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The genus Svistella Gorochov, 1987 includes 10 species from Asia, with nine documented in China. In this study, a new species, Svistella yayun He, sp. nov., is described from Xizang, China. Morphologically, it resembles S. rufonotata (Chopard, 1932) but can be distinguished by a smaller inner tympanum, dark-brown setae on the 5th segment of the maxillary palp, and a rounded apex on the ectoparamere. To validate our morphological inferences and support the description of S. yayun sp. nov. as a new species, we performed a PCA based on bioacoustics parameters and molecular analysis. All Svistella species documented in China are distinguished by integrating their songs and DNA barcoding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: East Asian subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests (EBLFs) are composed of western and eastern subregions with different topographical and environmental conditions. The distribution shifts over time of plants in the two subregions are predicted to be different, but the difference has seldom been investigated. Methods: Potential distributions of 53 Magnoliaceae species (22 in the western and 31 in the eastern subregion) during the last glacial maximum (LGM), present, and the 2070s were predicted using MaxEnt based on 58 environmental variables. The changes in the distribution range size and centroid over time were analyzed. Species-level potential habitats were overlaid to uncover species diversity distribution, and the distributions over time were overlaid to discover long-term refugia. Results: At present, the potential distributions are significantly larger than those shown by the occurrence points. During the LGM, 20/22 species in the western subregion experienced increases in range size through downwards and southward migrations, while decreases in range size in the eastern subregion (27/31 species) were accompanied by northward and eastward migrations. In the future, range size declines and northward shifts will both be found; northwestward shifts will exist in most (20/22 species) species in the western subregion, while both northwest- and northeastward shifts will occur in the eastern subregion. The diversity hotspots experienced a slight southward shift in the past and upwards to the mountain region in the future in the western subregion; in the eastern subregion, shrinks occurred in eastern China in the past and shrinks were shown in all regions in the future. Long-term refugia-preserving diversity was found in the mountains across the entire EBLFs region. Main conclusions: Significant differences in distribution shifts from past to present and similar distribution shifts from present to future are revealed in the two subregions. Species diversity in both subregions experienced no significant shifts from past to future, and Magnoliaceae plants could be preserved in mountainous regions throughout the EBLFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal systemic treatment for pulmonary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) remains controversial, and recent advances in LCNEC molecular subtype classification have provided potential strategies for assisting in treatment decisions. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of treatment regimens, molecular subtypes and their concordance on clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with LCNEC. Patients and Methods: All patients diagnosed with advanced pulmonary LCNEC in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) between January 2000 and October 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The tumor samples were collected and sequenced using a tumor-specific gene panel, while clinical information was retrieved from the medical records system. The survival and therapeutic response were analyzed and compared between different subgroups classified by treatment regimen (SCLC or NSCLC-based), molecular subtype (type I or II) or the combination. Results: In univariate subgroup analysis categorized only by treatment regimen or molecular subtype, there were no differences identified in DCR, ORR, PFS, or OS. Nevertheless, the group with consistent treatment regimen and molecular subtype exhibited significantly longer OS than that of the inconsistent group (median OS 37.7 vs. 8.3months; p=0.046). Particularly, the OS of patients with type II LCNEC treated with SCLC-based regimen was significantly prolonged than that of others (median 37.7 vs. 10.5months; p=0.039). Conclusions: Collectively, our study revealed the clinical outcomes of different treatment regimens for LCNEC patients highly depend on their molecular subtypes, highlighting the need for sequencing-guided therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with childhood obesity, but the underlying factors remain unknown. This study aimed to identify mediators that may explain SES disparities in childhood obesity in China. Methods: Nationally representative longitudinal data from the China Education Panel Survey of 11 019 children (13.03 ± 0.79) collected from 2013-2014 to 2016-2017 academic years. Overweight/obesity was defined using Chinese national body mass index cut-points. Principal component analysis was used to convert the four SES indicators (maternal and paternal education, and occupation) into one comprehensive variable. Mediation analysis for SES disparities in childhood obesity was conducted using structure equation models. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 12.8%, and was higher in boys than in girls (17.8% vs. 7.6%, P < 0.001) at baseline. Among boys, relative risk (RR) of obesity was 1.23 (95% CI : 1.09 to 1.40, P < 0.001) for per unit change in SES. There was no significant association between obesity and SES among girls. Mediation analyses showed that among boys, birth weight, being the only child in the family and children's selfperceived weight status mediated 70.0% of the effects of SES on obesity. No mediation effect was detected in girls. Conclusions: Chinese boys are more likely to be overweight or obese than girls. SES may impact childhood obesity through birth weight, being the only child in the family and children's self-perceived body weight status in boys, but not in girls. More attention should be made to address childhood obesity in high SES families among boys. Interventions targeting at these mediators are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Drip irrigation is an efficient water-saving system used to improve crop production worldwide. However, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of maize plant senescence and its association with yield, soil water, and nitrogen (N) utilization under this system. Methods: A 3-year field experiment in the northeast plains of China was used to assess four drip irrigation systems: (1) drip irrigation under plastic film mulch (PI); (2) drip irrigation under biodegradable film mulch (BI); (3) drip irrigation incorporating straw returning (SI); and (4) drip irrigation with the tape buried at a shallow soil depth (OI), and furrow irrigation (FI) was used as the control. The plant senescence characteristic based on the dynamic process of green leaf area (GLA) and live root length density (LRLD) during the reproductive stage, and its correlation with leaf N components, water use efficiency (WUE), and N use efficiency (NUE) was investigated. Results: PI followed by BI achieved the highest integral GLA and LRLD, grain filling rate, and leaf and root senescence rate after silking. Greater yield, WUE, and NUE were positively associated with higher N translocation efficiency of leaf protein responding for photosynthesis, respiration, and structure under PI and BI; whereas, no significant differences were found in yield, WUE, and NUE between PI and BI. SI effectively promoted LRLD in the deeper 20- to 100-cm soil layers, prolonged the GLA and LRLD persistent durations, and reduced the leaf and root senescence rates. The remobilization of non-protein storage N was stimulated by SI, FI, and OI, which made up for the relative inadequacy of leaf N. Discussion: Instead of persistent GLA and LRLD durations and high translocation efficiency of non-protein storage N, fast and large protein N translocation from leaves to grains under PI and BI was found to facilitate maize yield, WUE, and NUE in the sole cropping semi-arid region, and BI was recommend considering that it can reduce plastic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the introduction of green finance policies, governments hope to improve the guiding role of institutional investors in green investment and provide financial support for green enterprises. Using the data in China, the difference-in-difference (DID) analysis explores whether the implementation of policies could change institutional investors' attitude to environmental factors when making investment decisions. Considering the effect of investment horizons, we find that long-term institutional investors have shown symmetric preferences on green investment, while short-term institutions are more affected by green finance policies. Additionally, the mechanism analysis shows that green finance policies can influence the green investment of institutional investors not only by affecting stock price returns but also by increasing the innovation capabilities of green companies and thus improving corporate performance. Besides, heterogeneity and moderating effect analyses find that green finance policies can achieve better policy effects when financial institutions invest in non-state-owned enterprises, enterprises with higher quality of information disclosure and poor external supervision. The finding would extend the studies of green investment in emerging markets and present new evidence about the policy effect on institutions' preferences for green investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Grain shape is a key trait in rice breeding. Although many QTLs and genes of grain shape have been identified, how different combinations of alleles of these genes affect grain shape is largely unknown. It is important to understand the effects of grain shape gene combinations for breeding by design. In the present study, we performed genetic dissection of the grain shapes in Guangdong Simiao varieties, a popular kind of rice in South China, to identify the effective alleles and their combination for breeding. Results: We selected two hundred nineteen indica accessions with diverse grain shapes and fifty-two Guangdong Simiao varieties with long and slender grain shapes for genome-wide selection analysis. The results showed that four (GS3, GS5, GW5 and GL7) of the twenty grain shape genes fall into the regions selected for in Guangdong Simiao varieties. Allele analysis and frequency distribution of these four genes showed that GS3allele3 and GW5allele2 accounted for 96.2%, and GL7allele2 and GS5allele2 accounted for 76.9% and 74.5% of the Simiao varieties, respectively. Further analysis of the allelic combinations showed that 30 allelic combinations were identified in the whole panel, with 28 allelic combinations found in the international indica accessions and 6 allelic combinations found in Guangdong Simiao varieties. There were mainly three combinations (combinations 17, 18 and 19) in the Guangdong Simiao varieties, with combination 19 (GS3allele3 + GW5allele2 + GL7allele2 + GS5allele2) having the highest percentage (51.9%). All three combinations carried GS3allele3 + GW5allele2, while combinations 17 (GL7allele1) and 19 (GL7allele2) showed significant differences in both grain length and length/width ratio due to differences in GL7 alleles. Pedigree analysis of Guang8B, the maintainer of the first released Simiao male sterile line Guang8A, showed that the parent lines and Guang8B carried GS3allele3 + GW5allele2 + GS5allele2, while the GL7 allele differed, resulting in significant differences in grain size. Conclusion: The results suggest that specific alleles of GS3, GS5, GW5 and GL7 are the key grain shape genes used in the Guangdong Simiao varieties and selected for grain shape improvement. Combination 19 is the predominant allelic combination in the Guangdong Simiao varieties. Our current study is the first to dissect the genetics of grain shape in Guangdong Simiao varieties, and the results will facilitate molecular breeding of Guangdong Simiao varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural energy is an important part of China's energy system, and, as China's agricultural modernization continues, integrated agricultural energy systems (AIES) will play an increasingly important role. However, most of China's existing rural energy systems are inefficient, costly to run, and pollute the environment. Therefore, meeting various agricultural energy needs while balancing energy efficiency and costs is an important issue in the design and dispatch of integrated agricultural energy systems. In conjunction with hybrid energy storage (HES), which has been developed and matured in recent years, this paper proposes a new type of AIES structure and optimal dispatching strategy that incorporates HES, biogas generation (BG), P2G, and an electric boiler (EB) to provide new ideas for problem solving. Firstly, the structure of AIES is introduced and the mathematical model of the equipment of the system is described; then, an economic optimal dispatching model with the objective of minimizing the comprehensive operating costs of the system is established, and the output of each piece of energy conversion equipment is controlled to achieve the effect of improving the system's operating performance and reducing the operating costs. The results show that the system with HES and multi-energy coupling equipment has a 20% lower overall cost, 23.2% lower environmental protection cost, and 51% higher energy efficiency than the original system; the stored power of energy storage equipment in the HES mode is primarily determined by the change in demand of the corresponding load, and the number of conversions between different energy sources is limited. The energy conversion loss is minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs have been implemented globally to protect ecosystems while securing the well-being of affected people. Reasonable payment standards are key to successful PES programs. Although some approaches are available for determining payment standards, few studies have applied them for grassland conservation with location indicators and socioeconomic contexts properly considered. Using China's first pilot Grassland Ecological Compensation Policy (GECP) as an example, we analyzed the effects of payment levels, other natural and socioeconomic factors on herders' willingness to participate in the GECP in Damao County in Inner Mongolia where grassland degradation is happening at an alarming rate due to overgrazing and cropland expansion. Our results show that households with lower herding income, older age, higher education, larger grassland areas, and worse social relationships are more inclined to participate in the GECP. Conservation payment level, as well as natural and socioeconomic contextual factors, significantly affect the response of herdsmen, and a reasonable grassland payment standard with a 95% policy compliance rate should be 8.8 yuan mu−1. Our findings can inform governments to develop effective PES programs to balance the need of human well-being improvement and grassland conservation in China and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish an effective nomogram to predict the survival of heat stroke (HS) based on risk factors. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational multicenter cohort study. We analyzed patients diagnosed with HS, who were treated between May 1 and September 30, 2018 at 15 tertiary hospitals from 11 cities in Northern China. RESULTS: Among the 175 patients, 32 patients (18.29%) died before hospital discharge. After the univariate analysis, mechanical ventilation, initial mean arterial pressure <70 mmHg, maximum heart rate, lab results on day 1 (white blood cell count, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine), and Glasgow admission prediction score were included in multivariate analysis. Multivariate Cox regression showed that invasive ventilation, initial mean arterial pressure <70 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and Glasgow admission prediction score were independent risk factors for HS. The nomogram was established for predicting 7-d and 14-d survival in the training cohort. The nomogram exhibited a concordance index (C-index) of 0.880 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.831-0.930) by bootstrapping validation (B=1,000). Furthermore, the nomogram performed better when predicting 14-d survival, compared to 7-d survival. The prognostic index cut-off value was set at 2.085, according to the operating characteristic curve for overall survival prediction. The model showed good calibration ability in the internal and external validation datasets. CONCLUSION: A novel nomogram, integrated with prognostic factors, was proposed; it was highly predictive of the survival in HS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities have had a great impact on the characteristics of watershed pollution. The Pearl River basin is the third largest river in China, but it has been affected by eutrophication impact for a long time. This study comprehensively evaluated the nutrient pollution characteristics of the Pearl River basin from 2016 to 2018. The result shows that the ratio of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP), TN/TP was 24.7 of the Pearl River basin, which indicated that phosphorus was the restrictive factor for eutrophication problems. The limitation of TP maybe caused that TN is difficult to decrease through denitrification and nitrification. The fluxes of TN and TP remained stable in recent 20 years, and the flux of TN and TP transferred from the Pearl River basin to the ocean was 6.86×105 and 2.84×104 t in 2017, respectively. The Pearl River estuary had the largest discharge, accounting for more than 40% of the Pearl River basin. The TN in the West River and North River had a high pollution load, while TP pollution in the East River was very serious. It is necessary to establish an effective mechanism to control nitrogen and phosphorus. A large amount of nitrogen and phosphorus caused the decrease of dissolved oxygen (DO) and the increase of chemical oxygen demand (COD), which aggravated eutrophication. This study of nutrient elements fluxes and distribution in the Pearl River Basin are one of the important prerequisites for clarifying the causes of eutrophication, providing data and theoretical support for further water pollution control and water environmental protection in the future, and also providing a basis for pollution control decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Examine effect of sleep duration on children's risk of overweight and obesity; and study associations between activities in the last hour before bedtime and sleep outcomes (sleep duration, sleep quality, and sleep onset latency). Methods: Children's data were recruited using a questionnaire survey from a nationally representative sample of children ( n = 10 279) in China in 2013-2016. Mixed-effects models were used to test associations among variables stratified by sex. Results: Sleep duration was positively associated with BMI in boys (β = 0.04, P = 0.021). Girls with short sleep durations ( < 8 h/d) tended to have higher BMI values than those with normal sleep durations (8 -9 h/d) (β = 0.12, P = 0.063). The top three activities were playing electronic devices (Factor 1), doing homework, and reading (combined as Factor 2). Factors 1 and 2 were both significantly associated with sleep duration (β = 0.17, P < 0.001; β = -0.26, P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Sleep duration seems to affect BMI in Chinese children. Using electronic devices and reading before bedtime influenced sleep duration. Good bedtime habits and sleep duration can help weight management in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herders' livelihood strategies are functions of the capitals at their disposal. Although this thesis has been proved, it has not been applied to livelihood research in the context of conservation initiatives. The Chinese government implemented the Grassland Ecological Compensation Policy (GECP) in 2011. However, the impact of the policy on herders' livelihoods is still unclear. This study measured the variation in herders' livelihood strategies in the desert grassland of Inner Mongolia, China, after the implementation of the GECP. This study also analyzed the impacts of livelihood capitals on the livelihood strategies, revealing the shortages of different livelihood strategies. The results showed the following: After the GECP, (1) herders' livelihood strategies could be grouped into five types based on livelihood capitals. The livelihood capitals of herders varied greatly, resulting in large economical gaps among households with different livelihood strategies. (2) The herders' livelihood strategies were affected by factors including the education, age, social communication, amount of livestock, income, and subsidy of the herders. (3) The main income sources of different livelihood strategies were both subsidy and livestock husbandry. In general, the GECP drives the differentiation of herders' livelihoods remarkably. Future conservation initiatives should take the shortages of different livelihood strategies into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most environmentally toxic heavy metals, cadmium (Cd) has attracted the attention of researchers globally. In particular, Guangxi, a province in southwestern China, has been subjected to severe Cd pollution due to geogenic processes and anthropogenic activities. Cd can be accumulated in aquatic animals and transferred to the human body through the food chain, with potential health risks. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of waterborne Cd exposure (0.5 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L) on the intestinal microbiota of mudsnail, Cipangopaludina cathayensis, which is favored by farmers and consumers in Guangxi. Gut bacterial community composition was investigated using high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 segment of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Our results indicated that C. cathayensis could tolerate low Cd (0.5 mg/L) stress, while Cd exposure at high doses (1.5 mg/L) exerted considerable effects on microbiota composition. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in the mudsnail gut microbiota. The relative abundances of Bacteroidetes increased significantly under high Cd exposure (H14) (p < 0.01), with no significant change in the low Cd exposure (L14) treatment. The dominant genera with significant differences in relative abundance were Pseudomonas, Cloacibacterium, Acinetobacter, Dechloromonas, and Rhodobacter. In addition, Cd exposure could significantly alter the pathways associated with metabolism, cellular processes, environmental information processing, genetic information processing, human diseases, and organismal systems. Notably, compared to the L14 treatment, some disease-related pathways were enriched, while some xenobiotic and organic compound biodegradation and metabolism pathways were significantly inhibited in the H14 group. Overall, Cd exposure profoundly influenced community structure and function of gut microbiota, which may in turn influence C. cathayensis gut homeostasis and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) is a vital economic tree native to China. Jujube fruit with abundant L-Ascorbic Acid (AsA) is an ideal material for studying the mechanism of AsA biosynthesis and metabolism. However, the key transcription factors regulating AsA anabolism in jujube have not been reported. Here, we used jujube variety "Mazao" as the experimental material, conducted an integrative analysis of transcriptome and metabolome to investigate changes in differential genes and metabolites, and find the key genes regulating AsA during jujube fruit growth. The results showed that AsA was mostly synthesized in the young stage and enlargement stage, ZjMDHAR gene takes an important part in the AsA recycling. Three gene networks/modules were highly correlated with AsA, among them, three genes were identified as candidates controlling AsA, including ZjERF17 (LOC107404975), ZjbZIP9 (LOC107406320), and ZjGBF4 (LOC107421670). These results provide new directions and insights for further study on the regulation mechanism of AsA in jujube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xintianling tungsten deposit is a super-large deposit in the Nanling tungsten–tin mineralization belt, which is genetically associated with the early-stage hornblende-biotite monzonitic granite of Qitianling pluton. The orebodies predominantly occur as veins and lenses within skarn rocks between Xintianling granite and limestone (Shidengzi group). In this work, whole-rock major and trace elements and zircon U–Pb ages of the Xintianling granite were studied in an attempt to investigate the geochronological framework, petrogenesis, tectonism, and metallogenesis with regard to the deposit. The petrographic and geochemical analyses indicated that the Xintianling granite consists of three intrusive units of medium- and coarse-grained biotite granite, fine-grained biotite granite, and granite porphyry, of which the biotite granite was strongly associated with mineralization. Biotite granite rocks are highly K-calc-alkaline and weakly peraluminous, with A/CNK ratios ranging from 0.99 to 1.05. Late-granite porphyry is aluminum-supersaturated with a high evolution degree, whose geochemical characteristics suggest that it is either an I- or S-type granite. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating revealed that medium- and coarse-grained biotite granite (162.3 ± 1.2 Ma, MSWD = 1.3), fine-grained biotite granite (161.8 ± 1.3 Ma, MSWD = 1.8), and granite porphyry (154.3 ± 1.6 Ma, MSWD = 2.4) formed in the late Jurassic. The emplacement of the Qitianling A-type granite and associated tungsten-tin polymetallic mineralization is a continuous evolution process, and they are products of the large-scale mineralization of the Nanling in the middle–late Jurassic (150–160 Ma). Under the tectonic setting of the Mesozoic lithospheric extension, asthenosphere upwelling along deep-fault, intensive mantle–crust interaction processes probably provide not only the high heat flow, but also partly mantle-derived material for large-scale W-Sn-polymetallic mineralization in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Human activities have more than doubled the input of atmospheric reactive nitrogen into terrestrial ecosystems, affecting plant and soil microbial communities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of atmospheric N deposition on the rhizosphere soil microbial community composition of the main plant species with different niches in grassland.An N addition experiment was performed in a semi-arid grassland on the Loess Plateau, China. The experiment consisted of four N addition treatments: N0 (0 g N m−2 yr−1), N3 (3 g N m−2 yr−1), N6 (6 g N m−2 yr−1), and N9 (9 g N m−2 yr−1). The response of rhizosphere soil microbial community composition from four main plant species to atmospheric N deposition was explored.Nitrogen addition significantly affected rhizosphere soil bacterial community composition of Bothriochloa ischaemum and Stipa bungeana but had no effect on that of Artemisia gmelinii and Cleistogenes squarrosa. Furthermore, it also significantly affected rhizosphere soil fungal community composition of S.bungeana; however, no effects were observed on the other three plant species. Compared with the complexity of rhizosphere soil bacterial network, low N addition rates had a greater effect on the complexity of the rhizosphere soil fungal network.This study revealed that rhizosphere soil bacterial community composition of plant species with a higher niche breadth is generally more sensitive to atmospheric N deposition. Our study highlights the distinct roles of plant species with different niche breadths in maintaining rhizosphere soil microbial community composition under conditions of global N enrichment.Methods: Human activities have more than doubled the input of atmospheric reactive nitrogen into terrestrial ecosystems, affecting plant and soil microbial communities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of atmospheric N deposition on the rhizosphere soil microbial community composition of the main plant species with different niches in grassland.An N addition experiment was performed in a semi-arid grassland on the Loess Plateau, China. The experiment consisted of four N addition treatments: N0 (0 g N m−2 yr−1), N3 (3 g N m−2 yr−1), N6 (6 g N m−2 yr−1), and N9 (9 g N m−2 yr−1). The response of rhizosphere soil microbial community composition from four main plant species to atmospheric N deposition was explored.Nitrogen addition significantly affected rhizosphere soil bacterial community composition of Bothriochloa ischaemum and Stipa bungeana but had no effect on that of Artemisia gmelinii and Cleistogenes squarrosa. Furthermore, it also significantly affected rhizosphere soil fungal community composition of S.bungeana; however, no effects were observed on the other three plant species. Compared with the complexity of rhizosphere soil bacterial network, low N addition rates had a greater effect on the complexity of the rhizosphere soil fungal network.This study revealed that rhizosphere soil bacterial community composition of plant species with a higher niche breadth is generally more sensitive to atmospheric N deposition. Our study highlights the distinct roles of plant species with different niche breadths in maintaining rhizosphere soil microbial community composition under conditions of global N enrichment.Results: Human activities have more than doubled the input of atmospheric reactive nitrogen into terrestrial ecosystems, affecting plant and soil microbial communities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of atmospheric N deposition on the rhizosphere soil microbial community composition of the main plant species with different niches in grassland.An N addition experiment was performed in a semi-arid grassland on the Loess Plateau, China. The experiment consisted of four N addition treatments: N0 (0 g N m−2 yr−1), N3 (3 g N m−2 yr−1), N6 (6 g N m−2 yr−1), and N9 (9 g N m−2 yr−1). The response of rhizosphere soil microbial community composition from four main plant species to atmospheric N deposition was explored.Nitrogen addition significantly affected rhizosphere soil bacterial community composition of Bothriochloa ischaemum and Stipa bungeana but had no effect on that of Artemisia gmelinii and Cleistogenes squarrosa. Furthermore, it also significantly affected rhizosphere soil fungal community composition of S.bungeana; however, no effects were observed on the other three plant species. Compared with the complexity of rhizosphere soil bacterial network, low N addition rates had a greater effect on the complexity of the rhizosphere soil fungal network.This study revealed that rhizosphere soil bacterial community composition of plant species with a higher niche breadth is generally more sensitive to atmospheric N deposition. Our study highlights the distinct roles of plant species with different niche breadths in maintaining rhizosphere soil microbial community composition under conditions of global N enrichment.Conclucsions: Human activities have more than doubled the input of atmospheric reactive nitrogen into terrestrial ecosystems, affecting plant and soil microbial communities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of atmospheric N deposition on the rhizosphere soil microbial community composition of the main plant species with different niches in grassland.An N addition experiment was performed in a semi-arid grassland on the Loess Plateau, China. The experiment consisted of four N addition treatments: N0 (0 g N m−2 yr−1), N3 (3 g N m−2 yr−1), N6 (6 g N m−2 yr−1), and N9 (9 g N m−2 yr−1). The response of rhizosphere soil microbial community composition from four main plant species to atmospheric N deposition was explored.Nitrogen addition significantly affected rhizosphere soil bacterial community composition of Bothriochloa ischaemum and Stipa bungeana but had no effect on that of Artemisia gmelinii and Cleistogenes squarrosa. Furthermore, it also significantly affected rhizosphere soil fungal community composition of S.bungeana; however, no effects were observed on the other three plant species. Compared with the complexity of rhizosphere soil bacterial network, low N addition rates had a greater effect on the complexity of the rhizosphere soil fungal network.This study revealed that rhizosphere soil bacterial community composition of plant species with a higher niche breadth is generally more sensitive to atmospheric N deposition. Our study highlights the distinct roles of plant species with different niche breadths in maintaining rhizosphere soil microbial community composition under conditions of global N enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A coupled model is used to simulate mariculture expansion under various scenarios. • Growth rate of animal mariculture would surpass that of seaweed in all scenarios. • Animal mariculture expands by filling existing farms and exploring new areas. • Over 98 % of seaweed mariculture expansion occurs via density intensification. • Spatially-explicit models improve marine spatial planning and management. Mariculture growth constitutes a big challenge for sustainable development due to its role in food security and environmental protection. However, research on sea use and sea cover dynamics for marine ecosystems is largely missing. Here we take one of the biggest Chinese mariculture centers to generate projections of mariculture expansion using a coupled cellular automata and agent-based model. Specifically, we analyze the future dynamics under scenarios with different leading groups and development goals, and identify the main spatiotemporal patterns of expansion. Our results indicate that animal and seaweed mariculture would expand annually by 15.9–66.5 % and 0.1–2.6 %, respectively. Inertial-development and household-dominated scenarios favor animal production, whereas restricted-development and government-dominated scenarios promote seaweed farming. Our findings also show that animal and seaweed mariculture clusters follow distinctive densification, enlargement, and spread patterns. Our work demonstrates the potential of coupled systems approaches to understand human-ocean interactions and support sustainable marine planning and management. