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The Erdaopuzi section in the Baishan area of Jilin Province, northeast China, contains abundant late Tremadoc graptolites. However, there are some taxonomic controversies regarding the characters of the hand specimens that are difficult to identify. In this paper, we present our restudy of isolated graptolites from acid residue and discuss the taxonomic problems of the subgenus Clonograptus (Neoclonograptus) Zhao and Zhang. Four genera and six species were identified, including Adelograptus tenellus (Linnarsson), Ancoragraptus gracilis (Zhao and Zhang), Dictyonema sp., Psigraptus jacksoni Rickards and Stait, Psigraptus lenzi Jackson, Psigraptus arcticus Jackson. According to the significant evolution of morphological characters, two graptolite zones (from bottom to top) can be identified in ascending order in the study area, i.e. Adelograptus Zone and the Psigraptus Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A restudy of the early Darriwilian graptolites from the Dameigou section in the Qaidam Basin provides some new information for graptolite biostratigraphy. The section contains a number of biserial faunas and easily identifiable Holmograptus Kozlowski, 1957, which are the marked faunas of the early Darriwilian. According to the biostratigraphic occurrences of the species, the Levisograptus dentatus Zone and the Holmograptus lentus Zone are identified from the Qaidam Basin. At the same time, the identification of these two graptolite zones provides materials for replacing the old, long-ranging Amplexograptus confertus Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karst caves are widely distributed in southwest China, causing difficulties and disasters for tunnel construction. To better detect the krast caves in front of the tunnels under construction using the transient electromagnetic method, in this paper we propose a 3-D finite element method to simulate the multi-parameter transient electromagnetic response of unfavorable geological bodies in a wholespace. First, the models of vertical water-filled faults, water-filled caves and complex geological bodies in front of the tunnel face are established. The horizontal electric field component and the vertical magnetic field component at different time in the whole-space are researched. Secondly, the electromagnetic response features of the caves with different resistivity, buried depths and scales are studied. We found that the resistivity of the target body is 10 times larger than that of the surrounding rocks, and the anomaly amplitude increases obviously with the growing distance from the target body. The deeper the buried depth, the later the anomaly appears and the smaller the anomaly amplitude. The larger the target size, the longer the transient electromagnetic response delay and the larger the anomaly amplitude. We arranged a measuring line on the tunnel face. The full-time apparent resistivity section shows the position and characteristics of the low-resistivity anomalous body, indicating that the transient electromagnetic method (TEM) has obvious advantages in detecting the low-resistivity body in front of the tunnel face. Finally, the TEM is successfully applied to the advanced detection of a karst tunnel to get the electrical distribution of the surrounding rocks in front of the tunnel face. According to the geological conditions of the excavated tunnel, the validity of the TEM in the tunnel advanced prediction is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the evolution of the ethics committees for health research, their history, membership, and function in China and Australia is described. Investigators in each country compared the history and governance of their ethical systems based on the published evidence rather than personal opinions. Similarly, examples of challenges were selected from the literature. In both countries, the aim was to maximize the social benefits of research and minimize the risk imposed on the participants. Common challenges include maintaining independence, funding and delivering timely ethical reviews of the research projects. These challenges can be difficult where research ethics committees rely on voluntary contributions and lack a strong resource base. They must adapt to the increasingly rapid pace of research as well as the technological sophistication. Population health research can challenge the conventional views of consent and privacy. The principles of the sound ethical review are common in both countries; governance arrangements and operational procedures, however, can differ, reflecting the cultural values and norms of their host countries and in respect of legal environments. By studying the evolution and function of ethics committees in the two countries, we established the differences in the governance and health systems, while similar ethical objectives helped sustain collaborative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy is the most common glomerular disease in China, accounting for about 20 % to 47 % of primary glomerular diseases. Xiyin liangxue decoction is a common experience in the treatment of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy in recent years. The research of this formula in the clinical treatment of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy has achieved obvious curative effect. This article aims to study the protective mechanism of xiyin liangxue decoction on Immunoglobulin A nephropathy rats and analyzes and compares the advantages of xiyin liangxue decoction and western medicine in the treatment of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy rats with Sprague dawley nephropathy rats. The results of the study showed that after treatment of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy rats with xiyin liangxue decoction, the renal function of the rats in the treatment group was significantly improved, the expressions of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase increased by 19 % and 5 % and the expressions of albumin and globulin increased by 19 % and 25 %. In addition, in the treatment group, the number of urine red blood cells, urine protein and urine mannose binding lectin decreased by 29 %, 13 % and 25 %, respectively. The urine volume of rats in the high dose group was significantly reduced by 13 % and the expressions of blood urea