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Children with visual impairment (VI) tend to maintain the insufficient physical activity (PA) engagement and excessive sedentary behavior (SB) that could elevate health risks of various domains. Anxiety have been shown to correlate with PA and SB in general population, whereas the longitudinal or temporal relationships between PA, SB, and anxiety have yet to be examined in children with VI. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to investigate the bidirectional relationships between these variables over time. 72 Chinese children with VI (mean age = 14.65 ± 3.34 years) recruited from a special school for individuals with VI participated in this study. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and SB were assessed using ActiGraph GT3x + accelerometers across seven consecutive days. Anxiety was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. Cross-lagged panel models were employed to examine the potential bidirectional relationships between PA, SB, and anxiety at baseline (T1) and 12-week follow-up (T2).T1 anxiety significantly predicted T2 MVPA only in children with low vision ([beta]= -0.30, p = 0.01). In additional, children with blindness showed a cross-lagged effect of T1 MVPA on T2 anxiety ([beta]=-0.29, p = 0.02). Lastly, anxiety significantly predicted T2 SB in the total sample ([beta] = 0.21, p = 0.04) and children with low vision ([beta] = 0.42, p < 0.01).The relationships between PA, SB and anxiety were not bidirectional in children with VI. It is suggested that higher anxiety predicted less PA and more SB in children with low vision.

Naoxintong Capsule (NXT), a renowned traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation, has been broadly applied in China for more than 30 years. Over decades, accumulating evidences have proven satisfactory efficacy and safety of NXT in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD). Studies have been conducted unceasingly, while this growing latest knowledge of NXT has not yet been interpreted properly and summarized comprehensively. Hence, we systematically review the advancements in NXT research, from its chemical constituents, quality control, pharmacokinetics, to its profound pharmacological activities as well as its clinical applications in CCVD. Moreover, we further propose specific challenges for its future perspectives: 1) to precisely clarify bioactivities of single compound in complicated mixtures; 2) to evaluate the pharmacokinetic behaviors of NXT feature components in clinical studies, especially drug-drug interactions in CCVD patients; 3) to explore and validate its multi-target mechanisms by integrating multi-omics technologies; 4) to re-evaluate the safety and efficacy of NXT by carrying out large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trials. In brief, this review aims to straighten out a paradigm for TCM modernization, which help to contribute NXT as a piece of Chinese Wisdom into the advanced intervention strategy for CCVD therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasingly serious global energy problems, the photovoltaic industry has experienced significant growth. China has dominated this industry, and there is huge potential for future development and market demand. Offshore photovoltaic installations can be installed on a large scale due to China's long coastline, making it an area of great interest. Structures in water subject to complex hydrodynamic loads due to the joint action of wave-current. These loads differ significantly from those produced by conventional waves. In order to simulate the response of the wave-current coupling to the structure and the fluctuation of the slamming load with the position of the foundation column, this article builds a numerical wave tank using FLUENT. The results indicate that the maximum wave force on the structure occurs at a wave incidence angle of 30°. When there is forward current, the wave-current coupled wave height is smaller than the wave height alone, and the period becomes shorter while the wave speed accelerates. Wave force for wave-current coupling is 9.2% greater than that for linear superposition of wave-current. In the range of free liquid surface wave height, the slamming loads gradually increases while the incremental speed decreases for a single foundation column. The foundation column that meets the wave first is larger than the one that meets the wave later at the same height. However, the blocking effect of the front foundation column and the height difference do not have the same magnitude of influence on the slamming loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a part of the Columbia supercontinent, the North China craton is an ideal object for studying the evolution of supercontinent assembly and the mechanism of orogenesis in the Paleoproterozoic. The Jiao-Liao-Ji belt, located in the eastern part of the North China craton, provides important clues for our understanding of Paleoproterozoic orogenic processes. A series of Paleoproterozoic granitic gneiss domes is preserved in the Liaodong segment of the Jiao-Liao-Ji belt. These domes are cored by the Liaoji granitic gneisses (emplaced at 2250-2150 Ma) and mantled by metamorphosed volcanic-sedimentary rocks (deposited at 2200-1940 Ma). Combining multiple lines of evidence from mesostructures and microstructures, kinematics, magnetic fabrics, and crystallographic fabrics, we suggest that the granitic gneiss domes reflect inhomogeneous shearing of the middle to lower crust during Paleoproterozoic orogenic processes. Intensive layer-paralleling shearing characterized subhorizontal flow during nearly E-W--oriented compression. As a hot orogen formed in the Paleoproterozoic, the orogenic deformation in the Jiao-Liao-Ji belt was characterized by extensive doming due to dominant subhorizontal flow and subsidiary vertical flow in the middle to lower crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ensuring women’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a fundamental human right and key to 2030 agenda of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet limited evidence exists on SRH in China, including national estimates and disparities of women’s SRH experiences, gynaecological diseases, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Methods A national cross-sectional survey based on a multistage stratified sampling from 15 provinces of China was performed from May 2019 to April 2021. A total of 12815 reproductive-aged (20–49 years) women were involved. The SRH experiences (including age at menarche, age at first sexual activity, history of abortion, miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, stillbirth, age at first delivery, types of delivery), the history of gynaecological diseases and STDs, as well as the environmental factors of participants were investigated. Human development index (HDI) was utilised to categorise and describe the socioeconomic status of the regions. The prevalence rates of diseases were compared among different HDI regions. Results We observed a decrease in the mean age at menarche, an increase in the proportion of women who became sexually active before 20, and a modest rise in mean age at first childbirth across generations. Age-standardised prevalence estimates of miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, artificial abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and stillbirth were 9.3, 1.4, 55.7, 3.3, and 2.1%, respectively. Approximately 50% of participants reported a history of gynaecological diseases, with vulvovaginitis, cervicitis, and pelvic infection diseases being the most prevalent. The overall prevalence of STDs was estimated at 22.2‰, with mycoplasma genitalium infection having the highest reported prevalence. Disease prevalence varies across HDI regions. Conclusions Women’s SRH behaviours and experiences have evolved, along with shifts in the spectrums of gynaecological diseases and STDs in China. Urgent recalibration of health care policies and disease control strategies is necessary, aligning them with women’s changing SRH needs, ultimately ensuring their reproductive health and rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) plays a crucial role in promoting the healthy growth of children. Currently, many Chinese urban parents are seeking care of children from the early childhood education (ECE) institutions, however, little is known about the feeding practices of infants and young children in ECE institutions. This study aims to investigate the complementary feeding practices for Chinese urban children aged 6–23 months in ECE institutions and explore potential factors influencing their feeding practices. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among primary caregivers of children aged 6–23 months in ECE institutions across 31 provinces in China from 1 March to 30 April 2023. Convenience sampling was used to recruit caregivers from centres of Gymboree Play & Music (an ECE institution). Self-administered questionnaires were designed using the online survey tool Sojump and distributed through WeChat platform, which collected information on 1) children’s complementary feeding practices; 2) food frequency of seven food groups; 3) caregivers’ feeding knowledge and practices; 4) frequency of children attended ECE classes and the primary caregivers’ daily nurturing care time; 5) source of information on complementary feeding. Results A total of 2731 children and their caregivers were surveyed, with 416 children aged 6–11 months and 2315 children aged 12–23 months. The prevalence of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) was 59.4, 60.6, and 39.2%, respectively. Only 17.3% caregivers believed that continued breastfeeding should be at two years or above, and 29.5% children were continuously breastfed at 12– 23 months (CBF). The proportion of non-responsive feeding practices among caregivers ranged from 28 to 64%. Except for CBF, the prevalence of other key complementary feeding practices was higher among children who attending ECE classes than those not attending ECE classes (all P<0.05). Moreover, children aged 12–23 months who received long-nursing care time (≥4h/d) had significantly higher MMF and MAD prevalence than those in short-nursing care time group (MMF=66.2 vs. 58.8%, P=0.0003; MAD=44.2 vs. 38.3%, P=0.0047). Conclusions