease, chitinase, and glucanase), IAA, and had N-fixing potentiality and P-solubilisation capacity. It can also promote wheat seedling growth in potted plants. The disease incidence and index of wheat seedlings were consistent with the effect of commercial pesticides under treatment with culture filtrate. The biocontrol efficacy of culture filtrate was significant—up to 65.25%. An animal toxicological safety analysis suggested that culture filtrate was safe for use and could be developed into an effective microbial fungicide to control wheat sharp eyespot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the precent study, the microplastics (MPs) pollution level was evaluated in diverse environmental samples from the Yellow River Delta. The results indicated that the abundance of MPs in water, sediment and soil samples ranged from 0.50 to 7.83 items·L−1, 200 to 4200 items·kg−1, and 100 to 1400 items·kg−1, respectively. Film form of MPs was dominant in water, while fiber MPs were dominant in both sediment and soil samples. In all samples, most MPs were < 1 mm in size. White was the main color in water, black was the main color in sediment and soil samples. The most common MPs type was polyethylene (33 %) in water, while rayon accounted for the majority of MPs in sediment (42 %) and soil (70 %) samples. The redundancy analysis results showed that MPs in water and sediment were more affected by water quality, while soil MPs were easily affected by landscape pattern. • Microplastics (MPs) were found in all samples. • Film was dominant in water samples; while fiber was the most in the sediment and soil. • Most MPs were < 1 mm, and the proportion decreased with the increase of size. • MPs in water and sediment were greatly affected by water quality. • The soil MPs were easily affected by landscape pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microvascular invasion (MVI) adversely affects long-term survival in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to examine the association between preoperative type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with incidences of MVI and prognosis in HBV-related HCC after liver resection (LR). Data of HBV-related HCC patients who underwent LR as an initial therapy from four hospitals in China were retrospectively collected. Clinicopathological factors associated with the incidence of MVI were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) curves between different cohorts of patients were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Of 1473 patients who were included, 219 (14.9%) patients had T2DM. Preoperative T2DM, HBV DNA load, antiviral treatment, AFP level, varices, and tumor encapsulation were identified to be independent predictors of the incidence of MVI. Patients with HBV-related HCC and T2DM had a higher incidence of MVI (65.8%) than those without T2DM (55.4%) (P = 0.004). The RFS and OS were significantly worse in patients with T2DM than those without T2DM (median RFS: 11.1 vs 16.7 months; OS: 26.4 vs 42.6 months, both P < 0.001). Equivalent results were obtained in HCC patients with MVI who had or did not have T2DM (median RFS: 10.0 vs 15.9 months; OS: 24.5 vs 37.9 months, both P < 0.001). Preoperative T2DM was an independent risk factor of incidence of MVI. Patients with HBV-related HCC and T2DM had worse prognosis than those without T2DM after LR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robotic colorectal cancer surgery is widely accepted and applied. However, there is still no objective and comprehensive assessment on the data of nationwide multicenter series. Method: A total of 28 medical centers in Mainland China participated in this nationwide retrospective observational study. From the first case performed in each center to the last until December 2017, patients with robotic resection for primary tumor and pathologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma were consecutively enrolled. Clinical, pathological and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 5389 eligible patients were finally enrolled in this study, composing 72.2% of the total robotic colorectal surgery volume of Mainland China in the same period. For resections of one bowel segment of primary tumor, the postoperative mortality rate was 0.08% (4/5063 cases), and the postoperative complication rate (Clavien–Dindo grade II or higher) was 8.6% (434/5063 cases). For multiple resections, the postoperative mortality rate was 0.6% (2/326 cases), and the postoperative complication rate was 16.3% (53/326 cases). Out of 2956 patients receiving sphincter-preserving surgery in only primary resection, 130 (4.4%) patients had anastomotic leakage. Traditional low anterior resection (tumor at middle rectum) (OR 2.384, P < 0.001), traditional low anterior resection (tumor at low rectum) (OR 1.968, P = 0.017) and intersphincteric resection (OR 5.468, P = 0.006) were significant independent risk factors for anastomotic leakage. Female gender (OR 0.557, P = 0.005), age ≥ 60 years (OR 0.684, P = 0.040), and preventive stoma (OR 0.496, P = 0.043) were significant independent protective factors. Body mass index, preoperative chemotherapy/radiotherapy, tumor size, and TNM stage did not independently affect the occurrence of anastomotic leakage. Conclusion: Robotic colorectal cancer surgery was safe and reliable and might have advantages in patients at high risk of anastomotic leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Real‐world safety and effectiveness data for trastuzumab plus chemotherapy treatment of patients with HER2‐positive metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) in China are lacking. Patients and Methods: EVIDENCE was a prospective, multicenter, noninterventional registry study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of trastuzumab in five cohorts of Chinese patients with gastric cancer, stratified by HER2 status and trastuzumab treatment. Effectiveness was analyzed for cohorts I (HER2‐positive, trastuzumab treated), II (HER2‐positive, trastuzumab untreated), and IV (HER2‐negative, trastuzumab untreated); trastuzumab‐related adverse events (AEs) were analyzed for cohort I. Results: Cohorts I, II, and IV included 174, 113, and 422 patients, respectively. Most patients received first‐line chemotherapy (87.6%). Median overall survival (OS1) for first‐line treatment was 22.3, 17.2, and 17.4 months in cohorts I, II, and IV, respectively. After excluding patients who had surgery, respective median OS1 was 19.9, 15.3, and 12.9 months. Respective first‐line progression‐free survival (PFS1) was 8.2, 6.9, and 6.2 months; and respective first‐line response rates (RR) were 51.7%, 18.4%, and 32.8%. Cohort I was significantly favored over cohort II for propensity score–matched first‐line median OS1 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61), PFS1 (HR, 0.64), and RR (odds ratio, 4.93). Trastuzumab‐related AEs, grade 3–5 AEs, serious AEs, and AEs with a fatal outcome occurred in 23.6%, 3.4%, 2.3%, and 0.6% of cohort I patients, respectively. Conclusion: Safety profiles were consistent with those known for trastuzumab and chemotherapy; trastuzumab treatment improved outcomes. Our study provides real‐world data supporting first‐line trastuzumab plus chemotherapy in Chinese patients with HER2‐positive