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With the better understanding of human genome and genetic contributions to human complex diseases, more and more clinical genetic tests have been developed for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases. This has raised new challenges to classroom teaching of medical genetics (MG) in medical education of undergraduates, who are relatively naive about the theory and technology of MG. A clear understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships is critical in MG learning. In the current study, we incorporated a practical approach of classroom MG teaching by using alcohol tolerance, a phenotype that is widely experienced by students and closely related to genetic polymorphism. To verify this teaching approach, which we named as student experience-based teaching (SEBT), undergraduates of two classes were recruited, with one accepting SEBT and the other accepting conventional lecture-based teaching (LBT). Final examination of the MG course indicated that while the two classes showed similar results to multiple-choice questions, the SEBT class showed significantly better performance to short-answer questions about gene polymorphism and phenotype, suggesting that SEBT might improve understanding. Thus, using student experience-based phenotypic instances and explaining the phenotype by practical genetic tests could improve understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships in classroom MG teaching.

The world-class Jinding deposit in SW China has ~15 Mt of Zn and Pb metals combined, in an evaporite dome containing amounts of gypsum/anhydrite. These gypsum and anhydrite are mainly located in limestone breccias (Member I), gypsum-bearing complexes (Member III), and red mélange, with some occurring as veins in clast-free sandstone (Member IV) and as fractures/vugs of host rock. The gypsum/anhydrite and dome genesis remain equivocal. The gypsum in limestone breccias and in red mélange with flow texture contains numerous Late Triassic Sanhedong limestone fragments. The δ34S (14.1%–17%), δ18O (9.7%–14.6%), and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.706913–0.708711) of these gypsum are close to the S-O-Sr isotopes of the Upper Triassic Sanhedong Formation anhydrite in the Lanping Basin (δ34S = 15.2%–15.9%, δ18O = 10.9%–13.1%, 87Sr/86Sr = 0.707541–0.707967), and are inconsistent with the Paleocene Yunlong Formation gypsum in the Lanping Basin (87Sr/86Sr = 0.709406–0.709845), indicating that these gypsum were derived from the Upper Triassic Sanhedong Formation evaporite but not from the Paleocene Yunlong Formation, and formed as a result of evaporite diapirism. The δ34S (14.3%–14.5%), δ18O (10.1%–10.3%), and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.709503–0.709725) of gypsum as gypsum–sand mixtures in gypsum-bearing complexes are similar to the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of gypsum in the Yunlong Formation of the Lanping Basin and Cenozoic basins in the northern part of the Himalayan–Tibetan orogen, suggesting that the material source of this gypsum was derived from the Yunlong Formation, and formed as a result of gypsum–sand diapirism. The gypsum veins in clast-free pillow-shaped mineralized sandstone and the gypsum in host rock fractures and vugs formed after the supergene minerals such as smithsonite. The δ34S (−16.3%~−12.7%) and δ18O (−9.8%~−4.7%) of this gypsum indicate that the gypsum is of supergene origin with sulfate derived from the reoxidation of reduced sulfur. We confirmed that the Jinding dome is genetically related to diapir of the Late-Triassic Sanhedong Formation evaporite. Clast-free sandstone and gypsum-bearing complexes in the dome were produced by diapir of the Paleocene Yunlong Formation unconsolidated gypsum–sand mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new δ-chain hemoglobin (Hb) variant observed in a 5-year-old female living in Yulin, Guangxi, China. Capillary electrophoresis revealed splitting of the Hb A2 peak into two fractions (Hb A2 and Hb A2 variant), and the Hb A2 variant was also detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. However, it could not be detected using matrix-assisted laser desorption lonization-time of flight mass spectrometry. CD41-42 (-TCTT) heterozygosity was observed on the HBB gene by PCR and reverse dot-blot hybridization. Sanger sequencing showed a new transition (G > A) at codon 46 of the HBD gene, resulting in glycine changing to arginine. Based on the patient's place of residence, the new variant was named Hb A2-Yulin [δ46(CD5)Gly→Arg,HBD:c.139G > A]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research uses a time-varying difference-in-differences (DID) model to assess the impact of the water resource fee to tax (WRFT) policy on water pollution in China from 2004 to 2020. The study finds that the WRFT policy can reduce chemical oxygen demand (COD) emissions by 17.7% and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) emissions by 31.6% on average. These findings are supported by various robustness tests, such as the parallel trend test, the placebo test, and the changing standard errors. The study also finds that the impact of the WRFT policy is stronger in regions with higher economic development levels and lower water pollution levels, but does not show heterogeneity in water resource abundance. The mechanism analysis suggests that the WRFT policy achieves the effect of reducing water pollution by reducing sewage discharge, increasing intensity of water pollution prevention, and promoting green R&D innovation. The study addresses potential endogeneity issues such as reverse causality, sample self-selection, and omitting variable bias. Based on these findings, the study offers some policy recommendations to further enhance the WRFT policy effects and reduce water pollution in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

δβ-thalassemia is a rare type of thalassemia characterized by increased Hb F levels, including mainly Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia, Yunnanese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia, Cantonese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia in China. Due to the low rate of δβ-thalassemia carriers, there are few reports of δβ-thalassemia combined with β-thalassemia causing β-thalassemia major. Herein, we described the combination of Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia and β-thalassemia leading to β-thalassemia major in a Chinese patient. Hemoglobin analysis was performed by capillary electrophoresis (CE). Routine genetic analysis was carried out by gap-polymerase chain reaction (Gap-PCR) and PCR and reverse dot blot (PCR-RDB). Multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to detect the large deletion, and Gap-PCR confirmed the deletion. A CE result showed an elevated Hb F level of 98.7% and 11.7% in the proband and her mother, but the proband was diagnosed with βCD17M/βCD17M using routine genetic analysis. However, her father was heterozygous for CD17 in β-globin, and her mother was detected as SEA heterozygous. The further analysis presented that the proband had actually missed the diagnosis of Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia by MLPA and PCR-RDB. Finally, the genotype of the proband was corrected from βCD17M/βCD17M to βCD17M/βGγ(Aγδβ)0. This is the first report of Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia combined with β-thalassemia resulting in β-thalassemia major in China. Screening for δβ-thalassemia by Hb analysis could be an effective method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auricularia delicata (Mont.) Henn. 1893 is an edible and medicinal jelly mushroom popular in China. Here, we report the assembly and annotation of a complete A. delicata mitochondrial genome based on data sequenced using an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. The length of the complete circular A. delicata mitochondrial genome is 189,696 bp, with a GC content of 34.1%. The A. delicata mitochondrial genome contains 60 genes, including 32 protein-coding genes, 26 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that A. delicata clustered with the Auricularia group, alongside A. auricula-judae and A. heimuer. Additionally, A. delicata was found to be genetically distant from other species of Polyporales, Russulales, and Agaricales. This genome will provide an invaluable reference for the continued study and utilization of A. delicata and other Auricularia species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study advances voice research by offering a formal system view of the drivers of voice. The organizational behavior discipline focuses mainly on job conditions, individual traits, and organizational characteristics but seldom considers the role of formal factors. One overlooked yet important formal factor that may motivate voice behavior is the due process voice appraisal system. Drawing on the proactive motivation model, we propose that the implementation of the due process voice appraisal system will promote employee voice efficacy, organizational identification, and promotion focus, motivating employee voice behavior. We further consider the moderating role of authoritarian leadership in the proposed relationships through social information processing theory. Based on a sample of 265 participants in China, we conducted a field quasi-experiment and found that due process voice appraisal system was positively related to voice behavior via voice efficacy, organizational identification, and promotion focus. Further, the positive indirect effects of due process voice appraisal system on voice behavior via voice efficacy and organizational identification were attenuated by authoritarian leadership. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) is a rare genetic prion disease caused by a mutation in the prion protein (PRNP) gene. It is typically characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and slowly progressive dementia. We present a case study of the GSS from China in which a 45-year-old male with a progressive gait and balance disorder developed cerebellar ataxia onset but was misdiagnosed as spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) for 2 years. The patient's clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological data were retrospectively analyzed. Examination revealed ataxia, dysarthria,muscle weakness, areflexia in lower limbs, including a pyramidal sign, whereas cognitive decline was insignificant. His late mother had a similar unsteady gait. An electroencephalogram (EEG) showed normal findings, and 14-3-3 protein was negative. A brain MRI was performed for global brain atrophy and ventricular enlargement. Positron emission tomography-- computed tomography (PET--CT) (18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose, FDG) images showed mild to moderate decreased glucose metabolism in the left superior parietal lobe and left middle temporal lobe. According to genetic testing, his younger brother also had the P102L variant in the PRNP gene. This single case adds to the clinical and genetic phenotypes of GSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through applying social information processing theory and social identity theory, we propose that employees' moral reflectiveness mediates the relationship between environmentally specific transformational leadership and organizational citizenship behavior for the environment. Further, we tested the moderating effect of leader group prototypicality on the relationship between environmentally specific transformational leadership and subsequent moral reflectiveness. We examined the hypothesized relationships using data collected in China from 194 employees. The findings demonstrated that environmentally specific transformational leadership positively predicts employee organizational citizenship behavior for the environment, and moral reflectiveness mediates this relationship. Further, leader group prototypicality strengthens the positive relationship between environmentally specific transformational leadership and subsequent moral reflectiveness. This study extends the understanding of environmentally specific transformational leadership in the context of manufacturing companies and has practical implications to help employees accelerate their organizational citizenship behavior for the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research suggests that meritocratic beliefs impact future-oriented activities. However, relatively little attention has been given to concomitant work outcomes, such as employee creativity. This study examines how the meritocratic beliefs of newcomers relate to employee creativity. We explore a serial mediation model where the meritocratic beliefs of newcomers heighten their meaning of work and learning adaptability, which increases employee creativity. We use questionnaires to survey 212 full-time employees from 10 manufacturing enterprises in China, who had joined their companies for less than a year. The results show that positive serial indirect effects of the meritocratic beliefs of newcomers on employee creativity via increased meaning of work and learning adaptability. Overall, the results provide new insight that may advance theoretical and practical implications on the pathways in which meritocratic beliefs may enhance employee creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV; Flaviridae: Flavivirus) causes Japanese encephalitis (JE), which is the most important arboviral disease in Asia and the western Pacific. Among the five JEV genotypes (GI–IV), GI has dominated traditional epidemic regions in the past 20 years. We investigated the transmission dynamics of JEV GI through genetic analyses. Methods: We generated 18 JEV GI near full length sequences by using multiple sequencing approaches from mosquitoes collected in natural settings or from viral isolates obtained through cell culture. We performed phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses to reconstruct the evolutionary history by integrating our data with 113 publicly available JEV GI sequences. Results: We identified two subtypes of JEV GI (GIa and GIb), with a rate of 5.94 × 10−4 substitutions per site per year (s/s/y). At present, GIa still circulates within a limited region, exhibited no significant growth, the newest strain was discovered in China (Yunnan) in 2017, whereas most JEV strains circulating belong to the GIb clade. During the past 30 years, two large GIb clades have triggered epidemics in eastern Asia: one epidemic occurred in 1992 [95% highest posterior density (HPD) = 1989–1995] and the causative strain circulates mainly in southern China (Yunnan, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Taiwan) (Clade 1); the other epidemic occurred in 1997 (95% HPD = 1994–1999) and the causative strain has increased in circulation in northern and southern China during the past 5 years (Clade 2). An emerging variant of Clade 2 contains two new amino acid markers (NS2a-151V, NS4-169K) that emerged around 2005; this variant has demonstrated exponential growth in northern China. Conclusion: JEV GI stain circulating in Asia have shifted during the past 30 years, spatiotemporal differences were observed among JEV GI subclade. GIa is still circulating within a limited range, exhibite no significant growth. Two large GIb clades have triggered epidemics in eastern Asia, all JEV sequences identified in northern China during the past 5 years were of the new emerging variant of G1b-clade 2. Author summary: Although Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) genotype I (GI) has circulated in Asia and the western Pacific during the past 30 years, little is known regarding its evolution, geographical distribution, and epidemiology, especially the recent years. To address this knowledge gap, we performed a phylogenetic analysis using all full open reading frame JEV sequences assembled thus far, including 113 viral sequences sampled from eight countries during the past 42 years. We revealed spatiotemporal differences in spread among JEV GI subclades; identified amino acid markers for different clades; made an in-depth study on the evolution of GIb, described the geographical distribution of the recent active GIb clade 2 and identified its emerging variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Mycorrhiza play key roles for ecosystem structure and functioning in forests. However, how different mycorrhizal types influence mountain forest biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships are largely unknown. We evaluate how the diversity of distinct mycorrhiza‐associated fungi and trees shapes forest carbon storage along elevational gradients. Location: Gaoligong Mountains within Hengduan Mountains, Southwest China. Taxon: Seed plants and mycorrhizal fungi. Methods: We used the data from 31 subtropical forest plots along elevational gradients on two aspects (east and west) of the mountain. We quantified species richness of trees and symbiotic fungi and assigned both to their mycorrhizal type (arbuscular mycorrhiza [AM], ectomycorrhiza [EcM] and ericoid mycorrhiza [ErM]). We then examined the diversity effects of mycorrhiza‐associated fungi and trees on above‐ground carbon stored in trees and organic carbon stored in soils. Results: Species richness was highest for AM trees (79.5%), followed by ErM trees (13.4%) and then EcM trees (7.1%). Species richness of AM‐associated trees and fungi decreased with increasing elevation, while ErM‐associated trees and fungi showed an opposite trend. EcM‐associated diversity followed a hump‐shaped relationship with elevation. Positive relationships between diversity and above‐ground carbon were detected in all three mycorrhizal associations, but despite low species number, canopy‐dominating EcM trees comprised 64.4% of the amount of above‐ground carbon. Furthermore, community‐weighted means of height exhibited positive correlations with forest above‐ground carbon, indicating that positive selection effects occur. Soil organic carbon was positively related to EcM‐associated fungi diversity, above‐ground carbon mass and soil nitrogen availability, with the latter having strongest direct effects. Main Conclusions: The distributions of forest