The complementary feeding practices of children aged 6–23 months in ECE institutions in urban China remained suboptimal, and non-responsive feeding practices among caregivers were common. The attendance of ECE classes and the caregivers’ daily nurturing care time could be beneficial in ensuring children to comply with complementary feeding recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of remaining reserves is crucial for assessing the developmental effect and further enhancing the recovery of a gas field. In this research, with the Changning shale gas field in the southern Sichuan Basin as the center of study, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on reservoir distribution, remaining reserves, and strategies to enhance recovery through the utilization of diverse methodologies, including organic geochemical testing, triaxial rock mechanics experiments, and numerical simulations. The results show that, in the study area, the recovery percentage of the well-controlled reserves ranges from 45% to 70%, with the average remaining reserves of wells falling within the (50-150) × 106 m3 range, alongside the potential for additional development in specific local areas. The Changning shale gas field exhibits three distinct types of undeveloped reserves, identified in areas where no wells have been drilled, inadequately fractured zones, and vertically undeveloped areas, respectively. In the areas where the average remaining reserves of wells are exceeding 100 × 106 m3, wells for repeated fracturing are selected depending on the coupling of geological, engineering, and development. In the case of well infilling, areas characterized by developed reticular fractures and existing well spacing >500 m are prioritized, taking into account the surface wellsite conditions. Through an extensive analysis, which include reservoir assessments, rock mechanics evaluations, and numerical modeling, sublayer? is identified as the optimal target in the upper gas interval, with a vertical distance of more than 20 m from sublayer? in the lower gas interval. Zones with well-developed reticular natural fractures, a pressure coefficient >1.2, and a continuous thickness of Class I reservoirs in the upper gas interval >10 m, are selected for staggered tridimensional development with an expected increase in the platform-level recovery percent by 30%. These findings can provide valuable references and guidance for the deployment of well patterns in shale gas blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current Chinese electricity market and carbon market are built relatively independently, without coupling and synergy, and the incoherence between the two markets is beginning to emerge. Carbon emissions costs in the carbon trading market will affect the marginal cost of renewable energy and thermal power in the electricity market, limiting market participants' profitability. In order to simulate and evaluate the changes of LCOE of renewable energy and thermal power in the "electricity-carbon" market environment, this paper presents the calculation method of carbon emission cost of thermal power and CCER benefit of renewable energy based on the relevant regulations in China, and calculates the carbon emission cost transmission rate of thermal power based on Cournot model. In addition, we proposed a method for calculating the LCOE based on the international common calculation method for LCOE, combined with China's taxation policy and the cost and benefit factors of renewable energy and thermal power in the carbon market, and proposed a method for calculating the LCOE applicable to the "electricity-carbon" market environment in China. The findings indicate that as a result of the influence of the carbon market, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) cost of thermal power will increase, and the profitability of thermal power in the electricity market will be further reduced. On the other hand, the LCOE cost of renewable energy will further decrease, and its profitability will improve due to the additional CCER benefits in the carbon market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combating corruption is an important condition for bringing about the flourishing of academic research. There are many reasons for the emergence and proliferation of academic corruption today. These are closely related to the long-term lack of training among our country's scholars in modern academic standards and the absence of an academic spirit as well as the nonseparation of academics and politics in terms of academics administration, the politization and ideologization of academics, and flaws in the academic system. To extirpate academic corruption, we should on the one hand vigorously encourage a scientific spirit and enhance academic ethics among scholars while restricting excessive interference by political power in academic research and creating a relaxed and free academic research atmosphere and, on the other hand, perfect the systems of supervision, sanctions, and evaluation for academics and ensure the standard conduct of academic research. (Contains 6 notes.) [This article was translated by Ted Wang.]

Biodiversity is and always has been an important issue in ecological research. Biodiversity can reflect niche partitioning among species at several spatial and temporal scales and is generally highest in the tropics. One theory to explain it is that low-latitude tropical ecosystems are dominated by species that are generally only distributed over a narrow area. This principle is known as Rapoport's rule. One previously unconsidered extension of Rapoport's rule may be reproductive phenology, where variation in flowering and fruiting length may reflect a temporal range. Herein, we collected reproductive phenology data for more than 20,000 species covering almost all angiosperm species in China. We used a random forest model to quantify the relative role of seven environmental factors on the duration of reproductive phenology. Our results showed that the duration of reproductive phenology decreased with latitude, although there was no obvious change across longitudes. Latitude explained more of the variation in the duration of flowering and fruiting phases in woody plants than in herbaceous plants. Mean annual temperature and the length of the growing season strongly influenced the phenology of herbaceous plants, and average winter temperature and temperature seasonality were important drivers of woody plant phenology. Our result suggests the flowering period of woody plants is sensitive to temperature seasonality, while it does not influence herbaceous plants. By extending Rapoport's rule to consider the distribution of species in time as well as space, we have provided a novel insight into the mechanisms of maintaining high levels of diversity in lowlatitude forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical montane ecosystems are the centers of biodiversity, and Janzen proposed that mountain climate variability plays a key role in sustaining this biodiversity. We test this hypothesis for soil bacteria and fungi along a 265-1,400 m elevational gradient on Hainan Island of tropical China, representing diverse vegetation types from deciduous monsoon forest to cloud forest. We found that bacterial and fungal diversity declined as elevation increased, and the dissimilarity of both groups increased with increasing separation in elevation, although changes in bacteria were larger than in fungi. Seasonal alterations and the range of soil moisture in the growing season were found to be the dominant drivers of fungal richness and Shannon diversity, whereas soil pH was the major driver of bacterial diversity. Dissimilarities of bacterial and fungal communities were best predicted by climate, particularly seasonal changes in soil temperature, with weaker influences of soil physicochemistry and vegetation. The dominant effect of seasonality in soil temperature was further detected in cloud forests, which harbored a higher proportion of unique bacterial species and dissimilarity of bacterial and fungal communities. Our findings suggest that local-climate variability plays a crucial role in structuring the distribution of soil microbial communities along a tropical montane gradient, which generally supports Janzen's hypothesis. Such a sensitivity to climatic variability suggests that soil microbial communities along tropical montane gradients may shift in response to future climate scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Healthy movement behaviours in early life promote better physical health and facilitate psychological development. Early childhood education (ECE) institutions provide opportunities for caregivers to improve children's movement behaviour practices, but little is known about the current status of movement behaviours among infants and young children in urban China in this context. We aimed to investigate the movement behaviour status of children under two years of age via ECE institutions and compare movement behaviour practices and knowledge between children attending ECE classes and those not attending. Methods We conducted the cross-sectional survey from 1 March to 30 April 2023 in Gymboree Play&Music, an ECE institution covering 31 provinces in China. We developed our survey instrument based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to measure children's movement behaviour practices and caregivers' movement behaviour knowledge. We carried out the online questionnaire survey through Sojump, the largest professional online survey platform in China. We sent a quick response (QR) code to Gymboree Play&Music centres; the QR code was linked to a questionnaire intended for caregiver members and non-members coming for experience classes and activities. Results We surveyed 3355 primary caregivers, encompassing 504, 536, and 2315 children aged 0-5 months, 6-11 months, and 12-23 months, respectively. Overall, less than half of the children met recommendations in physical activity time (PAT) (19.2%), physical restraint (PR) (45.8%), and screen time (ST) (46.4%) during the last 24 hours. PAT, outdoor time (OT), and sleep duration (SD) in children aged 0-5 months were significantly lower than in the other two age groups, while ST was significantly higher than in the other two age groups during the last 24 hours (all