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To improve understanding of the characteristics of extreme summer rainfall and its water vapor transport in the eastern part of southwestern China (ESWC), this study analyzed data on daily precipitation from 118 meteorological stations in the ESWC from 1979 to 2020, as well as daily reanalysis data from ERA5 and daily reanalysis data from NCEP/NCAR. The study employed polynomial fitting, correlation, regression, clustering, and mixed single-particle Lagrangian trajectory (HYSPLITv5.0) modeling methods to simulate extreme summer precipitation and its water vapor transport characteristics in the ESWC and its possible formation mechanism. The results show that: (1) The contribution rate of extreme precipitation in the ESWC from 1979 to 2020 varied significantly on the interannual time scale. When the number of extreme precipitation days is high (low), the contribution rate of extreme precipitation is also high (low), while the contribution rate of general precipitation (the percentage of the sum of general precipitation to the total summer precipitation of that year) is often low (high). (2) When extreme precipitation occurs in the ESWC, compared with general precipitation, the high-level potential vortices are stronger, and the cold air from higher latitude is more likely to move southward. Meanwhile, the amount of water vapor input to the region is significantly larger than that of general precipitation. (3) There are four channels of water vapor sources in the ESWC during the period of extreme precipitation: the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, the western Pacific, and the northwest. The contribution of water vapor from the Bay of Bengal is the highest. The number of extreme summer precipitation days in the ESWC is significantly negatively correlated with the water vapor budget of the eastern boundary and positively correlated with Indian Ocean Basin-Wide (IOBW) index in the previous winter. (4) When the winter SST is high in the IOBW mode, it can cause the western Pacific subtropical high and the South Asian high to be stronger and shifted southward in summer, resulting in an increase in the number of extreme precipitation days in the ESWC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 19 July 2022 to 31 August 2022, a rare persistent drought and heat event occurred in the middle of the Yangtze River basin (MYRB). Normalized difference vegetation Index (NDVI) over 25% of the area decreased more than 0.05 compared with the climatology, causing extremely agricultural drought disaster and economic losses to China. Previous studies have shown that the occurrence of compound drought and heat events (CDHEs) in the MYRB was associated with intra-seasonal oscillations (ISOs) from different latitudes. Nevertheless, what was the role of ISOs at different latitudes in the formation of the CDHE? To address this question, this paper designed a numerical simulation experiment of partial lateral forcing to investigate the changes in meteorological elements by removing the signals of ISOs on different lateral boundaries. We found that the wave series formed in the upper troposphere at 200 hPa played a significant role in the occurrence of the CDHE in the northern part of the MYRB in this progress. It was found that the ISO component of the northern boundary caused the mean temperature to rise by 2.4 °C and aggravated the drought in 53.7% of the region. On the other hand, the anticyclone anomaly in the lower troposphere at 800 hPa had a continuous impact on the southern and eastern boundaries. It was found that the ISO component of these two boundaries can increase the average temperature by 1.93 °C in the MYRB and intensify the drought in 49.7% of the area. In the developing period of the CDHE, the South Asian high and the Western North Pacific subtropical high were coupled with each other and jointly controlled the MYRB, so that the significant positive geopotential height anomaly stayed above the MYRB for a long time, which was conducive to the development of local subsidence. The results of this paper will help to better understand the formation mechanism of CDHEs in the MYRB and assist meteorologists to prevent and forecast the occurrence of CDHEs in advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essence of plant ecological stoichiometry is to study the relationships between species and their environment, including nutrient absorption, utilization and cycling processes as well as the nutrient limitation of plants. Plants can regulate nutrient elements and adapt to environmental changes. To understand the adaptation mechanism, it is important to take plants as a whole and quantify the correlation between the chemometrics of different organs. Ammopiptanthus mongolicus is within the second-class group of rare–endangered plants in China and is the only evergreen broad-leaved shrub in desert areas. We analyzed the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of leaves, stems, roots, flowers and seeds of A. mongolicus in five habitats, namely fixed sandy land, semi-fixed sandy land, stony–sandy land, alluvial gravel slope and saline–alkali land. We found that (1) the nutrient contents of N, P and K were in the order of seed > flower > leaf > root > stem. The enrichment of the N, P and K in the reproductive organs promoted the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. Additionally, (2) the contents of C, N, P and K and their stoichiometric ratios in different organs varied among different habitat types. The storage capacity of C, N and P was higher in sandy soil (fixed and semi-fixed sandy land), whereas the content of K was higher in gravelly soil (stony–sandy land and alluvial gravel slope), and the C:N, C:P and N:P were significantly higher in gravelly soil than those in sandy soil. A. mongolicus had higher nutrient use efficiency in stony–sandy land and alluvial gravel slope. Furthermore, (3) the C:N and N:P ratios in each organ were relatively stable among different habitats, whereas the K:P ratio varied greatly. The N:P ratios of leaves were all greater than 16 in different habitats, indicating that the growth was mainly limited by P. Moreover, (4) except for the P element, the content of each element and its stoichiometric ratio were affected by the interaction between organs and habitat. Habitat had a greater impact on C content, whereas organs had a greater influence on N, P and K content and C:N, C:P, C:K and N:P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is unique among monsoon systems that it features meridional evolution of the summer monsoon. In this study, we evaluate the performances of a Variable‐Resolution Community Earth System Model (VR‐CESM) regionally refined over eastern China (14 km) in reproducing the seasonal evolution of EASM precipitation over China. Compared with reference datasets, VR‐CESM shows better performance than the corresponding globally uniform coarse‐resolution model CESM (quasi‐uniform 1°), especially over western China where complex local topography exists. The northward monsoon migration is closely related to low‐level southerly flows and vertical moisture advection, which are more reasonably simulated in VR‐CESM. The four critical timings of the EASM (monsoon onset, withdrawal, peak, and duration) are also better captured in VR‐CESM than in CESM. The corresponding spatial Pearson correlation coefficients of the four critical timings with respect to reference datasets are about 0.1 higher in VR‐CESM than those in CESM. Both models are most accurate in simulating monsoon onset and least accurate at simulating the monsoon peak. The overestimated zonal thermal contrast in CESM is responsible for the earlier monsoon onset and excessive precipitation in September over the Yangtze River valley. Finer resolution in VR‐CESM, especially over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), appears to be a main factor in simulating better zonal thermal contrast and seasonal evolution of the EASM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the ability of 23 climate models from phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) in simulating extreme climate events over China. The multimodel ensemble (MME) performs better than most individual models in reproducing the climatological mean distribution of all extreme indices. The MME can reproduce well the climatological mean distributions of five extreme climate indices over China, including annual total precipitation (PTOT), maximum consecutive 5‐day precipitation (RX5), simple daily intensity (SDII), maximum daily maximum temperature (TXX), and minimum daily minimum temperature (TNN), with Taylor skill scores exceeding 0.7. SDII and TXX are the most skilful precipitation and temperature extreme indices simulated by the MME, respectively. The MME has relatively lower skill in simulating the climatological mean distribution of warm days (TX90P) and cold nights (TN10P) over China. Future projections of these extreme climate indices by the end of the 21st century are explored with the MME under the SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5, and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios. The PTOT and RX5 in northwestern China are all projected to increase by more than 30% under SSP5‐8.5. R20 is projected to increase by 4–5 days over southeastern China under SSP5‐8.5. There are fewer (more) consecutive dry days over north China (south China), with a change of 5 days under SSP5‐8.5. The extreme temperature indices, including TX90P, TXX, and TNN, all increase with time and higher SSP scenarios. The three indices increase by 40–55%, 4–6°C, and 4–7°C under SSP5‐8.5 over east China, respectively. The TN10P decreases by more than 6% over east China. The changes in these extreme indices under SSP1‐2.6 and SSP2‐4.5 are similar to those under SSP5‐8.5 but with a smaller magnitude. Large uncertainties still exist in the future projections, especially under the high SSP scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Steroid-resistant (SR) acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) lacks standard second-line treatment. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have potential efficacy in SR aGVHD. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of MSCs combined with basiliximab and calcineurin inhibitor as second-line therapy for SR aGVHD. Methods: A randomized phase 3 trial involved 203 SR aGVHD patients at nine centers in China (September 2014–March 2019). Participants were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive second-line therapy with (n = 101) or without (n = 102) MSCs. The primary endpoint was the overall response (OR) at day 28. Secondary and safety endpoints included durable OR at day 56, failure-free survival, overall survival (OS), chronic GVHD (cGVHD), infection, hematological toxicity and relapse. Results: Of 203 patients, 198 (97.5%; mean age, 30.1 years; 40.4% women) completed the study. The OR at day 28 was higher in the MSC group than the control group (82.8% [82 patients] vs. 70.7% [70]; odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–3.94; P = 0.043). The durable OR at day 56 was also higher in the MSC group (78.8% [78 patients] vs. 64.6% [64]; odds ratio, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.08–3.83; P = 0.027). The median failure-free survival was longer in the MSC group compared with control (11.3 months vs. 6.0 months; hazard ratio (HR) 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48–0.95, P = 0.024). The 2-year cumulative incidence of cGVHD was 39.5% (95% CI, 29.3–49.4%) and 62.7% (51.4–72.1%) in the MSC and control groups (HR 0.55, 95% CI, 0.36–0.84; P = 0.005). Within 180 days after study treatments, the most common grade 3 and 4 adverse events were infections (65 [65.7%] in the MSC group vs. 78 [78.8%] in the control group) and hematological toxicity (37 [37.4%] vs. 53 [53.5%]). The 3-year cumulative incidence of tumor relapse was 10.1% (95% CI, 5.2–17.1) and 13.5% (7.5–21.2%) in the MSC and control groups, respectively (HR 0.75, 95% CI, 0.34–1.67, P = 0.610). Conclusions: MSCs plus second-line treatments increase the efficacy of SR aGVHD, decrease drug toxicity of second-line drugs and cGVHD without increasing relapse, and are well-tolerated. MSCs could be recommended as a second-line treatment option for aGVHD patients. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02241018. Registration date: September 16, 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02241018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 2 years of broadband seismic data from 27 temporary stations deployed in the Arxan‐Chaihe Volcanic Field (ACVF) provides us a valued opportunity to study mantle deformation and related geodynamic processes in NE China intraplate region. We estimated 153 pairs of high‐quality teleseismic shear wave splitting parameters at 22 stations and 98 non‐splitting measurements at 19 stations. Most of the stations in ACVF are characterized by NNW–SSE trending fast directions with variable splitting delay times, suggesting the fossilized extensional deformation within the lithosphere is locally thermal erased by the hot mantle upwellings associated with the volcanism. In the region south of the 46.5°N, a sharp swing of fast polarization occurs, and both nearly NW‐SE and W‐E oriented fast directions are observed, which could be explained by small local mantle convection caused by the lithospheric delamination. Plain Language Summary: The Arxan‐Chaihe Volcanic Field (ACVF) contains over 40 intraplate volcanoes located in northeast China. To study the upper mantle deformation features under the ACVF, 29 temporary local seismic stations were installed, and the observation lasted over 2 years. Taking the advantage of these seismic data, we measured shear wave splitting parameters using the teleseismic phase SKS/SKKS. Overall, 153 pairs of splitting parameters and 98 non‐splitting measurements were obtained at 22 and 19 stations, respectively. We believed that the ancient extension deformation was preserved in the lithospheric mantle as fossilized anisotropy since the fast directions we measured are subparallel to the extension direction. Moreover, such fossilized anisotropy was possibly eroded later by the hot mantle upwellings associated with the volcanism as manifested by the variable splitting delay times. Nevertheless, an abrupt change of direction occurs in the region south of the 46.5°N, and both nearly NW‐SE and W‐E oriented fast directions are observed. We preferred to interpret this feature by the existence of small local mantle convection which is caused by the sinking of lithosphere block into the asthenosphere. Key Points: Our shear wave splitting measurements display variable delay times and fast directions around the Arxan‐Chaihe Volcanic FieldThe change of the splitting times suggests the fossilized lithosphere deformation is locally thermal eroded by hot mantle upwellingsThe sharp swing of the fast directions could be explained by local mantle convection induced by lithospheric delamination [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drinking water is considered to be an important exposure pathway for humans to ingest trace elements; human urine samples are widely accepted as biometric substrates that can reflect human exposure to trace elements. The current study aimed at investigating the concentrations of trace elements including selenium (Se), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in drinking water and human urine in plateau region of China, determining the association among trace elements in drinking water and urine, and analyzing their associations with age and gender. The results showed that the majority of trace element concentrations were in the range of the World Health Organization (WHO 2011) guideline values, in both urine samples of male and female, and the median values were descending in the order: Zn > Cu > As > Se > Cr > Ni > Mn > Pb > Cd > Co. Selenium contributed to the excretion of As, Cr, Cu, Cd, and Zn in human body, group of 31–40 years appeared to present the greatest excretion ability in most of the trace elements. Weak positive correlations were observed between age and Mn in female urine samples, and negative correlations were observed between age and Se, As, Co, and Cu in male urine samples and between age and Co in female urine samples, respectively. Significant positive correlation was observed in As between drinking water and the whole human urine. In the same family, female seemed to show higher proportions of urinary As levels than male. This study will provide elementary information regarding trace element levels in drinking water and human urine in residents in plateau region of China and is helpful to provide reference for dietary nutrient trace element intake and effective control for local resident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrification inhibitors (NIs) affect nitrogen (N) cycle and crop yield, but how the combinations of NIs influence N transformation and maize yield remains unclear. An outdoor pot experiment was performed to explore the effect of three NIs (nitrapyrin (CP), 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and dicyandiamide (DCD)) and their combinations on mineral N transformation, yield and N use efficiency (NUE) of maize in a brown soil and a cinnamon soil from northeast China. Higher yield and NUE were obtained in the brown soil than that in the cinnamon soil. All treatments with NIs significantly increased NH4+-N content, grain yield and NUE in both soils, especially for NIs combination (DMPP + DCD in the brown soil and CP + DCD in the cinnamon soil). These two treatments significantly increased yield and apparent nitrogen recovery by 1.84 and 2.31 times, 10.24 and 6.39 times, respectively, compared with N fertilizer treatment. They also showed lower apparent nitrification rates (17.2% and 53.7%, respectively) compared with single NIs treatments. Considering both the inorganic N supply and agronomic effect of NIs, DMPP + DCD and CP + DCD are the best strategies for the application of NIs in the brown soil and cinnamon soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of air pollution in China is serious, and the air pollution characteristics and influencing factors are varied in different regions. Based on the environmental monitoring data of atmospheric pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3) in Henan province, a major grain-producing area of China, we conducted the hot spot analysis and regression analysis and used a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model to explore the spatial and temporal distribution of atmospheric pollutants, and we investigated the relationship between atmospheric pollutants and normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI). According to the spatial distribution pattern, the high value areas of atmospheric pollutants were primarily concentrated in the northern, which was consistent with the distribution results of hot spots. From the perspective of temporal variation, the concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO were highest in winter, followed by spring and autumn, and lowest in summer, while O3 showed the opposite variation characteristics. The correlation analysis results showed that PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO had significantly negative correlations with NDVI, while O3 had a significantly positive correlation with NDVI. Results of the GWR model, which was used to detect the spatial relationship between atmospheric pollutants and NDVI, indicated that the woodland vegetation had a more positive influence compared with the cultivated land vegetation on reducing PM2.5 and PM10. Therefore, the increase in woodland vegetation coverage in farming areas can reduce atmospheric pollutants to an extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narrow-ranged species face challenges from natural disasters and human activities, and to address why species distributes only in a limited region is of great significance. Here we investigated the genetic diversity, gene flow, and genetic differentiation in six wild and three cultivated populations of Thuja sutchuenensis , a species that survive only in the Daba mountain chain, using chloroplast simple sequence repeats (cpSSR) and nuclear restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (nRAD-seq). Wild T. sutchuenensis