mGC. Implications for Practice: This prospective, noninterventional registry study aimed to provide safety and effectiveness data for the use of trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy in Chinese patients with HER2‐positive metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) from the real‐world clinical setting. Trastuzumab plus first‐line chemotherapy was shown to be safe and to improve outcomes when compared with patients treated with chemotherapy alone. Trastuzumab was effective within a range of treatment regimens; subgroup analysis showed that trastuzumab paired most effectively with the XELOX regimen. This study provides real‐world clinical safety and effectiveness data supporting the use of trastuzumab in the treatment of Chinese patients with HER2‐positive mGC. This article reports the results of the EVIDENCE study, which evaluated the effectiveness and safety of trastuzumab in patients with HER2‐positive metastatic gastric cancer in a real‐world setting in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longwall top coal caving mining is one of the main methods of mining thick coal seams in China. Therefore, carrying out the classification evaluation of top coal caving is of great significance to ensure mining success and reduce the risk of mining technology. In order to realize the classification evaluation of top coal caving, this article introduces the method of using BigML to establish the classification evaluation model of top coal caving. Furthermore, using the data from the CNKI database as sample data, a classification evaluation model of top coal caving is established on BigML. After training, testing, and optimization, the model is used to evaluate the top coal caving in No. 3 coal seam of Gucheng Coal Mine, and the evaluation result is grade 1, which is consistent with the engineering practice. The final research results show that the application of BigML in the classification evaluation of top coal caving is successful; the evaluation of top coal caving through BigML is reliable; BigML provides another scientific reliability way for the classification evaluation of top coal caving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occurrence of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) worsens the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and imparts high economic burden on society. Patients with high risks of having hypercoagulation are more likely to experience thrombosis. Herein, we examined how preoperative international normalized ratio (INR) was related to the incidence and extent of PVTT, and associated with survival outcomes in HCC patients following R0 liver resection (LR). Methods: Patients with HCC and PVTT were enrolled from six major hospitals in China. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates of individuals with different INR levels were assessed with Cox regression analysis as well as Kaplan-Meier method. Results: This study included 2207 HCC patients, among whom 1005 patients had concurrent PVTT. HCC patients in the Low INR group had a significantly higher incidence of PVTT and more extensive PVTT than the Normal and High INR groups (P<0.005). Of the 592 HCC subjects who had types I/II PVTT following R0 LR, there were 106 (17.9%), 342 (57.8%) and 144 (24.3%) patients in the High, Normal and Low INR groups, respectively. RFS and OS rates were markedly worse in patients in the Low INR group relative to those in the Normal and High INR groups (median RFS, 4.87 versus 10.77 versus 11.40 months, P<0.001; median OS, 6.30 versus 11.83 versus 12.67 months, P<0.001). Conclusion: Preoperative INR influenced the incidence and extent of PVTT in HCC. Particularly, patients with HCC and PVTT in the Low INR group had worse postoperative prognosis relative to the High and Normal INR groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exotic species Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) are widely invaded in the coastal zones of China and threaten the native ecosystem functions. In this study, phosphorus-magnesium modified BC (P–Mg modified BC) included PA-Mg-BC and DAP-Mg-BC derived from S. alterniflora were successfully prepared by co-pyrolysis of biomass and diammonium phosphate (DAP) or phosphoric acid (PA) and magnesium oxide (MgO). The preparation process markedly improved the surface morphologies, P loading amount, and P-containing functional groups of modified BC. The characterization results indicated that stable and low-solubility Mg–P complex formed on the surface of PA-Mg-BC and DAP-Mg-BC, which delayed the rapid release of P. Moreover, the MgO improved the buffering capacity of PA-Mg-BC and DAP-Mg-BC to competitive anions (SO 4 2− and CO 3 2−) during P release. Meanwhile, pot experiment showed that the suitable applications of PA-Mg-BC and DAP-Mg-BC could improve soil quality and fertility by enhancing SOC, DOC, TN, TP and AP contents, as well as β-glucosidase activities. The amended soil pH and salinity compared to the original soil also declined through precipitation and acid-base neutralization. In addition, P–Mg modified BC could improve bacterial community structure and promote the growth and biomass of Suaeda salsa (S. salsa). This study could provide a feasible method for realizing ecological restoration of coastal wetland and resource utilization of S. alterniflora. [Display omitted] • Novel P–Mg modified biochar (BC) was developed for ameliorating coastal wetland. • Addition of MgO increased P content and extended P release period of modified BC. • P–Mg modified BC improved DOM content/compositions and bacterial diversity. • P–Mg modified BC enhanced soil quality and promoted the Suaeda salsa growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Soil denitrification rates and the roles Mn(II) and Fe(II) played as alternative electron donors were investigated by performing anoxic incubation experiments, using agricultural soils from Guangxi Autonomous Region, South China. Materials and methods: The dynamic of Mn(II) and Fe(II), electron contributions of Mn(II) and Fe(II) to denitrification, potential denitrification capacity, and gaseous-N composition were investigated. Results and discussion: The results indicated that Mn(II) and Fe(II) act as electron donors during the denitrification of paddy soils with high Mn and Fe contents. Coupling of denitrification and Fe(II) oxidation and coupling of denitrification and Mn(II) oxidation was found in paddy soils from the villages of Xialei. The maximum electron contributions of Mn(II) and Fe(II) to denitrification were similar, both reaching 18%, although the total Mn content was lower than the total Fe content. On the contrary, the roles and contributions of Mn(II) and Fe(II) to denitrification in soils from upland fields were not proved, even though all the studied agricultural soils had high Mn and Fe contents. Conclusions: The results suggested that Mn(II) is an important but previously ignored electron donor for denitrification and that Mn(II) plays a vital role in denitrification in paddy soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study analyzes the regulation of and developments in blood donation in China from 1996 to 2019, and demonstrates the government's efforts to improve blood safety.Results: Since the implementation of