P<0.001). For children attending ECE classes, PAT, OT, and SD were significantly higher than those not attending ECE during the last 24 hours and the last two weeks (all P<0.05). All indicators in the long-nursing care time (NCT) group were significantly higher than those in the short-NCT group, while there was no statistical difference in SD between the two groups (66.6% vs 65.6%; P=0.558). Conclusions The status of movement behaviours for children under two years old in urban China is not optimistic, especially for PAT, PR, and ST. Additionally, attending early childhood education classes and primary caregivers' daily nurturing care time are important for infants and young children to adhere to movement guidelines. Consequently, more ECE institution-specific practical strategies and educational materials are needed to promote compliance with movement behaviour guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recalcitrant understory fern layer is an important ecological filter for seedling regeneration, yet how the fern layer influences seedling regeneration dynamics remains unclear. Here we transplanted 576 seedlings of four dominant tree species, Castanopsis fargesii, Lithocarpus glaber, Schima superba and Hovenia acerba, to the treatments of Diplopterygium glaucum retention and removal under an evergreen broad-leaved forest in eastern China. We monitored the survival, growth and biomass data of these seedlings for 28 months, and then used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the treatment effects on seedling survival, growth, biomass and rootshoot ratio. Our results showed that fern retention significantly inhibited the seedling establishment of all four species. During the seedling development stage, the seedling relative growth rate of L. glaber decreased under fern retention, which was not the case for the other three species. Root-shoot ratio of C. fargesii and L. glaber increased significantly under fern retention. Our findings provide new evidence of the filtering effect of a recalcitrant fern understory. Notably, we observed that the response of tree seedlings to the recalcitrant fern understory was more sensitive in the establishment stage. Finally, our work highlights that the filtering effect of the recalcitrant fern understory changes depending on the regeneration stages, and that shadetolerant species, C. fargesii and L. glaber were even more affected by fern disturbed habitats, suggesting that effective management should attempt to curb forest fern outbreaks, thus unblocking forest recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) is a powerful non-invasive tool for qualifying the neurophysiological effects of interventions by recording TMS-induced cortical activation with high temporal resolution and generates reproducible and reliable waves of activity without participant cooperation. Cortical dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of the clinical symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we examined changes in cortical activity in patients with PD following multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment (MIRT). Forty-eight patients with PD received 2 weeks of MIRT. The cortical response was examined following single-pulse TMS over the primary motor cortex by 64-channel EEG, and clinical symptoms were assessed before and after MIRT. TMS-evoked potentials were quantified by the global mean field power, as well as oscillatory power in theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands, and their clinical correlations were calculated. After MIRT, motor and non-motor symptoms improved in 22 responders, and only nonmotor function was enhanced in 26 non-responders. Primary motor cortex stimulation reduced global mean field power amplitudes in responders but not significantly in non-responders. Oscillations exhibited attenuated power in the theta, beta, and gamma bands in responders but only reduced gamma power in non-responders. Associations were observed between beta oscillations and motor function and between gamma oscillations and non-motor symptoms. Our results suggest that motor function enhancement by MIRT may be due to beta oscillatory power modulation and that alterations in cortical plasticity in the primary motor cortex contribute to PD recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China has significantly increased over the past 10years. Here we aim to explore potential diagnostic biomarkers and anti-inflammatory targets associated with UC. Patients with UC were enrolled in this study. The expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the nidus of the gut mucosa and adjacent normal mucosa samples was evaluated by RNA sequencing. The role of DLEU2 in inflammation and NF-B signaling pathway was examined by RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and ELISA with human macrophage-like cells derived from THP-1. 564 lncRNAs and 859 mRNAs are significantly altered in the nidus of the gut mucosa of UC patients. Among the differentially expressed lncRNAs, DLEU2 changes the most. The expression of DLEU2 is negatively associated with inflammatory factors such as TNF-a, IL-1a, IL-1ß, IL-6, and NLRP3. Mechanistically, DLEU2 exerts anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the NF-B signaling pathway. In conclusion, the lncRNA DLEU2 in the intestinal mucosa is dysregulated upon gut inflammation and may act as a diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Motor symptom in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are related to reduced motor inhibitory ability (proactive and reactive inhibition). Although exercise has been shown to improve this ability, its effects on different levels of motor inhibition have not been determined. Materials and methods: Sixty patients with PD aged 55-75 years were allocated randomly to 24-week exercise interventions [Wu Qin Xi exercise (WQX) and stretching exercise (SE)]. The stop signal task and questionnaires were administered pre and post interventions. Twenty-five age-matched healthy controls were recruited to obtain reference values for inhibition. Results: Compared to healthy controls, patients with PD showed motor inhibition deficits in reactive inhibition, but not in proactive inhibition. Post-intervention, the WQX group showed significant improvement in reactive inhibition compared to the SE group. In both the WQX and SE groups, movement speed was improved post-intervention, accompanied by reduction in negative emotions, stable improvement of sleep quality, and high self-reported satisfaction levels. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Wu Qin Xi exercise can improve the reactive inhibition of patients with PD. Our results provide theoretical support for the formulation of reasonable and effective exercise prescriptions for PD rehabilitation. Clinical trial registration: [http://www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR2000038517]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variety identification plays an important role in protecting the intellectual property of varieties, ensuring seed quality, and encouraging breeding innovation. Currently, morphological evaluation in the field, such as distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) testing, and DNA fingerprinting in the laboratory using molecular markers are two dominant methods used for variety identification. Few studies have compared the results of these approaches, and the relationship between the two methods is obscure. In this study, 134 dominant cucumber varieties were evaluated using 50 DUS testing traits and genotyped by 40 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The 40 SNPs were developed in our previous study and are well suited for variety identification. In the DUS testing, significant positive or negative correlations among 50 DUS traits were observed, and 20 core traits, including 15 fruit traits, were further selected to increase field inspection efficiency. This suggested that fruit shape plays an important role in variety identification. The ratio of fruit length/diameter was the most important trait, explaining 9.2% of the phenotypic variation. In the DNA fingerprinting test, the 40 SNPs were highly polymorphic and could distinguish all of the 134 cucumber varieties, and 14 core SNPs were selected to improve the identification rate. Interestingly, the population structure analysis of 134 cucumber varieties by phenotypic data in the DUS test was in accordance with the genotypic data from the DNA fingerprinting, indicating that all varieties could be divided into the same four subgroups: European type, North China type, South China type, and hybrids of the North China and South China types. Moreover, linear correlativity of distinguishment for each pair of varieties was observed between the DUS test and the DNA fingerprinting. These results indicated that these two methods have good application in future research, especially for the scaled-up analysis of hundreds of varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous benefits of green tea have been reported. However, the effects of green tea on cognitive function remain disputable and the mechanism is still unclear. Objective: To investigate the relationship of green tea consumption with cognitive function and related blood biomarkers among Chinese middle-aged and elderly people. Methods: A total of 264 participants aged 50-70 years old were enrolled from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. They were interviewed about green tea consumption patterns and underwent neuropsychological tests covering five main cognitive domains to assess cognition including Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the other 10 scales. Then we detected serum oxidative stress biomarkers including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione Reductase (GR), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) markers including β-amyloid (Aβ)40, Aβ42, and phosphorylated tau-181 (pTau181). Results: In the tea-consuming group, the MoCA scores (P = 0.000), Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) immediate recall (P = 0.012) and delayed recall (P = 0.013) were significantly higher while Trail Making Test-B (P = 0.005) and Victoria Stroop test interference (P = 0.000) were lower. In terms of oxidative stress markers, the tea-consuming group had