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Potassic magmatic rocks provide significant insights in understanding of mantle composition, evolution, and interaction with crust. Potassic magmatism along the Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan Paleo‐Tethyan suture has drawn much attention. Whereas igneous intrusion in the Simao terrane, west to Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan potassic magmatic belt has rarely been investigated. Hence, we present zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotope and whole‐rock geochemistry for the Lianhuashan pluton. Zircon U–Pb dating from monzonite and quartz monzonite porphyry yield ages of 33.6 ± 0.2 and 33.5 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively. Monzonites are characterized by high K2O (4.93–5.16%) and K2O/Na2O (1.46–1.71), high Y (22.90–23.80 ppm), and Yb (1.87–2.21 ppm), relatively enrichment of light rare earth element (LREE). Zircons from monzonites show εHf(t) values ranging from −1.1 to +0.6 and crustal model ages (TDMC) between 1.04 and 1.15 Ga. These geochemical features suggest that parent magmas of the rocks originated from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Quartz monzonite porphyries are characterized by high Sr (836.00–1,529.00 ppm), Sr/Y (70.85–99.93) and La/Yb (32.31–49.83), low Y (11.80–15.60 ppm), and Yb (0.95–1.30 ppm), enrichment in LREE and depletion in heavy rare earth elements (HREE). Quartz monzonite porphyries have higher Mg#, MgO, Ni, and Cr contents than the lower crust‐derived adakite‐like rocks. It is suggested that they were derived by variable degree of mixing between lower‐crustal melts and mafic magmas. Based on petrology and geochemistry features, the following evolution process are concluded. During the Neoproterozoic, metasomatic‐enriched mantle magma resulted from the bisubduction of oceanic plate; meanwhile, the crust thickened, and juvenile lower crust formed. During late Eocene, hot asthenosphere upwelled and K‐rich mafic magmas resulted from the decompression of delamination, followed by magmatism emplacing, crystallizing, and the forming of the Lianhuashan pluton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of particle size of hull-less barley (HLB) bran DF on antioxidant and physicochemical properties was investigated. HLB bran and extracted DF was ground by regular and superfine grinding, their particle sizes were determined using laser diffraction method. The results showed that superfine grinding could significantly pulverize DF particles to micro-scale; the particle size distribution was close to a Gaussian distribution. The soluble DF in HLB bran was increased effectively with superfine grinding. Insoluble DF with submicron scale showed increased total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). With particle size reduction, the water retention capacity (WRC), swelling capacity (SC), oil binding capacity (OBC), and nitrite ion absorption capacity (NIAC) were significantly ( p < 0.05) increased and the water holding capacity (WHC) had no significant change. A kind of health beneficial DF with higher soluble DF content, WRC, SC, OBC, NIAC and antioxidant activity was obtained using superfine grinding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study are to systematically assess the bioactive substances and overall antioxidant capacities of commercially fermented soy products and to find the relationships between the presence of beneficial components in different types of soybean fermented products. The results show that phenolic profiles increased significantly after fermentation as compared with raw yellow soybeans. Among all the samples, the douchi and fermented black bean sauce had the highest detected antioxidant profiles. Even though the total isoflavone content was reduced in fermented soybean products (794.84 μg/g on average) as compared with raw yellow soybeans (3477.6 μg/g), there was an obvious trend of conversion of the glucoside form in raw soybeans into the aglycone-form isoflavones in the fermented soybean products. The highest daidzein and genistein values were found in the “Yangfan” black bean douchi, i.e. 860.3 μg/g and 1025.9 μg/g, respectively. The amounts of essential amino acids also were improved in most fermented soybean products. The douchi and black bean fermented products are recommended for consumption due to their abundant bioactive substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: The concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) system focuses solar radiation on the solar cells. CPV systems need to track the sun for keeping the reflected radiation focussed on the solar cell. A CPV module and its active water-cooling system are developed at the School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, China and its performance has been reported here. This developed system has been used for testing the PV module''s performance for different parameters such as operating temperature, power output, and efficiency. The experimental results show that the operating temperature of the CPV module under water cooling is reduced under 60°C and therefore the efficiency of the CPV has increased and produced the more electric power output. The effect of water flow rate has been analyzed for the CPV efficiency and output. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A majority of coal mines in China are susceptible to fires, especially those affected by concealed fire sources in coalfield fire areas. Hence, to mitigate this problem, the efficient and precise detection of high-temperature anomalous areas is significant and needed, which mainly involves determining the range and depth of concealed fire sources. In this paper, the strengths and weaknesses of each detection method (e.g., remote sensing, electromagnetic radiation, magnetic detection, geological radar detection, resistivity detection, transient electromagnetic, excitation potential method, gas analysis, radon levels detection, infrared images) were investigated, analyzed, evaluated and then compared. Furthermore, after taking their respective practicality and effectiveness into account, an integrated methodology was proposed that uses radon levels, infrared imaging techniques, and drilling methods to detect and verify high-temperature anomalous areas in a coalfield. We carried out the detection in the Ningxia autonomous region. Our testing results revealed that radon levels show positive correspondence with the temperature of potential fire sources. That is to say, higher radon levels usually have higher temperature signal for detection. Accordingly, high-temperature anomalous areas in coalfield fire areas can be distinguished and delineated successfully by their radon levels and verified by infrared imaging techniques and drilling methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reflects on critical care research in china which is lacking behind due to several reasons. It mentions reasons including the lack of training in clinical research, inadequate resources and lack of language proficiency. It states that multiple resolutions may improve critical care research which include better understanding of good clinical practice and collaborative research in critical care.

Research on the Zanhuang Complex has been one of the hotspots in the Neoarchean–Palaeoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the Trans‐North China Orogen (TNCO) in the North China Craton (NCC). Here, we present data from petrology, geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Lu–Hf isotopes on a suite of granite, diorite, TTG gneiss, and amphibolite in the Zanhuang Complex to characterize these rocks and understand their genesis. Zircon U–Pb data yield magmatic ages of 2,607 Ma for granite, 2,599 Ma for diorite and 2,561 Ma for TTG gneiss, with subsequent thermal event ages of 2,530 and 2,471 Ma. Lu–Hf isotopes show εHf(t) values ranging from 0.04 to 7.11 and crustal model ages of 2,700–3,100 Ma for the diorite, indicating a Meso‐ to Neoarchean mantle source with minor input of crustal components. The granite and TTG gneiss have the characteristics of volcanic‐arc granite, with low Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N, high Cr and Ni contents, positive Pb and K anomalies and negative Nb, Ta, P, and Ti anomalies. The amphibolite and diorite are similar to island arc basalt, with low K2O, Sr/Y, (La/Yb)N, and high FeOT, positive Pb anomaly, negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies and absence of obvious Ce anomaly. These signatures indicate that these rocks were likely formed in a subduction setting. We have proposed a model of subduction–collision process in the TNCO, including subduction at ca. 2.70–2.55 Ga, arc–continent collision at ca. 2.55–2.45 Ga, extension and rifting at ca. 2.30–2.05 Ga, and continent–continent collision at ca. 1.90–1.75 Ga. Our results are consistent with the previous models on the tectonic evolution in the NCC and provide further insights into the Neoarchean–Palaeoproterozoic tectonic history of the craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volcano‐sedimentary sequences from the Weixi belt provide significance for the Sanjiang Paleo‐Tethys evolution. This manuscript constrains the ages of volcano‐sedimentary sequences by LA‐ICPMS U–Pb, including bimodal volcanics (245.0–244.0 Ma) from Pantiange Formation, trachyandesite–basaltic andesite (234 ± 2.0 Ma) from Cuiyibi Formation, high silica subalkaline rhyolite (221 ± 1.4 Ma) from Waigucun Formation and Early Jurassic high silica subalkaline rhyolite (184 ± 2.2 Ma). The