nitrogen and blood creatinine increased 22 % and 8 % respectively. After treatment with xiyin liangxue decoction, the cure rate of experimental Immunoglobulin A rats reached 24 % and 33 % had significant improvement. It can be seen that xiyin liangxue decoction has a good clinical treatment effect on Immunoglobulin A nephropathy rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil desertification affects the service functions of the ecosystem. In severe cases, it even causes a decline in agricultural productivity and shrinkage of animal husbandry, posing a threat to regional eco-environment and economic sustainability. The previous research on soil remediation research mainly concentrates on heavy metal degradation, saline soil improvement, and eroded and degraded soil improvement. There is little report on the biomass improvement and restoration of sandy soil. Therefore, this paper explores the remediation effect of biomass amendment on the physical-chemical performance and sustainable utilization of sandy soil in Huangyangtan, the largest sandy land in northern China's Hebei Province. Specifically, the authors detailed the strategies to measure the physical-chemical indices and microbial diversity of Huangyangtan sandy soil, and introduced the materials and mode of the biomass amendment test on Huangyangtan sandy soil, followed by an elaboration on the test results. The influence of different test fertilizers on the soil was analyzed in four dimensions, namely, physical performance, chemical performance, biological performance, and crop yield. The results show that biomass amendment can effectively remediate sandy soil, and promote its sustainable utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined ecological, morphological, and molecular approach was used to examine 26 herbarium specimens and eight strains of Moesziomyces. The phylogenetic analysis resolved eight well-supported clades, of which three contained type specimens of known species of Moesziomyces. One clade contained two specimens that produced a teleomorph in the flowers of Echinochloa kimberleyensis in Australia. The name Moesziomyces kimberleyensis is proposed for this smut fungus. Another clade contained specimens that produced sori in the flowers of Leersia hexandra. The name Thecaphora globuligera (now Moesziomyces globuligerus) is available for this species, which is lectotypified. The teleomorph of Moesziomyces antarcticus, previously known only from Japan, is found for the first time in China, on Echinochloa crus-galli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northwestern China has a wealth of endemic species, which has been hypothesized to be affected by the complex paleoclimatic and paleogeographic history during Quaternary. In this paper, we used Gymnocarpos przewalskii as a model to address the evolutionary history and current population genetic structure of species in northwestern China. We employed two chloroplast DNA fragments (rps16 and psbB‐psbI), one nuclear DNA fragment (ITS), and simple sequence repeat (SSRs) to investigate the spatial genetic pattern of G. przewalskii. High genetic diversity (cpDNA: hS = 0.330, hT = 0.866; ITS: hS = 0.458, hT = 0.872) was identified in almost all populations, and most of the population have private haplotypes. Moreover, multimodal mismatch distributions were observed and estimates of Tajima's D and Fu's FS tests did not identify significantly departures from neutrality, indicating that recent expansion of G. przewalskii was rejected. Thus, we inferred that G. przewalskii survived generally in northwestern China during the Pleistocene. All data together support the genotypes of G. przewalskii into three groups, consistent with their respective geographical distributions in the western regions—Tarim Basin, the central regions—Hami Basin and Hexi Corridor, and the eastern regions—Alxa Desert and Wulate Prairie. Divergence among most lineages of G. przewalskii occurred in the Pleistocene, and the range of potential distributions is associated with glacial cycles. We concluded that climate oscillation during Pleistocene significantly affected the distribution of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve organizational variables that were associated with the organizational effectiveness of spare-time sports schools in China were examined. Specifically, coaches' expressed satisfaction with their jobs and their performance was assessed, and the significant organizational correlates of these two effectiveness indicators were identified. Six hundred forty coaches participated in the study. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were carried out to determine if there were common determinants of coaches' job satisfaction and performance. The results showed that job influence, job motivation, incentive system, and leader behavior had a more pervasive influence on job satisfaction and job performance of the coaches than did other variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present work aimed to further explore the therapeutic potential of Xing Qi Hua Ying Tang (XQHYT) by conducting a systemic clinical study in patients with goiter. Design: Seventy-two patients with either multinodular or diffuse goiter were enrolled and randomly assigned into treatment group receiving XQHYT (n = 36) and control group receiving Hai Zao Yu Hu Tang (n = 36). Location: Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Shanxi. Subjects: Patients were diagnosed multinodular goiter or diffuse goiter resulting from Qi stagnation. Intervention: All patients took the extract twice a day (100 mL each time) for two courses of treatment, of which a single course lasted for 3 months. Before the treatment was commenced and after the completion of the treatment, general body checks, thyroid function test, and goiter size examination were performed. Outcome measures: Scoring of the clinical symptoms using Chinese medicine symptomatology was also done. Results: The symptom score of the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (treatment group, 8.26 ± 2.62; control group, 10.02 ± 2.62; p < 0.05). Substantial reduction in goiter size was seen in 82.3% of XQHYT-treated patients, whereas in the control group only 67.7% of patients exhibited constricted goiter. When assessed by both the Chinese medicine criteria and goiter size, the overall effective rate of the treatment group was 91.2%, whereas that of the control group was only 67.7%. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). XQHYT did not affect the normal functions of liver, kidney, and heart. For both groups of patients, their levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T4 and free T3 were normal before the treatment, and were not affected by the treatment. Conclusion: XQHYT was shown to be a promising therapeutic regimen for the treatment of goiter. The herbal regimen ameliorated clinical symptoms of patients that were accompanied with reduction in the size of goiter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A lot of time and money was needed during the diagnosis and treatment process of leprosy, the delayed leprosy would also impair the labor capability of patients as well, and these put a heavy burden for the leprosy patients. The migrant leprosy patient is a special group and need more concern. Our goal was to assess the economic burden of leprosy on migrant and resident patient populations in Guangdong province, China.Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey from February to July of 2016. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to leprosy patients who: (1) had registered in Leprosy Management Information System in China (LEPMIS) by the end of February 2016, (2) had received multiple drug treatment (MDT) drugs at a local leprosy control institution for three consecutive months or had had at least one physical check in the past half year, and (3) were willing to take part in the investigation and give informed written consent. Demographic characteristics, Financial and disease information, and costs before and after leprosy diagnosis were collected and compared using t-test and χ2 test.Results: A total of 254 participants completed the questionnaires, including 168 males and 86 females. Migrants and residents accounted for 33.9% and 66.1% of patients, respectively. Among migrant patients, the median cost before diagnosis was $131.6 (39.2-450.9), the median yearly cost of leprosy treatment after diagnosis was $300.6 (158.4-868.5), and the median yearly cost of leprosy complications was $69.5 (11-178.4). In comparison, among residents the median yearly costs were $152.4 (30.7-770.9) pre-diagnosis, $309.7 (103.2-1016.7) after diagnosis, and $91.9 (32.6-303.1) for leprosy complications. Base on this, we determined that the median yearly total expense after diagnosis amounted to 15% of migrant and 38% of resident patients' annual income.Conclusion: Leprosy places a heavy economic burden on both migrant and resident leprosy patients and governmental policies and programs could substantially alleviate this. Measures to implement more active surveillance and early diagnosis would benefit both populations, while labor protection and medical insurance are urgently needed for migrant patients and easier access to medical services and social aids could substantially decrease the burden of leprosy for resident patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our study aimed to design a tool of evaluating intersectional collaboration on Non-communicable Chronic Disease (NCD) prevention and control, and further to understand the current status of intersectional collaboration in community health service institutions of China.Methods: We surveyed 444 main officials of community health service institutions in Beijing, Tianjin, Hubei and Ningxia regions of China in 2014 by using a questionnaire. A model of collaboration measurement, including four relational dimensions of governance, shared goals and vision, formalization and internalization, was used to compare the scores of evaluation scale in NCD management procedures across community healthcare institutions and other ones. Reliability and validity of the evaluation tool on inter-organizational collaboration on NCD prevention and control were verified.Results: The test on tool evaluating inter-organizational collaboration in community NCD management revealed a good reliability and validity (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.89,split-half reliability = 0.84, the variance contribution rate of an extracted principal component = 49.70%). The results of inter-organizational collaboration of different departments and management segments showed there were statistically significant differences in formalization dimension for physical examination (p = 0.01).There was statistically significant difference in governance dimension, formalization dimension and total score of the collaboration scale for health record sector (p = 0.01,0.00,0.00). Statistical differences were found in the formalization dimension for exercise and nutrition health education segment (p = 0.01). There were no statistically significant difference in formalization dimension of medication guidance for psychological consultation, medical referral service and rehabilitation guidance (all p > 0.05).Conclusion: The multi-department collaboration mechanism of NCD prevention and control has been rudimentarily established. Community management institutions and general hospitals are more active in participating in community NCD management with better collaboration score, whereas the CDC shows relatively poor collaboration in China. Xing-ming Li and Alon Rasooly have the same contribution to the paper. Xing-ming Li and Alon Rasooly listed as the same first author. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of underground space technology in China, the construction of tunnel caverns is increasing. Good air quality in the tunnel is not only necessary for labor safety, but also to create a good construction environment conditions, improve work efficiency, speed up the construction of an important guarantee. The complex construction in the caverns, resulting in a large number of dust will flow to other caves, not only affect the cavern, but also on the other cave caused secondary pollution, affecting its normal construction operations. However, the cavern group construction work, just rely on the traditional single tunnel construction ventilation technology is obviously unable to meet the dust group requirements. Therefore, the study on the distribution of dust in the construction of the caverns is of great significance to improve the dust control work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current urban rail