the Blood Donation Law in 1998, the number of blood donors in China increased by 275% from 1998 to 2018 (from 4 million to 15 million). The principle of no-fault liability was proposed and has been applied since 2010 to the tort liability related to blood transfusion malpractice. In 2015, mutual blood donation accounted for 4.2% of the national collection. However, in some provinces of China, the percentage of mutual blood donation increased from 9.3 to 35.6% in 2016. The National Health Commission canceled mutual blood donation in March of 2018. Since 2015, nucleic acid amplification testing has become a routine test item for screening blood.Conclusions: The Chinese government institutionalized the voluntary non-remunerated donation principle, enacted regulations for the management of blood transfusion, and adopted advanced blood testing technology to sustain blood supply and ensure blood safety. Despite increased blood donation, blood shortages persist. The quality and safety of blood collection can be further improved through the cancellation of mutual blood donation and incentive measures for voluntary non-remunerated donation of blood, which needs facilitation by governmental legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall, especially rainstorm, is a major factor in inducing loess-mudstone landslides and plays an essential role in landslide reactivation. The aim of the paper is to study the triggering mechanism and reactivation probability of a loess-mudstone landslide induced by rainfall infiltration in Qinghai Province, Northwestern China. According to the numerical model of elastic–plastic mechanics, the triggering mechanism of loess-mudstone landslides was revealed. Then, the reactivation probability of the potential landslide was evaluated by the combination of the limit equilibrium and Monte-Carlo methods. For one thing, the relationship between water content and shear strength of media was analyzed based on the mechanical test of materials. For another, the effects of rainfall conditions were analyzed on the distribution of water content in the aerated zone with the two-dimensional coupling model of unsaturated–saturated seepage. The results show that the shear strength of media is very sensitive to water content because of water–rock interaction including hydration and dissolution. Besides, the water content significantly increases at the interface between the loess and mudstone after the rainstorm occurring owing to the permeability heterogeneous of media and topographic feature, which leads to the strength deterioration. Although the whole landslide is stable in the rainstorm conditions, its middle part can be reactivated along the original sliding zone with high probability by a geomechanical model of sliding-tension. Therefore, the landslide reactivation is controlled by the water sensitivity of media, the permeability heterogeneous of media, the topographic feature and the original sliding zone, especially the original sliding zone. This research provides a valuable reference for the occurrence and reactivation of similar landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization, industrialization, and regional economic integration have developed rapidly in China in recent years. Air pollution has attracted more and more attention. However, PM2.5 is the main particulate matter in air pollution. Therefore, how to predict PM2.5 accurately and effectively has become a concern of experts and scholars. For the problem, atmosphere PM2.5 concentration prediction algorithm is proposed based on time series and interactive multiple model in this paper. PM2.5 concentration is collected by using the monitor at different air quality levels. The time series models are established by historical PM2.5 concentration data, which were given by the autoregressive model (AR). In the paper, three PM2.5 time series models are established for three different air quality levels. Then, the three models are converted to state equation, respectively, by autoregressive integrated with Kalman filter (AR-Kalman) approaches. Besides, the proposed interactive multiple model (IMM) algorithm is, respectively, compared with autoregressive (AR) model algorithm and AR-Kalman prediction algorithm. It is turned out the proposed IMM algorithm is more accurate than the other two approaches for PM2.5 prediction, and it is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Integrate approach: remote sensing (Landsat 8 and ASTER thermal infrared data) and geospatial data overlay analysis was used. • Land surface temperature (LST) during the daytime and nighttime were retrieved by the SC algorithm and TES algorithm. • The addition of LST during daytime and nighttime can eliminate the relatively cold/thermal anomalies between land features. • The threshold determined by statistical analysis can adequately reflect geothermal anomalies and urban heat islands. • In addition to the 3 known hot springs and the 3 urban heat islands, 6 geothermal anomalies were also discovered in Dandong area, China. Traditional ground survey methods have limited the development and use of renewable energy from geothermal resources. In this paper, the geothermal potential area of Dandong, China is studied using the thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing data from daytime Landsat 8 and nighttime Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). Through pre-processing such as georeferencing, radiometric calibration, and atmospheric correction, the Landsat8 TIRS and ASTER data were used to invert the land surface temperature of the study area during the daytime and nighttime using the single-channel algorithm and temperature and emissivity separation algorithm. Furthermore, the land surface temperatures during daytime and nighttime of three natural land features—water, vegetation, and bare soil—were classified and analyzed. According to the results, vegetation and bare soil show relatively thermal anomalies during the day and relatively cold anomalies during the night. Conversely, water shows relatively cold anomalies during the day and relatively thermal anomalies during the night. Calculating the daytime and nighttime mean of land surface temperature (DNMLST) can eliminate the relatively cold/thermal anomalies exhibited by natural land features during the daytime and nighttime while highlighting the geothermal anomaly zone. Nine geothermal anomaly zones were identified using the threshold method. The auxiliary analysis of geological data excluded non-geothermal effects. Studies have shown that the distribution of the identified geothermal prospects is consistent with the development and distribution of faults. The fractures cut the land surface, causing groundwater to form structural fissure hot water through fracture structures and fissures after magma heating. The use of two higher-resolution TIR remote sensing data products to obtain the DNMLST for the detection of geothermal anomalies has proven cost-effective technical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (Xiaoaiping) injections for chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and gastric cancer. Design: A randomized, controlled, multicenter study from December 2013 to August 2015. Settings/Location: All patients are from China. Subjects: One