volcanics show various Hf isotopic composition, which includes Middle Triassic dacite (εHf[t] = −15.7 to −8.5, TDM2 = 2,006–1,613 Ma), Late Triassic rhyolite (εHf(t) = −9.8 to +1.9, TDM2 = 1,667–1,021 Ma), Late Triassic trachyandesite (εHf(t) = +2.6 to +5.7, TDM2 = 990–816 Ma) and Early Jurassic rhyolite (εHf(t) = −2.7 to +1.1, TDM2 = 1,250–1,145 Ma). The Middle–Late Triassic volcanics exhibit similar characteristics, the content of SiO2 exerts positive correlation with K2O and negative correlation with oxide of Ti, Fe, Al, Mg, Ca, Mn and P. The Hf isotopic and geochemical features indicate that the Middle Triassic basalt and rhyolite derived from mantle and crust by crystal fractionation, respectively. The absence of Lower Jurassic strata and existence of Triassic bimodal volcanic sequences suggest that the middle Sanjiang Tethys Orogen experienced collision during the Middle Triassic with local extension resulting from oblique convergence. Late Triassic–Early Jurassic rhyolite exhibit high SiO2 (77.12–77.81 wt%), K2O (4.35–6.10 wt%), Na2O (1.91–3.15 wt%) content, and a negative Eu anomaly. Together with the sedimentary sequence, the middle Sanjiang Tethys Orogen evolved into post‐collision phase during Late Triassic – Early Jurassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The scarcity of sepsis epidemiologic data from most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) hampered estimation of regional and global burden of the disease, and provided limited guidance for policy makers. We aimed to characterize and analyze the temporal trends of sepsis-related mortality in China, by population groups, underlying causes of death, geographic regions, and sociodemographic index (SDI) levels. Methods: Sepsis-related deaths were identified from the National Mortality Surveillance System (NMSS) of China from 2006 to 2020. Trends of sepsis-related mortality and years of life lost (YLLs), stratified by age, sex, underlying diseases, and regions were analyzed using the Jointpoint regression analysis. We investigated the association of SDI with trends of sepsis-related mortality. Results: In 2020, sepsis was estimated to be responsible for 986,929 deaths and 17.1 million YLLs in China. Age-standardized sepsis-related mortality significantly declined from 130.2 (95%CI, 129.4–131) per 100,000 population in 2006 to 76.6 (76.3–76.9) in 2020. Age-standardized YLLs decreased from 2172.7 (2169.4–2176) per 100,000 population in 2006 to 1271 (1269.8–1272.2) in 2020. Substantial variations of sepsis-related mortality and YLLs were observed between population groups and regions, with higher burden in males, the elderly, and western China. An inverse relation was noted between SDI and sepsis-related mortality or YLLs. Conclusions: Despite declining trends of age-standardized mortality and YLLs of sepsis in China, significant disparities between population groups and regions highlight a need for targeted policies and measures to close the gaps and improve the outcome of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was to compare the characteristics of 21 starches isolated from chestnuts produced in different regions in China, also to investigate their potential food applications. Starches were isolated from chestnuts under the Castanea mollisima Blume variety with sub-varieties of Banli, Youli, and Maoli. Several properties of the starch samples were examined, including the moisture content, amylose content, morphological characteristics, color values, light transmittance, syneresis, swelling power, water solubility index, pasting properties, FTIR characteristics, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and thermal properties. The results showed that starches isolated from Youli presented higher resistance to shear and swelling during heating, indicating more suitability for high-heat cooking. The FTIR spectra confirmed the polysaccharide nature of all the chestnut starches. The XRD patterns showed most chestnut starches were in C b -type, while only five were in C a -type. Overall, this comparative study would be relevant for the further exploration of the potential utilization of chestnut starch in both food and non-food industries. • Physiochemical properties of 21 chestnuts starches were examined. • Starches presented significant differences in morphology, pasting, and thermal properties. • Starches from Maoli had generally smaller granule sizes. • Starches from Youli presented higher resistance to shear and thermal swelling. • All chestnuts had C-type starch, among which most starches were in C b -type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been widely used to measure the economic growth of a region or a country. However, it does not distinguish between economic activities that improve the well-being and those that impair