populations were from a common ancestral population at 203 ka, indicating they reached the Daba mountain chain before the start of population contraction at the Last Interglacial (LIG, ∼120–140 ka). T. sutchuenensis populations showed relatively high chloroplast but low nuclear genetic diversity. The genetic differentiation of nRAD-seq in any pairwise comparisons were low, while the cpSSR genetic differentiation values varied with pairwise comparisons of populations. High gene flow and low genetic differentiation resulted in a weak isolation-by-distance effect. The genetic diversity and differentiation of T. sutchuenensis explained its survival in the Daba mountain chain, while its narrow ecological niche from the relatively isolated and unique environment in the "refugia" limited its distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust has a variety of significant impacts on geochemical cycles, climate change and human health. The emission, deposition, grain size distribution and geochemical composition of aeolian dust in the eastern Kumtag Desert were studied. The aeolian dust mainly came from the Kumtag sandy and gravel deserts based on grain size and geochemical composition data. The horizontal aeolian sediment flux per unit width in the study area was 385.12 kg m−1 year−1. The calculated dust emission rates for PM10, PM20 and PM63 were 0.39, 0.61 and 1.72 t ha−1 year−1, respectively. The mean dust deposition rate was 1.08 t ha−1 year−1. Dust deposited in the study region contained P, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na and K at rates of 0.07, 3.16, 1.81, 6.17, 2.65 and 1.47 g m−2 year−1, respectively, which are very important for regional ecosystems. The above results provide an important scientific basis for quantitative evaluations of the impacts of dust and sandstorm disaster prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lycium barbarum and L. ruthenicum have been used as traditional medicinal plants in China and other Asian counties for centuries. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit development and ripening, as well as the associated production of medicinal and nutritional components, have been little explored in these two species. Results: A competitive transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the regulators and pathways involved in the fruit ripening of red wolfberry (L. barbarum) and black wolfberry (L. ruthenicum) using an Illumina sequencing platform. In total, 155,606 genes and 194,385 genes were detected in red wolfberry (RF) and black wolfberry (BF), respectively. Of them, 20,335, 24,469, and 21,056 genes were differentially expressed at three different developmental stages in BF and RF. Functional categorization of the differentially expressed genes revealed that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, anthocyanin biosynthesis, and sugar metabolism were the most differentially regulated processes during fruit development and ripening in the RF and BF. Furthermore, we also identified 38 MYB transcription factor-encoding genes that were differentially expressed during black wolfberry fruit development. Overexpression of LrMYB1 resulted in the activation of structural genes for flavonoid biosynthesis and led to an increase in flavonoid content, suggesting that the candidate genes identified in this RNA-seq analysis are credible and might offer important utility. Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanism of Lycium fruit development and ripening and will be of value to novel gene discovery and functional genomic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife crimes that involve smuggling threaten national security and biodiversity, cause regional conflicts, and hinder economic development, especially in developing countries with abundant wildlife resources. Over the past few decades, significant headway has been made in combating wildlife smuggling and the related illegal domestic trade in China. Previous studies on the wildlife smuggling trade were based mainly on customs punishment and confiscation data. From the China Judgments Online website, we retrieved cases related to cross‐border wildlife and wildlife products smuggling from 2014 to 2020. In total, 510 available cases and 927 records for more than 110 species were registered. We studied each judgment and ruling file thoroughly to extract information on cases, defendants, species, sentences, and origins and destinations of wildlife and wildlife products. Furthermore, the frequency of origin–destination place occurrences and spatial patterns of cross‐border wildlife crime in China were shown in this data paper. The main purpose of our data set is to make these wildlife and wildlife products trade data accessible for researchers to develop conservation studies. We expect that this data set will be valuable for network analysis of regional or global wildlife trafficking, which has attracted global attention. There are no copyright restrictions on the data; we ask that researchers please cite this paper and the associated data set when using the data in publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the problems of homogenization and low quality in China's iron and steel industry are particularly prominent and the ability of the enterprises to cope with change is insufficient. Adopting product differentiation strategy and dynamic adjustment strategy can allow steel enterprises and the industry to better adapt to future changes. By introducing the product differentiation degree (substitution coefficient) and the bounded rationality strategy to simulate these two strategic means, this paper constructs an extended two-stage dynamic game model to analyse the dynamic game scenarios and steel market stability in China. As new findings, we report the following: (1) The system is more likely to fall into an unbalanced state when multiple enterprises adopt the policy of dynamic output adjustment simultaneously. (2) Enterprises with large output and small output have different output adjustment policies. When enterprises with big-scale output adopt a bit larger adjustment policies, enterprises with small output will be strongly impacted, and the available adjustment space will be sharply compressed. (3) The gradual increase in the difference between products reduces the stability of the market. (4) When product differentiation and bounded rationality strategies coexist, the steel market may fall into an unbalanced state when the degree of product difference increases excessively and the enterprise adopts more drastic output adjustment policies. Therefore, there are pros and cons to product differentiation strategy and bounded rationality adjustment strategy. When each steel oligopoly enterprise formulates a production plan, it needs to comprehensively consider the output changes of the other enterprises and carefully weigh the strategic issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine seismic anisotropy beneath eastern China by analysing shear wave splitting of teleseismic SKS, SKKS and PKS phases recorded at 402 permanent and temporary stations. In general, our fast directions are approximately oriented in the E–W direction. The delay times vary greatly between 0.5 and 1.9 s. The delay times at stations in the Sichuan basin are less than 0.8 s, which could explain the fossilized anisotropy in the lithospheric mantle and little deformation after the formation of stable block. The fast directions in the Qinling–Dabie orogenic belts orient NWW–SEE, E–W and NEE–SWW, and are roughly parallel to the strikes of orogens that may indicate that the anisotropy contribution comes mainly from the lithospheric mantle. The fast directions mostly oriented in the nearly E–W direction, are generally subparallel to the absolute plate motion directions beneath the North China Craton and South China Block, suggesting it is primarily related to drag induced by the asthenospheric flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changbaishan (CBS) is the largest intraplate volcano in Northeast China, located far to the west of the Pacific Plate subduction trench. Two end-member models for CBS volcanism differ significantly in the detailed structures of the mantle transition zone (MTZ). The source of the CBS volcanism is still debatable. Diagrams of P - and S -wave velocity variations down to 800 km depth were made by using joint P and S inversion for relative traveltime residuals measured from waveform data recorded by temporary and permanent seismic stations. A broad low-velocity (low-V) zone in the upper mantle was highlighted directly beneath the CBS. Two prominent low-V branches connected to the broad low-V zone: one east of the CBS extending down to the top of the MTZ, the other west of the CBS ranging down to the base of the MTZ. This indicates two deep sources feeding the CBS volcano. A weak high-V zone in the MTZ was also highlighted directly beneath the CBS volcano, possibly the pond of slab fragments. The eastern low-V branch may be related to slab dehydration while the western low-V branch outlines the upwelling conduit in the MTZ. Thus, our proposed dynamic model for the CBS volcanism suggests that the CBS volcano has two deep sources: one from dehydration of the flat-lying Pacific slab and the other from upwelling, likely emerging from the top of the lower mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The GIA-CCA model is proposed and applied to the Hangzhou Metropolitan Area, China. • The GIA-CCA model provides a quantitative illustration on how the ecological process contributes to urban growth simulation. • Scenario development and landscape metrics are used to analyze urban growth boundaries' decision-making.. • The model and planning approach can be applied to other ecologically fragile cities. Abstract A green infrastructure assessment (GIA)-constrained cellular automata (CCA) model was developed to integrate habitat preservation with spatial-temporal simulation and the corresponding establishment of an urban growth boundary (UGB). A case study of the Hangzhou Metropolitan Area successfully demonstrated the application of the GIA-CCA model. Multitemporal land use maps interpreted from remotely sensed images taken in 