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We investigated the safety and efficacy of the Numen coil compared with the Axium coil in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Because CATCH (Coil Application Trial in China) is a prospective randomized controlled open-label noninferiority trial conducted in 10 centers across China, patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomized 1:1 to either a test group (Numen) or a control group (Axium). The primary outcome was based on successful aneurysm occlusion at 6 months follow-up, whereas secondary outcomes included technical success, the recanalization and retreatment rates, and the rate of serious adverse events (SAEs) at 6 months and 12 months follow-up. Between August 2017 and December 2019, 350 patients presenting with 350 aneurysms were enrolled and randomized. Per-protocol analysis showed that the successful aneurysm occlusion rate at 6 months was 91.18% for the test group compared with 91.85% in the control group, with a difference of –0.68% (P = 0.8419), and the overall mortality during the 30-day follow-up period was 1.19% and 1.81% in the test and control group, respectively, showing no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.6837), whereas the SAE incidence during the 12-month follow-up period was 12.50% and 17.47% in the test and control groups, respectively, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.2222). This trial showed that the Numen coil was noninferior to the Axium coil in terms of intracranial aneurysm embolization and can be considered as a safe and effective coil for treating patients with intracranial aneurysm in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our analysis of 5738 CEO turnover events among A-share listed companies in China over the period of 1993 to 2019, we find that CEO turnovers on average hurt companies' market performance with significant negative abnormal returns in the event window. We then group the companies into four types based on whether the outgoing and successor CEOs have political connections, and then calculate the abnormal returns in the event windows of CEO turnovers once announced. We find that companies generally enjoy positive abnormal returns if they replace politically non-connected CEOs with connected ones. Such a positive effect is more evident among non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs), companies with worse performance, and companies with higher financial constraints. However, abnormal returns derived from hiring politically connected successor CEOs turn to negative following China's massive anti-corruption campaign in 2012. Our findings provide direct estimations of the economic value of CEOs' political connections for A-share listed companies in China and reveal boundary conditions that moderate the influence of hiring politically connected CEOs. • CEO turnovers brings significantly negative abnormal returns to firms. • A company obtain positive CARS when the successor CEO with politically connections. • The effect is more evident for non-SOEs. • The effect turns to negative after the massive anti-corruption campaign launched in 2012 in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qikou Sag is a petroliferous tectonic unit within the Bohai Bay Basin, northeast China. The depositional system evolved temporally, spatially, and episodically in five rifting stages (stages 1–5) during the Paleogene and Neogene, with sedimentation responding to regional subsidence. This study focuses on the tectono-sedimentary evolution through stages 2–4, while the main oil-bearing sedimentary rocks were deposited in the Bohai Bay Basin. The depositional system exhibited retrogradation and then progradation during the rifting stage 2 (43–36.7 Ma), retrogradation in stage 3 (36.7–32.8 Ma), and upward coarsening and progradation in stage 4 (32.8–24.6 Ma). This vertical superposition corresponded to three episodic stages of rising and falling lake levels during the Paleogene, which were equivalent to a transgressive with regressive (stage 2), transgressive (stage 3), and then regressive (stage 4) cycle. The sediment fills coincided with the tectonism and the regional subsidence history of the Qikou Sag, which is composed of uplift areas and sub-sags. In this respect, the boundary fault activity around the sub-sags decreased from stages 2–4, leading to the migration of sub-sag depocenters from near faults to the center of sub-sags, which suggests that faults released control over the sedimentation. Secondly, tectonism and the total subsidence rate decreased from SQ1 to SQ7 (stages 2–3) and then accelerated at the end of stage 4 (SQ10 to SQ11). The tectonic subsidence rates decreased quicker than the total subsidence rate; this demonstrates that major rift faulting was the dominant geological process in the early Paleogene, whereas overall subsidence was dominant in the late Paleogene. • A double transgressive-regressive cycle in Paleogene was represented. • The overall subsidence evolution represents a double decrease-increase process. • A process from intense differential fault rift to integral subsidence has been exhibited. • Tectonic history shows balanced-filled basin evolution from expanding to shrinking. • The