it. It does not reflect the social, economical, and environmental sustainability either. This paper presents a case study using the newly developed economic indicator Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) to evaluate the economic performance and human well-being in China at an urban level. The study also shows how the deficiencies of GDP in measuring the economic performance and well-being can be overcome by GPI. Four cities in China (Suzhou and Yangzhou in Jiangsu province, Ningbo in Zhejiang province, and Guangzhou in Guangdong province) were chosen in the case study. Important components of GPI for cost and benefit analysis were developed to address the depletion of nonrenewable resources, cost of environmental pollution, and net capital investment, etc. The comparison between GDP and GPI for the four cities and the comparison among the GPIs of the four cities and other countries were made over the period of 1991–2001. Based on the GPI results, recommendations on policy-making and infrastructural development were made for the improvement of the overall economic welfare of the cities. The advantages and limitations of the GPI method were discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Granite–greenstone successions and associated tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) suites constitute dominant components of Precambrian cratons. Here, we present petrology, geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and Lu–Hf isotopes on monzonite, granodiorite, granite, and amphibolite from the Dengfeng Complex in the southern part of the North China Craton (NCC). Zircon U–Pb data yield weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb ages of 2498 ± 6 Ma for monzonite, 2481 ± 16 Ma for granodiorite, and 2475 ± 21 Ma for granite. Lu–Hf isotope systematics show εHf(t) values ranging from 1.3 to 6.7 and crustal model ages ( T DM C ) in the range of 2584–2934 Ma for the rocks. The monzonite, granodiorite, and granite show moderate total rare-earth element (REE) contents, enrichment in light REEs (LREE) and depletion in heavy REEs (HREE), negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies, high Al2O3, Sr/Y, and (La/Yb)N ratios, with low Cr and Ni, indicating that the magma was possibly sourced from partial melting of the lower crust. The geochemical features of amphibolites are characterized by low SiO2, Na2O, K2O, Sr/Y, (La/Yb)N and high FeO, low total REEs values, limited LREE/HREE fractionation, and absence of obvious Ce anomaly, showing similarity to island arc magmatic rocks. Our results are consistent with the model of subduction and arc–continent collision in the Trans-North China Orogen during the Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the population pharmacokinetics of cefoperazone in children and establish an evidence-based dosing regimen using a developmental pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic approach in order to optimize cefoperazone treatment.Methods: A model-based, open-label, opportunistic-sampling pharmacokinetic study was conducted in China. Blood samples from 99 cefoperazone-treated children were collected and quantified by HPLC/MS. NONMEM software was used for population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03113344).Results: A two-compartment model with first-order elimination agreed well with the experimental data. Covariate analysis showed that current body weight had a significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of cefoperazone. Monte Carlo simulation showed that for bacteria for which cefoperazone has an MIC of 0.5 mg/L, 78.1% of hypothetical children treated with '40 mg/kg/day, q8h, IV drip 3 h' would reach the pharmacodynamic target. For bacteria for which cefoperazone has an MIC of 8 mg/L, 88.4% of hypothetical children treated with 80 mg/kg/day (continuous infusion) would reach the treatment goal. A 160 mg/kg/day (continuous infusion) regimen can cover bacteria for which cefoperazone has an MIC of 16 mg/L. Nevertheless, even if using the maximum reported dose of 160 mg/kg/day (continuous infusion), the ratio of hypothetical children reaching the treatment target was only 9.9% for bacteria for which cefoperazone has an MIC of 32 mg/L.Conclusions: For cefoperazone, population pharmacokinetics were evaluated in children and an appropriate dosing regimen was developed based on developmental pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics. The dose indicated in the instructions (20-160 mg/kg/day) can basically cover the clinically common bacteria for which cefoperazone has an MIC of ≤16 mg/L. However, for bacteria for which the MIC is >16 mg/L, cefoperazone is not a preferred choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the north part of Simao Terrane, Lanping Basin is located between the