hundred forty patients with either NSCLC or gastric cancer were enrolled in this trial. Interventions: The intervention group (n = 70) was given Xiaoaiping injections (1 dose/day for 10 days) with chemotherapy, whereas the control group (n = 70) was given chemotherapy only. The follow up period was 11 days after the final injection. Outcome measures: Platelet (PLT) count was tested at day 0, 7, 14, and 21 as the primary outcome for evaluation. Safety measurements, including red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HBG), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil (NE)#, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were tested at day 0 and 21 as the secondary outcomes. Results: (1) Two patients in the intervention group and four patients in the control group were lost upon follow-up. (2) PLT count: there was no significant difference in PLT count between the two groups from baseline (day 0), day 7, and day 14. At day 21, the intervention group indicated an upward trend of PLT count with a statistically significant difference than that of the control group (p < 0.05). (3) NSCLC: there was significant difference in PLT count between the two groups on day 21 (p < 0.01). (4) Gastric cancer: there was no significant difference in PLT count between the two groups during this trial (p > 0.05). (5) There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention group and the control group with the safety figures (secondary outcomes) RBC, HGB, WBC, NE#, AST, ALT, LDH, CK, Cr, and BUN measured (p > 0.05). (6) Adverse events: one gastric cancer patient in the control group was diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding on day 3. Conclusions: In conclusion, Xiaoaiping injections may provide a safe and effective option for CIT in patients with NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of body mass index (BMI) in breast cancer (BC) patients remained conflicting. We aimed to investigate and modify the impact of BMI on clinicopathological significance and survival in western Chinese BC patients. Materials and Methods. 8,394 female BC patients from Western China Clinical Cooperation Group (WCCCG) between 2005 and 2015 were identified. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportion hazard regressions were used to examine the difference of clinicopathologic and survival characteristics between BMI categories. Results. For the premenopausal, overweight and obese (OW) patients tended to have large tumor size (>5cm) (odds ratio [OR], 1.30, P<0.01) and triple-negative BC (OR, 1.31; P=0.01) compared with normal weight (NW) patients. Premenopausal underweight (UW) patients had a significantly higher risk of HER2 positive (OR, 1.71; P=0.02) and distant metastasis (OR, 2.59; P=0.01). For postmenopausal patients, OW patients showed higher risks of large tumor size (>5cm) (OR, 1.46; P=0.01), nuclear grade III (OR, 1.24; P=0.04), and lymphovascular invasion (OR, 1.46; P=0.01) compared with NW patients. An "U" shaped relationship between BMI and DFS was found (UW versus NW, adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 2.80, P<0.001; OW versus NW, adjusted HR, 1.40, P=0.02), whereas no significant difference of disease-free survival (DFS) between OW and NW premenopausal patients (adjusted HR=1.34, P=0.18) was revealed. Conclusion. We concluded that UW and OW were associated with aggressively clinicopathological characteristics, regardless of menopausal status. An "U" shaped association of BMI and DFS was revealed, and no significant difference of DFS between OW and NW in postmenopausal subgroup was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an autosomal dominant disease, is a colon cancer predisposition syndrome that manifests as a large number of adenomatous polyps. Mutations in the Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene are responsible for the majority of cases of FAP. The purpose of the present study was to report the clinical features of a Chinese family with FAP and screen for novel mutations using the targeted next‑generation sequencing technology. Among the 29 family members, 12 were diagnosed of FAP. Based on an established filtering strategy and data analyses, along with confirmation by Sanger sequencing and co‑segregation, a novel frameshift mutation c.1317delA (p.Ala440LeufsTer14) in exon 10 of the APC gene was identified. To the best of our knowledge, this mutation has not been reported prior to the present study. In addition, it was correlated with extra‑colonic phenotypes featuring duodenal polyposis and sebaceous cysts in this family. This novel frameshift mutation causing FAP not only expands the germline mutation spectrum of the APC gene in the Chinese population, but it also increases the understanding of the phenotypic and genotypic correlations of FAP, and may potentially lead to improved genetic counseling and specific treatment for families with FAP in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of the content and source of heavy metals are essential to assess the potential threat of metals to human health. The present study collected 140 topsoil samples around a Cu-Mo mine (Wunugetushan, China) and investigated the concentrations and spatial distribution pattern of Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mo and Cd in soil using multivariate and geostatistical analytical methods. Results indicated that the average concentrations of six heavy metals, especially Cu and Mo, were obviously higher than the local background values. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis divided these metals into three groups, including Cr and Ni, Cu and Mo, Zn and Cd. Meanwhile, the spatial distribution maps of heavy metals indicated that Cr and Ni in soil were no notable anthropogenic inputs and mainly controlled by natural factors because their spatial maps exhibited non-point source contamination. The concentrations of Cu and Mo gradually decreased with distance away from the mine area, suggesting that human mining activities may be crucial in the spreading of contaminants. Soil contamination of Zn were associated with livestock manure produced from grazing. In addition, the environmental risk of heavy metal pollution was assessed by geo-accumulation index. All the results revealed that the spatial distribution of heavy metals in soil were in agreement with the local human activities. Investigating and identifying the origin of heavy metals in pasture soil will lay the foundation for taking effective measures to preserve soil from the long-term accumulation of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive species Spartina alterniflora are widely distributed on the coastline of China. In this study, three common physical control treatments for S. alterniflora were simulated in the laboratory environment. The results showed that "mowing + flooding" (MF) and "mowing + ploughing" (MP) treatments eradicated S. alterniflora completely during the 60-day experiment. However, the flooding and ploughing treatments and the decay of S. alterniflora would change the biogeochemical feature of the sediment, resulting in the abnormal release of nutrients. Spearman's correlation analysis and water quality analysis results showed that the average concentrations of NH 4 +-N (1.80 mg/L) and TP (0.43 mg/L) in MF treatment, as well as NH 4 +-N (1.49 mg/L), NO 3 −-N (0.95 mg/L), and NO 2 −-N (0.35 mg/L) in MP treatment greatly increased due to the migration and transformation of nutrient. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) confirmed that three components of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and their rising in overlying water were related to the decomposition of S. alterniflora and the disturbed sediment, which could increase the risk of eutrophication in offshore water bodies. In addition, three physical control treatments changed the structure and composition of the bacterial community by altering the colonization of specific bacteria and the sediment microenvironment. Mantel test analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that the variation of key nutrients in MF and MP treatments had significant impacts on bacterial community structure. This study revealed the effects of physical control of S. alterniflora on migration and transformation mechanism of nutrients in coastal wetlands and the structure of the bacterial community. [Display omitted] • Physical control treatments for S. alterniflora show different ecological impacts. • "Mowing + flooding" and "mowing + ploughing" may increase endogenous release risk. • The persistent flooding conditions decrease bacterial richness and diversity. • Decayed S. alterniflora enhances bacterial richness and diversity after ploughing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to inherent errors in the chemical transport models, inaccuracies in the input data, and simplified chemical mechanisms, ozone (O 3) predictions are often biased from observations. Accurate O 3 predictions can better help assess its impacts on public health and facilitate the development of effective prevention and control measures. In this study, we used a random forest (RF) model to construct a bias-correction model to correct the bias in the predictions of hourly O 3 (O 3 -1h), daily maximum 8-h O 3 (O 3 -Max8h), and daily maximum 1-h O 3 (O 3 -Max1h) concentrations from the Community Multi-Scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model in the Yangtze River Delta region. The results show that the RF model successfully captures the nonlinear response relationship between O 3 and its influence factors, and has an outstanding performance in correcting the bias of O 3 predictions. The normalized mean biases (NMBs) of O 3 -1h, O 3 -Max8h, and O 3 -Max1h decrease from 15.8%, 20.0%, and 17.0.% to 0.5%, −0.8%, and 0.1%, respectively; correlation coefficients increase from 0.78, 0.90, and 0.89 to 0.94, 0.95, and 0.94, respectively. For O 3 -1h and O 3 -Max8h, the original CMAQ model shows an obvious bias in the central and southern Zhejiang region, while the RF model decreases the NMB values from 54% to −1% and 34% to −4%, respectively. The O 3 -1h bias is mainly caused by the bias of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2). Relative humidity and temperature are also important factors that lead to the bias of O 3. For high O 3 concentrations, the temperature bias and O 3 observations are the major reasons for the discrepancy between the model and the observations. [Display omitted] • The RF model greatly improves accuracy of hourly O 3 predictions from CMAQ. • The RF model significantly reduced O 3 bias in the central and southern Zhejiang. • O3-1h bias is mainly caused by the bias of nitrogen dioxide. • Relative humidity and temperature have important impacts on the O 3 bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to select a native isolate ofArthrobotrys thaumasia(Monacrosporium thaumasium), a nematophagous fungus that shows potential for use in biocontrol programmes for ruminants. First, we looked for native isolates ofA. thaumasiaand characterised them using light microscopy and molecular markers. Then, we determined the effect of temperature, pH and nutrition on the growth rate and trap formation of a representative isolate. Of the 1532 samples of different types related to sheep and cattle, 11 isolates ofA. thaumasiawere isolated, and their occurrence frequency in the samples was 0.71% (11/1532). We sequenced the rDNA internal transcribed spacer of isolate NBS005, submitted it to GenBank (ID: KX640093) and then sequenced it using BLAST. The NBS005 could not grow at 37.5°C but could grow from 11°C to 35°C, and it exhibited its optimum growth at 30°C on 1% corn meal agar (CMA). Over 4 days, the fungus did not grow in the pH interval from 1 to 3 or from 13 to 14 but did grow in the pH interval from 4 to 12 and exhibited its optimum growth between pH 9 and 10 on 2% CMA. The factors responsible for the trap formation of NBS005 in liquid culture were identified. Trap formation was induced only by contact with L3 lysate. The concentrations of sucrose, ammonium chloride and tryptone of 0.4, 0.2 and 0.2%, respectively, promoted trap formation, and there were higher numbers of trapping nets in 2% wheat bran liquid medium containing L3 lysate. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The near-surface soil is an important interface in ground-atmosphere interactions. The near-surface soil freeze-thaw status is critical for energy, moisture, and carbon exchange between the ground and the atmosphere, plant growth, and the ecosystem as a whole. The main objective of this study is to investigate climatology of the timing and duration of the near-surface soil freeze-thaw status using data from 636 meteorological stations across China for the baseline period from July 1971 through June 2001. The long-term average first date of the near-surface soil freeze is 14 September (30 July-30 October), the last date is 15 May (8 April-21 June), the duration is 245 ± 85 days, and the actual number of the near-surface soil freeze days is 202 ± 90 days over China as a whole. On the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the near-surface soil freeze can occur essentially in any month of a year. The spatial variations of the near-surface soil freeze-thaw status are strongly controlled by latitude in east China, and by elevation in west China. The long-term average 220-day and 260-day contours of the near-surface soil freeze coincide approximately with the southern boundary of high-latitude permafrost regions in northeastern China and the lower boundary of high-altitude permafrost regions in west China, respectively. The number of days and duration of the near-surface soil freeze decreased with increasing long-term mean annual air temperature (MAAT). Variation of the actual number of the near-surface soil freeze days presents nonlinear linkage to the length of the near-surface soil freeze duration and also to the MAAT climatology. The timing and duration of the near-surface soil freeze-thaw status are strongly nonlinearly related to air freezing index, but are nearly linearly related to air thawing index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Water-related ecosystem services (WES) were integrated into priority area selection. • The hydrological/hydrochemical/hydroecological related WES varied by climate change. • Conservation efficiencies of priority areas decreased as climate change accelerated. • Factors impacting priority area selection changed in upper, middle, and down basins. Water scarcity and quality