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time and processes of hydrothermal mineralization are long-standing problems in geology. This work addresses these questions with reference to the Maoniuping giant rare earth elements (REE) deposit (southwest China), which has rare earth oxides (REO) reserves of 3.17 million tons with an average grade of 2.95 wt%. Bastnäsite is the dominant economic mineral, occurring as four distinct paragenetic types in the Maoniuping syenite–carbonatite complex: (1) primary euhedral bastnäsite (type-A) in syenite, with isolated melt inclusions; (2) macro-crystalline tabular euhedral bastnäsite (type-B) in pegmatitic dikes, with a diverse variety of fluid inclusions; (3) fine-grained, anhedral veinlet-disseminated bastnäsite (type-C) in syenite; and (4) coarse-grained anhedral bastnäsite (type-D) in carbonatite dikes, occurring as veinlets or interstitial to calcite, fluorite, and barite. From the paragenetic and compositional variations, it is inferred that type-A bastnäsite is of primary magmatic origin, whereas the other three types have characteristics of hydrothermal origins. In situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology of the four types of bastnäsite results in lower intercept ages of 28.2 ± 0.5 Ma (n = 95, MSWD = 5.10), 27.8 ± 0.4 Ma (n = 43, MSWD = 0.73), 26.8 ± 0.7 Ma (n = 50, MSWD = 0.83), and 25.8 ± 0.7 Ma (n = 55, MSWD = 1.70), respectively, which are consistent with the weighted average 206Pb/238U and 208Pb/232Th ages by 207Pb-correction method. Compositional variations of clinopyroxene and apatite from the associated syenite, pegmatitic and carbonatitic dikes indicate a genetic relationship of the Maoniuping alkaline complex. The compositions of clinopyroxene range from Ae44–67Di14–18Hd17–41 in pegmatitic dikes, Ae43–66Di6–20Hd21–38 in carbonatitic dikes to Ae68–90Di0–3Hd10–30 in syenite. Apatites in the pegmatitic and carbonatitic dikes have similar compositions with higher F, total REE, and Sr, and lower CaO contents than those in the syenite, which suggests a cogenetic origin for the associated pegmatite and carbonatite. Clinopyroxene and apatite compositions suggest that the pegmatitic melt might differentiate directly from the initial carbonatitic melt rather than the syenitic magma. The bastnäsite U-Pb geochronology and minerals data indicate continuous magmatic-hydrothermal evolution for the REE mineralization in the Maoniuping alkaline complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Accumulating evidence has indicated that interleukin (IL)‐27 and its gene polymorphisms exert pivotal impact on several autoimmune disorders. This research intended to investigate the relationship between IL‐27 rs153109 polymorphism with risk and prognosis for aplastic anemia. Methods: IL‐27 rs153109 polymorphism was detected with polymerase chain reaction–ligase detection reaction in 238 patients with aplastic anemia and 215 normal individuals. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were applied to measure the plasma level of IL‐27. Results: Frequencies of rs153109 AA and GG genotype were statistically higher in aplastic anemia patients compared to controls. Similar results were observed when further divided patients into nonsevere and severe ones. That means carriers of AA and GG genotype are accompanied by an increased risk of developing aplastic anemia. Plasma IL‐27 levels of aplastic anemia patients were remarkably elevated than normal group and had positive relation with disease severity. Furthermore, patients with AA genotype had obviously higher IL‐27 levels than ones with AG and GG genotype. Moreover, patients carrying AA genotype exhibited a poorer reaction to immunosuppressive therapy and were more prone to clonal evolution. Conclusion: IL‐27 rs153109 polymorphism confers genetic predisposition to aplastic anemia and influences disease prognosis, potentially by regulating IL‐27 expression, which help broaden potential pathogenesis of aplastic anemia. Specifically, for patients with AA genotype, more aggressive therapeutic strategies such as hematopoietic stem cells transplantation are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three generations of tungsten minerals have been identified in the Hongling tungsten deposit. • Fluid-induced dissolution–reprecipitation processes are responsible for the formation of tungsten minerals. • Intensive hydrothermal processes are critical to the mineralization of tungsten in magmatic-hydrothermal systems. Tungsten is a critical metal that is predominantly found in magmatic-hydrothermal W-Sn deposits. However, the behavior and controlling factors of tungsten in highly evolved granitic systems are not yet well-known. In this study, we examined the integrated mineral textures and geochemistry of wolframite and scheelite from the Hongling tungsten deposit in the word-class Nanling W-Sn metallogenic belt, South China. Our results reveal that wolframite and scheelite from the muscovite granite of the highly evolved Reshui granite pluton can be classified into three generations formed through a process of coupled dissolution-reprecipitation. Wolframite with altered relict textures was formed during the early magmatic stage, while the two generations of scheelite (Sch-I and Sch-II) were formed during the magmatic-hydrothermal transitional stage. The formation of Sch-I, which exhibits a notable positive Eu anomaly, required the participation of external Ca-rich reduced fluids within the magmatic exsolved fluids from the highly evolved peraluminous pluton. The porous Sch-II occurs as marginal overgrowth or fracture-filling textures and exhibits a similar negative Eu anomaly as the dissolved wolframite. These three generations of tungsten minerals exhibit distinguishable REE contents and distribution patterns, with increasing LREE and decreasing HREE trends. The fluctuation of oxygen fugacity and the compositional evolution of tungsten minerals from wolframite through Sch-I to Sch-II indicate the involvement of external Ca-rich reduced fluids within the magmatic exsolved fluids from the highly evolved peraluminous pluton. The coupled dissolution of wolframite and the reprecipitation of scheelite were likely induced by intensive fluid-rock interactions, which are critical for the remobilization and enrichment of tungsten in magmatic-hydrothermal deposits. We inferred that such fluid-induced dissolution-reprecipitation of tungsten minerals provides new insights into the formation of the world-class Nanling W-Sn metallogenic belt in South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bacterial blight (BB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is one of the most devastating diseases in rice all over the world. Due to the diversity and rapid evolution of Xoo, identification and use of the non-race specific quantitative resistance QTLs has been considered the preferred strategy for effective control of this disease. Although numerous QTLs for BB resistance have been identified, they haven't been effectively used for improvement of BB resistance in rice due to their small effects and lack of knowledge on the function of genes underlying the QTLs. Results: In the present study, a genome-wide association study of BB resistance was performed in a rice core collection from South China. A total of 17 QTLs were identified to be associated with BB resistance. Among them, 13 QTLs were newly identified in the present study and the other 4 QTLs were co-localized with the previously reported QTLs or Xa genes that confer qualitative resistance to Xoo strains. Particularly, the qBBR11–4 on chromosome 11 explained the largest phenotypic variation in this study and was co-localized with the previously identified QTLs for BB and bacterial leaf streak (BLS) resistance against diverse strains in three studies, suggesting its broad-spectrum resistance and potential value in rice breeding. Through combined analysis of differential expression and annotations of the predicted genes within qBBR11–4 between two sets of rice accessions selected based on haplotypes and disease phenotypes, we identified the transcription factor OsMYB21 as the candidate gene for qBBR11–4. The OsMYB21 overexpressing plants exhibited decreased resistance to bacterial blight, accompanied with down-regulation of several defense-related genes compared with the wild-type plants. Conclusion: The results suggest that OsMYB21 negatively regulates bacterial blight resistance in rice, and this gene can be a promising target in rice breeding by using the gene editing method. In addition, the potential candidate genes for the 13 novel QTLs for BB resistance were also analyzed in this study, providing a new source for cloning of genes associated with BB resistance and molecular breeding in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has witnessed extensive development of the marine aquaculture industry over recent years. However, such rapid and disordered expansion posed risks to coastal environment, economic development, and biodiversity protection. This study aimed to produce an accurate national-scale marine aquaculture map at a spatial resolution of 16 m, using a proposed model based on deep convolution neural networks (CNNs) and applied it to satellite data from China's GF-1 sensor in an end-to-end way. The analyses used homogeneous CNNs to extract high-dimensional features from the input imagery and preserve information at full resolution. Then, a hierarchical cascade architecture was followed to capture multi-scale features and contextual information. This hierarchical cascade homogeneous neural network (HCHNet) was found to achieve better classification performance than current state-of-the-art models (FCN-32s, Deeplab V2, U-Net, and HCNet). The resulting marine aquaculture area map has an overall classification accuracy > 95 % (95.2 %–96.4, 95 % confidence interval). And marine aquaculture was found to cover a total area of ∼ 1100 km 2 (1096.8–1110.6 km 2 , 95 % confidence interval) in China, of which more than 85 % is marine plant culture areas, with 87 % found in the Fujian, Shandong, Liaoning, and Jiangsu provinces. The results confirm the applicability and effectiveness of HCHNet when applied to GF-1 data, identifying notable spatial distributions of different marine aquaculture areas and supporting the sustainable management and ecological assessments of coastal resources at a national scale. The national-scale marine aquaculture map at 16 m spatial resolution is published in the Google Maps kmz file format with georeferencing information at 10.5281/zenodo.3881612 (Fu et al., 2020). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme summer precipitation often associated with flash floods has devastating impact on the local economies and livelihood of millions of people over East China. Tracking down the drivers of those extreme events will help to understand their formation mechanisms and to improve forecasts. Here the synoptic patterns associated with summer extreme precipitation events over East China during 1961-2018 have been identified systematically and quantitatively using a circulation clustering method. The results show that regional events over East China are dominated by the Eastern Asian summer monsoon associated Meiyu front, landfalling tropical cyclones and low-pressure vortices. Most sub-regions have seen increasing trends of extreme rainfall events during the past 6 decades with comparable contributions from the two main drivers. There was a decreasing trend over the North China Plain driven by the lowlevel southeasterly winds. Plain Language Summary Closely linked to flash floods, extreme precipitation is one of the high impacts but low probability weather phenomena that challenge modern numerical predictions. However, models are generally more skillful in predicting synoptic weather systems than precipitation itself. Taking East China as an example, this paper demonstrates the links between extreme precipitation events and synoptic weather systems using circulation clustering. Two major weather systems, the Eastern Asian Summer Monsoon and landfalling tropical cyclones are responsible for most extreme precipitation events (about 70%) over East China during the summer season. If models can accurately predict the strength and position of these weather systems, there may be enhanced potential of predicting regional precipitation extremes. Such implications are not regionally limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur isotopes of the primary carbonatite in the Maoniuping REE deposit fingerprint the alkaline parental magma derived from the metasomatized lithospheric mantle, and remarkable shifts could be induced by the subsequent magmatic-hydrothermal evolution processes, in particular the temperature cooling, f O 2 fluctuations and SO 2 degassing. [Display omitted] • Three stages of barite and galena in the Maoniuping REE deposit were identified. • The 34S-enriched crustal materials control the initial REE enrichment in mantle. • The cooling/crystal fractionation, increasing f O 2 , and SO 2 degassing are crucial factors for REE mineralization. Sulfur is an indispensable volatile component, which generally occurs as both sulfides and sulfates in global carbonatite-hosted REE deposits. In this study, we present mineral chemistry and sulfur isotopes of the associated sulfides and sulfates from carbonatite of different settings in the giant Maoniuping REE deposit, SW China, to decipher the magmatic-hydrothermal ore-forming processes. The early-stage carbonatite (stage-I) is barely REE mineralized, with sulfide-dominated sulfur species and melt inclusions in barite. The middle-stage carbonatite (stage-II) is weakly mineralized, with both sulfides and sulfates and barite with melt-fluid inclusions. The late-stage carbonatite (stage-III) is intensively REE mineralized, with sulfate-dominated sulfur species and fluid inclusions in barite. Barite from the early- to late-stage carbonatites show a progressively 34S-enriched signature (δ34S = +1.93‰ to +8.10‰), whereas, galena has an increasing 32S-enriched trend (δ34S = −3.54‰ to −16.73‰). The estimated bulk δ34S values show an increasing from +0.31 ‰ to +1.06 ‰, and then decrease to −0.08 ‰, from the early- to late-stage carbonatites. Principally, these sulfur isotopic shifts may be controlled by the temperature dependence of the sulfur isotope fractionation between crystallizing sulfides/sulfates and magma, but it is dominated by the increasing oxidation state and intensively SO 2 degassing of the residual magma in later stages. Mass-balance calculation indicates that more than 45% of gaseous sulfur has been degassed, with about 20 % of gaseous sulfur remaining in the late hydrothermal system. Such post-magmatic SO 2 degassing and high SO 4 2- activity may be the crucial controlling factors leading to the instability of REE complexes and REE precipitation and mineralization from the REE-bearing hydrous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new method for photovoltaic suitability is proposed, to avoid subjectivity. • Different site preferences between ground-mounted and floating PV are found. • The weighting results of different subjective and objective methods are compared. • The future scenarios of photovoltaic land optimization are designed. Land suitability evaluation is vital for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) plant construction. However, subjectivity in previous methods affects result reliability. We propose a new method using structural equation models to develop PV suitability indices, and demonstrate its validity in Zhejiang Province, China. By combining theoretic design with data mining technique, our method measures the structured paths between the overall index and evaluation indicators, exhibiting good model fit, flexible and objective weighting. Our results suggest that the spatial distribution of targeted PV plants based on suitability indices largely differs from that of observed ones. Most suitable areas for PV construction in Zhejiang Province are situated along the eastern coast, northern plain and river networks. The estimated PV technical potential for areas with and above moderate suitability is approximately 1,600 TWh/year, equivalent to 830 million tons/year of carbon emission reduction. Our study provides PV development strategies for similar areas in China and beyond. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Large-scale disordered coastal aquaculture development causes severe environmental problems. However, quantitative assessments of spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors for coastal aquaculture are essential and urgent for coastal aquaculture sustainability.Outcomes:Using remote sensing products and geographic information science, we investigated the long-term landscape changes due to coastal aquaculture, and explored its underlying driving factors in the Ningde coastal region, Southeastern China. Results show that coastal aquaculture area increased from 90.65 km2 in 2003 to 96.08 km2 in 2016, and its structure underwent tremendous changes. The area of artificial shrimp ponds increased by 496.15% and the area of farmland ponds decreased by 25.81% between 2003 and 2016. In addition, we revealed that from 2003 to 2016, the change trends of the coastal aquaculture area and the entire Ningde coastal region were consistent, and became more fragmented and dispersive. Furthermore, regression results indicate that the growth and attenuation of coastal aquaculture areas were significantly affected by the initial coastal aquaculture area in 2003. Discussion and Conclusion:To sustainably manage the coastal ecosystems, we provide several recommendations (e.g., a coupled human and natural systems approach to understanding human-nature interactions, integrated assessment, and systematical spatial planning and monitoring) for future research and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has witnessed extensive development of the marine aquaculture industry over recent years. However, such rapid and disordered expansion posed risks to coastal environment, economic development, and biodiversity protection. This study aimed to produce an accurate national-scale marine aquaculture map at a spatial resolution of 16 m, using a proposed deep convolution neural networks (CNNs) based model and applied it to satellite data from China's GF-1 sensor in an end-to-end way. The analyses used homogeneous CNNs to extract high-dimensional features from the input imagery and preserve information at full resolution. Then, a hierarchical cascade architecture was followed to capture multi-scale features and contextual information. This hierarchical cascade homogeneous neural network (HCHNet) was found to achieve better classification performance than current state-of-the-art models (FCN-32s, Deeplab V2, U-Net, and HCNet). The resulting marine aquaculture area map has an overall classification accuracy > 95 % (95.2 %-96.4, 95 % confidence interval). And marine aquaculture was found to cover a total area of ~1100 km2 (1096.8 km2-1110.6 km2, 95 % confidence interval) in China, of which more than 85 % are marine plant culture areas, with 87 % found in the Fujian, Shandong, Liaoning, and Jiangsu provinces. The results confirm the applicability and effectiveness of HCHNet when applied to GF-1 data, identifying notable spatial distributions of different marine aquaculture areas and supporting the sustainable management and ecological assessments of coastal resources at a national scale. The national-scale marine aquaculture map at 16 m spatial resolution is published in the Google Maps kmz File Format with georeferencing information at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3881612 (Fu et al., 2020). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The major landscape in the hilly-gully region of the Loess Plateau is greatly affected by vegetation rehabilitation on abandoned cropland. Although many studies have shown that the rehabilitation have greatly improved soil conditions and protected them from erosion, these effectiveness were not always in consensus possibly due to the land type of vegetation or to the rehabilitation time. To close this gap, we conducted a long term experiment as follows. Methods: In this study, we analysed four land types of vegetation rehabilitation (shrub land, woodland, naturally revegetated grassland, and orchard land) with different rehabilitation times and investigated the mechanical composition and erodibility of the soil. Areas of slope croplandand natural forest were selected as controls. Results: The results showed that soil depth, rehabilitation time and rehabilitation land type had strong impacts on soil mechanical composition, micro-aggregation and erodibility. Following rehabilitation, naturally revegetated grassland and shrub land had lower fractal dimensions of particle size distribution (fractal dimensions of PSD), fractal dimensions of micro-aggregation, and erodibility (K factor) than did cropland. Compared to the positive effects of rehabilitation mainly happened in the topsoil layer at other rehabilitation land type, that of woodland happened in the deeper soil layer. Besides, the indispensable rehabilitation time for the significant improvement of soil condition was shorter at naturally revegetated grassland than that at shrub land and woodland. Discussion: Although rehabilitation time was more influential than was rehabilitation land type or soil depth, the differences among the rehabilitation land types showed that naturally revegetated grassland with native plants is the most time-saving rehabilitation vegetation for the Loess Plateau in the conversion from slope cropland. The success of rehabilitation in this forestry practice was mainly contributed by the suited species of rehabilitation land type to the local climate and soil. Based on the differences of rehabilitation effectiveness resulting from land type, we should be cautious to choose land types for the rehabilitation of soil conditions in the Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The application of remote-sensing techniques for water quality assessment has become increasingly popular in China. However, existing reviews are often limited to qualitative description and are quite fragmented. Outcomes: We conducted a quantitative systematic review to display current research status and identify the existing challenges and future directions. Our review revealed that the application of remote-sensing techniques in water quality research has expanded dramatically in China, but the spatial distribution is quite uneven. Second, the ground object spectrometer is the most widely applied data source. Water color indicators such as chlorophyll a and suspended solid are the most widely investigated in China. Third, semiempirical method is the most commonly used inversion method. Existing studies rarely considered the anthropogenic factors, which limited the model robustness and its application in human-dominated aquatic ecosystems. Discussion and Conclusion: We concluded that, in the past several decades, China has made notable progresses in monitoring and evaluation of water quality using the remote-sensing techniques (especially in inland lakes). We proposed that further improvements would be needed in terms of temporal and spatial coverage, indicator list, the incorporation of human–nature interactions, inversion accuracy, and model generalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer ranks first in incidence and mortality in China. Surgery is the primary method to cure cancer, but only 20–30% of patients are eligible for curative resection. In recent years, in addition to surgery, other local therapies have been developed for patients with numerous localized primary and metastatic pulmonary tumors, including stereotactic body radiation therapy and thermal ablative therapies through percutaneously inserted applicators. Percutaneous thermal ablation of pulmonary tumors is minimally invasive, conformal, repeatable, feasible, cheap, has a shorter recovery time, and offers reduced morbidity and mortality. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), the most commonly used thermal ablation technique, has a reported 80–90% rate of complete ablation, with the best results obtained in tumors < 3 cm in diameter. Because the clinical efficacy of RFA of pulmonary tumors has not yet been determined, this clinical guideline describes the techniques used in the treatment of localized primary and metastatic pulmonary tumors in nonsurgical candidates, including mechanism of action, devices, indications, techniques, potential complications, clinical outcomes, post‐ablation surveillance, and use in combination with other therapies. In the future, the role of RFA in the treatment of localized pulmonary tumors should ultimately be determined by evidence from prospective randomized controlled trials comparing sublobar resection or stereotactic body radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoenix canariensis Chabaud is a vital ornamental and widely planted in the urban landscape of China. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) of P. canariensis, which is 158,477 bp in length, including a large single copy region (LSC) of 86,189 bp, a small single copy region (SSC) of 17,704 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions of 27,292 bp inserted between LSC and SSC. 132 genes are encoded, including 86 protein-encoding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 38 transfer RNA genes. The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome is 37.22%, wherein the corresponding values in the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 35.3%, 30.79%, and 42.35%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. canariensis is sister to P. dactylifera with strong bootstrap support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During the past two decades, payments for ecosystem services (PES) program has become a popular conservation paradigm for realigning socioeconomic costs and benefits among different stakeholders. As billions of investment flows into the natural capital pool, there is growing interest to understand the ecological, economic, and social outcomes of PES programs. China is one of the countries that extensively implements PES programs. Although there is a growing interest to perform impact evaluation of China's massive PES programs, it is unclear that what existing literature has done, has not done, and should do in the future. Therefore, to guide further research and practices, we conduct a systematic review of studies on China's PES programs. Results: Our review shows that there are growing impact evaluation studies of PES programs in China. However, the spatial and ecosystem distributions of existing studies are quite uneven. Most case studies were poorly designed, rarely quantified, and evaluated without sophisticated methods. Among the three dimensions of ecological effectiveness, economic efficiency, and social equity, economic efficiency is the least studied. Discussion and Conclusion: We further discuss the challenges and opportunities and provide insights for future research. To improve the understanding and management of natural capital, we call for mainstreaming impact evaluation of ecosystem service policies in China and beyond following the state-of-art procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, the ridge-furrow water conservation planting (RC) system is advantageous for improving crop yields and rainwater use efficiency. In RC planting system, plastic film-mulched ridges are employed for water harvesting while the furrows serve as infiltration and planting belts. To optimize the RC system and to overcome problems due to the lack of water in semi-humid areas at risk of drought, we mulched the furrows with 8% biodegradable film (RCSB), liquid film (RCSL), or no mulching in the furrows (RCSN), while conventional flat planting (CF) was employed as the control. After 4 year (2007-2010) consecutive field study, the results showed that the soil water storage level in the 0-100 cm layer with four treatments was ranked as follow: RCSB > RCSL > RCSN > CF, while the RCSB and RCSL were 26.3 and 12.2mm greater than RCSN, respectively. Compared with CF, the average soil temperature was significantly (P < 0.05) higher by 3.1, 1.7, and 1.5°C under the RC planting treatments (RCSB, RCSL, and RCSN) during each year, respectively. The average ET rate of RC treatments were all lower than CF in each experimental year, and the average decreased by 8.0% (P < 0.05). The average yields with RCSB, RCSL, and RCSN increased by 2,665, 1,444, and 1,235 kg ha-1, respectively, and the water use efficiency (WUE) increased by 51.6, 25.6, and 21.1%, compared with CF. RCSB obtained the highest economic benefit, the average net income was higher than CF by 4,020 Yuan ha-1. In conclusion, we found that RC planting with biodegradable film mulching in the furrows is the best cultivation pattern in the semi-humid areas of China in terms of both environmental and economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Since 2014, 17 human cases of infection with the newly emerged highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N6) virus have been identified in China to date. The epidemiologic characteristics of laboratory-confirmed A(H5N6) cases were compared to A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) cases in mainland China. Methods. Data on laboratory-confirmed H5N6, H5N1, and H7N9 cases identified in mainland China were analyzed to compare epidemiologic characteristics and clinical severity. Severity of confirmed H5N6, H5N1 and H7N9 cases was estimated based on the risk of severe outcomes in hospitalized cases. Results. H5N6 cases were older than H5N1 cases with a higher prevalence of underlying medical conditions but younger than H7N9 cases. Epidemiological time-to-event distributions were similar among cases infected with the 3 viruses. In comparison to a fatality risk of 70% (30/43) for hospitalized H5N1 cases and 41% (319/782) for hospitalized H7N9 cases, 12 (75%) out of the 16 hospitalized H5N6 cases were fatal, and 15 (94%) required mechanical ventilation. Conclusion. Similar epidemiologic characteristics and high severity were observed in cases of H5N6 and H5N1 virus infection, whereas severity of H7N9 virus infections appeared lower. Continued surveillance of human infections with avian influenza A viruses remains an essential component of pandemic influenza preparedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Research on how urbanization has influenced the food environment in China is limited. The study aimed to examine the impact of urbanization on the food environment in China.Methods and Study Design: Longitudinal data collected during 1989-2009 from the China Health and Nutrition Survey were used, which covered 9 provinces in China. Urbanicity index (0-10) was assessed using an urbanicity scale. Final analyses included 216 communities. Random-effect models were used in analyses.Results: Urbanization (higher urbanicity index) increased the odds of having fast food restaurants (OR=2.78, 95% CI: 2.18-3.54) and other indoor restaurants (OR=2.93, 95% CI: 2.28-3.76) within the community, the odds of having supermarkets (OR=2.43, 95% CI: 2.04-2.89) and free markets (OR=2.56, 95% CI: 1.77-3.70) within 30 minutes' bus ride from the community. Food prices for apples (β=0.06, 95% CI: 0.04-0.08) and lean pork (β =0.02, 95% CI: 0.01-0.03) increased with urbanicity, while prices for other food did not. Urbanicity was positively associated with community norms for fast food consumption (RR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.22-1.33), fast food preferences (RR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.06-1.12) and nutrition knowledge (RR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03).Conclusions: Urbanization is associated with food environment in China. The findings provide insight for future economic development and public health efforts related to urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW) that combines novel and elite genes from the tetraploid wheat Triticum turgidum L. and wild ancestor Aegilops tauschii Coss., has been used to genetically improve hexaploid common wheat. The abundant genetic diversity in SHW can effectively make breakthroughs in wheat genetic improvement through the inclusion of increased variation. In this paper, we reviewed the current advances in research and utilization of the primary SHW lines and SHW-derived wheat varieties that have enhanced evolution of modern wheat under conditions of natural and artificial selection in southwestern China. Using primary SHW lines, four high-yielding wheat varieties have been developed. In addition, using the SHW-derived varieties as breeding parents, 12 new wheat varieties were also developed. Results of genotype-phenotype and fingerprint analysis showed that the introgressed alleles from SHW lines have contributed a great number of elite characters to the new wheat varieties, and these elite characters include disease resistance, more spikes per plant, more grains per spike, larger grains, and higher grain-yield potential. We found that the primary SHW lines and SHW-derived varieties have identifiable effects to enhance genetic variation and adaptive evolution of modern hexaploid wheat, which significantly increased the grain yields of hexaploid wheat in recent years. These findings have significant implications in the breeding of high-yielding wheat varieties resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses using SHW as genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has become one of the most common causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in many countries, such as 44.5% in Taiwan. Previous studies have shown that there is a genetic component to ESRD. Studies attempting to determine which genetic variants are related to DN in Han Chinese are limited. Results We included 574 unrelated type 2 diabetes patients (217 DN cases and 357 controls), who were genotyped using Illumina HumanHap550-Duo BeadChip. In single-SNP association tests, the SNPs rs11647932, rs11645214, and rs6499323 located at 16q22.1 under the additive-effect disease model were significantly associated with an approximately 2-fold increased risk of DN. In haplotype association tests, identified haplotypes located in the chromosome 16q22.1 region (containing ST3GAL2, COG4, SF3B3, and IL34 genes) raised DN risk. The strongest association was found with haplotype rs2288491-rs4985534- rs11645214 (C-C-G) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83- 2.03, p =6.25 × 10-7), followed by haplotype rs8052125-rs2288491-rs4985534-rs11645214 (G-C-C-G) (AOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.82-2.02, p =6.56 × 10-7), and haplotype rs2303792- rs8052125-rs2288491-rs4985534-rs11645214 (A-G-C-C-G) (AOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.81-2.01, p =1.15 × 10-6). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that the novel SNPs and haplotypes located at the 16q22.1 region may involve in the biological pathways of DN in Han Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. This study can provide new insights into the etiology of DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) have elicited increasing concerns in freshwater systems worldwide. However, little information is available on the MP pollution in the Songhua River, the third largest river in China. And the understanding of the sources and pathways of MPs is limited. In this study, MPs were sampled from river water and wastewater treatment plants in five cities along the Songhua River to investigate the occurrence, spatial distribution, characteristics, and potential sources of MPs. Polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene accounted for more than 95% of the total MPs. MP pollution was determined to be spatially heterogeneous. The concentration of MPs in the urban center was always considerably higher than that in the upper reach, and irregular variation was observed from the urban center to the lower reach for each city. Urbanization was one of the primary driving forces of spatial variability. Statistically significant positive correlations (p -value < 0.05) were noted between the average concentration of MPs in river water and population density (p = 0.0023) and number of industrial enterprises above designated size (p = 0.0042) of each city. Line and fiber were the major shapes, and white was the most dominant color. Large (1–5 mm) and small (≤ 1 mm) MP particles accounted for 50% each. Multiple correspondence analysis as a new methodological approach was conducted to elucidate the sources of MPs for the first time. The potential sources of MPs included daily use, fishing, agricultural, and industrial productions. This work provides information about MP contamination for future studies on freshwater systems and new insights into the source apportionment of MPs. [Display omitted] • MP (microplastic) pollution is spatially heterogeneous in the Songhua River. • MP concentration in the urban center with more populous surroundings was higher. • Urbanization is one driving force for spatial variability of MP concentration. • Source appointment was performed via multiple correspondence analysis firstly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The REE–Nb–Zr mineralization is genetically with intensively hydrothermal alteration. • The Al–OH Pos2200 and IC values display regular patterns with metal concentrating. • SWIR spectrometry of white mica has potential for critical-metal exploration. The No. 782 deposit is one of the rare earth elements (REEs), niobium and zirconium resources of NE China and contains ~17 million tons of ore @ 0.23 wt% total REEs and Y oxides, @ 0.12 wt% Nb 2 O 5 , and @ 1.00 wt% ZrO 2. The REE–Nb–Zr minerals are hosted mainly in the late Ordovician porphyritic alkali-feldspar granite, which intrudes in a late Cambrian monzogranite. Zirconium is present mainly in zircon aggregates, niobium and heavy REEs mainly in fergusonite-(Y), and light REEs dominantly in bastnäsite-(Ce) and parisite-(Ce). Most of these economic minerals are hydrothermal in origin, occurred as replacement textures and fracture-filled veins. Six types of phyllosilicate mineral (muscovite, illite, phengite, montmorillonite, chlorite, and halloysite), which cannot be distinguished confidently by visual criteria, were detected using short wavelength infrared (SWIR) analysis. Given that white mica (i.e., muscovite, illite, and phengite) is a pervasive mineral throughout the pluton, SWIR spectroscopy on drill cores from two profiles (II and IV) of the deposit was carried out to decipher the distribution of alteration assemblages that are characterized by subtle variations in the alteration products. The illite Al–OH absorption position (Pos2200) and illite crystallinity (IC) display regular patterns, with Pos2200 values < 2,203 nm and IC > 1.26, coinciding with the high grades of REE–Nb–Zr mineralization. The phengite is limited to the mineralized zone of profile II. Such regular patterns of white mica might have been induced by the relatively high temperature fluids surrounding the center of alteration. Our results suggest that combinations of the SWIR spectral parameters of hydrothermal alteration products can be used as potential vectors to economic ores, tracing the pathways of hydrothermal fluids, and quantifying the ore grades of the No. 782 deposit. The super-enrichment of rare metals in granitic systems is controlled predominantly by extensive hydrothermal activity, and our results show that these REE deposits can be usefully assessed using the SWIR method, which has implications for future metal exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We map the spatiotemporal dynamics of mariculture in Southeastern China. • We find a 709% increase in total mariculture area between 2003 and 2016. • Animal and seaweed mariculture went through different rates and timing of expansion. • Sustainable mariculture requires systematical spatial planning and regulations. Mariculture has a profound potential to meet the escalating demand for food. However, so far the understandings of spatiotemporal dynamics of mariculture and indicators of underlying mechanisms are altogether missing in the existing literature. Using high-resolution satellite images, here we provide a first ever detailed analysis to map the spatiotemporal dynamics and explore associated driving factors of mariculture expansion in Southeastern China. We find a 709% increase in total mariculture area between 2003 and 2016, with 836% increase of seaweed mariculture and 264% growth of animal mariculture, respectively. In addition, animal and seaweed mariculture went through different rates and timing of expansion. Animal mariculture area increased steadily in the two periods, exhibiting an annual growth rate of 8.2% (0.71 km2/year between 2003 and 2010) and 11.2% (1.54 km2/year between 2010 and 2016), respectively, while seaweed mariculture area experienced a rapid onset followed by a steep decline in the rate of expansion with an annual growth rate of 95.2% (28.82 km2/year between 2003 and 2010) and 1.5% (3.52 km2/year between 2010 and 2016), respectively. We find both seaweed and animal mariculture expand from the coastline out towards the ocean, surround the islands from the inside to the outside, infill the inner harbor dispersedly, and tend to aggregate away from human disturbance. Sustaining the provision of ecosystem services from coastal and marine ecosystems will require comprehensive monitoring and assessment, systematic spatial planning of mariculture and other uses, regulations of mariculture behaviors via environmental awareness education, scientific training of farm design, and management of feed and energy use in China and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Primary bastnäsite can be altered to parisite and synchysite. • Bastnäsite U-Pb age of 141.8 ± 4.3 Ma represents the timing of REE mineralization. • Synchysite U-Pb age of 53.3 ± 4.4 Ma indicates a late tectono-thermal event. • REE fluorocarbonates U-Pb geochronology is a powerful tool for dating geological processes. The Gansha Obo deposit is a recently discovered rare earth element (REE) deposit in northwestern China, with REE 2 O 3 reserves of 0.6 Mt at 1.39–1.65 wt%. It is hosted in the Early Cretaceous Gansha Obo alkaline–carbonatite igneous complex. In this study, we present a detailed investigation of the carbonate mineral assemblage in the economic carbonatite veins in the Gansha Obo REE deposit, including the mineral textures, geochemical compositions, and U–Pb ages. The mineral textures and compositions show that bastnäsite is the primary ore mineral, while parisite and synchysite are both secondary. In situ U–Pb dating of bastnäsite and synchysite yielded ages of 141.8 ± 4.3 Ma (n = 41; MSWD = 0.53) and 53.3 ± 4.4 Ma (n = 85; MSWD = 1.7), respectively. This significant interval of ages cannot be explained by continuous magmatic–hydrothermal activity. The bastnäsite U–Pb age reflects the timing of REE mineralization in the deposit. In contrast, the synchysite U–Pb age records a later tectono-thermal event that might have been related to Eocene collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. Our results show that REE carbonate U–Pb dating is a powerful tool for understanding the precipitation of REE minerals and, potentially, for identifying regional tectono-thermal events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Maoniuping parental magma is composed of exotic hybrid partial melts. • Subducted marine sediments contributed to the enrichment of REE in deep mantle. • Boron isotopes can be used a tracer of subduction zone processes. The Maoniuping giant rare earth element deposit is genetically related to a Cenozoic alkaline syenite–carbonatite complex. However, the origin of the alkaline complex and the genesis of the Maoniuping deposit are still unclear. In this study, the origin of the Maoniuping complex was constrained through B–Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for fresh/unaltered alkaline syenites. Our results indicate that the Maoniuping alkaline syenite has arc-like trace element patterns with elevated initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.706040–0.706541), 206Pb/204Pb (18.00–18.32), 207Pb/204Pb (15.53–15.60), and 208Pb/204Pb (38.25–38.78) ratios, and relatively low ε Nd (t) values (–4.92 to –2.66), suggesting derivation by partial melting of fertile mantle source. It also has higher B contents (1.06–7.65 ppm) and heavier δ11B values (−5.38‰ to − 2.46‰) than the upper mantle, indicating modification of the mantle source by interaction with carbonatitic melts/fluids derived from marine sediments and altered oceanic crust within the subducting Indian slab. Our results, together with recently acquired seismic tomographic data, indicate that hybridisation in the mantle source was likely induced by subduction input of marine sediments to the mantle transition zone. Boron isotopes provide a novel indicator of the deep recycling of subducted crustal materials in the sources of alkaline magmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two discrete stages of fenitization have been identified in the Lizhuang deposit. • The nature of fenitizing fluids is distinguishable on geochemistry. • Intensive alteration by fenitizing fluids are crucial to REE minerlization. Fenitization is an alkali metasomatism that widely occurs in and around the alkaline-carbonatite complex, and is closely associated with rare earth elements (REE) mineralization. However, the origin and nature of the fenitizing fluids and its role in REE mineralization are poor understood. The Lizhuang REE deposit in the Panxi region, SW China, is hosted in a syenite-carbonatite complex with low- and high-grade fenitization. In this study, we conducted detailed petrographic, compositional and isotopic studies on the fresh/unaltered syenite and low- and high-grade fenites to reveal the origin and nature of the fenitizing fluids and their effects on REE mineralization. Our results show that the whole-rock Na/K ratios gradually increase from the fresh syenite, low-grade fenites to high-grade fenites, as well as mineral replacements, such as K-feldspar is replaced by albite and Ca-rich clinopyroxene is replaced by Na-rich clinopyroxene, indicating that sodic fenitization occurred in the Lizhuang syenite system. In situ U-Pb dating of the unaltered and altered apatite shows that the hydrothermal alteration processes are nearly simultaneous with the emplacement of syenite and carbonatite during 27.4–25.3 Ma, maybe lasting for ~2 Ma. In addition, the altered regions of feldspar, clinopyroxene and apatite have in situ 87Sr/86Sr ratios ranging from 0.70580 to 0.70674, which is consistent in error with those of the unaltered regions and host rock syenite-carbonatite complex (0.70566–0.70666). It is suggested that the fenitizing fluids were exsolved from the syenite-carbonatite complex in a relatively closed system. As the increase of alteration degree, the proportion of hydrothermal minerals (e.g., barite, calcite, fluorite and bastnäsite) in fenite increased gradually, indicating that the fenitizing fluids are enriched in SO 4 2−, CO 3 2− and F−. This is also supported by the elevated F and SO 3 contents from the unaltered to altered apatite. The increasing REE concentrations, from the fresh syenite, low-grade fenite to high-grade fenite, indicate that REE minerals such as bastnäsite were precipitated from the fenitizing fluids during fenitization processes. In-situ analyses on the altered clinopyroxene and apatite show variable REE losses compared to