transit project in the vigorous development of the community, due to the needs of the site environment or line selection, it has been a common phenomenon in the actual construction of the tunnel encountered in the parallel operation and tunnel overlap situation, the new tunnel or tunnel group on the existing tunnel or other structure of the interaction problem has become very prominent! Based on the blasting excavation of the single-channel caverns in the first phase of the Chongqing Rail Transit Line 10 project, this paper makes a detailed investigation of the actual engineering, and uses ANSYS/LS-DYNA to simulate to comparative analysis and optimization the tunnel lining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Building highly qualified General Practitioners (GPs) is key to the development of primary health care. It's therefore urgent to ensure the GPs' quality service under the background of the new round of health care system reforms in China. A new model of GP qualification examination was originally implemented in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, China, which aimed to empirically evaluate the GPs' capability in terms of clinical performance and social recognition. In the current study, an analysis was made of the first two years (2014-2015) of such theoretical and practical examinations on the GPs there with a view to getting a deep insight into the GP community so as to identify the barriers to such a form of GP qualification examination. Methods: The agency survey method was applied to the two-year database of the GP examinees, the formative research conducted to explore the key elements for developing the examination model. The data analysis was performed with SPSS for Windows (Version 19.0) to describe the GPs' overall characteristics, and to make comparisons between different groups. Results: In 2015, the total number of GPs was 1264 in the area, in different districts of which, statistically significant differences were found in sex, age, professional title and employment span (P < 0.05). Such results were found to be similar to those in 2014. The examinees' theoretical scores were statistically different (F = 7.76; P < 0.05), showing a sloping trend from the urban district to the suburban, to the rural and then to the farther rural, as indicated by LSD-t test (P < 0.05). From the theoretical examinations the scores were higher on the western medicine than on the traditional Chinese medicine (F = 22.11; P < 0.05). Conclusions: As suggested by the current study on the GPs' qualification examination, which was pioneered in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, the construction of GP community was far from sufficient. It was a preliminary study and further studies are merited along the construction and development in terms of continuing medical education, performance appraisal and incentive mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, species of Atraphaxis (Polygonaceae) primarily inhabit arid zones across temperate steppe and desert regions. The complex geologic history (e.g., expansion of deserts) and extreme climate shifts of the region appear to have played an important role in shaping the phylogeography of Atraphaxis. The present study focuses on species-level phylogeographic patterns of Atraphaxis in China, with the goal of determining the impact of past environmental changes, in northern China, on the evolutionary history of the genus. Five hundred and sixty-four individuals distributed among 71 populations of 11 species of Atraphaxis from across the geographic range of the genus were studied using sequence data from two plastid spacers, psbK-psbI and psbB-psbH. The results demonstrate that most chloroplast haplotypes are species-specific, except for some present among widespread species. The phylogeny of Atraphaxis was well structured, and molecular dating analyses suggest that the main divergence events occurred during the late Pliocene and Pleistocene (5.73–0.03 million years ago). The statistical dispersal-vicariance analysis (S-DIVA) results provide evidence that phylogeographic patterns for the genus were characterized by both vicariance events and regional dispersal. The presented data suggest that the rapid expansion of deserts and climatic changes in northern China during the late Pliocene and Pleistocene have driven the diversification and spread of Atraphaxis in the region. The expansion of the Tengger Desert provided appropriate conditions for the origin of A. bracteata. Additionally, a contact zone in the north of the Hexi Corridor was identified as having played a significant role as a migratory route for species in adjacent areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the impact of nutritional support on clinical outcomes in patients at nutritional risk who receive nutritional support that meets guideline standards and those who do not.Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled hospitalized patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from February 2010 to June 2012. The research protocols were approved by the university's ethics committee, and the patients signed informed consent forms. The clinical data were collected based on nutritional risk screening, administration of enteral and parenteral nutrition, surgical information, complications, and length of hospital stay.Results: During the study period, 525 patients at nutritional risk were enrolled in the cohorts. Among patients who received nutritional support that met the guideline standards (Cohort 1), the incidence of infectious complications was lower than that in patients who did not meet guideline standards (Cohort 2) (17.1 % vs. 26.9 %, P = 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that individuals who received a combination of parenteral nutrition (PN) and enteral nutrition (EN) for 7 or more days had a significantly lower incidence of infectious complications (P = 0.001) than those who received only PN for 7 or more days or those who received nutritional support for less than 7 days or at less than 10 kcal/kg/d. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for confounding factors, nutritional support that met guideline standards for patients with nutritional risk was a protective factor for complications (OR: 0.870, P < 0.002).Conclusions: In patients at nutritional risk after abdominal surgery, nutritional support that meets recommended nutrient guidelines (especially regimens involving PN + EN ≥ 7 days) might decrease the incidence of infectious complications and is worth recommending; however, well-designed trials are needed to confirm our findings. Nutritional support that does not meet the guideline standards is considered clinically undesirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on two chloroplast DNA sequences, psbA-trnH and trnT-trnF, phylogeographical patterns of a desert shrub, Ephedra przewalskii, were examined across most of its geographic range in northwestern China. A total of sixteen haplotypes were detected. There was a common haplotype in each basin, that was haplotype A in Tarim Basin, haplotype G in Junggar Basin, and haplotype M in Qaidam Basin. Genetic variance mainly occurred among populations, geographic regions, and eleven geographic groups subdivided by SAMOVA analysis. E. przewalskii likely had a smaller and more fragmented geographic range during the Last Glacial Maximum, which was determined based on ecological niche modelling. Three groups of E. przewalskii populations were detected to have experience range expansion, and this was based on significant values of Fu’s FS, Tajima’s D, and unimodel mismatch distributions. The cold and dry climate during the glacial period of the Quaternary is postulated to have been a driver for significant genetic isolation and divergence among populations or groups in E. przewalskii, whereas the warmer and wetter climate during the interglacial period is speculated to have provided favourable conditions for range expansion of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex geological movements more or less affected or changed floristic structures, while the alternation of glacials and interglacials is presumed to have further shaped the present discontinuous genetic pattern of temperate plants. Here we consider Capparis spinosa, a xeromorphic Tethyan relict, to discuss its divergence pattern and explore how it responded in a stepwise fashion to Pleistocene geologic and climatic changes. 267 individuals from 31 populations were sampled and 24 haplotypes were identified, based on three cpDNA fragments (trnL-trnF, rps12-rpl20, and ndhF). SAMOVA clustered the 31 populations into 5 major clades. AMOVA suggests that gene flow between them might be restricted by vicariance. Molecular clock dating indicates that intraspecific divergence began in early Pleistocene, consistent with a time of intense uplift of the Himalaya and Tianshan Mountains, and intensified in mid-Pleistocene. Species distribution modeling suggests range reduction in the high mountains during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) as a result of cold climates when glacier advanced, while gorges at midelevations in Tianshan appear to have served as refugia. Populations of low-altitude desert regions, on the other hand, probably experienced only marginal impacts from glaciation, according to the high levels of genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel avian influenza virus, influenza A(H7N9), emerged in China in early 2013 and caused severe disease in humans, with infections occurring most frequently after recent exposure to live poultry. The distribution of A(H7N9) incubation periods is of interest to epidemiologists and public health officials, but estimation of the distribution is complicated by interval censoring of exposures. Imputation of the midpoint of intervals was used in some early studies, resulting in estimated mean incubation times of approximately 5 days. In this study, we estimated the incubation period distribution of human influenza A(H7N9) infections using exposure data available for 229 patients with laboratory-confirmed A(H7N9) infection from mainland China. A nonparametric model (Turnbull) and several parametric models accounting for the interval censoring in some exposures were fitted to the data. For the best-fitting parametric model (Weibull), the mean incubation period was 3.4 days (95% confidence interval: 3.0, 3.7) and the variance was 2.9 days; results were very similar for the non-parametric Turnbull estimate. Under the Weibull model, the 95th percentile of the incubation period distribution was 6.5 days (95%confidence interval: 5.9, 7.1). The midpoint approximation for interval-censored exposures led to overestimation of the mean incubation period. Public health observation of potentially exposed persons for 7 days after exposure would be appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guaranteeing the food security is a fundamental state policy of China. Food security needs overall planning of central government, economic benefit aHocation of local government, and increase of grain farmers' income. Through analysis on current situations and causes of China's food security, and comparative study on purposes ad functions of foreign and domestic gain reserves, it came up with recommendations that central government should decentralize rights of grain production, reserve, sales, ad management to grain producing areas and maa'or sales provinces. It is not appropriate for central enterprises to take charge of national food security reserves. And it is required to make a new round of reform in autonomous management right of major gain producing areas and the capacity of the state purchasing social grain reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of past climate oscillations on the genetic diversity and demographic history of organisms in the Horqin sandlands, at the margin of the monsoonal zone in northern China. We selected Atraphaxis manshurica as a model and examined the spatial genetic structure in populations of this species across most of its covered range. Five haplotypes were identified on the basis of two chloroplast DNA sequences ( psb K- psb I and psb B- psb H) in 127 individuals from 11 natural populations. The total genetic diversity ( H T = 0.437) of A. manshurica is low compared with species to the west in arid northwestern China, outside of monsoonal influence. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicates that genetic differentiation primarily occurred among two geographical groups distinguished by spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA). The BEAST molecular clock approach revealed that genetic divergence of the species mostly occurred in middle-late Pleistocene, in accordance with the periodic glacial periods and accompanying monsoonal changes. From species distribution modeling (SDM), we found that the species experienced range contraction and southward retreat during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The current genetic pattern and demographic history may have thus been shaped by glacial–interglacial cycles and changes of habitat since the middle Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic fluctuations during the Pleistocene are usually considered as a significant factor in shaping intraspecific genetic variation and influencing demographic histories. To well-understand these processes in desert northwest China, we selected arid adapted Atraphaxis frutescens as the study species. Two cpDNA regions (psbK-psbI, psbB-psbH) were sequenced in 272 individuals from 33 natural populations across the range of this shrub, and 10 haplotypes were identified. It was found to contain high levels of total gene diversity (HT = 0.858), and low levels of within-population diversity (HS = 0.092). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicates that genetic differentiation primarily occurs among groups of populations. Based on BEAST (Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis Sampling Trees) analysis, we suggest that intraspecific differentiation of the species, resulting from isolated populations, accompanied enhanced desertification during the middle and late Pleistocene. The expansion of the Gurbantunggut and Kumtag deserts in this area appears to have triggered divergence among populations of the western, central, and eastern portions of the region and shaped genetic differentiation among them. Two possible independent glacial refugia were predicted, the Ili Valley and the northern Junggar Basin. Extensive development of arid habitats (desert margin and arid piedmont grassland) coupled with a more equable climate because the early Holocene are factors likely to have generated recent expansion of A. frutescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Since the city of Xi'an has been extremely concerned with the serious problem of taxi involved crashes, injuries and fatalities, the primary purpose of this study is to identify the risk factors associated with the magnitude and nature of the problem and provide possible measures for enhancing the overall safety performance of taxi industry. Methods: Using 726 crash samples from the original of 7,183 observations in Xi'an over the period from 2006 to 2012, comparative statistics and systematic analysis were employed to describe the distribution of taxi crashes by driver characteristics, roadway contributors and environmental factors and then determine the significant factors contributing to crash injuries and fatalities. Results: The trend and pattern of taxi involved crashes vary significantly. Middle aged (77.27%) male (91.60%) drivers with limited education (68.59%) and less driving (31.27%) and job (82.50%) experience were much more likely to be involved in such a crash. Additionally, it is found that a large majority of taxi crashes occurred with the most frequent type of rear end collisions (30.72%), on six-lane segments without median (16.94%) or four legged intersections (15.29%), under adverse weather conditions (31.82%), at weekends (34.99%), and during winter days (34.72%), but fatal and serious crashes were more likely to happen at night (30.72%) or under wet road surface conditions (16.94%), due to driver's overspeeding, unbelted, disregarding signs or signals, or other types of risk driving behaviour. Conclusions: The risk of taxi related crashes varies by drivers, roadways and environment. To reduce the risk of potential crashes for taxi drivers, we recommend the targeted legislation and enforcement, stronger night and trip restrictions, awareness of risk behaviour, and periodical training requirement. Such proposals and measures are expected to help mitigate taxi crashes and promote road safety in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyses residential mobility within Guangzhou city in China from 1990-2010. Topics discussed include comparing the pattern of intra-city residential moves of local residents and that of migrants, use of retrospective residential history data to reveal the patterns of intra-city moves, brief review of China's urban housing reform, and the theory of residential assimilation.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including migration, mobility, and community change in Chinese cities, socioeconomic factors, and urbanization growth in China.

To examine diagnostic characters and test phylogenetic relationships between Salsola arbusculiformis and the closely similar S. laricifolia, characters were examined from previous reports and herbarium specimens, and sequences of nrDNA ITS and cpDNA psbB- psbH were compared for these species as well as other representative taxa of Salsoleae. Our results 1) confirm most of the morphological differences highlighted in previous studies, such as those of leaf size, bracts, bracteoles, style, fruiting perianth, and anther appendages; 2) show that S. arbusculiformis is a typical Irano-Turanian species, mainly distributed from Iran and Turkmenistan to westernmost China (Tacheng, Ili, and Bole regions, Xinjiang), while S. laricifolia is a central Asian floristic element mainly distributed from east Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to northern China (north Xinjiang, inner Mongolia, Ningxia and Gansu provinces), and Mongolia; and 3) strongly support their sister relationship, with samples from five different populations clustering together for each of the two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1964 and 1965, Shen & Tai described two species of calanoids, which they classified in the South American genus Argyrodiaptomus. We examined new material from the terra typica, South China, and show that both species belong in the Asian genus Sinodiaptomus. A biogeographic anomaly is thus corrected. Moreover, the two appear to be sister species and males are morphologically well separable. No intermediate morphotypes have so far been detected. S. cavernicolax (Shen & Tai, 1965), known only from the type locality, was claimed to be cavernicolous, but shows no stygobitic adaptations, and has eyes. It may have been pushed back into the cave environment by its congener S. ferus (Shen & Tai, 1964) with which it coexists in the same lake system. So far, four species of Sinodiaptomus have been found in China: the two mentioned above, i.e., S. cavernicolax only in Longyan Cave of Zhaoqing City, and S. ferus at about five locations, but its range is limited to a small part of Guangdong Province. All five other species of Sinodiaptomus, among which the other two that occur (also) in China, also occupy small to very small ranges, with the type species (S. chaffanjoni Richard, 1897) only living in North China, and S. indicus Kiefer, 1936 and S. mahanandiensis Reddy & Radhakrishna, 1980 confined to South India (Reddy & Radhakrishna, 1980). S. valkanovi Kiefer, 1938 from Japan is invasive (Ueda & Ohtsuka, 1998; Makino et al., 2010). 