lower serum MDA levels (P = 0.002) and higher serum SOD (P = 0.005) and GPx (P = 0.007) levels. In terms of AD markers, serum pTau181 (P< 0.000), Aβ42 (P = 0.019) and total Aβ levels (P = 0.034) but not serum Aβ40 levels, were lower in the tea-consuming group. In the logistic regression analysis, there was a significant negative correlation between green tea consumption and cognitive impairment (OR = 0.26, 95 % CI 0.13 0.52 for high group). Conclusion: Regular green tea consumption is associated with better cognitive function among Chinese middle-aged and elderly people, mainly reflected in memory and executive function. It may achieve protective effects by reducing AD-related pathology and improving anti-oxidative stress capacity and higher levels of tea consumption have a stronger protective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pucotenlimab, also called HX008, is a humanized anti-PD-1 antagonist IgG4 mAb. It blocks programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed-death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and programmed death ligand-2 (PDL2). In the CBCSG 006 trial, gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) has shown impressive antitumor activity as first-line therapy for metastatic triplenegative breast cancer (mTNBC). The phase 1b study was conducted to assess the safety and preliminary antitumor activity of pucotenlimab when combined with GP in patients with mTNBC in the first-line setting. Methods: Eligible patients with mTNBC with =6 months of DFI (disease-free interval) who have never received antitumor therapy for metastatic disease were screened. Participants received pucotenlimab at 3 mg/kg (d1, q3w) plus gemcitabine at 1,250 mg/m² (d1, 8, q3w) and cisplatin at 75 mg/m² (d1, q3w). Eligible patients received up to six cycles of pucotenlimab along with GP chemotherapy, while pucotenlimab could be maintained until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred or withdrawal of informed consent. This study was registered in China under registration number CTR20191353. Results: Between July 2019 and March 2020, 31 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 50 (range 28-68) years. Among 31 patients who were evaluated, 25 (80.6%) experienced objective response and the other six (19.4%) experienced stable disease (SD). As of 4 August, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.0 months (95% CI, 6.2-9.2). The most common grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events included neutropenia (74.1%), anemia (35.5%), thrombocytopenia (32.3%), hypocalcemia (9.7%), hypokalemia (9.7%), and alanine aminotransferase increased (6.5%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusion: Pucotenlimab plus GP demonstrated promising activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with mTNBC in the first-line setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The debate on the role of vertical versus horizontal tectonism in Archean cratons is intimately linked to the initiation of plate tectonics. The dome-and-keel architecture has been considered as a consequence of vertical tectonism. Although such a structural pattern is documented in some Mesoarchean and older cratons, such as the Kaapvaal and Pilbara cratons, whether it also occurs in Neoarchean cratons is poorly constrained. Determining the kinematics, structural evolution, and the timing of these structures is crucial in understanding how the tectonic behavior operated during the evolution of the early Earth. The North China Craton, especially its eastern part, is a Neoarchean continental block and preserves typical greenstone- granite rock assemblages. Detailed structural mapping reveals that the Anziling area (east China) is characterized by a typical dome structure without significant reworking by later deformation. The dome is in tectonic contact with a supracrustal rock assemblage that is now the dip-slip Shuangshanzi ductile shear zone. In the supracrustal rocks, compositional layers are folded into upright isoclinal folds. Meanwhile, along the shear zone, foliation varies from NNW to SW with sub-vertical dip. Mineral stretching lineations indicate a sinistral shear sense with a slightly oblique-slip component in the north, but show NWW-directed and SW-directed steep dip-slip shear in the west and south, respectively. Kinematic indicators imply that the granitic dome formed through a vertically upward movement accompanied by an uneven clockwise rotation. The supracrustal rocks sank downwards to form the regional keel structure. Structural data suggests that the Anziling area is a typical dome-and-keel structure. U-Pb zircon dating on pre-, syn-, and post-tectonic dykes indicate that the dome-and-keel structure formed at 2530-2500 Ma, and was intimately related to the emplacement of tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite granitoids. New data from this study suggest that until the late Neoarchean, the vertical tectonism was still a dominant tectonic regime that was operating in the eastern North China Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shifts in forest soil microbial communities over altitudinal gradients have long been attracting scientific interest. The distribution patterns of different soil microbial communities along altitudinal gradients in subtropical mountain forest ecosystems remain unclear. To better understand the changes in soil microbial communities along an altitude gradient, we used Illumina MiSeq metagenome sequencing technology to survey the soil microbial communities in a Pinus massoniana forest at four elevations (Mp1000, Mp1200, Mp1400, Mp1600) and in a tea garden in Guizhou Leigong Mountain in Southwestern China. We observed that the richness of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the soil microbial community changed in a unimodal pattern with increasing elevation while that of Archaea first increased significantly, then decreased, and finally increased again. Euryarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota were the predominant Archaea, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were the predominant bacterial groups, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the predominant fungal groups, and Myoviridae, Podoviridae, and Siphoviridae were the predominant virus groups. Amino acid transport and metabolism, energy production and conversion, signal transduction mechanisms, and DNA replication, restructuring and repair were the predominant categories as per NOG function gene-annotation. Carbohydrate metabolism, global and overview map, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism were predominant categories in the KEGG pathways. Glycosyl transferase and glycoside hydrolase were predominant categories among carbohydrate enzyme-functional genes. Cluster, redundancy, and co-occurring network analyses showed obvious differences in the composition, structure, and function of different soil microbial communities along the altitudinal gradient studied. Our findings indicate that the different soil microbial communities along the altitudinal gradient have different distribution patterns, which may provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that determine microbial life in a mid-subtropical mountain forest ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the authors present their study which examined the population, distribution and conservation status of the critically endangered Myanmar or black snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus strykeri) in the Pianma region of the China-Myanmar border. Also cited are how poaching, mining and transboundary forest fires threaten the animals' survival, and the use of direct tracking, observations, and infra-red camera traps to study the animals' geographic locations.

In the 1980s, China's offshore marine fishery resources declined, thus fishing gear selectivity gradually became a focus of scientific fishery research. Studies of fishing gear selectivity mainly focus on five kinds of fishing gear: trawls, shrimp beam trawls, stow nets, gillnets, and pots. Cover net method is the main method used in the comparative study of codend selectivity of both trawls and stow nets. These results showed that (1) Bottom trawls, targeting Larimichthys polyactis (the Little yellow croaker) and Trichiurus haumela (the Hairtail), should have a minimum mesh size of the codend no less than 60 mm in the Yellow and East China Seas. While the codend should use a square mesh with a minimum mesh size of 40 mm due to the variety of targeted species in the South China Sea. (2) Pair pelagic trawls, targeting pelagic species such as Engraulis japonicus (the Japanese anchovy), Pampus argenteus (the Silvery pomfret), Scomberomorus niphonius (the Spanish mackerel), as well as bottom species such as L. polyactis and T. haumela, should have a minimum mesh size of the codend no less than 56 mm in the Yellow Sea. (3) Shrimp beam trawls should use shrimp/fish separator devices (e.g., separator panels, vertical separator panels, and sorting grids) to improve intra-species selectivity and reduce by-catch of non-target fish. (4) Canvas stow nets, targeting L. polyactis and T. haumela, should have a minimum mesh size of the codend no less than 55 mm. (5) Gillnets, the minimum mesh size should be determined for catching traditional economic species, but also the optimal mesh size for newly developed species. Such as, gillnets with mesh size of 35-38.71 mm targeting Harpodon nehereus (the Bombay duck), 55 mm targeting L. polyactis and Nemipterus virgatus (the Golden threadfin bream), 72 mm targeting Dentex tumifrons (the yellow sea breams) or Scomberomorus commersoni with body length of 280 mm, 100 mm targeting P. argenteus, 104 mm or 146 mm targeting 2-3 year or 6-7 year S. niphonius, 120 mm targeting S. commersoni with body length of 380 mm, and 144 mm targeting Pampus chinensis (the Chinese pomfret). (6) Pots, the steel-framed round pots targeting Portunus trituberculatus (the swimming crab) should have a 33 mm height of escape vent or an 8 cm diameter escape hole, and the steel-framed round pots or accordion-shaped trap targeting Charybdis japonica (the Asian paddle crabs) should have a 30 mm height of escape vent installed on the side of pots. These results of fishing gear selectivity from the scientific basis for the implementation of fishing