the unaltered precursors, which indicates the successive remobilization and transferring of REE by fenitization fluids. Therefore, two discrete stages of fenitization have been identified in the Lizhuang REE deposit, resulted from fluids exsolved from the syenite and carbonatite, respectively. Meanwhile, such fenitization fluids are effective extracting agents of REE in post-magmatic stage, which is crucial to REE remobilization and precipitation to form economic deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baerzhe Cretaceous (123.7 ± 0.9 Ma) peralkaline pluton underwent extensive fractional crystallization and extreme enrichment in incompatible elements including rare earth elements (REE) and the high field strength elements (HFSE). It is one of the largest resources of rare metals in China, containing approximately 100 million tons of ore with an average grade of 1.84 wt% ZrO 2 , 1.00 wt% REE 2 O 3 (34% heavy rare-earth oxides), and 0.26 wt% Nb 2 O 5. Zr, REE and Nb are mainly hosted by hydrothermal minerals, such as zircon, hingganite-(Y), monazite-(Ce), polycrase, pyrochlore, fergusonite and columbite. An integrated investigation of field geology, mineral textures and compositions of minerals and host granites was carried out to examine the evolution of the Baerzhe pluton and the roles of magmatic and hydrothermal processes in concentrating REE and HFSE. Most minerals in the intensively altered subsolvus granite show secondary textures or replaced pseudomorphs, such as the replacement of arfvedsonite by aegirine, zircon dissolution and reprecipitation, and the replacement of monazite-(Ce) and polycrase-(Y) by hingganite-(Y). Compositions of the key economic minerals and changes with respect to these alteration stages reveal evidence that hydrothermal alteration played a role in the mineralization of the pluton. In-situ analyses and element mappings suggest that large volume of metals were remobilized and redistributed during hydrothermal replacement, such as the replacing of monazite-(Ce) and polycrase by hingganite-(Y). It is suggested that subsolidus re-equilibration and hydrothermal alteration, in addition to magmatic fractionation, is critical for further concentrating REE and HSFE in peralkaline granitic systems. • Enrichment of REE and HFSE in the Cretaceous Baerzhe peralkaline pluton. • Rare metals concentrated in the upper subsolvus granite with intensive alteration. • Remobilization and redistribution of rare metals during hydrothermal processes. • Subsolidus re-equilibration and alteration was critical to mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bianjiadayuan Pb–Zn–Ag deposit in the Southern Great Xing'an Range consists of quartz-sulfide vein-type and breccia-type mineralization related to granite. Vein orebodies are localized in NW-trending extensional faults. Hydrothermal alteration is well developed and includes silicification, potassic alteration, chloritization and sericitization. Three stages of mineralization are recognized based on field evidence and petrographic observation and are marked by assemblages of quartz–arsenopyrite–pyrite (stage I), quartz–pyrrhotite–chalcopyrite–sphalerite (stage II) and quartz–galena–silver minerals (stage III). The granite, with a zircon age of 143.2 ± 1.5 Ma (n = 14, MSWD = 0.93), is subalkaline, peraluminous and is classified as A2-type granite originating in a post-orogenic extensional setting during the opening of suture zone between the North China Craton and the Siberia Craton from the Late Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous. The δ 34 S CDT values of sulfides, ranging from 3.19 to 10.65‰, are not consistent with the majority of magmatic hydrothermal deposits in the SGXR, possibly implying accessory source in addition to magmatic source. Microthermometric measurements show that ore minerals were deposited at intermediate temperatures (347.8–136.4 °C) with moderate salinities (2.9–14.4 wt.% NaCl). Ore-forming fluids were derived largely from magmatic hydrothermal processes, with the addition of meteoric water in late stage. Successive precipitation of Pb, Zn and Ag occurred with changes of physicochemical conditions. Overall considering mineralization features, ore-forming fluids and materials and tectonic setting and comparing with adjacent deposits, the Bianjiadayuan deposit is a mesothermal magmatic hydrothermal vein-type Pb–Zn–Ag deposit controlled by fractures and related to A2-type granite in response to the tectonic/magmatic/hydrothermal activity in late Jurassic. Besides, the explosive breccias in the west area require more attention in future exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The hydrothermal titanite associated with Au mineralization was formed at 130.8 ± 0.63 Ma. • The early Cretaceous Au mineralization overprinted the Triassic and late Jurassic Mo-Pb mineralization in Huangshui'an. • The gold precipitation mechanisms are sulfidation, collection-redissolution by LMCE melt, and changes in f Te 2 and f S 2. Huangshui'an deposit, situated in the Xiong'ershan area of Qinling orogenic belt (QOB) in China, is a globally rare carbonatite-type molybdenum polymetallic deposit that contains economic Mo, Au, Pb, and REE mineralization. The molybdenite Re-Os ages (Ca. 213.5–209.2 Ma) indicates that Huangshui'an Mo mineralization formed at Late Triassic. However, it is still unclear whether the Au mineralization is related to carbonatite dykes, and the formation age and genesis mechanism of Au mineralization remain poorly understood at Huangshui'an. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the Au mineralization events at the Huangshui'an deposit, including geology, mineralogy, and geochronology. The aim is to provide insights into its formation and mineralization processes and offer a broader understanding of regional Au metallogeny. Based on petrographic investigations, four stages are identified in the Au mineralization as follows: (I) quartz-K-feldspar stage; (II) quartz-pyrite-gold stage, including (IIA) pyrite-native gold sub-stage and (IIB) gold-tellurite-bismuthide sub-stage; (III) quartz-pyrite-polymetallic sulphide-oxide stage; and (IV) calcite-quartz-chlorite stage. The LA-ICP-MS titanite U-Pb dating yields a weighted mean age of 130.8 ± 0.63 Ma which determined that the Au mineralization at Huangshui'an was in the Early Cretaceous and was an independent mineralization event, which may be related to the lithosphere's destructive effect on the North China Craton (NCC). Combined with mineralography by automatic quantitative mineral analysis and testing system (TIMA), we consider that tellurium-bismuth minerals are closely associated with Au mineralization. The sulfur and tellurium fugacity of the ore-forming fluids in each stage were calculated using metal sulfide-oxides and tellurium-bismuth minerals. It was concluded that the precipitation of Au in the Huangshui'an deposit was mainly due to the combined effects of sulfidation, gold collection-redissolution by the low-melting point chalcophile elements (LMCE) melts, and the variation of sulfur fugacity and tellurium fugacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The initial cases of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)-infected pneumonia (NCIP) occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019 and January 2020. We analyzed data on the first 425 confirmed cases in Wuhan to determine the epidemiologic characteristics of NCIP.Methods: We collected information on demographic characteristics, exposure history, and illness timelines of laboratory-confirmed cases of NCIP that had been reported by January 22, 2020. We described characteristics of the cases and estimated the key epidemiologic time-delay distributions. In the early period of exponential growth, we estimated the epidemic doubling time and the basic reproductive number.Results: Among the first 425 patients with confirmed NCIP, the median age was 59 years and 56% were male. The majority of cases (55%) with onset before January 1, 2020, were linked to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, as compared with 8.6% of the subsequent cases. The mean incubation period was 5.2 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1 to 7.0), with the 95th percentile of the distribution at 12.5 days. In its early stages, the epidemic doubled in size every 7.4 days. With a mean serial interval of 7.5 days (95% CI, 5.3 to 19), the basic reproductive number was estimated to be 2.2 (95% CI, 1.4 to 3.9).Conclusions: On the basis of this information, there is evidence that human-to-human transmission has occurred among close contacts since the middle of December 2019. Considerable efforts to reduce transmission will be required to control outbreaks if similar dynamics apply elsewhere. Measures to prevent or reduce transmission should be implemented in populations at risk. (Funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and others.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thallium (Tl) is a typical trace metal of extreme high toxicity. As a concomitant element, Tl is widely found in various sulfide minerals and K-containing rock minerals. The outburst of Tl pollution in drinking water sources of the northern branch of the Pearl River in China as reported in 2010 has greatly aroused public concerns about Tl pollution in China. Apart from typical sources of Tl pollution such as Pb and Zn smelting and the mining and utilization of Tl-containing pyrite ores, the steel-making industry was discovered a new significant source that contributed to this Tl pollution incidence. Thallium contents in raw materials, fly ash and wastewater collected from a typical steel-making enterprise were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that Tl contents (0.02-1.03 mg/kg) are generally low in the raw materials, while fly ash samples have generally enriched Tl levels (1.31-6.45 mg/kg). Wastewater obtained from the dedusting process of the sintering furnace also exhibited excessive Tl levels (574-2130 μg/L). All these results suggested a possible release and gasification of Tl compounds from the raw materials under high temperatures (>800°C) during the sintering processes, which were then accumulated in the flue gas and fly ash and washed into the wastewater by wet dedusting. Lime precipitation method is not effective for removing Tl from wastewater, since Tl mostly is present as dissolved Tl+ in the water. The study initiated a preliminary design of a fast and effective treatment method for Tl removal from Tl-containing industrial wastewater by using a deep oxidation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of mutagenic and carcinogenic nitrosamines in water is of great concern. In this study, seven nitrosamines including N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA), N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPyr), N-nitrosopiperidine (NPip), N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine (NDPA), and N-nitrosodi-n-butyl-amine (NDBA) were investigated in river water and ground water samples collected from 5 representative cities (Jilin, Songyuan, Harbin, Jiamusi and Tongjiang) along the Songhua River. The total concentrations of nitrosamines in ground water were n.d. (not detected) to 60.8 ng/L, NDMA was the most frequently detected nitrosamines in ground water, followed by NDEA and NPip. Relatively high detected frequency and concentrations of NDMA were also observed in river water samples, and the total nitrosamines' concentration at midstream is always higher than that at upstream and downstream. After 24 hr chlorination, concentration of NDMA, NDBA was obviously increased but NDEA was reduced. Furthermore, UV 254 showed a better relationship with NDMA-FP rather than dissolved organic carbon (DOC), NH 4 -N, and TDN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]