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015 were utilized for validation and UGB prediction for 2020. The GI scenario incorporating the ecological network and a baseline scenario (BS) involving a current growth trend of no environmental constraint were designed to further investigate the unique advantages of the GIA-CCA model over the CCA model. Comparative analysis with groups of landscape metrics indicated that the GI scenario improved the connectivity among ecological elements, reducing urban fragmentation and promoting growth compactness, yet many irregular forms of edge sprawl and main city expansion were observed under the BS. Based on the GI scenario, the final UGBs were established, covering the central city, six new cities and nine towns. In contrast to the proposed UGBs, the planned UGBs generated by economic policies might play a negative role in preserving natural resources and responding to development uncertainties and could be improved by considering the forecasted results based on the GIA-CCA model as a helpful decision-making tool. The model could become an increasingly important part of growth management, particularly for developing countries and regions that are exposed to environmental deterioration due to rapid urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans. In order to investigate how soil Se is influenced by topography and soil properties, we selected Yongjia County, an area with mountainous topography, as a study area. This study used cultivated soil data to comprehensively analyze the effects of topography and soil properties on Se mobility and bioavailability and to identify the key factors influencing Se distribution in the environment. Factors considered in this study were elevation, slope, topographic wetness index, the coefficient of weathering and eluviation, pH, organic matter, and Fe 2 O 3 . The concentration of total soil Se (0.382 ± 0.123 mg kg −1 ) was far higher than the background value of soil in China, and 98% of the soil samples were classified as having moderate Se levels (>0.175 mg kg −1 ), indicating Yongjia County is a Se-rich region in China. Phosphate extracted Se accounted for an average of 9% of the total Se and was significantly associated with soil total Se, Fe 2 O 3 , pH, and the coefficient of weathering and eluviation. Fe 2 O 3 primarily controlled Se adsorption, fixation, and availability in soil. Under the geo-environmental conditions in the study area, the total Se in the soil increased first and then decreased with increases in elevation, slope, and the topographic wetness index, and the phosphate extracted Se showed similar patterns except for the elevation. The findings showed that topographical attributes and soil physicochemical properties synthetically influenced the distribution and bioavailability of Se in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Land use transfer and its structure affect carbon storage level and distribution. • Per capita GDP, population density and its urbanization mainly affect carbon storage. • Carbon storage variability correlates with regional and urban development stage. • Developed cities optimize carbon storage through better regional interaction. • Developing cities should balance carbon storage management with local resource use. Under the background of global climate change, the role of carbon storage in mitigating the increase of atmospheric CO 2 concentrations is of paramount importance. However, land use and land cover change (LULC) resulting from urban sprawl disturbs the level and distribution of carbon storage. This study aims to explore the spatiotemporal variability of carbon storage and the correlations between that and urban development for China's 369 cities in 2000, 2010, and 2020. The InVEST model and several multiple linear regression models are employed and the results show that: (1) Cities in western China sequester a large amount of carbon (maximum greater than 2000 TgC) and only some of them, from 2010 to 2020, can maintain a positive change in carbon storage. The rest of China shows a negative change, but a higher carbon storage per area (maximum greater than 0.01 TgC/km2 in the east). Moran's I shows that such variability has a significant spatial autocorrelation. (2) The intensification of the population, the growth of economy, and urbanization are the main factors influencing carbon storage, which are not only reflected on the national scale but also have different local characteristics in different regions. Cities in China's inland regions (e.g., western, some central, and northeastern China), most of which are developing cities, show more diversified impacts of their urban development on carbon storage. However, in developed cities, mostly concentrated in the eastern region, such impacts and variations show a more unified trend. Considering that environmental policy is often a national action, therefore, to strengthen the carbon sequestration capacity of cities, it is necessary to formulate not only a unified leading policy from the national level but also the practical policies of local governments of cities that match their development stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North-South earthquake belt (NSEB) is one of the major earthquake regions in China. The studies of crustal structure play a great role in understanding tectonic evolution and in evaluating earthquake hazards in this region. However, some fundamental crustal parameters, especially crustal interface structure, are not clear in this region. In this paper, we reconstructed the crustal interface structure around the NSEB based on both the deep seismic sounding (DSS) data and the gravity data. We firstly reconstructed the crustal structure of crystalline basement (interface G), interface between upper and lower crusts (interface C) and Moho in the study area by compiling the results of 38 DSS profiles published previously. Then, we forwardly calculated the gravity anomalies caused by the interfaces G and C, and then subtracted them from the complete Bouguer gravity anomalies, yielding the regional gravity anomalies mainly due to the Moho interface. We then utilized a lateral-variable density interface inversion technique with constraints of the DSS data to invert the regional anomalies for the Moho depth model in the study area. The reliability of our Moho depth model was evaluated by comparing with other Moho depth models derived from other gravity inversion technique and receiver function analysis. Based on our Moho depth model, we mapped the crustal apparent density distribution in the study area for better understanding the geodynamics around the NSEB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors that influence the length of human life are complex and longevity remains a controversial topic, particularly in China. This paper demonstrates the spatial patterns and changes of the elderly group (65 years old and over), the oldest old (80 years old and over) and the centenarians in China in the last decade, analyzes the influence of economic development on aging, and in the end, using a case study, explores the characteristics of the centenarians’ behavior. The results indicate that high elderly and the oldest old proportions are more common in regions with higher socio-economic development and that have a favorable climate. Centenarian distribution pattern is less influenced by economic but only for few regions. Lifestyle factors, such as sufficient sleep, positive mental state and a light diet are also largely found among the centenarian group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the large literature on public health, few studies have examined the associations between public health outcomes and environmental and socio-economic factors. This study bridges this gap by demonstrating the relationships between public health and 10 selected environmental and socio-economic factors from the spatial perspective. In particular, three public health outcomes in China are investigated, namely the number of centenarians per 100,000 people (termed the centenarian ratio), the proportion of nonagenarians of the 65 years and older population (termed the longevity index), and life expectancy at birth. We base our analysis on stepwise regression and geographically weighted regression models, with study areas of 31 provinces in China. Our results show that SO 2 (sulfur dioxide) concentration decreases the centenarian ratio; PM 10 (particles with diameters of 10 μm or less) concentration and coal consumption (CC) per capita decrease the longevity index, and GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita prolongs life expectancy at birth, while energy consumption (EC) per capita decreases life expectancy at birth. Further, our findings demonstrate that public health outcomes show clear regional differences in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of trace elements in agricultural soils directly affect the ecological security and quality of agricultural products. A comprehensive study aimed at quantitatively analyze the effects of anthropogenic and natural environmental factors on the spatial distribution of heavy metals (HMs) and selenium (Se) in agricultural soils in a typical grain producing area of China. Factors considered in this study were parent rock, soil physicochemical properties, topography, precipitation, mine activity, and vegetation. Results showed that the median values of Zn, Cd, Cr, and Cu of 111 topsoil samples exceeded the background values of Guangxi province but were lower than the relevant national soil quality standards, and 85% of soil samples were classified as having rich Se levels (0.40 −3.0 mg kg−1). The potential ecological risk index of soil heavy metals as a whole was low, with Cd in 9% of the samples posing moderate ecological risk. The concentrations of heavy metals and Se were relatively high in soils from shale rock. Soil properties, mainly Fe 2 O 3 and Mn played a dominant role on soil HMs and Se concentrations. Based on GeoDetector, we found that the interaction effects of two factors on the spatial differentiation of soil HMs and Se were greater than their sum effect. Among the factors, Mn enhanced the explanatory power of the