biodiversity and carbon storage can be modulated by distinct mycorrhizal fungi and trees. Moreover, future global changes (e.g. climate warming, intensifying nitrogen deposition) could alter the mycorrhizal‐mediated BEF relationships in mountain forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revealing hydrothermal evolution from the early oxide to late carbonate stages for quartz–wolframite vein‐type deposits is essential for understanding the ore‐forming process. In this study, we choose the Baishitouwa tungsten polymetallic deposit located in the southern Great Xing'an Range tungsten belt as a case study, and present detailed deposit geology and in situ fluid inclusion (FI) analyses including microthermometry, laser Raman spectra, and LA‐ICP‐MS microanalysis to address this issue. Four stages of hydrothermal activity were identified: (1) quartz–wolframite (I), (2) quartz–wolframite (II)–pyrite–chalcopyrite, (3) quartz–polymetallic sulphides, and (4) quartz–carbonate. Four types of FIs were recognized: CO2‐rich, CO2‐bearing, liquid‐rich, and brine inclusions. Microthermometric data showed that the homogenization temperatures and salinities from the early to late stages are 380–460°C, 7.4–17.3, and 29.3–43.2 wt% NaCl equiv., 300–390°C and 7.1–17.0 wt% NaCl equiv., 220–320°C and 2.7–8.1 wt% NaCl equiv., and 150–250°C and 0.5–4.8 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively, suggesting a decreasing trend. Geochemically, all stage fluids contained high Rb and Mn concentrations, high Rb/Na, Cs/Na, Li/Na, K/Na, Rb/Sr, low K/Rb, and consistent Cs/Rb and Cs/(Na + K) ratios, indicating that the mineralizing fluids originated from a common source—an underlying, geochemically uniform, and highly fractionated granitic magma. Fluid immiscibility and cooling are the main mechanisms for wolframite precipitation, whereas greisenization is subordinate; the incursion of meteoric water into the hydrothermal system initiated at the sulphide stage, and fluid mixing is the dominant mechanism for sulphide precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) in Hohhot, a large city on the northern border of China, and to identify independent risk factors for depression and anxiety in these patients. Patients receiving MHD for >3 months were enrolled in the four largest hemodialysis centers between September 2020 and December 2020. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Zung self-rated depression scale (SDS) and Zung self-rated anxiety scale (SAS), respectively, with demographic and other data collected for logistic regression analyses. Among 305 MHD patients included in this study, the prevalence of depression was 55.1%, including 27.5%, 21.0%, and 6.6% with mild, moderate and severe cases, respectively. The prevalence of anxiety was 25.9%, with 20.0%, 4.6%, and 1.3% having mild, moderate, and severe cases, respectively. An independent protective factor for depression was family income of ≥1415 US dollars/month relative to <157 US dollars/month (odds ratio [OR] 0.209, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.065–0.673), and predictors of depression included ≥3 comorbidities (OR 18.527, 95% CI 1.674–205.028) and severe pruritus (OR 15.971, 95% CI 5.173–49.315). Independent predictors of anxiety included infrequent exercise (OR 3.289, 95% CI 1.411–7.664) and severe pruritus (OR 5.912, 95% CI 1.733–20.168). The correlation between depression and anxiety in these patients was significant (rs = 0.775, p < 0.001). MHD patients in Northern China had high prevalence rates of depression (55.1%) and anxiety (25.9%). Lower family income, more comorbidities, and a higher degree of pruritus were predictors of depression, while infrequent exercise and severe pruritus were predictors of anxiety. Depression correlated significantly with anxiety. Attention should be given to family income, comorbidity, exercise, and pruritus severity for improved management of depression and anxiety among MHD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dongji epithermal Au deposit formed in the Early Cretaceous is located in the Dongkeng volcanic Basin of the South China Block. The orebodies of the deposit are mainly hosted in the Jurassic volcanic–subvolcanic rocks. Here, detailed zircon U–Pb geochronology, major‐trace elements, and fluid inclusion data of the Dongji deposit are reported. At least two epochs of magmatic activity were identified at Dongji, including the Late Jurassic rhyolitic crystal tuff lava (165.3 ± 1.8 Ma to 162.8 ± 2.6 Ma) and quartz porphyry (156.0 ± 1.9 Ma), and the Early Cretaceous dacitic crystal tuff lava (108.4 ± 5.7 Ma) and purplish‐red crystal tuff lava (98.1 ± 0.8 Ma). The Late Jurassic volcanic–subvolcanic rocks are characterized by high SiO2 content, enriched LILE (large ion lithophile element) elements, depleted HFSE (high field strength element) elements, and obvious P, Ti and Eu anomalies. These geochemical characteristics suggest that the volcanic–subvolcanic rocks were generated by partial melting of the lower crust and controlled by fractional crystallization of Ti‐bearing phases, apatite, and plagioclase. In comparison, the Early Cretaceous volcanic–subvolcanic rocks are characterized by high K contents, and arc‐like signatures (e.g., enriched Rb, Th, K, and depleted Nb, Ta, Ti), indicating a partial melting of crust–mantle interaction under an extensional tectonic setting. The ore‐bearing dacitic crystal tuff lava and the caprock of purplish‐red tuff lava constrain the timing of gold mineralization in the range of 108–98 Ma. The Au mineralization at Dongji is divided into the early stage of quartz‐pyrite association and the late main mineralization stage of quartz‐polymetallic sulfide association. The fluid inclusion microthermometry results show that the ore‐forming fluids at the early mineralization are characterized by enrichment of liquid‐rich two‐phase inclusions and CO2‐bearing aqueous inclusions. The fluids with moderate homogenization temperatures (292–382°C) and low salinities (5.4–10.0 wt% NaClequiv) were possibly exsolved from magmatic rocks. Nevertheless, fluid inclusions in the late‐stage contain liquid‐rich two‐phase inclusions and pure liquid phase inclusions. The homogenization temperatures (222–309°C) and salinities (2.4–8.3 wt% NaClequiv) of the late‐stage fluid inclusions are relatively lower than those of the early stage, probably indicating a fluid mixing of magmatic and meteoric fluids. Based on the above, we propose that fluid mixing is the key factor facilitating Au precipitation in the Dongji deposit, probably applicable to other Au deposits in the Dongkeng volcanic Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China there are approximately 100 pig breeds, which show great diversity in their appearance. However, information on genome selection signatures, such as spine curvature, is scarce. Therefore, we used the fixation index (FST) and cross‐population extended haplotype homozygosity (XPEHH) methods to explore the genome selection signatures of spine curvature in six breeds of Chinese indigenous pig. We identified 396 and 389 single nucleotide polymorphisms using the FST and XPEHH methods, respectively. We detected 19 selection signatures and 28 genes located in the selected regions. Five candidate genes (MAP3K7, CUX1, GRIN2B, ALPL and MACF1) were identified in the selection signatures. Additionally, 719 high‐frequency runs of homozygosity regions, 17 unique runs of homozygosity regions, 78 genes and 27 pathways were identified in the runs of homozygosity analysis. The TGF‐beta signaling pathway and eight genes related to the spine formation, spine defects and intervertebral disk degeneration were identified, comprising ACVR1, FMOD, ITGA4, MAPK8, PDGF, RPL3, SULF1 and UBE2D1. In summary, we identified 13 candidate genes related to spine curvature in Chinese indigenous pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) is currently placed in the order Scandentia. Owing to their unique characteristics, such as small body size, high brain-to-body mass ratio, short reproductive cycle and life span, and low maintenance costs in laboratory conditions, tree shrews have been proposed as alternative experimental animals to primates in biomedical research. In this study, we determined the complete mitochondrial genome of the subspecies Tupaia belangeri yaoshanensis (T.b. yaoshanensis). The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is 16,777 bp long and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (12S and 16S), and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. The base composition of the mitogenome was A (32.28%), T (26.82%), G (14.79%), and C (26.11%). For the 13 PCGs, 1405 variable sites were found between T.b. yaoshanensis and T.b. chinensis (JN800724), of which 916 were synonymous and 489 were nonsynonymous. The frequency of mutations significantly varied among the different genes, with the highest value in the mt-NAD5 gene of tree shrews. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequences of 13 PCGs revealed a closer relationship between the species of Scandentia and Lagomorpha. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of T.b. yaoshanensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low soil phosphorus (P) bioavailability causes the widespread occurrence of P-limited terrestrial ecosystems around the globe. Exploring the factors influencing soil P bioavailability at large spatial scales is critical for managing these ecosystems. However, previous studies have mostly focused on abiotic factors. In this study, we explored the effects of microbial factors on soil P bioavailability of terrestrial ecosystems using a country-scale sampling effort. Our results showed that soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and acid phosphatase were important predictors of soil P bioavailability of agro-and natural ecosystems across China although they appeared less important than total soil P. The two microbial factors had a positive effect on soil P bioavailability of both ecosystem types and were able to mediate the effects of several abiotic factors (e.g., mean annual temperature). Meanwhile, we revealed that soil phytase could affect soil P bioavailability at the country scale via ways similar to those of soil MBC and acid phosphatase, a pattern being more pronounced in agroecosystems than in natural ecosystems. Moreover, we obtained evidence for the positive effects of microbial genes encoding these enzymes on soil P bioavailability at the country scale although their effect sizes varied between the two ecosystem types. Taken together, this study demonstrated the remarkable effects of microbial factors on soil P bioavailability at a large spatial scale, highlighting the importance to consider microbial factors in managing the widespread P-limited terrestrial ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare hemoglobin (Hb) variant on the β-globin gene, which was detected in a female from Yulin City, Guangxi Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China (PRC), during routine thalassemia screening. The Hb variant remained unnoticed using capillary electrophoresis (CE) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while an additional peak was observed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). DNA sequencing revealed the GCC>GTC substitution at codon 13 on the β-globin gene, causing a substitution of alanine to valine. The mutation is only described in the ITHANET database but no Hb variant name and other information, so we named it Hb Yulin after the place of origin of the proband in this study. Hb Yulin is clinically silent and easily leads to misdiagnosis during hemoglobinopathies screening based on the common methods of HPLC and CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Net ecosystem productivity (NEP) plays an important role in understanding ecosystem function and the global carbon cycle. In this paper, the key parameters of the Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach (CASA) model, maximum light use efficiency (εmax), was optimized by using vegetation classification data. Then, the NEP was estimated by coupling the optimized CASA model, geostatistical model of soil respiration (GSMSR) and the soil respiration–soil heterotrophic respiration (Rs-Rh) relationship model. The ground observations from ChinaFLUX were used to verify the NEP estimation accuracy. The results showed that the R2 of the optimized CASA model increased from 0.411 to 0.774, and RMSE decreased from 21.425 gC·m−2·month−1 to 12.045 gC·m−2·month−1, indicating that optimizing CASA model by vegetation classification data was an effective method to improve the estimation accuracy of NEP. On this basis, the spatial and temporal distribution of NEP in China was analyzed. The research indicated that the monthly variation of NEP in China was a single peak curve with summer as the peak, which generally presented the pattern of southern region > northern region > Qinghai–Tibet region > northwest region. Furthermore, from 2001 to 2016, most regions of China showed a non-significant level upward trend, but main cropland (e.g., North China Plain and Northeast Plain) and some grassland (e.g., Ngari in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and Xilin Gol League in Inner Mongolia) showed a non-significant-level downward trend. The study can deepen the understanding of the distribution of carbon sources/sinks in China, and provide a reference for regional carbon cycle research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore susceptibility loci associated with uveitis in Behçet's disease (BD). Methods: We conducted a 2‐stage study, consisting of a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) stage and a replication stage, in a Chinese population. The GWAS stage included 978 cases with BD‐related uveitis and 4,388 controls, and the replication stage included 953 cases with BD‐related uveitis and 2,129 controls. Luciferase reporter analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were performed to explore the functional role of susceptibility genetic variants near ZMIZ1. Results: Three independent HLA alleles (HLA–B51 [3.75 × 10−190], HLA–A26 [1.50 × 10−18], and HLA–C0704 [3.44 × 10−16]) were identified as having a genome‐wide association with BD‐related uveitis. In the non‐HLA region, in addition to confirming 7 previously reported loci, we identified 22 novel susceptibility variants located in 16 loci. Meta‐analysis of the Chinese cohort consisting of 1,931 cases and 6,517 controls and a published Japanese cohort of 611 cases and 737 controls showed genome‐wide significant associations with ZMIZ1, RPS6KA4, IL10RA, SIPA1‐FIBP‐FOSL1, and VAMP1. Functional experiments demonstrated that genetic variants of ZMIZ1 were associated with enhanced transcription activity and increased expression of ZMIZ1. Conclusion: This GWAS study identified a novel set of genetic variants that are associated with susceptibility to uveitis in BD. These findings enrich our understanding of the contribution of genetic factors to the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sanjiang Indosinian orogen, located in the eastern part of the Paleo-Tethys tectonic domain, is a critical region to study the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean evolution. Middle Permian–Late Triassic magmatic rocks are widespread in the Deqin–Weixi–Madeng area of southwestern (SW) Sanjiang Indosinian orogen, yet their petrogenesis and tectonic setting remain disputed. In this study, LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotopes, and whole-rock elemental and Sr-Nd isotope geochemistry of Madeng dacite were studied. The Madeng dacite was dated at ca. 241.7 and 243.4 Ma. The samples had high Al2O3 (12.91 to 14.39 wt.%) but low MgO (0.62 to 1.76 wt.%) contents, and were alkali-rich (Na2O + K2O = 6.97 to 8.66 wt.%) with A/CNK > 1.1, strongly resembling peraluminous S-type granites. The rocks were enriched in Rb, K, Th, U and LREE, but depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, Ta, P and Ti, and showed obvious negative Eu anomalies, suggesting fractionation of Ti-bearing minerals (e.g., rutile and ilmenite) and plagioclase. The dacite had an initial 87Sr/86Sr value of 0.705698 to 0.710277, and negative εNd(t) (−11.28 to −10.64) and εHf(t) (−13.99 to −8.60), indicating a continental meta-sedimentary source. Their average Nb/Ta (12.24) and Th/U (4.65) were also consistent with continental crust. According to the lithological assemblage and geochemical features, we propose that the Deqin–Weixi–Madeng area intermediate-felsic magmatism was generated in a subduction-related tectonic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate identification of poisonous mushrooms and the confirmation of the toxins involved are both of great importance in the treatment of mushroom poisoning incidents. In recent years, cases of mushroom poisoning by Inosperma spp. have been repeatedly reported from tropical Asia. It is urgent to know the real species diversity of Inosperma in this region. In the present study, we proposed two new Inosperma species from tropical Asia, namely I. muscarium and I. hainanense. They were described based on morphology and multilocus phylogeny. Detailed descriptions, color photographs and the discussion with other closely related species of the two new taxa were provided. In addition, a comprehensive muscarine determination of these two new species using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) approach has been performed. Results showed that these two species were muscarine positive, with a content of 16.03 ± 1.23 g/kg in I. muscarium and a content of 11.87 ± 3.02 g/ kg in I. hainanense, much higher than the known species I. virosum. Recovery of muscarine ranged from 93.45% to 97.25%, and the average recovery is 95.56%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical composition, in vitro antioxidant, DNA damage protective, nitrite scavenging activities, as well as antibacterial activity of Amomum kravanh fruits essential oil against several foodborne pathogens, were investigated. Results showed that the 1,8-cineole (58.53%) was found as the main component, followed by α-pinene (8.32%), α-terpinyl acetate (4.68%), α-terpinolene (4.12%), α-terpinene (3.55%), β-pinene (3.49%). The essential