depocenters have migrated northeastward due to boundary fault activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Duration from onset to the crisis is significantly shorter in TMG patients. • The in-hospital clinical outcome of MC is worse in TMG patients compared with that in non-thymoma-associated MG patients. • MG patients with unresected thymoma had longer hospital stays than that with POMC. Thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis (TMG) had more severe symptoms and worse prognoses in comparison to non-thymoma-associated MG. Thymoma recurrence was frequently associated with transient worsening of MG and even acute respiratory failure, namely myasthenic crisis (MC). However, little is known about the clinical features and outcomes of MC in thymoma-associated MG patients. We performed a retrospective cohort study in MG patients recruited from 9 independent tertiary neuromuscular centers in China from Jan 2015, through Oct 2022. Overall, 156 MC from 149 MG patients with positive anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies were finally analyzed. Next, these patients were divided into two subgroups: the TMG group (n = 60 MCs, 58 patients) and the non-thymoma-associated MG group (n = 96 MCs, 91 patients). Compared with non-thymoma-associated MG, TMG patients had a significantly shorter disease duration from symptom onset to the crisis (17.95±40.9 vs 51.31±60.61 months, P <0.0001), a larger proportion of MGFA IVa as the initial onset clinical classification (6.67% vs 0, P = 0.0205), and a longer hospital stay (39.24±22.09 [6–111] vs. 33.2 ± 23.42 days [7–120]; P = 0.0317) during the crisis. Within the TMG group, the hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with unresected thymoma compared to that in postoperative myasthenic crisis (POMC) (47.68±24.9 [6–111] vs. 34.21±18.87 days [12–82]; P = 0.0257). Early identification of the MG categories may provide some hints in tailoring therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disposal of the Cr containing tannery sludge has become a serious environmental problem in China, which has attracted increasing attention. However, experimental and theoretical research is still needed. We developed a feasible route to synergistic immobilization the Cr in tannery sludge into the spinel-based phases by addition of ZnO and TiO 2. ZnO and Cr3+ can form stable spinel-based phase, and TiO 2 can suppress the formation of Cr6+. The significantly synergistic effect between ZnO and TiO 2 promoted the immobilization of Cr in tannery sludge and reduce the leaching of the chromium in the annealed sludge. The oxidation of Cr3+ to Cr6+ in the presence of alkaline substances has been elucidated by density functional theory, and it is revealed that the electrons from the Cr-d orbit jump to the Ca-d and directly transform into the O 2. [Display omitted] • Chromium element is fixed in the spinel crystal lattice by loading of ZnO. • The Cr3+ oxidation process with the alkaline matter is retarded by ZnO and TiO 2. • The oxidation mechanism of Cr 2 O 3 with CaO is elucidated by computation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disposal of the Cr containing tannery sludge has become a serious environmental problem in China, which has attracted increasing attention. However, experimental and theoretical research is still needed. We developed a feasible route to synergistic immobilization the Cr in tannery sludge into the spinel-based phases by addition of ZnO and TiO 2. ZnO and Cr3+ can form stable spinel-based phase, and TiO 2 can suppress the formation of Cr6+. The significantly synergistic effect between ZnO and TiO 2 promoted the immobilization of Cr in tannery sludge and reduce the leaching of the chromium in the annealed sludge. The oxidation of Cr3+ to Cr6+ in the presence of alkaline substances has been elucidated by density functional theory, and it is revealed that the electrons from the Cr-d orbit jump to the Ca-d and directly transform into the O 2. [Display omitted] • Chromium element is fixed in the spinel crystal lattice by loading of ZnO. • The Cr3+ oxidation process with the alkaline matter is retarded by ZnO and TiO 2. • The oxidation mechanism of Cr 2 O 3 with CaO is elucidated by computation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information disclosure has been increasingly used as an instrument to discipline corporate misbehaviors and cities' transparency. This paper offers that the development of transportation infrastructure and therefore the reduction of intercity travel time would facilitate the news regarding publicly listed enterprises flow from where the enterprises locate to other cities. We also find that when local media remains silent on local firms' negative news, the media in other cities report and would report more as the travel time decreases. This is largely driven by local SOEs, showing a possible collusion between local SOEs and local media. This study offers useful insights for policy makers that concerns both transportation infrastructure and information disclosure as policy instruments. • Provides a comprehensive overview of information accessibility and truthfulness • Analyzes how intercity travel time have affected the firms' and cities' information