deterioration often occur in economically developing regions, particularly during crises related to climate change or increasing human activities. The assignment of priority areas is considered a suitable strategy for stakeholders to mitigate water crises and cope with water stress. However, most studies focused on protecting water bodies in priority areas and did not consider the hydrological/hydrochemical/hydroecological interaction between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. We divided a watershed into manageable areas to select priority areas for multiple water-related ecosystem services (WES-priority areas), considering the aquatic-terrestrial interactions to predict the effects of climate change and human activities. The proposed novelty framework couples the soil and water assessment tool and maximum entropy models with a systematic conservation planning tool. It uses the gross domestic product as the economic cost to assess dynamic changes and social-environmental driving forces. A case study is conducted in the Xiangjiang River basin, a modified watershed of the main tributary of the Yangtze River, China. Results revealed that most of the WES-priority areas were located in the southern and southeastern regions of the upper reaches in all climatic scenarios. The conservation efficiency of the WES-priority areas decreased from 1.264 to 0.867 in 50 years, indicating that the level of protection declined as climate change accelerated. The precipitation was positively correlated with the WES-priority area selection in all climate scenarios. The temperature was only negatively correlated with the WES-priority areas when it exceeded 20 °C, and this effect became more pronounced as the temperature increased. The topographic factors had the most crucial impacts on the upstream priority areas selection. The water flow regulation service played a leading role in identifying WES-priority areas in the middle reaches because the priority areas' distribution here was closely related to the water yield, and its proportion decreased with the acceleration of global warming. The number of WES-priority areas was relatively low in the lower reaches. It was positively associated with the gross domestic product and the amount of built-up land. The proposed framework for WES-priority areas identification enables a sound trade-off between environmental protection and economic development. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of large-scale phosphate mining (PM) on hydrology and water quality in the Huangbai River basin, China. Rainfall and runoff data were used to analyze hydrological changes of the basin before (from 1978 to 2002) and during (from 2003 to 2014) the PM period. From 2009 to 2014, flow rate and concentrations of ammonia nitrogen (NH 4 + ), nitrate (NO 3 − ), fluoride (F − ), suspended solids (SS), total nitrogen (TN), soluble phosphorus (SP), and total phosphorus (TP) were measured at the outfalls of PM as well as at outlets of sub-basins with and without PM practices. Results showed that the PM activities generally reduced runoff (i.e., the runoff coefficient and runoff peak). The sequential Mann Kendall test revealed a decrease trend of runoff during wet seasons after 2008 in the PM regions. For a mining scale of one unit of PM productivity (i.e., 10 8 kg phosphate ore per year or 2.74 × 10 5 kg d − 1 ), TN, SS, and TP of 0.633, 1.46 to 5.22, and 0.218 to 0.554 kg d − 1 were generated, respectively. The NH 4 + and TN loads in the sub-basins with PM were significantly higher than these in the sub-basins without PM; however, the NH 4 + and TN loads that discharged into rivers from the background non-point sources discharged were less in the sub-basins with PM than those without PM. The result was attributed to the reduction of runoff volume by PM. The annual mean concentrations of TN in reservoir water increased with the scales of PM, whereas the mean concentrations of SP were low. Nevertheless, the SP concentrations in the reservoirs greatly increased after 2012, mainly related to the dissolution of apatite in the sediment. The information from this study should improve the understanding of changes in hydrology and water quality in regions with large-scale PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hands are frequent sites of burn but few related studies were reported in China. The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of gender, age, seasons, place, etiology, total body surface area (TBSA), depth, infection and comorbidities on prognosis following injury in a cohort of hand burn inpatients. This is a retrospective study of total 378 inpatients admitted to the burn center of Changhai hospital from January 2009 to December 2013. The present research showed the male inpatients were predominant and most of the inpatients aged from 20 to 49. Flame (37.04%) and electricity (25.40%) were the major causes of hand burns. Hand burns happened more commonly in work place (60.85%). The study preliminarily pointed out that male, flame and depth were the most significant factors impacting surgery. The main factors relevant to amputation were identified including the electrical burns and other etiology of burns. In addition, depth of hand burns was proved to have a higher impact on length of hospital stay (LOS) than other factors. The results of this study not only provide the necessary information of hand burns in Eastern China but also give the suggestions for the prevention of hand burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit-bagging is being used as a pest management tool to control fruit moths on several continents. However, nothing is known about how this physical control method affects population genetics of these moths. Focusing on the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita (= Cydia) molesta ( Busck) ( Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), we used five polymorphic microsatellite loci and two mitochondrial gene sequences to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic structure of populations from three fruit-bagged and two unbagged apple orchards in five regions of a major fruit-growing area of China. We sampled each orchard 3× during the season and found high genetic diversity in the samples of populations collected. Populations from fruit-bagged and unbagged orchards were genetically significantly differentiated, indicating a clear effect of the pest management method applied. Genetic structures of the populations under a given management regime changed in the course of the season in a characteristic manner, and within the same regime, patterns were always similar at a given sampling time. There was no significant isolation by geographical distance. Population genetics from both orchard types did not resemble one another at the beginning of the season, but they did rather at the end. Potential reasons for this unexpected direction of change in population genetic structure are discussed, and we hypothesize that diapause-related characteristics may account for the patterns observed. The current study documents that pest management methods applied can have an important impact on the genetic diversity and genetic structure of targeted pest insect populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out