oil had significant antioxidant activity, the protective effect against DNA damage, and nitrite scavenging activity. These biological activities were dose-dependent, increasing with the higher dosage in a certain concentration range. The essential oil exhibited antibacterial activity against four foodborne pathogens with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 5–10 mg/mL and minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) of 10–20 mg/mL. The antibacterial effects of essential oil were greater against Gram-positive bacteria as compared to Gram-negative bacteria. These results suggested that essential oil could be available as a significant natural agent for prevention of food oxidation and spoilage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental issue has attracted ever-increasing attention from governments and academics in recent years. Environmental performance analysis is widely considered a crucial and useful tool for effectively protecting the environment and developing a sustainable society. Many analytical techniques have been used to assess carbon emission performance, among which data envelopment analysis (DEA) is prominent. However, few previous DEA-related carbon emission performance studies recognize that the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions is limited to a specific level by authorities; ignoring this fixed-sum requirement may lead to distortions and deviations in empirical results. This paper proposes an alternative Malmquist DEA approach for evaluating the carbon emission performance while considering fixed-sum undesirable outputs. For this purpose, we develop a generalized equilibrium efficient frontier DEA model with fixed-sum undesirable outputs and combine the model with the Malmquist productivity index (MPI). The proposed approach is applied to assess the carbon emission performance of 30 provincial regions in China from 2009 to 2015. Then we provide analytical results and policy suggestions regarding the provincial carbon emission performance in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of economy, China faces a considerable challenge from environmental problems especially with the waste of gas pollution emitted by China's industry. To assess the environmental performance of China's industry, this paper proposes a new generalized equilibrium efficiency frontier data envelopment analysis (GEEFDEA) approach that considers waste gases as undesirable outputs. It is assumed that the total amount of waste gases that the industry is permitted to emit is limited (or fixed), that is, increasing air pollution of one area should reduce that of other areas for offset. Compared with the prior evaluation approaches, the proposed approach is the only one that satisfies the following conditions simultaneously. 1) The approach considers the property of the "fixed sum" of undesirable outputs. 2) The approach avoids the case in prior approaches (e.g., fixed sum output and zero sum gains DEA approaches) that an infeasible solution may occur when accessing decision making unites (DMUs) with fixed-sum undesirable outputs. 3) The proposed approach inherits all advantages of the GEEFDEA approach such as achieving an equilibrium state by only one step and obtaining a complete ranking order. Finally, the proposed approach is applied to evaluate the performance in China's industry from 2008 to 2013. Results show China's industry has significant regional characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian leaf-litter toads of the genus Leptobrachella represent charismatic anuran diversification with 80 species, of which 25 are from China. Recent new discoveries suggest that the diversity of this genus is underestimated. Here, we describe a new species of Leptobrachella, Leptobrachella bashaensis sp. nov. from the Basha Nature Reserve, Congjiang County, Guizhou Province, China. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the following suite of morphological traits: small body size (SVL 22.9-25.6 mm in six adult males and 27.1 mm in one adult female); head longer than wide; dorsal skin slightly shagreened with small tubercles; creamy-white chest and belly with irregular black spots; distinct ventrolateral glands forming a white line; finger webbing and fringes absent; toe webbing rudimentary and lateral fringes narrow; iris bicolored with bright orange in upper half and silver in lower half; dorsal surface of tadpole head dark brown with small, brown, irregular spot, air sac-shaped bulges on both sides of body. The new species differs from all known congeners by an uncorrected p-distance of >5.3% of the 16S rRNA gene fragment examined, and the phylogenetic analysis clusters the new species with L. maoershanensis and L. laui. At present, the new species is only known from a small range of montane evergreen secondary forests in Basha Nature Reserve approximately 900 m elevation. Its natural history and conservation status are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is the most common facial birth defect, with a worldwide incidence of 1 in 700-1000 live births. CL/P can be divided into syndromic CL/P (SCL/P) and nonsyndromic CL/P (NSCL/P). Genetic factors are an important component to the etiology of NSCL/P. ARHGAP29, one of the NSCL/P disease-causing genes, mediates the cyclical regulation of small GTP binding proteins such as RhoA and plays an essential role in cellular shape, proliferation, and craniofacial development. Methods. The present study investigated a Chinese family with NSCL/P and explored potential pathogenic variants using whole-exome sequencing (WES). Variants were screened and filtered through bioinformatic analysis and prediction of variant pathogenicity. Cosegregation was subsequently conducted. Results. We identified a novel heterozygous missense variant of ARHGAP29 (c.2615C > T, p.A872V) in a Chinese pedigree with NSCL/P. Conclusion. We detected the disease-causing variant in this NSCL/P family. Our identification expands the genetic spectrum of ARHGAP29 and contributes to novel approaches to the genetic diagnosis and counseling of CL/P families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a novel hemoglobin (Hb) variant found in a Chinese individual from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The proband was a 6-month-old boy who came from Dahua county, Hechi City. Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) showed an abnormal peak (51.2%) in zone 13. However, capillary isoelectric focusing electrophoresis (CIFE) presented an unknown peak in zone Bart's (51.4%). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) displayed an unknown peak (42.1%) at retention time 2.44 min., eluting before Hb A0. Direct DNA sequencing of the β-globin gene revealed heterozygosity for a missense mutation at codon 59 (AAG>ATG), causing a lysine to methionine substitution [β59(E3)Lys→Met; HBB: c.179A>T]. We decided to name the variant Hb Dahua for the place of origin of the proband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guide Basin is a potential site for enhanced geothermal system development in China. The optimal strategy is needed to maximize heat production potential and provide support for the future stimulation design. In this work, sensitivity analysis of influence factors on water flow path, production water temperature, and flow impedance is performed on the basis of hydraulic–thermal model of Guide Basin. The factors include reservoir parameters (length, width, height, permeability, and temperature) and operation parameters (injection rate, injection temperature, open hole length, and height difference of open hole). Results indicate that the main affecting factors of water flow path are stimulated reservoir permeability and injection rate. The most significant influencing factor of flow impedance is stimulated reservoir permeability. Reservoir geometry has the greatest influence on production water temperature. The stable period of production water temperature is mainly affected by reservoir geometry and the height difference of open hole. In the theoretically optimal strategy, the electrical powers of 150, 400, and 450 kg/s are 12.3, 32.7–33.3, and 36.2–37.6 MW, respectively. In the practically optimal strategy, the maximum injection rate is 80 kg/s and electrical power ranges from 0 to 1.25 MW. For future applications, the shallow reservoirs with high temperature are expected. Image 104214 • Nine influencing factors of heat performance are numerically investigated. • Reservoir geometry has the greatest influence on production water temperature. • The affecting factors of water flow path are determined. • The effects of the length and location of open hole are considered. • Optimal system attains an electric power of 36.2–37.6 MW and a flow rate of 450 kg/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cortinarius is an important ectomycorrhizal genus that forms a symbiotic relationship with certain trees, shrubs and herbs. Recently, we began studying Cortinarius in China and here we describe three new species of Cortinarius subg. Telamonia based on morphological and ecological characteristics, together with