transparency • Provides evidence of the reduction in intercity travel time based on transportation infrastructure • Highlights the planning and policy implications of transportation infrastructure through information transparency perspective [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The regional applicability of triangular solar air collector is analyzed. • The thermal efficiency of the optimal collector is increased by 5.6%. • A novel optical model for non-concentrating solar collector is proposed. • Two kinds of optical efficiency are defined and compared. • The economy and carbon emissions of the whole life cycle are calculated. Improving the applicability of solar air collectors in different climatic regions is important for its popularization. In this study, a novel triangular solar air collector (TSAC) was proposed. The insulation material (TSAC_1), transparent cover plate (TSAC_2) or double transparent cover plate (TSAC_3) could be fitted on the side of TSAC to adapt to different climates. The optical model and heat transfer model of the TSACs were established and verified. Two optical efficiencies were defined and the optical properties of three TSACs were compared. The effect of environment temperature, global solar radiation, solar azimuth angle and insulation material absorption on the thermal performance of TSACs were analyzed. Based on meteorological parameters of eight cities in different climate and solar energy distribution regions, the applicability of TSACs was compared, and their life-cycle economics and CO 2 emission reduction capacity were assessed. Results indicate that the TSAC_2 has the highest optical efficiency, and 15.2 % higher than that of TSAC_1. Three TSACs are suitable for different climatic regions, the average thermal efficiency of the optimal TSAC applied to the eight cities is 47.3 % during the heating period, which is 5.6 % higher than that of the single TSAC_1. TSACs have good economics in all climate regions, and the average net CO 2 emission reduction of whole life cycle is 3230.3 kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of the expanded audit report on IPO underpricing. Using the sample of A-share listed firms in China from June 2014 to November 2021, we find that the expanded audit reports can reduce the speculative behavior of investors in the initial phase of IPOs, resulting in lower IPO underpricing and consecutive rising limits. The channel tests suggest that the disclosure of key audit matters reduces value uncertainty and alleviates investors' local bias. Our results are consistent to a series of robustness tests. Further analyses show that the negative relation between expanded audit reports and IPO underpricing intensifies when the legal environment is weak and firms' information transparency is low. Additional tests uncover positive market reaction after the mandatory disclosure rule in the long run. Overall, our study adds new insights to the information effects of the expanded audit reports in emerging markets. • The expanded audit reports reduce IPO underpricing and consecutive rising limits. • KAM reduces value uncertainty and alleviates investors' local bias. • The results are moderated by legal environment and information transparency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is thought to play a significant role in regulating insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. However, studies on the relationship between ADM and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are limited. We hypothesized that a higher serum ADM concentration would be associated with an increased risk of GDM. Therefore, a nested case-control study of 65 GDM cases and 130 prepregnancy body mass index, age, parity, and gestational age of blood collection-matched controls was conducted to prospectively evaluate the association between circulating ADM concentrations in early pregnancy and the risk of GDM in pregnant women based on the Tongji Birth Cohort. Serum ADM concentrations in the GDM group were higher than those in the control group (2125.04 ± 644.97 vs 1880.76 ± 581.13 pg/mL) (P =.008). Serum ADM concentration was positively associated with the risk of developing GDM (P trend <.05). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) comparing the highest tertile of ADM with the lowest was 2.74 (95% CI, 1.17-6.43). The risk of GDM increased by 49% (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.05-2.12) for each SD increment of serum ADM. Moreover, serum ADM concentration was positively correlated with circulating total cholesterol (r = 0.204), triglycerides (r = 0.197), and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.173), but negatively correlated with circulating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (r = –0.176). Pregnant women with higher serum ADM concentrations have a markedly increased risk of developing GDM. Further studies are warranted to explore the possible thresholds of ADM that increase the risk of GDM and to confirm and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The concept of cultivated land quality (CLQ) was deduced from the concept of "quality". • CLQ emphasizes the satisfaction of cultivated land conditions to human well-being. • The