Sanjiang Tethys Orogen (STO) and Yangtze Block, also the junction zone between the Gondwanaland and Cathaysian old land (Pan Huaxia mainland), which includes Yangtze and Cathaysian Blocks. The aim of this study is to decipher the provenance of the sedimentary units in the Lanping Basin and affiliation of Simao Terrane by the U-Pb ages, Hf isotope of detrital zircons and whole-rock geochemistry. The whole-rock geochemistry and the mineral composition indicate that most of the Triassic–Paleocene sedimentary rocks are derived from the upper crust and exhibit recycled orogen features. The detrital zircon U-Pb ages from the North Simao Terrane are consistent with the magmatic events during Early Neoproterozoic and Permian in the Western Yangtze Block. And the detrital zircons ages from North Simao Terrane show same distribution features as the Permian–Triassic magmatic rocks, which are distributed in the Simao Terrane and along major sutures. These comparisons suggest that the clastic sediments in Lanping Basin (North Simao Terrane) are derived from Early Neoproterozoic and Permian magmatic rocks from Western Yangtze Block, Permian–Triassic magmatic rocks from Simao Terrane, along Jinshajiang, Garz-Litang and Ailaoshan Sutures. The comparison of the detrital zircon age distributions shows that Simao Terrane and Yangtze Block exhibited similarity tectonic setting in the evolution history, especially during Paleoproterozoic–Late Paleozoic. This suggests that the Simao Terrane is part of Cathaysian old land, although Simao Terrane was separated from Yangtze Block for short period during Early Paleozoic. Besides, the Hf mapping, stratigraphic succession, paleogeography and paleomagnetism in SW China support that Simao Terrane has a Cathaysian old land-affinity, rather than one involving Gondwanaland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Zircon U–Pb ages range from 2753 ± 37 to 2476 ± 18 Ma in the Luxi Terrane. • Greenstone was derived from the Meso- to Neoarchean mantle contaminated by the crust. • TTGs were sourced from a Meso- to Neoarchean juvenile crust with older basement reworking. • Initial crustal growth at ca. 2750–2600 Ma, followed by more voluminous growth at ca. 2550–2450 Ma. Tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) suites constitute dominant components of Precambrian continental crust and provide important insights into the crustal evolution history of the early Earth. Here we investigate a suite of TTGs and associated greenstones from the Luxi Terrane in the south–eastern part of the North China Craton (NCC). We present data from petrology, geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Lu–Hf isotopes to characterize these rocks and understand their genesis. Mineral assemblage in the greenstones and TTGs suggests that the rocks have undergone amphibolite–facies metamorphism with regression under greenschist–facies. Zircon U–Pb data from the magmatic grains yield upper intercept ages of 2753 ± 37 and 2582 ± 40 Ma for greenstone, 2552 ± 13 Ma for TTG gneiss and 2476 ± 18 Ma for tonalite, and weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 2507 ± 22 Ma for granodiorite. Lu–Hf isotope systematics show ε Hf (t) values ranging from −2.13 to 7.29 and crustal model ages (TC DM) in the range of 2603–3125 Ma for the TTGs, whereas the ε Hf (t) values are up to 8.53 with TC DM ages of 2644–3006 Ma for the greenstone. The results suggest that the protolith for the greenstone was derived from a Meso- to Neoarchean mantle contaminated by the crust source, whereas the TTGs were mostly sourced from juvenile crustal sources with reworking of older basement. The geochemical features of greenstone are similar to island arc basalt, with low Na 2 O, K 2 O and TiO 2 , low total rare earth elements (REEs) values, relative enrichment in light REEs and depletion in heavy REEs absence of obvious Ce anomaly, and negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies. The TTGs show similar features, except for the high K 2 O content and moderate total REEs values. We propose that the greenstone likely represent a part of the early and initial crustal growth at ca. 2750–2600 Ma, and the TTGs were generated subsequently at ca. 2550–2450 Ma. Our results are consistent with the previous models on the crustal growth models in the NCC and provide further insights into the Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic tectonic history of the craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A population-level description and analysis of sepsis-related mortality in China is key to the planning and assessment of interventional strategies.Methods: Retrospective analysis of multiple cause of death (MCOD) recorded in the population-based national mortality surveillance system (NMSS) of China. All sepsis-related deaths occurring in 605 disease surveillance points (DSPs) covering 323.8 million population across China were included in our study. Age-standardized mortality and national estimate of sepsis-related deaths were estimated using the census population in 2010 and 2015, respectively.Results: In 2015, a total of 1,937,299 deaths occurring in any of the 605 DSPs and standardized sepsis-related mortality rate was 66.