phylogenetic analyses. Cortinarius laccariphyllus sp. nov. (section Colymbadini) is associated with broadleaf trees, with strongly hygrophanous basidiomata, special Laccaria-like lamellae and white and extremely sparse universal veil. Cortinarius neotorvus sp. nov. (section Telamonia) is associated with broadleaf trees and is easily confused with C. torvus, but can be distinguished by the colour of the fresh basidiomes and the stipe usually somewhat tapering towards the base. Cortinarius subfuscoperonatus sp. nov. (section Fuscoperonati) is associated with coniferous trees, with subglobose to broadly ellipsoid spores and is closely related to C. fuscoperonatus. A key to the new species and similar species in sections Colymbadini, Telamonia and Fuscoperonati is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by a germline mutation in the STK11 gene. It is characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation, gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps, and cancer predisposition. Aims. We aimed to summarize the main clinical and genetic features of Chinese PJS patients and assessed the genotype-phenotype correlations. Methods. Thirty-eight patients clinically diagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome were included in this study from 2016 to 2019. Combined direct sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification tests were used to detect germline heterogeneous STK11 mutations. RNA sequencing was performed in polyps of PJS patients and control groups to evaluate the difference in expression of STK11. The genotype-phenotype correlations were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analyses. Results. All 26 probands and 12 affected relatives had germline heterogeneous STK11 mutations among which 8 variants were novel. Individuals with missense mutations had their first surgery and other symptoms significantly later than individuals with null mutations. Conclusion. This study expanded the spectrum of STK11 gene mutations and further elucidated individuals with null mutations of STK11 typically had an earlier onset of PJS symptoms and needed earlier management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a data envelopment analysis-based approach is proposed for estimating and decomposing the potential gains from the horizontal integrations of two-stage production systems. In the first tier, the gains of the potential merger are measured by a composite efficiency index. The potential efficiency gains are then decomposed as the product of coordination efficiency and two divisional potential efficiency gains. In the second tier, the divisional potential efficiency gains are decomposed into scope, size, and learning efficiencies. We develop a multiplicative framework for decomposing potential efficiency gain in mergers of the two-stage production systems, and the coordination efficiency is considered. In the case study of commercial banks in mainland China, we develop an algorithm for estimating and decomposing potential efficiency gain for a two-stage bank production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the hot topics is how to achieve more accurate results of economic and environmental efficiency evaluation in China. Previous data envelopment analysis (DEA) literature on environmental performance measurement often follow the concept of non-radial efficiency measure for calculating the performance on resources and economic-environmental factors respectively. This paper proposes a non-radial and multi-objective generalized DEA model for economic-environmental efficiency evaluation. The results illustrate that this model can not only analyze the relationship between DEA efficiency and Pareto optimality of the multi-objective programming problem defined on the production possibility set, but also obtain the performance improvement direction by using the projection of decision making units. Finally, a case on measuring the economic-environmental performance of Chinese provincial regions is employed to indicate that the proposed model can be helpful to promote the accuracy of economic-environmental efficiency evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relationship between psychological contract and knowledge sharing behavior in the enterprise system (ES) post-implementation stage. The fulfillment and obligation of psychological contract are proposed as antecedents of knowledge sharing behavior performed by client firms. Additionally, entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is considered a moderator in the relationship between psychological contract and knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted the questionnaire survey to collect data from 132 client firms of a focal ES provider in the garment industry of China. Hierarchical regression analysis was used for data analysis. Findings: Psychological contract fulfillment is negatively related to knowledge sharing, whereas the positive role of psychological contract obligation is supported. EOstrengthens the role of both psychological contract fulfillment and obligation in shaping knowledge sharing behavior of client firms. Originality/value: This study adopts forward- and backward-looking approaches in decision making as a theoretical lens to investigate how to improve client firms' knowledge sharing behavior through psychological contract. By figuring out the roles of psychological contract and EO in influencing knowledge sharing, this research benefits both vendor and client firms in maintaining sustainable collaboration and continuous improvement of ES projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hospital culture is a crucial aspect of residents' training. However, the mechanisms related to stakeholder culture (SC) and teacher‐resident interaction remain unclear. The study investigated the relationship between hospital culture and training performance of residents. Also, it explored the mediating effect of teacher‐resident exchange and the moderating effect of the teacher's transactional leadership style within a Chinese context. Methods: Based on stakeholder and leadership member exchange theories, we constructed a composite model. Data were collected from 296 residents from five tertiary hospitals in China. Hierarchical moderated regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. Results: (a) Both the employee‐orientation culture (EOC) (β =.14, P ≤.05) and patient‐orientation culture (POC) (β =.47, P ≤.001) in the hospital were significantly related to residents' training performance. (b) Teacher‐resident exchange fully mediated the relationship between EOC and training performance and partially mediated the relationship between POC and training performance. (c) The moderating role of transactional leadership style (TLS) in the relationship between EOC and leader‐member exchange (LMX) (β = −.17, P ≤.05) was negative; it was not significant in the interaction between POC and TLS (β =.06, P >.1). Conclusion: The results suggest that trainers should consider the value of multiple cultures and ensure balance among stakeholders rather than focusing on a single one. Furthermore, a positive interaction improves teacher‐student relationship and training performance. Most importantly, educational departments should pay attention to establishing assessment tools, using rewards and incentives in residents' training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to examine nurses' preferences for and attitudes toward e-learning, identify factors that motivated or discouraged their e-learning participation, and also find the relationship between the nurse's attitude and their characteristics. Method: A total of 534 RNs from eight hospitals in Shanghai were recruited. Data were collected using a questionnaire that consisted of e-learning experiences, barriers, motivating factors, learning preferences, and attitudes toward e-learning. Results: Flexibility was the most important motivating factor and lack of time was the most common barrier to their participating in e-learning. Participants who had no e-learning experiences reported more barriers about lack of familiarity with e-learning and e-learning platforms. Nearly half of the participants exhibited positive attitudes toward e-learning. Regression analysis identified that nurses who were married, used computers frequently, and worked in rural hospitals were associated with more positive attitudes toward e-learning. Conclusion: Nurse educators and managers could provide more opportunities for nurses to increase their familiarity with online education technology and develop more high-quality online courses to meet nurses' learning needs. Nurse educators and managers could provide more opportunities for nurses to increase their familiarity with online education technology and develop more high-quality online courses to meet nurses' learning needs. [[J Contin Educ Nurs. 2020;51(2):87–96.