5. sarsi Rylov, 1923, distributed in Japan, China, and most of Mongolia, is separated by a wide disjunction from a group of populations in Iran, the Caucasus, and East Anatolia. This western group of populations might be a separate species and deserves more study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic diversity and population genetic structure of 252 accessions from 21 Prunus sibirica L. populations were investigated using 10 ISSR, SSR, and SRAP markers. The results suggest that the entire population has a relatively high level of genetic diversity, with populations HR and MY showing very high diversity. A low level of inter-population genetic differentiation and a high level of intra-population genetic differentiation was found, which is supported by a moderate level of gene flow, and largely attributable to the cross-pollination and self-incompatibility reproductive system. A STRUCTURE (model-based program) analysis revealed that the 21 populations can be divided into two main groups, mainly based on geographic differences and genetic exchanges. The entire wild Siberia apricot population in China could be divided into two subgroups, including 107 accessions in subgroup (SG) 1 and 147 accessions in SG 2. A Mantel test revealed a significant positive correlation between genetic and geographic distance matrices, and there was a very significant positive correlation among three marker datasets. Overall, we recommend a combination of conservation measures, with ex situ and in situ conservation that includes the construction of a core germplasm repository and the implement of in situ conservation for populations HR, MY, and ZY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the impacts of ancient geological and climatic events on the evolutionary history of the Aconitum nemorum species group, including A. nemorum s. str., A. karakolicum, and A. soongoricum; a total of 18 natural populations with 146 individuals were sampled, mainly from grassy slopes or the coniferous forest understory of the Tianshan Mountain Range and its surroundings. Two cpDNA intergenic spacer regions ( trnS- trnG and psbA- trnH) were sequenced and 16 haplotypes were identified. These were clustered into three divergent lineages which almost entirely corresponded to the three species. Analysis of molecular variance indicated restricted gene flow, mainly among species. High levels of genetic distance were detected among eastern populations in A. nemorum s. str. and A. karakolicum from spatial genetic landscape analysis. Neutral tests and mismatch distribution analysis suggest that A. nemorum s. str. experienced demographic expansions during interglacial periods. Based on haplotype distribution and the median-joining network, it was inferred that this species underwent two periods of eastward expansion. Our molecular dating indicates that the lineages of the complex separated during the period of the late Tertiary to late Pleistocene (11.74-0.064 million years ago), which was most likely triggered by recent rapid uplift of the Tianshan Mountains, while genetic variation at the intra-specific level might be attributed to climatic cycles in the late Quaternary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Seven new sesquiterpenes (1–7) as well as two known sesquiterpenes (8–9) were isolated from the underground parts of Nardostachys chinensis. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data (NMR, MS) analyses. The absolute configurations were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, the modified Mosher's method, Snatzke's method, and the CD analysis of the in situ formed [Rh2(OCOCF3)4] complex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Escalating housing prices in China's major metropolises have brought widespread discontents. There is a general impression that housing inequality is rising, and that housing has become increasingly out of reach of ordinary households. Yet, much of the literature on urban housing in China is based on data generated in the early reform period. Very little has been written about what has happened since the 1998 housing reform when both the production and the consumption of housing became primarily market based. The present paper aims to address this deficiency with reference to surveys conducted in Guangzhou in 1996, 2001, and 2005. Quality-adjusted inequality indices including the Gini coefficient and the Theil index are computed to compare housing inequality before and after the ending of welfare allocation of housing at the turn of the century. Quite unexpectedly, the results show only a modest increase in inequality in housing consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clematis sibirica, a woody vine occurring primarily under conifer forests, is widespread in northern Eurasia. In this study, we intend to illustrate how the taxon has responded in the area of the Tianshan and Altai Mountains of Central Asia to the Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. The chloroplast intergenic spacer psbA- trnH was sequenced for 125 individuals from 28 populations, and a total of eight chlorotypes were identified. The presence of definite phylogeographic structure was detected for the species ( NST > GST, P < 0.001), and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the eight chlorotypes were clustered into two divergent lineages. They split at approximately 550-690 ka BP, according to coalescence analysis, coincident with the Pleistocene maximum glacial stage in these mountains, which suggests the restriction of these lineages to