in Luoyuan Bay in March 2021. The species composition of microalgae community colonizing on microplastics called epimicroplastic microalgae (EMP-MA) was analyzed and compared with planktonic microalgae (PM) community. The species number of EMP-MA community (73) was higher than that of PM community (56). However Simpson Index and Pielou Evenness Index of EMP-MA community were significantly lower than that of PM community (P < 0.05). Although diatom was the most diverse and abundant taxa in both EMP-MA and PM community, their species compositions were significantly different (P < 0.05). Dominant species were also different between the two communities. Moreover, 12 harmful algal species were found in EMP-MA community, which may drift with microplastics and increase the risks of harmful algal blooms (HABs). This study is helpful to reveal the dispersal mechanism of HABs and potential impacts of EMP-MA on marine ecosystem. [Display omitted] • A species-rich microalgae community dominated by diatom was found on microplastics. • Microalgae living on microplastics were different from the surrounding waters. • Microplastics tend to provide habitat for smaller microalgae. • Microplastics are beneficial to the dispersal of harmful microalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • LA − ICP − MS zircon U-Pb geochronology shows that granitic intrusions in Hardat Tolgoi were emplaced at the Early Jurassic. • These high-K calc-alkaline granitoids were generated by partial melting of the juvenile lower crust. • The magmatism at Hardat Tolgoi was probably attributed to the southeastward subduction of Mongol − Okhotsk oceanic plate beneath the Erguna massif, with exsolved magmatic fluids favorable to the Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization. The Hardat Tolgoi Ag-Pb-Zn deposit is located in the Erenhot-East Ujimqin polymetallic metallogenic belt, on the western part of the Great Xing'an Range, Inner Mongolia, northeast China. The Ag-Pb-Zn veins are mainly hosted by the argillaceous siltstone and feldspar quartz sandstone of Aobaotinghundi Formation, which show close genetic relationship with the granitoids at Hardat Tolgoi (i.e., biotite granite, syenogranite, and monzogranite). New LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating yielded the emplacement ages of 196.1 ± 5.8 Ma for biotite granite, 192.3 ± 6.0 Ma for syenogranite, and 194.8 ± 1.7 Ma for monzogranite, respectively, indicating that they were formed in the Early Jurassic. Geochemically, these granitoids are characterized by high SiO 2 , Na 2 O + K 2 O, and low MgO and TiO 2 concentrations, belonging to high-K calc-alkaline series. They exhibit relatively flat REE patterns, with pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu N /Eu N * = 0.004–0.015), enriched in LREEs and LILEs (e.g., Rb, U, and Pb), and depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, P, and Ti. Zircon in situ Hf isotopic analyses yield positive ε Hf (t) values ranging from + 5.7 to + 11.8, corresponding relatively young Hf isotopic crustal model ages of 452 to 843 Ma. The granitoid samples have the 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.950 to 19.444, 15. 573 to 15.615, and 38.487 to 38.789, corresponding to initial Pb ratios of 18.483 to 18.960, 15.552 to 15.662, and 37.905 to 38.193, respectively, and yield the δ30Si values between − 0.4 and − 0.1‰, similar to the quartz separates (−0.7 to − 0.1‰). The available geochemical and isotopic data imply that the source magma at Hardat Tolgoi was most likely derived from partial melting of juvenile lower crust. Combined our whole-rock geochemical and Hf − Pb − Si isotopic data with regional tectono-magmatic evolution, it is proposed that the Early Jurassic magmatism at Hardat Tolgoi was probably attributed to the southeastward subduction of the Mongol − Okhotsk oceanic plate beneath the Erguna massif, and their generation was favorable to the Hardat Tolgoi Ag-Pb-Zn ore formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 1997 to 2018, Phaeocystis globosa caused harmful algal blooms in Chinese coastal waters almost every year. In this study, the spatial and temporal distribution of P. globosa blooms and its influencing factors were discussed. The results showed that 80.6% of the P. globosa blooms happened in the South China Sea and 72.5% happened in the period from November to March of the following year. But in the Yellow Sea, P. globosa blooms might be limited by green tides. Among the influencing factors, temperature might be an important one that affected the spatial and temporal distribution of P. globosa blooms. Furthermore, eutrophication provided material basis and El Nino events might also stimulate the occurrence of P. globosa blooms. This study is helpful to reveal causes and mechanisms of P. globosa blooms and reduce the negative impacts of blooms on ecological environment, economic development and the safety of nuclear power plants. • 80.6% of P. globosa blooms happened in the SCS and 72.5% happened in the period from November to March of the following year. • Water temperature might be the important factor affecting the spatial and temporal distribution of P. globosa blooms. • Eutrophication provided rich nutrients for the occurrence of P. globosa blooms. • The El Nino events might stimulate the expansion of P. globosa blooms. • Green tides caused by Ulva prolifera might limit the occurrence of P. globosa blooms in the Yellow Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production tests of natural gas hydrate in deepwater have been successfully conducted twice in China in 2017 and 2019. However, exploitation disturbance caused huge threat to the security of production well, as hydrate production was characterized by complicated phase variation in coupled seepage process, which made conventional analysis approach of oil and gas production well futile. This paper aimed at proposing a mechanical analysis method for casing in hydrate production test well based on the self-developed phase transition solver, which was employed to address exploitation disturbance induced by the varying hydrate saturation, reservoir strain state and physical parameters. By developing a multi-field coupling model and the corresponding algorithm, dynamic changes of casing boundary condition were achieved, and temporal-spatial distribution of casing stress was revealed. A case study was presented to illustrate the application of the proposed methodology. Results indicated that casing stress presented a distribution of "8" and a trend of decreasing first and then increasing with the progress of production test, reaching 112.95 MPa at the 60th day. Meanwhile, this trend was affected by production pressure and in-situ stress inhomogeneity. Moreover, as in-situ stress inhomogeneity, initial hydrate saturation and initial pore pressure changed from 1.05 to 1.3, 0.3 to 0.6 and 19 MPa–15 MPa, casing maximum stress increased by 2.3 times, 13.9% and 11.2%, respectively. The proposed approach could be used to provide theoretical reference for safety design of hydrate production test well. [Display omitted] • A novel methodology to research temporal-spatial distribution of casing stress under hydrate exploitation disturbance was proposed. • A multi-field coupling model and corresponding