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how to leverage information technology (IT) capability to build organizational agility in the context of product innovation. A moderated mediating model is proposed from the capability‐building processes perspective. The data collected from 194 senior executives of firms in China show that knowledge management capability partially mediates the relationship between IT capability and organizational agility. Innovative climate also positively moderates the indirect relationship between IT capability and organizational agility in the context of product innovation. Discussion, implications, and direction for future research are offered at the end of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product-harm crises usually lead to product recalls, which would attract extensive public concern on the issue of product defects, but it is not yet clear how product recalls influence customers' risk perceptions and behavior responses. In this study, guided by the protective action decision model (PADM) and the heuristic-systematic model (HSM), and through an empirical study involving 467 participants drawn from the customers of Volkswagen, a conceptual model of information flow was developed, which starts from individuals' product experience, strengthening or weakening through information seeking and processing, then directly acts on the risk perception, and ultimately influences protective actions. By using structural equation modeling to test the model, and the results shown that customers' information need, seeking, and processing are significantly related to risk perception, their behavioral intentions (loyalty or boycott) are also significantly influenced by risk perception and product experience. Next, multiple-group analysis is employed to compare the distinctions between two groups of customers (those whose cars belong to the recall, and those not belonging to the recall). Unexpectedly, the role of information processing in the recall group is weaker than that in the not recalled group. At last, theoretical and practical implications and suggestions for further research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the high burden of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) in China and the worse outcome of TB-DM cases (refers to TB patients with diabetes), and drug-resistant tuberculosis cases (DR-TB), it is of great significance to explore the association between diabetes and primary DR-TB for TB elimination target in China. We assessed the clinical characteristics, drug-resistance profile, and increased risk of resistance among TB-DM patients across China from 2004 to 2017. Method: 7223 cases with drug-susceptibility data were collected from Shandong, China. Categorical baseline characteristics of new TB cases were compared by DM status using Fisher's exact or Pearson Chi-square test. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic models were used to estimate the association between diabetes and different drug-resistance profiles and the risk factors of primary drug resistance among TB-DM cases. Result: Of 7223 newly diagnosed TB patients, 426 (5.90%) were TB-DM cases. TB-DM csaes were more likely to be older，accompanied by higher body mass index (BMI) and hypertension than TB-no DM cases (refers to TB patients without diabetes). The rates of DR-TB (21.83% vs 16.96%), polydrug resistant TB (PDR-TB, 6.10% vs 3.80%), isoniazid (INH)+streptomycin (SM)-resistant TB (4.93% vs 3.13%), and SM-resistant TB (16.20% vs 11.7%) among TB-DM group were higher than TB-no DM group, P<0.05. DM was significantly associated with any DR-TB (adjusted (aOR):1.30; 95% CI, 1.02–1.65), SM-related resistance (aOR: 1.43; 95% CI, 1.08–1.88), PDR-TB (OR: 1.57; 95% CI, 1.04–2.36; aOR: 1.59; 95% CI, 1.04–2.44), compared with pan-susceptible TB patients (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our study indicated that TB-DM groups had a higher proportion of drug resistance than TB groups, and diabetes was identified as a risk factor of total DR, PDR, SM resistance and INH+SM resistance among newly diagnosed TB cases. Good management of diabetes and TB infection screening program among DM patients might be necessary for improving TB control in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our study was aimed to validate a modified RBD (REM sleep behavior disorder) single question (RBD1Q-C), study the prevalence of probable RBD (pRBD) in a rural community based on RBD1Q-C and investigate the association between pRBD and Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods: The validation study of RBD1Q-C included 32 Chinese participants (14 idiopathic RBD patients and 18 controls). All participants underwent a polysomnogram (PSG). We then conducted a door-to-door survey to estimate the prevalence of pRBD assessed by RBD1Q-C, and its association with PD among 19614 residents who lived in Malu community of Shanghai, China.Results: RBD1Q-C demonstrated a high sensitivity of 100%, a moderate specificity of 55.6%. The agreement between RBD1Q-C and PSG-based RBD diagnosis was good (k = 0.552). PPV of the RBD1Q-C was 63.6% and NPV was 100%. The prevalence of pRBD in Malu community was 4.9%. In people over 50 years old, presence of pRBD was significantly associated with increased risk of having PD (odds ratio = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.56-4.39).Conclusion: RBD1Q-C was shown to be a useful screening tool. Based on the RBD1Q-C, we found that pRBD was not rare in Chinese rural population and associated with odds of PD, calling for more attention from patients, caregivers and physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leukoaraiosis (LA) is shown as white matter hyperintensities on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging brain scans. Together with candidate gene association studies (CGAS), multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to be associated with LA in European populations. To date, no replication studies have been reported in independent Chinese samples. Methods: Here, we performed a candidate gene association study comprising 220 Chinese subjects with LA and 50 controls. Thirty-nine polymorphisms on 32 risk genes were selected from previous studies, and they were genotyped through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Genetic association analysis was firstly performed in all subjects with LA. Then, the same analysis was conducted in the six random sampling cohorts of 50 LA patients, respectively. Data analyses on the associations of SNPs with LA risk were evaluated through Pearson's χ2 and multivariate logistic regression tests. Results: We found that eight polymorphisms in six genes (PMF1 , ICAM1 , TRIM65 , AGT , FBF1 , and ACOX1) were significantly associated with LA in the genetic association tests. Except for those eight gene variants, 24 other polymorphisms were not found to be significantly associated with LA in general genetic model, dominant model, recessive model, or multiplicative model. Among those eight polymorphisms, rs2984613 in PMF1 showed significant association with LA in the cohort of 220 LA subjects, and such significant association remained in both general genetic model (OR: 0.262, 95% CI: 0.091–0.752, p adj = 0.030) and recessive model (OR: 0.323, 95% CI: 0.119–0.881, p adj = 0.038) when controlling for clinical variables. Seven other significant variants (rs5498 in ICAM1 , rs699 in AGT , rs2305913 in FBF1 , rs1135640 in ACOX1 , and rs3760128, rs7214628, and rs7222757 in TRIM65) were identified in those six random sampling tests that were conducted in the adjusted cohorts of 50 LA patients. In addition, except for rs699 which showed detrimental effect and represented a risk variant for LA, seven other polymorphisms seemed to exert protective effects on LA and to reduce the risk of LA. It is necessary to confirm these associations in an independent cohort. Conclusions: This first replication study on multiple genes in an independent Chinese population did not replicate any risk polymorphisms for LA other than rs 699 in AGT but revealed the significantly negative associations of PMF1 , ICAM1 , TRIM65 , FBF1 , and ACOX1 polymorphisms with LA. It not only supported the strong ethnic differences in the genetics of LA but also indicated that those six identified genes may be involved in Chinese white matter lesions. Larger scales of CGAS and GWAS are necessary to confirm and decipher those ethnic-Han specific risk genes for LA in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the impact of two decision makers' interaction with conflicts on the efficiencies of the system. We start with a general principal-agent framework where the principal and the agent make decisions independently and the principal has a contradictive objective to that of the agent. We develop data envelopment analysis (DEA) models in the principal's and the agent's perspectives respectively. Non-cooperation between the principal and the agent is discussed to illustrate how one decision maker affects the other and the corresponding efficiency and incentive contract of the system. In addition, cooperation of the two parties is also analyzed to better derive how the performance of the system is influenced by the parties and their interactions as well. Then, this study illustrates the proposed models and effective incentive contracts by applying them