elements, connotations, and dimensions of CLQ were clarified from the perspective of farmland ecosystems. • An CLQ evaluation analysis framework was proposed. Historically, the cognition and management of cultivated land quality (CLQ) have been fragmented, leading to an inability to meet contemporary scenarios and requirements of China's agricultural development and cultivated land protection. This study aimed to systematically recognize the concepts, elements, connotations, and dimensions of CLQ and build a new cultivated land quality evaluation (CQE) system. Initially, we deduced the concept of CLQ through the clear concept of "quality" in line with international standards. Next, we connected CLQ with the framework of farmland ecosystem service cascades and clarified the element structure of CLQ based on the structure of farmland ecosystems. Then, based on the multi-level human well-being that farmland ecosystems can provide, the connotations and dimensions of CLQ was determined. Using Wen County within Henan Province as a case study site, we constructed a CQE system for empirical analysis and comparative verification, showing that the new system was better than the existing one. This study helped to clarify the CLQ and provided a theoretical basis and technical reference for sustainable intensification (SI) and multi-directional protection and supervision of cultivated land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three-part heating cost method is proposed to increase heating fairness. • Both experiment and simulation are adopted to validate the model accuracy. • A public heat reallocation model was established for different locations. • Game theory is introduced to solve the adjacent room heat transfer problem. • Heating cost composition and changes in 18 different cases are presented. Household heat metering is significant in building energy conservation, but current cost policy (basic and variable costs) in northern China is not easy to implement for two reasons: a corner user has greater heating consumption than a center user, and the marginal heating cost of high-temperature users increases sharply with adjacent room heat transfer. To solve these problems, this study proposes a fair heating cost policy using a residential building in Tianjin, China as the research object. The EnergyPlus model is validated with measured results and used to generate the heating reallocation for corner and center users. Additional cost based on game theory is introduced to eliminate the adjacent room heat transfer problem. The new three-part heating cost method including basic, variable, and additional heating costs produces a fair cost condition for all users. A corner user with normal heat can realize savings of up to 307.8 RMB (4.3 RMB/m2) with reallocation of public heating consumption; the heating cost for low-temperature "steal heat" users may increase by 281.9 RMB (3.9 RMB/m2) in one heating season. This feasible method provides a specific calculation process that increases the fairness of heating cost, which is vital to future promotion of household heat metering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown on air quality in cities in southwest China, a single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS) and other online equipments were used to measure the air pollution in Chengdu, one of the megacities in this area, before and during the lockdown period. It was found that the concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), sulfur dioxide (SO 2) and carbon monoxide (CO) decreased by 38.6%, 77.5%, 47.0%, 35.1% and 14.1%, respectively, while the concentration of ozone (O 3) increased by 57.5% from the time before to the time during lockdown. All particles collected during the study period could be divided into eight categories: biomass burning (BB), coal combustion (CC), vehicle emissions (VE), cooking emissions (CE), Dust, K-nitrate (K–NO 3), K-sulfate (K–SO 4) and K-sulfate-nitrate (K-SN) particles, and their contributions changed significantly after the beginning of lockdown. Compared to before lockdown, the contribution of VE particles experienced the largest reduction (by 14.9%), whereas the contributions of BB and CE particles increased by 7.0% and 7.3%, respectively, during the lockdown period. Regional transmission was critical for pollution formation before lockdown, whereas the pollution that occurred during the lockdown period was caused mainly by locally emitted particles (such as VE, CE and BB particles). Weighted potential source contribution function (WPSCF) analysis further verified and emphasized the difference in the contribution of regional transmission for pollution formation before and during lockdown. In addition, the potential source area and intensity of the particles emitted from different sources or formation mechanisms were quite different. • Single aerosol particles during the COVID-19 lockdown were measured based on SPAMS. • The lockdown caused reductions in PM 2.5 , NO, NO 2 , SO 2 and CO, while increase in O 3. • Vehicle emission particles decreased the most (by 14.9%) during lockdown period. • Pollution formation mechanism before and during lockdown was completely different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]