gear access systems, especially for identifying the minimum mesh size of fishing gear. In the future, the Fisheries Research Institute of China should conduct long-term investigations of selectivity in trans areas. Developing fishing gear access systems that are in line with a sustainable development is of great significance for the conservation and restoration of offshore fishery resources in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overarching goal of this study was to look into the effects of academic self-efficacy and academic motivation on student long-term engagement and academic achievement. This study also sought to investigate the role of learning agility as a mediator in the relationship between academic self-efficacy and academic motivation. This study examined the impact of student sustainable engagement on student academic achievement as part of our model. A questionnaire technique was used to collect data from 325 music education students studying at various music training institutions in China. The data were analyzed using the Smart-PLS software and a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. Academic self-efficacy and academic motivation were found to have a positive and significant relationship with student long-term engagement. The academic motivation was also found to have a positive relationship with student long-term engagement. Furthermore, learning agility was found to mediate the relationship between academic self-efficacy and student sustainable engagement. Furthermore, learning agility mediated the relationship between academic motivation and long-term student engagement. Furthermore, student sustainable engagement has a significant and positive relationship with student academic achievement. This paper made a valuable theoretical contribution by investigating the impact of academic self-efficacy and academic motivation on student sustainable engagement, as well as the impact of student sustainable engagement on student academic achievement. Furthermore, this study added to the body of knowledge by investigating the relationship through the lens of cognitive learning theory. In terms of practical implications, this paper would undoubtedly assist educational institutions in maintaining a fair and just learning environment that encourages students to be engaged and perform well. Future research can include other constructs to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence students' academic engagement and achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corydalis microflora and C. lidenii are recognised as separate species in "Flora of China" and the latest plant list. However, based on the examination of type specimens and field investigations, C. lidenii is shown to be conspecific with C. microflora. As a result, C. lidenii is synonymised with C. microflora in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichoderma isolates were collected from moist soils near a water source in different areas of China. ITS sequences were submitted to MIST (Multiloci Identification System for Trichoderma) and meets the Trichoderma [ITS76] standard. Combined analyses of phylogenetic analyses of both phylograms (tef1-α and rpb2) and morphological characteristics, revealed five new species of Trichoderma, namely Trichoderma hailarense, T. macrofasciculatum, T. nordicum, T. shangrilaense and T. vadicola. Phylogenetic analyses showed T. macrofasciculatum and T. shangrilaense belong to the Polysporum clade, T. hailarense, while T. nordicum and T. vadicola belong to the Viride clade. Each new taxon formed a distinct clade in phylogenetic analysis and have unique sequences of tef1-α and rpb2 that meet the Trichoderma new species standard. The conidiation of T. macrofasciculatum typically appeared in white pustules in concentric rings on PDA or MEA and its conidia had one or few distinctly verrucose. Conidiophores of T. shangrilaense are short and rarely branched, phialides usually curved and irregularly disposed. The aerial mycelium of T. hailarense and T. vadicola formed strands to floccose mat, conidiation tardy and scattered in tufts, conidiophores repeatedly rebranching in dendriform structure. The phialides of T. nordicum lageniform are curved on PDA and its conidia are globose to obovoidal and large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & aims: Previous evidence varied on the relationship of dietary sodium, potassium, sodium/potassium, and salt with cognitive function. This study aimed to explore the associations of sodium, potassium, sodium/potassium, and salt intakes with cognitive function among the elderly in China. Methods: Data were accessed from the database of the 1997e2006 China Health and Nutrition Survey, including 4213 participants aged at least 50 years at baseline. Dietary data at individual and household levels were collected using the method of 24-h dietary recall in three consecutive days. Cognitive function was measured through objective and subjective methods. Linear regression models and multinomial logistic regression models were established to elucidate the association of dietary sodium, potassium, sodium/potassium, and salt with cognitive function. Mediation effect analysis and substitution analysis were also conducted. Results: Higher potassium intakes in Q3 (Median: 1653.3 g/day, β = 1.366, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.845 to 1.887) and Q4 (Median: 2181.4 g/day, β = 1.454, 95% CI: 0.865 to 2.044) were significantly associated with higher cognitive test score compared with Q1 (Median: 1053.7 g/day). Sodium/potassium intake in Q3 (Median: 3.8, β = -0.791, 95% CI: -1.264 to -0.317) and Q4 (Median: 5.5, β = -0.909, 95% CI: -1.401 to -0.417) were inversely associated with the cognitive test score compared with Q1 (Median: 2.0). Higher dietary sodium and sodium/potassium intakes were associated with a higher risk of a selfreported poor and deteriorated memory during the past 12 months. Additionally, higher potassium intakes were significantly associated with a lower risk of deteriorated memory. The associations of dietary potassium and sodium/potassium were mediated by CCVD, and average cognitive test score increased by about 1 point after replacing 1000 mg/day of sodium with an equal intake of potassium. Conclusions: Restricting sodium and increasing potassium, and keeping the balance of dietary sodium and potassium are encouraged to prevent cognitive decline and dementia in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain systems harbor an evolutionarily unique and exceptionally rich biodiversity, especially for amphibians. However, the associated elevational gradients and underlying mechanisms of amphibian diversity in most mountain systems remain poorly understood. Here, we explored amphibian phylogenetic and functional diversity along a 2 600 m elevational gradient on Mount Emei on the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in southwestern China. We also assessed the relative importance of spatial (area) and environmental factors (temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, normalized difference vegetation index, and potential evapotranspiration) in shaping amphibian distribution and community structure. Results showed that the phylogenetic and functional diversities were unimodal with elevation, while the standardized effect size of phylogenetic and functional diversity increased linearly with elevation. Phylogenetic net relatedness, nearest taxon index, and functional net relatedness index all showed a positive to negative trend with elevation, indicating a shift from clustering to overdispersion and suggesting a potential change in key processes from environmental filtering to competitive exclusion. Overall, our results illustrate the importance of deterministic processes in structuring amphibian communities in subtropical mountains, with the dominant role potentially switching with elevation. This study provides insights into the underlying assembly mechanisms of mountain amphibians, integrating multidimensional diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the characteristics of long annual freezing time and short suitable construction period of soft soil in cold region, this paper discusses the feasibility of foundation treatment of soft soil in freezing-thawing layer under freezing condition. The deformation characteristics of soft soil in freezing-thawing layer in Hulunbuir area in China are studied by using two compression test methods, namely, constant temperature and variable load (CTVL) test, variable temperature and variable load (VTVL) test. The compressibility indexes under different temperatures and consolidation pressures are obtained. The research shows that the freezing-thawing soft soil has large compressibility, the maximum strain of CTVL test is 19.89%, and the maximum compression of VTVL test can reach 18.16%. The results of CTVL compression tests show that when the soil temperature is in the range of severe phase change (-1.5℃-0℃), the temperature change has the greatest influence on the compression coefficient of soil. The result of VTVL compression test shows that some additional deformation occurs under the action of low temperature. The additional deformation is further increased when the soil is under high consolidation pressure and in the severe phase change (-1.5℃-0℃). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In worldwide orogenic belts, crustal-scale ductile shear zones are important tectonic channels along which the orogenic root (i.e., high-grade metamorphic lower-crustal rocks) commonly experienced a relatively quick exhumation or uplift process. However, their tectonic nature and geodynamic processes are poorly constrained. In the Trans-- North China orogen, the crustal-scale Zhujiafang ductile shear zone represents a major tectonic boundary separating the upper and lower crusts of the orogen. Its tectonic nature, structural features, and timing provide vital information into understanding this issue. Detailed field observations showed that the Zhujiafang ductile shear zone experienced polyphase deformation. Variable macro- and microscopic kinematic indicators are extensively preserved in the highly sheared tonalite- trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) and supracrustal rock assemblages and indicate an obvious dextral strike-slip and dip-slip sense of shear. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) was utilized to further determine the crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of typical rock-forming minerals, including hornblende, quartz, and feldspar. EBSD results indicate that the hornblendes are characterized by (100) <001> and (110) <001> slip systems, whereas quartz grains are dominated by prism and prism slip systems, suggesting an approximate shear condition of 650-700 °C. This result is consistent with traditional thermobarometry pressure- temperature calculations implemented on the same mineral assemblages. Combined with previously reported metamorphic data in the Trans--North China orogen, we suggest that the Zhujiafang supracrustal rocks were initially buried down to ~30 km depth, where high differential stress triggered the largescale ductile shear between the upper and lower crusts. The high-grade lower-crustal rocks were consequently exhumed upwards along the shear zone, synchronous with extensive isothermal decompression metamorphism. The timing of peak collision-related crustal thickening was further constrained by the ca. 1930 Ma metamorphic zircon ages, whereas a subsequent exhumation event was manifested by ca. 1860 Ma syntectonic granitic veins and the available Ar-Ar ages of the region. The Zhujiafang ductile shear zone thus essentially record an integrated geodynamic process of initial collision, crustal thickening, and exhumation involved in formation of the Trans--North China orogen at 1.9--1.8 Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common pathological type of lung cancer. The systemic antitumor therapy of advanced NSCLC has undergone renovations of chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which results in greatly improved survival for patients with advanced NSCLC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), has changed the treatment paradigm of NSCLC. ICIs have become the standard treatment for advanced NSCLC without epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) mutation or anaplastic lymphomakinase(ALK) translocation in the first- or second-line setting, and for locally advanced NSCLC following concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. ICIs are also promising in adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy. More and more ICIs have been approved domestically for the treatment of NSCLC. Led by the NSCLC expert committee of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO), this consensus was developed and updated based on thoroughly reviewing domestic and foreign literatures, clinical trial data, systematic reviews, experts' discussion and the consensus(2019 version). This consensus will aid domestic clinicians in the treatment of NSCLC with ICIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to present our 10-year experience of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) management with pediatric liver recipients and to understand the importance of close interdisciplinary cooperation in 2 hospitals. Methods: A retrospective chart review study was performed according to our hospital's medical records and the pediatric liver transplant database of Renji hospital. Results: A total of 767 patients received liver transplantation (LT) performed in Renji hospital between October 2006 and December 2016, of which 97 of them were admitted to PICU in our center for various complications developed after transplantation. 8.8% (16/208) and 14.4% (81/559) of patients were transferred to PICU in stages I and II, respectively, and was comparable in the 2 stages (P = .017). The majority of patients was late postoperative children (median 185 post-LT days) in stage I. More patients were transferred to PICU directly in stage II. PICU admitted more younger (median 8.2 months) and early postoperative patients in stage II. The median length of PICU stay was 11.0 (6.0-20.5) days. The median length of mechanical ventilation was 5.0 (0.0-12.0) days. The most frequent complications were pulmonary complications (52 [53.6%] patients), surgical complications (22 [22.7%] patients), sepsis (7 [7.2%]), and other miscellaneous complications (16 [16.5%] patients). The overall 28-day PICU mortality was 25.8% (n = 25) and 64.0% (n = 16) of the deaths happened in the early postoperative period. There was significant difference concerning mortality in children with surgical complications and medical problems (54.5% [12/22] vs 17.3% [13/75], P = .001). Multivariate analysis by regression showed that the pediatric risk of mortality III score was the only independent prognostic factor (P = .031). Conclusions: Multiple complications occur in children with LT. Although challenging, interdisciplinary cooperation between different hospitals is an effective mean to enable children to maximize the benefit gained from LT in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gemmological and spectroscopic characteristics are reported for two type IIa blue CVD synthetic diamonds from Huzhou SinoC Semiconductor Science and Technology Co. Ltd, China. These are the first relatively large (1.76 and 2.63 ct) blue CVD synthetics examined in NGTC’s laboratories, and their colour was slightly brighter than other blue synthetic diamonds that we have encountered. In the DiamondView, they fluoresced blue (with purple-red in one sample), which is unusual for CVD synthetics. The mid- and near-IR absorption spectra of one sample showed no hydrogen-related features, while the other synthetic diamond showed a weak absorption at 6853 cm−1 attributed to hydrogen. The spectra of both samples had a very weak line at 1332 cm−1 due to isolated nitrogen and a distinct band at 9282 cm–1 related to radiation. A very strong GR1 absorption feature was detected by UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. Photoluminescence spectra obtained at liquid-nitrogen temperature recorded emissions related to radiation (mainly in the 480–510 nm region), N-V and [Si-V]– centres, and several unassigned weak emissions. This combination of optical centres strongly suggests that these samples underwent post-growth treatment to improve their transparency before they were irradiated to produce blue colouration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background. Hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ALCF) is a complicated syndrome with extremely high short-term mortality. -e artificial liver support system (ALSS) may improve the liver function for patients with HBV-ACLF, but the data on its short-term outcomes are insufficient in China. Methods. We recruited HBV-ACLF patients in this nationwide, multicenter, retrospective study. Patients with HBV-ACLF were diagnosed by the COSSH-ACLF criteria. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to generate compared pairs. -e short-term (28/90 days) survival rates between the standard medical therapy (SMT) group and ALSS group were calculated using a Kaplan-Meier graph. Result. In total, 790 patients with HBV-ACLF were included in this retrospective study; 412 patients received SMT only (SMT group), and 378 patients received SMTand ALSS treatment (ALSS group). PSM generated 310 pairs and eliminated the baseline differences between the two groups (p > 0.05 for all baseline variables). -e probabilities of survival on day 28 were 65.2% (205/310) in the ALSS group and 59.0% (185/310) in the SMTgroup; on day 90, they were 51.0% (163/310) and 42.3% (136/310). -e short-term (28/90 days) survival rates of the ALSS group were significantly higher than those of the SMTgroup (p = 0.0452 and p = 0.0187, respectively). Compared to receiving SMTalone, treatment with ALSS was associated with a significant reduction in serum bilirubin levels and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores at day 7 and day 28. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age, high total bilirubin (T-Bil), low albumin, high ALT, high MELD scores, and high COSSH-ACLF grade were independent baseline factors associated with poor prognosis. Conclusions. -is retrospective study found that compared to SMT, the ALSS improved the short-term (28/90 days) survival rates and laboratory parameters in HBV-ACLF patients. -e ALSS had a better therapeutic effect than SMT for patients with HBV-ACLF in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is the world’s largest producer of industrial and gem-quality synthetic diamonds, particularly HPHT-grown products. In 2018, production of HPHT synthetic diamonds rose to 18 billion carats of industrial rough and more than 5 million carats of gem-quality rough material. This article summarises the production technology, product quality and output from various companies producing gem-quality HPHT- and CVD-grown synthetic diamonds in China. In recent years, ‘hybrid diamonds’ (comprised of natural diamond with a CVD overgrowth) have raised identification concerns, and we review differences in the fluorescence, structure and infrared spectrum of the CVD and natural layers. In addition, we briefly discuss diamond-detection devices developed and used in NGTC’s laboratories, such as the GV5000. Finally, we compare the gemmological properties of colourless to near-colourless natural and synthetic diamonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• At 50 ℃, adding sodium hexametaphosphate and micro silicon can better improve the permeability of aluminate mudstone and enhance the compressive strength of cement paste. • The addition of sodium hexametaphosphate and micro silicon improved the pore size distribution of aluminate mudstones. • The addition of sodium hexametaphosphate and micro silicon improves the phenomenon of low maturity shale oil causing strength decline of cementing cement stone at extreme high temperatures. The resource potential of in-situ conversion of shale oil is enormous, and it is a strategic alternative resource for China's oil and gas industry. However, extreme high temperatures under in-situ conversion conditions of low maturity shale oil can lead to a decline in the mechanical strength of cement. In this paper, the influence of modified sodium hexametaphosphate on the hydration behavior of aluminate cement and its application performance at 650 °C was systematically studied, and its macro performance and microstructure were deeply explored. As a result, it was found that the sodium hexametaphosphate