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 66.4-67.0) deaths per 100,000 population. This produced a national estimate of 1,025,997 sepsis-related deaths. Sepsis-related mortality rates exhibited significant geographic variation. In multilevel analysis, male sex (rate ratio [RR] 1.582, 95% CI 1.570-1.595), increasing age (RR 1.914 for 5-year group, 95% CI 1.910-1.917), and presence of comorbidity (RR 2.316, 95% CI 2.298-2.335) were independently associated with increased sepsis-related mortality. Higher disposable income (RR 0.717 for the fourth interquartile range vs. the first interquartile range, 95% CI 0.515-0.978) and mean years of education (RR 0.808 for the fourth interquartile range vs. the first interquartile range, 95% CI 0.684-0.955) were negatively associated with sepsis-related mortality. However, population-based hospital doctors were not significantly associated with sepsis-related mortality.Conclusions: The standardized sepsis-related mortality rate in China was high and varied according to socioeconomic indices, even though some uncertainty remained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liancheng is an important Cu–Mo deposit hosted by red-beds in the Mesozoic to Cenozoic Lanping Basin located in the Sanjiang Tethyan Orogen of SW China. The deposit is fault controlled where it has been affected and enriched by four hydrothermal events indicated by four distinct sets of veins and their cross-cutting relationships. A detailed Cu–S–H–O isotopic study is reported here on the mineralization focusing on the source of the metals and fluid, and on the mineralizing processes. The first two hydrothermal events are characterised by CO 2 and fluid-rich inclusions with homogenisation temperatures of 124–446 °C and salinities ranging from 0.4 to 24.6 wt% NaCl equiv. The next two hydrothermal events are characterised by liquid–rich fluid inclusions that homogenise at 145–256 °C, with salinities ranging from 1.4 to 22.9 wt% NaCl equiv. The H–O isotope values obtain from the fluid inclusions indicate that the first three hydrothermal events relate to mineralizing fluids derived from a metamorphic source, but the last event includes a mixed metamorphic and meteoric source. Chalcopyrite, tennantite, and bornite from the deposit have δ 34 S values between  −11.5 and 3‰. The δ 65 Cu values for quartz-Cu sulfide mineralization associated with the second hydrothermal event range from −0.31 to 0.2‰, but carbonate-Cu sulfide mineralization associated with the third hydrothermal event ranges from −1.01 to −1.08‰. The combination of the Cu and S isotopic values and field observations indicate that the controlling factors include structures, the temperature of regional metamorphism, and the pH of the mineralizing fluid. The zation is, therefore, characteristic of an orogenic-type deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Biluoxueshan Pluton included three phases of 231 Ma, 227 Ma, and 227–217 Ma. • The Late Triassic Biluoxueshan Pluton was emplaced in a post-collisional setting. • The closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean occurred in a northward-propagating manner. The Sanjiang Orogen is important for us to better understand the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. However, the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the Late Triassic igneous rocks in the central part of the orogen are poorly understood. In this study, we present new whole-rock elemental and isotopic compositions for the Biluoxueshan Pluton, which consists of quartz diorite, granodiorite, and alkali-feldspar granite. Zircon U-Pb dating yields crystallisation ages of 231 ± 1 Ma for the quartz diorite, 227 ± 1 Ma for the granodiorite, and 227 ± 2, 224 ± 2, 222 ± 1, and 217 ± 3 Ma for alkali-feldspar granites, indicating a prolonged emplacement of the pluton. Quartz diorites are metaluminous, high-potassium calc-alkaline, and magnesian in composition. Granodiorites are characterized by peraluminous composition and the existence of normative-corundum, resembling S-type granite. They have negative zircon ε Hf (t) values (−13 to −10.8) and old Hf crustal model ages (2060–1920 Ma), indicating a Paleoproterozoic crustal source. Alkali-feldspar granites are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, have higher SiO 2 content, FeO T /MgO ratio and differentiation index (DI) than other samples, and pronouncedly