model the most when interacting with other factors for soil Zn; the greatest interactive effect was between distance from mining area and Mn for Cd (q = 0.70); Fe 2 O 3 significantly promoted the spatial differentiation of soil Cr, Cu and Se when interacting with other factors (q > 0.50). These findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors that drive the distribution of HMs and Se in agricultural soils. • Potential ecological risk index of soil heavy metals was low level and Se was rich. • The contents of heavy metals and Se were relatively high in soils from shale rock. • Correlation, PCA, and GeoDetector models were useful for studying driving factors. • Soil Mn∩Mining exhibited the strongest impact on distributions of soil Zn and Cd. • Fe 2 O 3 were primary factors influencing the concentrations of soil Cr, Cu and Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reclamation has been widely used to alleviate the degradation of cultivated upland and support the increasing grain demand. However, the response of soil ecosystem functioning and soil health to the reclamation of coastal wetlands remains unclear. A reclaimed soil chronosequence over 1000 years in Hangzhou Bay, China, was analyzed to assess two key approaches to evaluate soil health. We used the minimum data set along with the soil quality index (SQI) area and the sensitivity–resistance approaches. The physicochemical properties of the reclaimed soils changed drastically at the initial stage (during the first 60 years) but only marginally thereafter. Owing to continuous freshwater irrigation, plant cultivation, fertilization, and desalination, from natural tidal flats converted to vegetable fields, the SQI and soil multifunctional index increased along the reclamation chronosequence. The soil properties sensitive to the reclamation of coastal wetlands (electrical conductivity, exchangeable potassium, and enzyme activities) explained most of the variation in the SQI area, followed by the resistance indicators. This suggests that small changes in the sensitivity indicators might have considerable impacts on the improvement of soil quality. The most resistant properties with the slowest changes included pH and physical characteristics—water content, bulk density, and aggregate size classes. The quality indicators identified for reclaimed soils in Hangzhou Bay based on the SQI area and sensitivity–resistance approaches can be useful for soil health evaluation for soils affected by natural and anthropogenic factors. These approaches and indicators can be effectively used to evaluate soil quality and develop sustainable agriculture. [Display omitted] • Soil quality indexes (SQI) were used and analyzed in a chronosequence of tidal flat reclamation. • SQI area and sensitivity–resistance approaches were useful for soil health evaluation. • Tidal flat reclamation increased soil quality and multifunctionality in Hangzhou Bay. • Sensitive parameters explained more variability of SQI area index than resistant soil properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a new crustal thickness map of the Chinese mainland and adjacent areas based on a compilation of previously published data. More than 1900 estimates of crustal thickness from receiver function studies were collected and the weighted averages were used to develop a contour map of crustal thickness beneath the Chinese mainland. The combined dataset provided good coverage, especially over eastern and Central China, and our analysis revealed crustal thickness variations of the Chinese mainland with considerably more detail than in previous models. Our crustal thickness map shows a large variation, from a thickness of less than 30km in the Mesozoic basin of eastern China to over 80km in the Tibetan plateau. The thickest crust was found in central Tibet, while the thinnest continental crust was observed beneath eastern China. Normal to slightly thick crust (38–51km) was found for the stable Precambrian basins and orogenic belts. Comparison between our model and other models reveals that the models share similar large-scale and smaller-scale features over large portions of eastern China where the data coverage is good; however, large differences (up to ±25km) in crustal thickness occur in areas with complex crustal structure or poor data coverage. We also evaluated the quality of previous models by comparing them with our newly compiled point observations of crustal thickness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rare earth minerals have been mined for more than 50 years in Inner Mongolia of China. In the mining area rare earth elements (REE) may be significantly accumulated in humans. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to characterize the REE concentrations in hair of local residents. REE concentrations in hair of 118 subjects were determined. The results showed that the mean concentrations of the determined REE in the hair of both females and males were usually higher from mining area than from control area. The mean concentrations of all the fifteen REE were much higher in hair of males than in hair of females from mining area. This suggested that males might be more sensitive to REE than females. In addition, the mean contents of the REE in hair of miners, particularly light REE (La, Ce, Pr and Nd), were usually much higher than the values in hair of non-miners from both mining area and control area, indicating that the miners were exposed to higher concentrations of REE in occupational environment. Among age groups, the relationships between REE concentrations and age groups showed that more and more concentrations of light REE accumulated in body of both females and males with age until 60 years, while heavy REE concentrations decreased with age in males who were exposed to low concentrations of heavy REE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate blood mercury (B-Hg) concentration of residents living in the vicinity of Chatian mercury mine (CMM) in southwestern China and to assess the possible effects on renal function. It evaluates the effects of gender and age (children, <18 years; adults, 18-60 years; elderly, >60 years) on the B-Hg and serum creatinine (SCR) and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) levels. In the CMM, elevated levels were found for B-Hg, SCR, and SUN with mean values at 6.09 μg/L, 74.21 μmol/L, and 13.26 mmol/L, which were significantly higher than those in the control area, respectively. Moreover, the coefficients between paired results for B-Hg and SCR and SUN levels were positive at statistical significance (B-Hg vs. SCR, r = 0.45, p < 0.01; B-Hg vs. SUN, r = 0.20, p < 0.05). The aforementioned results revealed that mercury exposure can cause human renal function impairment. B-Hg, SCR, and SUN can also be useful biomarkers to assess the extent of mercury exposure among residents in areas with extensive mining activities. Furthermore, data analysis revealed that there was a tendency for higher B-Hg, SCR, and SUN levels in females than in males, and the levels of B-Hg, SCR, and SUN increased among the older residents. We conclude that females and the elderly in the mining area were more susceptible to mercury exposure, and therefore, they deserve further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated NE-SW stretching the Helan Mountain massif, separating the temperate grassland of the Ordos plateau from the Tenggeli Desert, is a key position of studying the glacier development in west China as well as the coupling conditions of climate change with tectonic uplift. The glacial landforms and deposits including cirques, peaks, knife-edge ridges, lateral moraines, and terminal moraines distribute above 2800 m a.s.l. in the middle part of the Helan Mountain. This distribution indicates that here was once glaciated during the late Quaternary. Morphology features show a clear sequence of landscape forming events took place throughout the Helan Mountain. Laboratory optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon dating (AMS C) results indicate a late history of glacial advance. Late Pleistocene glaciers in the middle part of the Helan Mountain advanced to near their positions at least four times, and the glacial sequences can be assigned as the middle stage of last glacial cycle (MIS3b, 43.2±4.0 ka), last glacial maximum (LGM, ∼18 ka), late glacial (12.0±1.1 ka) and neo-glacial (3.4±0.3 ka) respectively. Adopting equilibrium line altitude ∼2980 m of last glacial maximum and the modern theoretical snowline altitude ∼4724 m as the maximum amplitudes, and the standard marine isotope curve (MIS) as the glacial equilibrium line change since the Gonghe Movement (150 ka), the relationship between the mountain altitude and glacier development is discussed herein. Compared with other environmental indexes such as the loess-paleosol and ice core, conclusions are made that glacier advances in the Helan Mountain during the late Quaternary obviously depended on the coupled control of tectonic uplift of mountain with the climate condition. It is at last glaciation that the mountain reached the altitude above snowline and coupled with the glacial climate. The glacial advances occurred in the early and middle stages of last glacial cycle after the Gonghe Movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY We imaged the crust and uppermost mantle structure beneath northeastern (NE) China with fundamental mode Rayleigh waves recorded by 125 broad-band stations deployed in the region. Rayleigh wave phase and group velocities along more than 700 interstation paths were estimated using the wavelet transformation method and then these data were utilized to construct 2-D phase and group velocity maps in the period range of 15-60 s. Owing to the dense ray coverage and short ray path, our results provide better lateral resolution in the NE China region compared with previous phase and group velocity studies. The regularized Rayleigh wave phase and group velocity dispersions at each cell were jointly inverted to determine 1-D shear wave velocity structure using the linear inversion method and then assembled into a 3-D model. Our results show that obvious low velocities exist in the uppermost mantle beneath the