algorithm for achieving dynamic boundary of casing were developed. • Mechanical characteristics of casing under different hydrate production pressures were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The ore-forming fluids at Hardat Tolgoi were primarily of magmatic origin, and were diluted by meteoric water later. • The ore-forming metals were sourced from both magmatic hydrothermal and sedimentary wall rocks. • Phase separation, temperature decrease, and fluid mixing are important causes for ore precipitation at Hardat Tolgoi. The Hardat Tolgoi Ag-Pb-Zn deposit (4.3 Mt at 3.15% Pb + Zn and 26.4 g/t Ag) is located in the Erenhot-East Ujimqin polymetallic metallogenic belt, on the western part of the Great Xing'an Range, Inner Mongolia, northeast China. The Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization mainly occurs as vein type ores hosted in argillaceous siltstone, feldspar quartz sandstone with silty slate interlayers of the Aobaotinghundi Formation of Lower Devonian. The hydrothermal ore-forming process can be divided into three stages, i.e., quartz–pyrite–arsenopyrite stage (I), quartz–polymetallic sulfides stage (II), and quartz–calcite–fluorite stage (III). Four types of fluid inclusions have been identified in the quartz-bearing veins of each stage, i.e., liquid-rich two-phase (L-type), single liquid-phase (PW-type), vapor-rich two-phase (V-type), and pure vapor phase (PV-type) inclusions. The fluid inclusions of stage I to III yield homogenization temperatures of 285–407 °C, 202–317 °C, and 144–239 °C, with salinities of 1.2–9.2 wt% NaCl equiv., 0.9–5.0 wt% NaCl equiv., and 0.2–2.6 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively. The ore-forming fluids at Hardat Tolgoi are characterized by moderate temperatures, low salinities, and low densities, and dominated by the H 2 O–NaCl system. Carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of calcite demonstrate that the ore-forming fluids come from a primary magmatic-hydrothermal system, with subsequent involvement of meteoric water at a later stage. Sulfur isotope analyses of sulfides yield δ34S V-CDT values of 1.8 to 8.7‰, with calculated δ34S H2S values of 1.4 to 9.4‰. The 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of sulfides range from 18.141 to 18.468, 15.521 to 15.617, and 38.040 to 38.377, respectively, similar to those of granites from the Hardat Tolgoi deposit. Both sulfur and lead isotope data indicate that the ore-forming metals were most likely derived from the magmatic reservoirs and sedimentary country rocks. The available fluid inclusion results and isotope studies indicate that the pahse separation, temperature decrease, and fluid mixing resulted in large-scale Ag-Pb-Zn ore formation at Hardat Tolgoi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ore-forming fluids had a dominantly metamorphic signature and were diluted by meteoric water. • Ore-forming components were primarily sourced from the Precambrian basement. • Temperature decrease, fluid mixing, and pervasive dolomitization are key factors resulting in ore precipitation. The Caixiashan sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposit (131 Mt at 3.95% Zn + Pb) is located in the western segment of eastern Tianshan, on the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang, northwest China. Zinc and lead mineralization is mainly hosted in the dolomite marble of the Mesoproterozoic Kawabulake Group. Four stages (I to IV) of hydrothermal activity have been identified, i.e., calcite + dolomite + quartz + pyrite stage I, calcite + dolomite + quartz + spahlerite + pyrrhotite ± arsenopyrite stage II, calcite + dolomite + quartz + galena + pyrite ± chalcopyrite stage III, and late quartz + calcite stage IV. Sphalerite and galena mainly occur in the vein ores of stage II and III. Five types of fluid inclusions are distinguished in the calcite- and quartz-bearing veins, i.e., liquid-rich two-phase (L-type), pure-liquid phase (PL-type), vapor-rich two-phase (V-type), pure-vapor phase (PV-type), and halite-bearing (H-type) inclusions. Fluid inclusions of stages I to IV were homogenized at temperatures of 336–494 °C, 240–357 °C, 140–297 °C, and 71–156 °C, with salinities of 4.0–18.0 wt% NaCl equiv., 4.2–17.3 wt% NaCl equiv., 0.2–13.5 wt% NaCl equiv., and 1.2–7.6 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively. The ore-forming fluids at the Caixiashan deposit are characterized by high- to moderate temperatures, moderate salinities, and low densities, belonging to the H 2 O–NaCl system. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope data indicate that the ore-forming fluids at Caixiashan have a dominantly metamorphic signature and were diluted by meteoric water. Carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of calcite, dolomite, and marble demonstrate that the ore-forming fluids were primarily sourced from the dissolution and low-temperature alteration of carbonates. Sphalerite, galena, pyrrhotite, and pyrite samples from stage I to III record high δ34S V-CDT values between 11.2 and 16.1‰, indicating a predominant sulfur source from the Precambrian marine sulfates by thermochemical sulfate reduction. The 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of sulfide samples are similar to those of marble and carbonaceous slate of the Kawabulake Group, whereas they differ from those of granitoid rocks, suggesting that ore-forming metals may have been primarily derived from the Precambrian basement. All of these observations combined with the stable and radiogenic isotope results reveal that the formation of the Caixiashan Zn-Pb deposit was dominated by a metamorphic system, and the ore-forming components were sourced from the Precambrian basement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to investigate water, ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 + -N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 − -N) export processes during the thawing period in a watershed with heavy agricultural activities and to evaluate contributions of N (i.e., NO 3 − -N and NH 4 + -N) from different source areas under different climate conditions. Experiments were conducted within the 75 km 2 agricultural Heidingzi watershed in northeast China. The thawing period was divided into four stages: early-melt, late-melt, rain-on-melt, and post-melt. Drainage regions (DRs) were separated into three types. The processes of water and N discharge from soil into rivers were monitored in these DRs during the thawing periods of 2014, 2015, and 2016. Results show that the processes of water and N discharge were not synchronous during the thawing period. Variations in discharge concentrations of NH 4 + -N and NO 3 − -N during the thawing period were mainly affected by the flushing effect, which was controlled by the physical state of the surface water (snow or ice) and the melt rate of frozen soil. Contributions of N export from the DRs varied under different land uses and climate conditions during the thawing period. NO 3 − -N export was mainly from maize fields. Thawing stages with high NO 3 − -N export were always accompanied by higher discharge rates. NH 4 + -N export mainly occurred during the early-melt and late-melt stages and from riverside rural regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]