to the efficiency evaluations of 22 China listed electric power companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emission allocation in China is one of the most important research fields in recent years. The existing carbon allocation approaches are primary based on efficiency maximized principle or efficiency invariance principle. Such two principles, however, are both extreme cases which are particularly difficult to realize in reality. In this study, we proposed an alternative approach based on gradually efficiency improvement planning and emission reduction planning principles. Based on them, the efficiency is planning to be steadily improved after allocating carbon emission year by year rather than achieve the maximized target (efficient) in a single step or maintain the original efficiency without any improvement. Meanwhile, the total carbon emission is also planning to be reduced by a certain percent according to the promise by China in Copenhagen climate conference. Finally, the proposed method is applied to allocate the carbon emission quotas among provinces in China, and some realistic conclusions are obtained to guide in reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate factors affecting the discarded semen of boars. A total of 176,368 ejaculates of boars from nine AI centers were collected from January 2013 to May 2016 in Southern China. The criteria for determining whether their semen was abnormal included cytoplasmic droplets, coiling tail, sperm agglutination, impurity, poor motility, oligozoospermia, necrozoospermia, azoospermia, and hemospermia. The cause of discarded semen was evaluated with a Chi-square test, and the effects of housing type, breed, age at collection, season identified in the northern hemisphere, and age at herd entry of the discarded semen of boars were analyzed with a logistic regression model. Results indicated the proportion of the discarded semen (PDS) in the nine AI centers was 13.09%. Chi-square test showed the greatest PDS among all causes was found in semen discarded due to cytoplasmic droplets (31.60%), followed by impurity (25.96%), sperm agglutination (20.31%), coiling tail (17.72%), oligozoospermia (10.86%), and others (6.78%; P < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed the PDS was affected by all these five factors (P < 0.0001). The PDS of boars raised individually in stalls was greater than that of boars raised individually in pens (OR: 1.657; 95% CI: 1.607 to 1.709). The PDSs of Duroc boars (OR: 1.130; 95% CI: 1.093 to 1.167) and Yorkshire boars (OR: 1.432; 95% CI: 1.380 to 1.486) were greater than that of Landrace boars. The PDSs of adult boars (aged from 13 to 24 mo, from 25 to 36 mo, and more than 37 mo with OR: 0.800, 0.941, and 0.838, respectively; 95% CI: 0.771 to 0.831, 0.902 to 0.983, and 0.790 to 0.889, respectively) were lower than those of young boars (aged less than 12 mo). The PDSs of semen collected in summer (OR: 1.367; 95% CI: 1.314 to 1.422), autumn (OR: 1.185; 95% CI: 1.138 to 1.234), and winter (OR: 1.159; 95% CI: 1.115 to 1.206) were greater than those of semen obtained in spring. The PDSs of boars introduced at ages of 5–7 mo (OR: 1.432; 95% CI: 1.380 to 1.486) and 10–12 mo (OR: 1.432; 95% CI: 1.380 to 1.486) were greater than those of boars introduced at an age of 8 and 9 mo. In conclusion, logistic regression analysis reveals discarded semen is affected by housing type, breed, age at collection, season, and age at herd entry. More importantly, cytoplasmic droplets is the primary reason for discarding boar semen, and 8 months at herd entry is the most suitable age for boar introduction. • A logistic regression model was firstly used to study the influencing factors of discarded boar semen. • Cytoplasmic droplets is the primary reason for discarding the semen of boars in Southern China. • Discarded semen is affected by housing type, breed, age at collection, season, and age at herd entry. • 8 months at herd entry is the most suitable age for boar introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One challenge to the success of online knowledge-sharing communities relates to the participants' longtime participation. Literature has explored the determinants of initial participation rather than longtime participation despite significant differences between them. To fill this research gap, this article conceptualizes involvement and continuous commitment regarding longtime participation and examines their antecedents in the Chinese context. Extending the expectancy-value theory, knowledge-sharing expectancy, knowledge-sharing value, and knowledge-sharing affect are identified as antecedents of involvement and continuous commitment. This article further suggests that interpersonal trust and the norm of reciprocity are important contextual factors in the Chinese context that enhance the positive impacts of these antecedents on involvement and continuous commitment. Empirical results confirm most hypotheses. Interestingly, the impact of knowledge-sharing affect is not influenced by interpersonal trust or the norm of reciprocity. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bogetoft and Wang proposed admirable production economic models to estimate and decompose the potential gains from mergers. They provided a good platform to quantify the merger efficiency and related it to relevant organisational changes ex-ante. In this paper, we develop an alternative approach to decompose the potential overall gains from mergers into to technical effect, size effect, and harmony effect. The proposed approach uses strongly efficient projections, and consistently calculates radial input-based measures for these three effects based on the pre-merger aggregated inputs. In addition, the proposed approach is of vital significance in two special cases where the aggregated projected inputs are not proportional to the pre-merger aggregated inputs and where the production sizes are very different for the original decision-making units. Finally, an application to the City Commercial Banks (CCBs) in China is provided to illustrate the usefulness and efficacy of the proposed approach. The application shows that there exist significant merger efficiency gains for these top 20 CCBs. Further, both the technical effect and harmony effect favour mergers, whereas the size effect would work against most mergers. Thus, in most cases the full-size merger with "organisational sense" is not proper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China is facing a continuously rising numbers of people with cognitive impairment (CI).Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of CI among elderly people living in rural and urban communities.Methods: We conducted a face-to-face survey of CI on 7,900 individuals aged 50 years or older meeting inclusion criteria in the Malu (rural community, n = 4,429) and Wuliqiao (urban community, n = 3,471) communities of Shanghai. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to evaluate the cognitive function. Information on demographic features and potential risk factors for CI was collected during the interview. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors associated with CI.Results: Based on the education modified MMSE score, we identified 329 CI cases in rural community and 227 in urban community. The prevalence of CI was 7.43% in rural population and 6.54% in urban population (p = 0.13). In the urban population, risk of having CI was associated with age (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.08), lack of physical activities (OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.11-4.57), presence of diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.04-3.07), and having three or more children (OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.27-4.50). In contrast, factors associated with rural populations included female gender (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.08-3.82), age (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03-1.08), exposure to pesticides (OR = 4.68; 95% CI: 1.27-17.21), history of encephalitis or meningitis (OR = 6.02; 95% CI: 1.92-18.85) and head trauma (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.10-3.24).Conclusions: Urban rural and populations showed different risk factors for CI, suggesting that different preventive strategies in these areas should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-stage slack-based measure (SBM) model has many applications in the real world. Due to the limitations of the SBM model on which it is based, the two-stage SBM model unfortunately gives unrealistically low efficiencies and rather far projections (Tone in Eur J Oper Res 197(1):243-252, 2010) for inefficient decision- making unit. Based on the novel idea in Tone (2010), this paper proposes a variation of the two-stage SBM model by incorporating a leader-follower structure and applies the proposed approach to Chinese commercial banks. The results show that our proposed approach can increase efficiencies of inefficient banks and halve the projection distance of some inefficient banks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]