Changbaishan volcanic region, which may be due to asthenospheric upwelling. The thin lithosphere with fast S-wave velocity in the lower crust of the Songliao Basin implies that the lithospheric mantle beneath NE China is partly removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal levels in hair of residents living in villages around Fenghuang mine were investigated. Samples belonging to mine areas showed the highest values, with mean concentrations (mg kg) of 0.17 for Cd, 8.67 for Pb, 0.11 for As, 2.19 for Hg, and 0.64 for Se. Significant correlations ( p < 0.01) were found between Cd-Pb, Cd-As, Pb-As, and Se-Hg. There is no significant difference in any of the elements among age groups. However, significant differences in Cd and Pb levels were found between genders. Results revealed that children and females were more susceptible to Cd and Pb exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining and smelting are important economic activities. However, mining-related industries are also some of the largest sources of environmental pollution from heavy metals. China is one of the largest producers and consumers of lead and zinc in the world. A large amount of lead, zinc, and related elements, such as cadmium, have been released into the environment due to mineral processing activities and have impacted water resources, soils, vegetables, and crops. In some areas, this pollution is hazardous to human health. This article reviews studies published in the past 10 years (2000-2009), on the environmental and human health consequences of lead/zinc mineral exploitation in China. Polluted areas are concentrated in the following areas: the junction of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces, west-central Hunan province, central Guangxi province, northern Guangdong, northwestern Henan province, the border between Shanxi and Gansu provinces, and the region of Liaoning province near Bohai. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are the main pollutants and are associated with human health effects such as high lead blood levels in children, arthralgia, osteomalacia, and excessive cadmium in urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triplicate waveform modeling is used to resolve SH ( Vs) and P ( Vp) wave velocity structures in the upper mantle transition zone (TZ) beneath northwestern (NW) Tibet. Focal depth move out stacking is proposed to enhance the identification of triplicate phases, and can be used to test consistency of our data. Our results show that the Vs and Vp structures are decorrelated, and that a large Vs jump occurred across the 660-km discontinuity, with a small Vs gradient above it. Conversely, the Vp model is characterized by a relatively small contrast across the discontinuity, accompanied by a high Vp gradient in the TZ. There seem no significant depth anomalies of the 660-km discontinuity in both models. The seismic structures in TZ beneath NW Tibet are similar to recent studies beneath the central Qiangtang and western Lhasa terrains. Taking the lower TZ structures under India as references, Vs is normal but Vp appears slightly high, and thus a high ratio of Vp/ Vs was indicated beneath NW Tibet. Combined results with experiment information from mineral studies, we suggest that the differential anomalies of Vp and Vs can be attributed to a chemical heterogeneity, such as increased Al content in the lower TZ. Considering the tectonic evolution of Tibet, the chemical heterogeneity may be associated with subduction or detachment of the Tethys oceanic slab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now, there is a decreasing trend for the prevalence rate of Kaschin-Beck disease (KBD) in most parts of China, but the disease is still active and severe in the Tibetan Plateau for some reason. To further explore the role of selenium in the occurrence of KBD, We collected samples including drinking water, cultivated topsoil, Highland Barley grains, and tsamba in Rangtang County and Aba County, Sichuan Province and determined concentrations of selenium by Hydride Generation Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry. Levels of selenium in the environment were analyzed in detail. Selenium in the soil-plant-food system and their relationship with prevalence rate of KBD were also discussed. The results indicate: (a) the levels of environmental selenium are very low and the study area belongs to a selenium-deficient ecological landscape; (b) the KBD becomes much more severe with decreasing environmental selenium under the selenium-deficient condition. Namely, the lower the environmental selenium is, the more severe the disease is; (c) soil selenium deficiency plays a critical role for the prevalence of local KBD, and more factors inducing selenium deficiency should be more concerned in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present shear wave splitting results obtained from the analysis of teleseismic SKS, SKKS and PKS phases recorded by 70 permanent seismographic stations located in the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau. We identify a contrast in the splitting pattern complexity beneath different parts of NE Tibet. In the western and northern part, anisotropy observations are well explained by a single layer of anisotropy with a fast anisotropic direction trending NWW–SEE or NW–SE. In Xining and its adjacent area, the anisotropy shows strong azimuthal dependence of splitting parameters that can be modeled by two anisotropic layers. The fast direction for the upper layer lies in the N75–95°E range, which is consistent with the surface movement direction determined from GPS, and could be associated with middle to lower crustal flow. The fast direction in the lower layer is in the N105–125°E range and similar to the direction observed in the western and northern part where only a single layer is required. These NWW–SEE or NW–SE fast feature could be related to the current orogenesis induced from the India–Eurasia collision, or flow in the asthenosphere related to the absolute motion of Eurasia. Comparison between the anisotropy patterns expected from proposed models with our shear wave splitting observation suggests that no unique geodynamic model can reconcile all splitting measurements for such a complex region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The application of animal manure contributes greatly to improving soil fertility and maintaining/increasing wheat yield; however, it is rarely used in China's wheat production. This distortion emphasizes the importance of comprehensive analysis of manure use from theoretical and practical perspectives. A meta-analysis on China's wheat production was therefore conducted to quantify the effects of animal manure applications (SNM: substituting chemical N fertilizer by manure under the same total N input; AMCF: additional manure based on the same chemical fertilizer) on wheat productivity, environmental costs, and economic profits, and a large-scale farmer survey was performed to explore the reasons for the low manure-use rate. Overall, soil organic carbon (SOC) content in SNM and AMCF increased by 21% and 32%, respectively, relative to using chemical fertilizer alone (control). For SNM, yield increased by 5–8% when chemical N fertilizer was substituted with manure at <15% and 15–30%. For AMCF, yield increased by 14% with a 69% increase in total N input. NH 3 volatilization and NO 3 − residual at wheat harvest in SNM reduced by 24% and 21%, respectively, but N 2 O emissions and estimated GHG emissions increased by 41% and 14%, respectively. NH 3 volatilization, N 2 O emissions, NO 3 − residue, and estimated GHG emissions in AMCF increased by 12–50%. There was no impact to net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB) when using pig manure and chicken manure, while the NEEB associated with SNM and AMCF reduced by 13–74% when using cow manure and commercial manure. Although applying manure has the capability to increase SOC and yield, only 1% of N comes from manure in wheat production, which mainly results from low economic profits. Policies and investment incentives that increase economic profits and minimize environmental costs will be crucial to facilitating the widespread use of manure. • Applying animal manure increased soil organic carbon by 21–32%. • Applying animal manure increased wheat yield by 5–14% in most cases. • Applying animal manure leads to high environmental costs and low economic profits. • Lower economic profit is the crucial reason why only 1% of N comes from manure. • Applying manure has high benefits in yield and soil fertility and should be promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial scale partly explains the differentiated effects of habitat fragmentation on plant biodiversity, but the mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate the effects of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity at different scales, we sampled Actinidia chinensis Planch. at broad and fine scales, China. The broad-scale sampling included five mountain populations and one oceanic island population (Zhoushan Archipelago), and the fine-scale sampling covered 11 lake islands and three neighboring land populations in Thousand-Island Lake (TIL). These populations were genotyped at 30 microsatellite loci, and genetic diversity, gene flow, and genetic differentiation were evaluated. Genetic differentiation was positively related to geographical distance at the broad scale, indicating an isolation-by-distance effect of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity. The oceanic population differed from the mainland populations and experienced recent bottleneck events, but it showed high gene flow with low genetic differentiation from a mountain population connected by the Yangtze River. At the fine scale, no negative genetic effects of habitat fragmentation were found because seed dispersal with water facilitates gene flow between islands. The population size of A. chinensis was positively correlated with the area of TIL islands, supporting island biogeography theory, but no correlation was found between genetic diversity and island area. Our results highlight the scale-dependent effects of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity and the importance of connectivity between island-like isolated habitats at both the broad and fine scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrosolen plants are parasitic shrubs, several of which are important medicinal plants, that are used as folk medicine in some provinces of China. However, reports on Macrosolen are limited. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequences of Macrosolen cochinchinensis, Macrosolen tricolor and Macrosolen bibracteolatus are reported. The chloroplast genomes were sequenced by Illumina HiSeq X. The length of the chloroplast genomes ranged from 129,570 bp (M. cochinchinensis) to 126,621 bp (M. tricolor), with a total of 113 genes, including 35 tRNA, eight rRNA, 68 protein-coding genes, and two pseudogenes (ycf1 and rpl2). The simple sequence repeats are mainly comprised of A/T mononucleotide repeats. Comparative genome analyses of the three species detected the most divergent regions in the non-coding spacers. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood strongly supported the idea that Loranthaceae and Viscaceae are monophyletic clades. The data obtained in this study are beneficial for further investigations of Macrosolen in respect to evolution and molecular identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tengchong volcanic field that sits at the southeastern end of the Tibetan plateau is one of the youngest volcanoes in mainland China. Previous studies show obvious lower velocity and resistivity anomalies, suggesting crustal magma reservoirs beneath the Tengchong, but its depths are poorly constrained. The depths of magma reservoirs have been constrained by the location of earthquakes. We obtain accurate picks by employing optimized AICD automatic pickers and quality assessment scheme at temporary and permanent seismic networks surrounding Tengchong volcanic area. Based on those high-quality first-arrivals, we relocated 799 local earthquakes with magnitudes larger than 1.5, using 1D (Hypomat) and 3D (Probabilistic earthquake location) location algorithms. The comparison of relocations obtained by 1D method to those relocated in 3D crustal velocity model shows no systematic shifts in epicenter locations but sometimes large shifts in focal depth. The new 3D locations are more clustered than 1D relocations and most of events located based on the 1D model seem deeper than those located with the 3D model. Analysis of the travel-time residuals, typical seismic sequences and the location of ground blasts showed that more precise and reliable relocations were obtained with 3D location method. An absolute accuracy of ~1km and 2 km for the horizontal and vertical errors are achieved by the 3D method. The earthquakes cluster primarily in the first 10 km of the crust. The cluster of earthquakes, together with the presence of the shallow low velocity anomaly imaged by previous tomography imply that the magma reservoirs the upper crust is at ~10 km depth. This study was supported by NSFC (41874108). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Selenium (Se) is essential for humans, with many critical roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes. Fish, eggs and meats are usually the rich food sources of Se. To improve the nutritional status of population, a new version of balanced dietary pattern in the form of the Chinese Food Pagoda (2016) was proclaimed. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of this balanced dietary pattern to daily Se intake, and to assess Se intake status of Chinese residents under this Food Pagoda scenario.Methods: Based on the food consumption recommended in the Food Pagoda, this study collected the data of Se contents in various food composites and estimated dietary Se intakes (EITDS) in 12 provinces from the 4th China Total Diet Study. The estimated Se intakes based on the Chinese Food Pagoda (EICHFP) in 12 provinces were calculated. EITDS and EICHFP in various food groups among different regions were compared.Results: The average EICHFP in all regions, within the range of 66.23-145.20 μg/day, was greater than the China recommended nutrient intake (RNI) (60 μg/day). None of the highest EICHFP went beyond the tolerable upper intake level of Se (400 μg/day). Animal source foods should be the primary source of daily Se intake according to the EICHFP. The average EITDS in China (88 μg/day) was in line with its range of EICHFP (81.01-124.25 μg/day), but that in half of the regions failed to achieve their lowest EICHFP. Significant differences between EITDS and EICHFP were observed in cereal food, aquatic and dairy products (P < 0.05), among which Se intake from aquatic and dairy products presented seriously insufficient in almost all regions.Conclusions: The ideal dietary pattern recommended in the Food Pagoda can meet the daily requirements of Chinese population for Se intake to maintain optimal health. From the perspective of the balanced diet and Se-rich sources, the consumption of aquatic products should be increased appropriately to improve the general Se intake level of Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We examined the basic lifestyle characteristics of centenarians in Hainan. • Better life conditions contributed to centenarians' life satisfaction. • Centenarians with alcohol and tobacco habits were more satisfied with life. • Sleep satisfaction was significantly positively correlated with life satisfaction. Centenarians represent an intriguing model for healthy aging. They appear to have adapted well to their lives and are likely to be influenced by previous lifestyle habits, and their life satisfaction is influenced by mental and psychological health. The aim of this study is to explore centenarians' lifestyles by sex and their potential contribution to life satisfaction. In order to examine the common characteristics of centenarians in Hainan and the potential differences between men and women, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 223 cognitively-intact Chinese centenarians. We also explored the association between life satisfaction and other physical factors using binary logistic regression and principal component analysis. The results provided supplementary evidence indicating that women tended to live longer than men. However, the difference in life satisfaction observed between the sexes was not obvious (p = 0.659). The proportion of physical factors between each sex showed a similar trend in distribution. Most centenarians' lifestyles were similar, in that they followed a light diet and did not smoke or drink alcohol. Centenarians in better physical condition and with higher self-assessment, as well as those with "alcohol and tobacco habits," were more satisfied with their life. Of the factors examined in the binary logistic regression, sleep satisfaction was the only factor significantly positively correlated with life satisfaction (p <.01). The research findings elucidated physiological and psychological health in centenarians and provided a model of healthy aging strategies for reference purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A natural oasis ecological vulnerability assessment model (NOEV) was constructed. • In the NOEV model, vegetation is the key factor affecting vulnerability. • Ecological vulnerability decreased significantly at a distance of 30 km from artificial oasis. • Environmental protection policies and economic restructuring can effectively decrease vulnerability. Oasis vegetation contains a variety of ecological functions and can quickly indicate changes in the environment. According to the vegetation dynamics of natural oasis, this study constructed a natural oasis ecological vulnerability assessment model (NOEV) The model is based on Pressure-Sensitivity-Resilience framework, combined with redundancy analysis, minimum cumulative resistance model, and ecological risk sensitivity index to effectively assess the ecological vulnerability of natural oasis. The results showed that human activities, represented by the expansion of farmland and population growth, were the main factors affecting the vegetation dynamics of natural oasis in the last 30 years, and their contribution to the change of vegetation area is 42.08%. In the temporal dynamics, a serie of economic and environmental policies implemented by the government after the 21st century have promoted the recovery of vegetation. Vulnerability decreased on the whole oasis but increased in some local areas during 2005–2020. In the spatial dynamics, the transition zone of vulnerability from high to low occurred, it a distance of approximately 30 km from an artificial oasis located also in the area. We suggest that the governments should set up an ecological buffer zone in this area and implement different environmental protection policies inside and outside the buffer zone. Few vulnerability assessment models have been constructed for oasis ecosystems, and the NOEV model constructed in this study helps to formulate more direct and effective policy recommendations for the government's ecological protection and restoration work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Life expectancy and longevity are influenced by air pollutants and socioeconomic status, but the extend and significance are still unclear. Better understanding how the spatial differences of life expectancy and longevity are affected by air pollutants is needed for generating public health and environmental strategies since the whole of China is now threatened by deteriorated air quality. 85 major city regions were chosen as research areas. Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) and Stepwise Regression (SR) were used to find the spatial correlations between health indicators and air pollutants, adjusted by per capita GDP 1 [1] GDP, gross domestic product. . The results were, regions with higher life expectancy were mainly located in the east area and areas with good air quality, a regional difference of 10μg/m3 in ambient air SO2 2 [2] SO2, sulfur dioxide. could cause adjusted 0.28year's difference in life expectancy, a regional difference of 10μg/m3 in ambient air PM10 3 [3] PM10, particular matter with diameter <10μm. could lead to a longevity ratio difference of 2.23, and per capita GDP was positively associating with life expectancy but not longevity ratio, with a regional difference of 10,000RMB 4 [4] RMB, renminbi. associating with adjusted 0.49year's difference in life expectancy. This research also showed the evidences that there exist spatially differences for ambient air PM10 and SO2 influencing life expectancy and longevity in China, and this influences were clearer in south China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Healthy longevity is associated with environmental conditions, but its significance is still unclear. In China, different age groups of old people may be influenced by different factors. For people aged 65 and above, their distribution may be more influenced by the economical factor, decreasing from east to west. However, for people aged 100 and above, they may be more influenced by the environmental factors. The number of centenarians per 100,000 is opposite to the percentage of people above 65, decreasing from west to east. Longevity index (LI%) and centenarity index (CI%) may be as index to evaluate the longevity level. The biggest LI% is in the south provinces of China, whereas the biggest CI% is in the northwestern provinces of China. The South China and Northwestern China are two longevity regions. The South China has some climatic preferences including near to the sea, having suitable mean year temperature, a large plenty of rainfall, higher relative humidity, which contribute to its relatively high longevity level. While the Northwestern China has the topographic and sunshine advantages, which help the residents there more probable to reach 100 years old. The results indicate that for old people, their distribution will be influenced by the environmental factor to some extent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We estimate over 2,000 shear wave splitting parameters from 84 teleseismic earthquakes recorded at 465 temporary broadband stations distributed over the western and central North China Craton to constrain lithospheric deformation and mantle flow. In the interior of the Ordos Block, the W-E trending fast polarization directions with small delay times are indicative of stable terrane, where a thick Archean cratonic keel has been imaged. The dominant W-E fast orientations with relatively large delay times observed in southern Trans-North China Orogen show a systematic directional deviation of ~30° from the absolute plate motion (APM) direction and are explained by a combined effect of APM-induced mantle fabric and a mantle flow around the southeast edges of the Ordos Block. The prominent rift-orthogonal fast orientations beneath rifts to the northern Ordos Block imply the existence of active mantle flow. Also, it is inferred that a mantle plume is responsible for generating the parabolic fast direction pattern beneath the Datong Volcano. • New SKS splitting observations are presented in North China Craton. • Anisotropy data maps out the range of the Archean cratonic remnant. • Asthenospheric flow beneath Circum-Ordos Rifts is suggested. • Parabolic anisotropy pattern is observed beneath the Datong Volcano. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Isoalliin was converted into cycloalliin at high temperature by addition reaction. • Water containing 3% formic acid could inhibit alliinase activity effectively. • Isoalliin was the most abundant organosulfur compounds in Welsh onion. • Most components were richer in pseudo stem than leaf except for Asp and Cys. • Propiin and Pro were the most important biomarkers between LWJT and ZQ pseudo stem. A reliable, simple, and sensitive method capable of quantifying six organosulfur compounds (OSCs) was established. The samples were extracted by water containing 3 % formic acid with a simple vortex, ultrasound, and centrifugation step, and the solutions were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography separation system coupled with a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC − MS/MS). Then the method was applied for the analysis of six OSCs in five varieties of two types Welsh onions in China, and the moisture content, reducing sugar, total polyphenols, and 21 free amino acids were also analyzed to study the characters of these Welsh onions intensively. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to investigate the differences in OSCs and free amino acids profiles among the samples. This study showed that enzymatic inhibition method combined with UHPLC − MS/MS is an effective technique to analyze OSCs in Welsh onion, and could be valuable for the routine quantitation of OSCs in other foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigated the spatio-temporal characteristics of the amount of light rain and the number of days with light rain in the ESWC and explored the possible causes of the significant decrease in the number of days with light rain. The results show that: (1) Both the amount of light rain and the number of days with light rain over the ESWC in summer showed a decreasing trend, with linear trends of −1.5 mm/decade and −0.88 day/decade, respectively. The decrease in the number of days with light rain was more distinct than the decrease in the amount of light rain. (2) The decrease in the number of days with light rain was closely related to the decrease in the relative humidity caused by an increase in temperature and specific humidity. The trend in relative humidity resulting from an increase in temperature alone was −1.1%/decade, whereas the trend in relative humidity caused by an increase in specific humidity alone was 0.29%/decade. The trend in relative humidity was −0.76%/decade. The decrease in relative humidity was mainly a result of an increase in temperature. (3) The increase in temperature resulted in a decrease in the relative humidity and an increase in the surface evaporation. The increase in evaporation increased the specific humidity, which, in turn, increased the relative humidity. This compensated for the decrease in the relative humidity caused by the increase in the temperature and further decelerated the decrease in the number of days with light rain. • The number of summer days with light rain in the ESWC decreased significantly during 1961–2018. • The decrease in the number of days with light rain was closely related to the decrease in the relative humidity. • The trend of relative humidity made by an increase in temperature alone was −1.1%/decade. • The increase in evaporation compensated for the decrease in relative humidity caused by the increase in temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Significant correlation observed between NTU and CE impacting carbon neutrality. • Between 2007 and 2021, the relationship shifted from 'weak' to 'strong' decoupling. • The SHAP model revealed the evolution of decoupling state influencing factors. • Targeted implications were proposed to further achieve decoupling between the two. Coordinating the relationship between new-type urbanization (NTU) and carbon emission (CE) reduction has emerged as a primary strategic objective in China. However, previous studies on this subject have predominantly focused on the unidirectional impact of NTU on CE, neglecting their spatio-temporal characteristics and the potential for a decoupling relationship. Focusing on the county-level areas in Zhejiang Province, this study establishes an evaluation system for measuring NTU and investigates the spatio-temporal characteristics and evolving decoupling relationship of NTU and CE from 2007 to 2021, along with the influencing factors. The results are shown as follows: (1) CE levels in Zhejiang's counties are predominantly higher in the northeast and lower in the southwest, with minimal temporal fluctuations. Concurrently, the collective NTU in these counties has witnessed a rapid increase, with a growing disparity in NTU levels and a concentration of higher NTU primarily in the northern regions. (2) From 2007 to 2021, the decoupling relationship between NTU and CE in Zhejiang's counties evolved from suboptimal to significantly improved, ultimately achieving continuous optimization, with the proportion of counties in the "strong decoupling II" category increasing to 60.7% in the final phase. (3) The most significant influencing factors for decoupling evolved from economic NTU predominance in 2007 to societal NTU in 2012, and further progressed to population NTU in 2022. (4) Informed by the types of decoupling and evolutionary factors, we propose strategies and implications aimed at fostering the high-quality, synergistic development of NTU and CE. These findings provide theoretical and empirical underpinnings for the high-quality attainment of NTU and the dual carbon objectives in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrences of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetics (HAAs) in the water supply in Beijing and Canada were investigated. The concentrations of THMs and HAAs in Beijing and Canada were below the maximum contaminant levels specified by the USEPA and WHO standards. The multi-pathway risk assessment (assessed through oral ingestion, dermal absorption and inhalation exposure to drinking water) was used to assess the cancer risk and the hazard index of THMs and HAAs from fifteen waterworks in Beijing, China and three treatment plants using different disinfection processes in Canada. Residents in Beijing and residents who were served by three treatment plants using different disinfection processes in Canada had a higher risk of cancer through oral ingestion than through the other two pathways. The cancer risk resulted from disinfection by-products (DBPs) was 2.76E-05(for males), 3.05E-05(for females) in Beijing, China, while it was 4.33E-05, 4.78E-05 in Canada. The risk was higher when water treatment plants used surface water source than when they used ground water source and mixture water source in Beijing. The risk showed different changes in three treatment plants using different disinfection processes in Canada. The lifetime cancer risk for THMs followed the order: Plant 2>Plant 1>Plant 3. And, the lifetime cancer risk for HAAs was: Plant 1>Plant 2>Plant 3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]