negative Eu anomalies, which are characteristics of highly fractionated granites. They have narrow ε Hf (t) values of −2.7 to +2.6 with corresponding Hf crustal model ages of 1410–1060 Ma, indicating a Mesoproterozoic juvenile crustal source modified by mantle-derived magma. By combining previous and the new data, we proposed a new tectonic evolution model of a Late Triassic northward scissor-like post-collisional extension during ca. 235–223 Ma in the Changning-Menglian Suture Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Zircon U-Pb ages of 2776–2771 Ma mark a major phase of crust building. • Paleoproterozoic metamorphism dated as 1922–1915 Ma. • Amphibolite derived from partial melting of a metasomatic mantle source. • TTG gneiss derived from partial melting of juvenile lower crust. • Archean-Paleoproterozoic crustal accretion and reworking in the southern margin of the NCC. The North China Craton (NCC) preserves important records of Archean-Paleoproterozoic crustal evolution. Here we present results from petrology, geochemistry, zircon U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotopes of the Taihua Complex (THC) from the southern part of the NCC. Zircon U-Pb dating of the amphibolite yields the ages of 2776–2771 Ma representing the formation age, marking a major phase of late Archean crustal growth in the NCC. The 1922–1915 Ma ages represent the Paleoproterozoic metamorphism associated with the collisional assembly between the Eastern and Western Blocks. The amphibolites are characterized by low SiO 2 , Na 2 O + K 2 O, and Nb/Y, indicating a sub-alkaline basaltic protolith. These rocks show relatively high LILE/HFSE and LREE/HREE ratios, similar to E-MORB, low [Nb/La] PM , negative Nb-Ta anomalies and positive ε Hf (t) values indicating partial melting of a metasomatic mantle source. The TTG gneisses are characterized by high SiO 2 , Sr/Y, (La/Yb) N , Nb/Ta, Zr/Sm and Zr/Hf ratios, and low MgO, Cr, Ni, Y, Gd/Yb and Dy/Yb ratios, with positive Eu anomalies, indicating partial melting of juvenile lower crust with garnet-amphibolite residue. Our data are consistent with a tectonic setting within a volcanic arc in a convergent margin. Our study on the THC contributes to the Archean-Paleoproterozoic crustal accretion and reworking history along the southern margin of the NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological risk of heavy metals (HM) resulting from the use of sewage sludge compost (SSC) as an amendment to flower garden soil (FGS) and to abandoned phosphate mine soil (APMS) influenced by acid rain were simulated in lysimeter trials and the potential ecological risk index (PERI) was evaluated with minor modifications. The use of SSC indeed increased the mobility and release of HMs in FGS and APMS under conditions of acid rain. The leaching dynamics of HMs was found to be influenced by Fe/Al oxides and organic matter (OM) in the soil. The application of SSC as a fertilizer to barren APMS dramatically decreased the mobility of Cr, Cu and Pb by 51–56% due to their retention by particulate organic matter, while the leaching of As, Cd and Ni was increased as the result of competition with OM for available Fe/Al oxides (As) and proton-metal exchange reactions that occurred in HM-OM complexes (Cd and Ni). The ecological risk of FGS and APMS resulting from HM migration was actually low (PERI = 0.07–0.12), but the increased potential ecological risk resulting from the use of SSC were estimated to be moderate (a 16.0–33.5% increase in PERI for SSC-amended FGS) or high (a 140% increase in PERI for SSC-amended APMS). Ni, Cd and Cu were identified as the three main HMs responsible for increasing the ecological risk in soil which was mainly composed of fine-grained particles, whereas Cd and As were key ecological risks HMs in soil that was mainly composed of coarse-grained particles. Image 1 • SSC amendment increased HMs release to different extent during acidic percolation. • HM leaching dynamics was influenced by Fe/Al oxides and organic matter. • SSC application to FGS varied with applying rate slightly increased HMs release. • SSC application to APMS stimulated leaching of As, Cd and Ni. • Potential ecological risk increase resulted from SSC amendment was moderate/high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of three surveys of critical care resources in Guangdong Province, China. It states that the results reveal a 122% hike in the number of intensive care units during the period of 2005 to 2015. It also discusses the significant geographic variation in critical care resources, mainly due to the difference in gross domestic product (GDP).

POPULATIONS: Chinese Han and Thai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

POPULATION: Chinese Han and Thai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]