can significantly reduce the permeability of aluminate mudstone, but not significantly improve the strength, at the same time, it was found that the permeability of aluminate mudstone modified by micro-silica composite sodium hexametaphosphate is significantly reduced, and the compressive strength is increased. After treated at 650 °C, the compressive strength of 5.0% sodium hexametaphosphate modified aluminate mudstone is the highest (47.19 MPa), while the compressive strength of micro-silica composite sodium hexametaphosphate modified aluminate mudstone shows a downward trend. The aluminate brine debris has obvious transformation of hydration products before and after treatment at 650 °C, including mainly C 3 AH 6 and AH 3 into C 12 A 7 and CA. Among them, C 3 AH 6 and AH 3 mainly undergo thermal decomposition at 180–400 °C, and the pores of aluminate mudstone increase attribute to the transformation of crystal form. The C 2 ASH 8 generated by aluminate mudstone at 50 °C due to micro-silica is helpful to improve the microstructure. But, the decomposition of C 2 ASH 8 after 650 °C treatment will also lead to the increase of cement paste pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For university faculty team, the innovation ecology within the school not only helps to improve the atmosphere and ability of innovation, but also is an important condition to optimize the whole university. It is an issue that all universities urgently need to improve under the development of the times. Based on the relevant literature and theories, we systematically put forward the model of the influencing factors of the innovation and ecological development of colleges in China under the background of the thesis. We focus on analyzing the mediating role of team heterogeneity and the leading role of knowledge governance. To a certain extent, this makes up for the deficiencies of the existing literature. Finally, the conclusion of the study shows that the heterogeneity of university faculty team and the good mechanism of knowledge governance improve the effectiveness of college behavior integration. This makes the continuous development of university faculty, innovation and ecological development of colleges is getting better and better. This not only provides a new perspective for the theoretical exploration of knowledge sharing in universities, but also provides theoretical guidance and methodological support for the subsequent research on knowledge management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positioned as an international metropolis, how to improve residents’ intentions to separate MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) is a very urgent issue for Beijing to be sustainable since MSW separation is regarded as an effective way to reduce MSW and thus protect the environment. In this research the different kinds of residents’ intentions to separate MSW were researched and the extended VBN theory with green trust is used to explain them. We divided the intentions into three levels, namely conscious intentions, promise-based intentions and action-based intentions, which are designed to understand how important is MSW separated collection to increase the residents’ MSW separation intentions and at what level of trust they have toward the MSW collection companies, including both public and private MSW collection companies. A survey covering the intentions and all the necessary items for building the extended VBN models was designed. Total 341 valid questionnaires were collected and after doing all the necessary analysis we found there are a group of residents indicate they will separate the MSW consciously and a promised MSW separate collection program can obviously increase the residents’ intentions to separate MSW, many of them trust the MSW collection companies’ promises and they don’t need the real actions to verify. Although residents prefer to trust the public MSW collection companies than the private companies, the difference is not very obvious. The full extended VBN theory can only successfully explain the residents’ conscious intentions to separate MSW which means residents have higher Bio value are more likely to separate MSW consciously. For the promise-based intentions and action-based intentions, only parts of the extended VBN theory can explain them, and the effect size is not very big, there are other factors play a much bigger role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of anatomical-like triangular-vector ligament reconstruction (TLR) in treating the combined injury of medial collateral ligament (MCL) and posterior oblique ligament (POL). Methods: During July 2013 to May 2014, 26 patients who received anatomical-like TLR were included into this study. All patients received clinical physical examination, imaging examination, and knee joint function score both preoperative and follow-up. The stability of the medial structure of the knee joint was examined by physical examination and imaging evaluation, including excessive knee medial opening (EKMO) and tibial external rotation angle (TERA). The function of the knee was evaluated by the subjective questionnaire, including Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC score. SPSS software was used for statistics analysis. Results: The mean follow-up time exceeds 24 months. Two patients occurred with serious heterotopic ossification, and one patient received revision because of screw breakage. EKMO over the contralateral state at 0° decreased from 9.76 ±2.76 mm to 2.79 ±1.02 mm with statistical significance (P <.001) and 10.32 ±2.75 mm decreased to 3.13 ± 0.85 mm at 30° (P <.001). Meanwhile, TERA significantly decreased from 53.38±6.71° to 27.15±4.92° (P<.001). The postoperative Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC score were superior to preoperative with statistical significance (P < .001). Conclusions: Anatomical-like TLR can reconstruct the graft to cover the insertions which can regain anatomic form and function with a cramped space. Not only the valgus stability and rotational stability can be restored obviously at follow-up but also the usage of implantation can be reduced, decreasing the incidence rate of allergy and saving costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula for treating stroke-induced disability. Xiaoshuan enteric-coated capsule (XSECC), derived from the formula BYHWD, is a drug approved by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for stroke management. To further investigate the potential protective effects of XSECC on neurovascular functions, we endeavour to monitor the neurovascular functions using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluated histopathological changes of neurovascular unit (NVU) after stroke. Methods: Ischemic stroke was induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). XSECC (420 mg/kg) was orally administered 2 h after stroke and daily thereafter. T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), T2 relaxometry mapping and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were used to measure cerebral infarct volume, edema and white matter fiber integrity, respectively. Neurochemical metabolite levels were monitored by ¹H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS). Arterial spin labeling (ASL) - cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements and structural magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images provided real-time and dynamic information about vascular hemodynamic dysfunction on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days after pMCAO. At the last imaging time point, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to test the microscopic and ultrastructural changes of NVU. Results: T2WI, T2 relaxometry mapping and Fractional anisotropy (FA) in DTI showed that XSECC significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume, relieved edema and alleviated nerve fiber injuries, respectively. ¹H-MRS provided information about improvement of neuronal/glial metabolism after XSECC treatment. Moreover, ASL - CBF measurements combined with MRA showed that XSECC significantly increased CBF and vascular signal strength and alleviated ischemia-induced morphological changes of arteries in ischemic hemisphere within 14 days after stroke. In addition, neuron specific nuclear protein (NeuN), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), CD34 staining and TEM detection indicated that XSECC not only ameliorated neuronal injury, but also reduced endothelial damage and inhibited astrocyte proliferation. Conclusions: Our results suggested that XSECC has multi-target neurovascular protective effects on ischemic stroke, which may be closely correlated with the improvement of cerebral blood supply and neuronal/glial metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the relationship between the flow signal intensity of branch arteries distal to the stenosis on 3-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with severe middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunk stenosis.Methods: We prospectively recruited 153 patients (mean age 62.9 ± 13.0 years, 106 males) with a first ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack caused by a severe MCA trunk stenosis (70 % to 99 %) confirmed by 3D TOF MRA and followed them for one year to determine the stroke recurrence. The MCA branch signal intensity distal to the site of stenosis on 3D TOF MRA was classified as either good (grade A) or poor [mild reduction (grade B) or severe reduction (grade C)] according to the extent to which the MCA could be visualized. The patients were divided into groups A (35), B (58), or C (60) based on the MRA grading of the MCA branch signal intensity distal to the site of stenosis.Results: Poor MCA branch signal intensity was associated with internal border-zone infarction (p < 0.05). The risk of stroke recurrence in the ipsilateral MCA in the first year was 18.3 %. The 1-year cumulative incidence of recurrence was higher in the patients in group C (30 %) than in groups B (12.1 %) or A (8.6 %) (Log rank, p = 0.007). Multivariate analyses via Cox proportional hazard regression demonstrated that only a grade C classification of the signal intensity of the MCA branches was an independent predictor of stroke recurrence in the ipsilateral MCA (hazard ratio = 3.0, 95 % confidence interval = 1.3-7.4, p = 0.014).Conclusions: This study demonstrated that MCA branch signal intensity as assessed via 3D TOF MRA may be a useful and simple tool to stratify the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with severe MCA trunk stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Myopia has reached epidemic levels in parts of East and Southeast Asia. However, there is no effective intervention to prevent the development of myopia.Objective: To assess the efficacy of increasing time spent outdoors at school in preventing incident myopia.Design, Setting, and Participants: Cluster randomized trial of children in grade 1 from 12 primary schools in Guangzhou, China, conducted between October 2010 and October 2013.Interventions: For 6 intervention schools (n = 952 students), 1 additional 40-minute class of outdoor activities was added to each school day, and parents were encouraged to engage their children in outdoor activities after school hours, especially during weekends and holidays. Children and parents in the 6 control schools (n = 951 students) continued their usual pattern of activity.Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome measure was the 3-year cumulative incidence rate of myopia (defined using the Refractive Error Study in Children spherical equivalent refractive error standard of ≤-0.5 diopters [D]) among the students without established myopia at baseline. Secondary outcome measures were changes in spherical equivalent refraction and axial length among all students, analyzed using mixed linear models and intention-to-treat principles. Data from the right eyes were used for the analysis.Results: There were 952 children in the intervention group and 951 in the control group with a mean (SD) age of 6.6 (0.34) years. The cumulative incidence rate of myopia was 30.4% in the intervention group (259 incident cases among 853 eligible participants) and 39.5% (287 incident cases among 726 eligible participants) in the control group (difference of -9.1% [95% CI, -14.1% to -4.1%]; P < .001). There was also a significant difference in the 3-year change in spherical equivalent refraction for the intervention group (-1.42 D) compared with the control group (-1.59 D) (difference of 0.17 D [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.33 D]; P = .04). Elongation of axial length was not significantly different between the intervention group (0.95 mm) and the control group (0.98 mm) (difference of -0.03 mm [95% CI, -0.07 to 0.003 mm]; P = .07).Conclusions and Relevance: Among 6-year-old children in Guangzhou, China, the addition of 40 minutes of outdoor activity at school compared with usual activity resulted in a reduced incidence rate of myopia over the next 3 years. Further studies are needed to assess long-term follow-up of these children and the generalizability of these findings.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00848900. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anhedonia is a prominent symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia. At present, it is believed that hedonic processing rather consists of the anticipatory and consummatory phase. The aim of this research is to explore the different anhedonia components in MDD and schizophrenia in Chinese populations. Methods: A Chinese version of the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS) was used to evaluate 176 MDD patients, 346 schizophrenia patients, and 268 healthy controls. Additionally, the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) was used for MDD patients, while the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was applied for schizophrenia. Results: The scores of consummatory (TEPS-CON) and anticipatory pleasure (TEPS-ANT) in MDD and schizophrenia were both significantly lower than healthy controls (both P < 0.001). TEPS-CON and TEPS-ANT were negatively correlated with the score of HAMD-17, the duration of illness and admission times in MDD (P < 0.05 or 0.01). TEPS-CON was negatively related to PANSS total scores and negative symptoms (P < 0.05 or 0.01), but no significant correlation was found with duration of illness and admission times in schizophrenia (P > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between TEPS-ANT and any clinical variables (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The consummatory and anticipatory pleasures were both impaired in MDD and schizophrenia. Consummatory and anticipatory anhedonia can be considered as a “state” in MDD, but as a “trait” in schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of a hydraulic fracturing fluid (HFF) system directly determines the efficiency of stimulation. Since the targeted formations of most oil fields in China are characterized by large depth (~5000 m), high temperature (160 to 180 °C) and tight lithology, newer and suitable HFFs have to be developed. Based on a newly synthetized organo-boron/-zirconium cross-linking agent (Gh-g), a composite temperature stabilizer (WJ-6) and other optimized additives via indoor evaluation, this study introduced a novel HFF, which is thermally stable at high temperature (HT) up to 180 °C and exerted low friction pressures. The performance of HFF was evaluated in the laboratory. The experimental results showed that the HFF system performed well at HTs. It maintained a viscosity of 100 mPaos or more after 90 min of shearing (170 s1) at 180 °C. Furthermore, the system exhibited delayed cross-linking. It took 120 s for the cross-linking reaction to complete; therefore, the tube friction was reduced to a large extent. Another characteristic feature of the formulated HFF system was the low friction pressures, where the drag reduction percentage was in the range from 35% to 70%. Moreover, only minor damage was caused by the fluid to the formation core samples. The average core permeability damage was 19.6%. All these qualities ensure that this fluid system is in full compliance with the requirements of the fracturing treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the fatty acid composition of human colostrum in three different regions of China. Methods: Women were recruited from fiver/lake, coastal and inland regions of China during late pregnancy. Their diet frequency was assessed during the 34th week of pregnancy. Colostrum samples were collected between post-partum days 3 and 5. Thirty-one different fatty acids were separated and identified in colostrum. Results: There were significant differences among the women in the three regions with respect to food and culinary oil consumption patterns. The mean±SD fat content (g/100 g) of colostrum from river/lake, coastal and inland regions was 2.17±1.26, 2.50 ±1.39 and 2.68 ± 1.26, respectively (p=0.265, adjusted by pregnant women's age). The main saturated, monounsaturated, n-6 polyunsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in colostrum were 16:0, 18:1n9, 18:2n6 and 18:3n3, respectively. Colostrum from river/lake region had the lowest composition of total SFA and of total n-6 PUFA and the highest composition of total MUFA and of total n-3 PUFA. The amount of DHA (22:6n3) in colostrum (mean±SD, % wt/wt) was 0.51 ±0.18, 0.52 ± 0.20 and 0.35 ± 0.13 in the river/lake, coastal and inland regions, respectively (p=0.0002, adjusted by pregnant women's age). Frequency of maternal marine fish intake during the late pregnancy was positively correlated with DHA in colostrum (r=0.203, p=0.040). Conclusions: The fatty acid composition of colostrum differs across geographical regions in China, which may be related to differences in maternal dietary pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

30多年来的中国特色社会主义建设实践.内含“功能思维→政府主导→理论引领 →混合结构→人民主体”五个结构要素和相应的五个演进梯次;在中国特色社会主义 建设实践进一步发展的进程中,中国共产党人的重要责任和使命(执政为民)和人民 群众的新期待(实践创新),决定了其基本趋向应是在“深层结构→核心体制→运行 方式”三个层级上进行改革并力争实现重大突破,体现为“调整结构→改革体制→转 变方式→建构秩序”。 关键词: 中国特色社会主义建设实践 内在逻辑 结构分析 The practice of more than 30 years of building socialism with Chinese characteristics contains within it a five-step evolution: “functional thinking → government leadership → theoretical guidance → hybrid structure → the people in the principal position”; in the course of the further development of the practice of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, the important responsibility and mission of Chinese Communists (exercising governance for the people) and the new expectations of the people (innovative practice) determine that its basic tendency should be to carry out reform and breakthroughs at three levels: “deep structures → core institutions → operational means,” embodied in “structural adjustment → restructuring → change of methods → construction of order.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the morning of 14 April 2010, the Ms 7.1 Yushu earthquake struck the eastern Tibet Plateau and an Ms 6.3 aftershock followed west-southwest of the mainshock epicenter one and a half hours later. The Yushu earthquake occurred on the northwestern continuation of the Ganzi-Xianshuihe fault zone and reactivated two segments of the fault. Ruptures associated with Yushu earthquake span a zone &thkap;70 km long, extending from south of Jielong in the west to south of Gyêgu (Yushu) in the east. Detailed mapping of the surface rupture zone shows that it consists of two strike-slip segments, the western and eastern segments, separated by the Longbao Lake step-over (pull apart) basin. Our analysis suggests that the 18-km-long western segment of the surface rupture south of the Longbao Lake basin may have been associated with the Ms 6.3 aftershock. The eastern rupture segment, which is inferred to be associated with the mainshock, is 32 km long. The main surface rupture can also be divided into two sections, with a 2-km-long gap between them. The surface rupture exhibits left-lateral slip and is localized in a zone about 50 m wide along the present-day trace of the Yushu fault. A single break, without splays or branching traces, characterizes most of the surface rupture zone. The observed magnitudes of surface displacement are typically 0.5-1 m with a maximum slip of &thkap;2 m. Both field observations and seismic inversion results suggest, rupture of Ms 7.1 Yushu earthquake nucleated near the Longbao Lake step-over basin in the west, propagated unilaterally eastward, and terminated within the east segment margin of the Yushu fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]