separate refugia at that time. Spatial analysis of molecular variance likewise divided the sampled populations into two associations, an Altai and eastern Tianshan group (populations 1-17), and a western Tianshan group (populations 18-28). Low levels of genetic diversity and unimodal mismatch distributions were obtained for both of these groups, suggesting postglacial range expansions. During the course of these expansions, mountain ranges surrounding the Dzungarian Basin probably served as migration corridors. In addition, a contact zone was identified in the central Tianshan and eastern Altai Mountains between the two phylogeographic lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is part of natural climate variability and ranks the first natural disaster in the world. Drought forecasting plays an important role in mitigating impacts on agriculture and water resources. In this study, a drought forecast model based on the random forest method is proposed to predict the time series of monthly standardized precipitation index SPI. We demonstrate model application by four stations in the Haihe river basin, China. The random-forest-RF- based forecast model has consistently shown better predictive skills than the ARIMA model for both long and short drought forecasting. The confidence intervals derived from the proposed model generally have good coverage, but still tend to be conservative to predict some extreme drought events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using two chloroplast DNA intergenic spacers, a phylogeographical study of Lagochilus ilicifolius with 168 individuals from 14 populations was performed to assess geographical patterns and genetic variation in relation to past climate change. Population structure and history were inferred by nested clade analysis, neutrality tests, divergence time estimates, and mismatch distribution analysis. Twelve haplotypes were identified. Genetic differentiation among populations within groups was also elevated (F SC = 0.772), suggesting restricted gene flow among populations within groups. Divergence time was at approximately 0.71 Ma, consistent with aridification and desert expansion during the middle Pleistocene. The Helan Mountains contained a large proportion of the haplotypes, which implies that the region may be the center of diversification for the species, whereas the Loess Plateau as a dispersal corridor for postglacial re-colonization northward. Climatic oscillation, aridification, and desert expansion within these regions have molded current distribution and biodiversity of L. ilicifolius. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article offers information on the 2010 revised guidelines for the diagnosis and management of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in China. It states that the intention of these guidelines is for clinicians to be able to make correct decisions on the treatment and diagnosis of ALD. It adds the risk factors of ALD, which had been identified in overseas and domestic studies, including years of drinking, nutritional status, and accumulated alcohol consumption.

Fourteen graptolite species of the Late Tremadoc and Early Floian are described from the Nanba section in the Yiyang area, Hunan Province. Among them, Paradelograptus onubensis, Kiaerograptus bulmani, K. kutchini and Paratemnograptus isolatus of the Late Tremadoc are first found in China. Based on the current graptolite materials, the correspondingly complete graptolite zones of Upper Tremadocian in China are recognized as follows (in ascending order): the Adelograptus tenellus Zone, the Aorograptus victoriae Zone, the Araneograptus murrayi Zone and the Hunnegraptus copiosus Zone. In the Nanba section, the Hunnegraptus copiosus Zone is overlain directly by the Tetragraptus approximates Zone, there is no hiatus below the base of Floian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caragana is endemic to temperate Asia, with most species distributed on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and in Northwestern China. Consequently its biogeography should be hypothesized to have been affected by QTP uplift. To examine the biogeography of Caragana in relation to QTP uplift and consequent interior aridification, we conducted molecular dating analyses based on three genes (ITS, cpDNA trnS- trnG and rbcL). Results from relaxed Bayesian BEAST, relaxed Bayesian Multidivtime, and PL (penalized likelihood) indicate that QTP uplift, especially the onset of Himalayan motion at 21–17 Ma, triggered the origin of Caragana (with estimated ages 16–14 Ma). The subsequent QTP rapid uplift at 8 Ma is inferred to have driven the evolution and diversification of the three major clades of Caragana: section Caragana (northern China and the Junggar–Altai–Sayan region), section Frutescentes (Central Asia), and sections Bracteolatae and Jubatae, centered in the QTP. A rapid and active speciation process occurring in the QTP intense uplift at 3.4–1.8 Ma, is indicated by the chronogram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese cities have experienced rapid growth and restructuring in recent times. This paper examines the evolving residential and employment locations and the changes in the patterns of commuting in Guangzhou, China. Tabulations derived from household surveys conducted in 2001 and 2005 show rapid suburbanisation of both residence and employment. Intrazone traffic today dominates the commuting scene in both the central core and the suburbs. The mean commute distance and mean commute time have increased, but the increases are quite modest. Estimation of residential and employment density gradients reveals differential decentralisation of different population groups. Multivariate analysis indicates that commute distance generally increases with income and occupational status. Males in Guangzhou used to have appreciably shorter commutes than females; but the difference has decreased in recent years, suggesting convergence in commuting behaviour between the Chinese and Western cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the association between dietary habits and overweight and obesity in adolescents from Xi'an City, China. A cross-sectional sample of 1804 adolescents was recruited in 2004 from 30 junior high schools in six districts of Xi'an City, northwest China. Weight and height was measured and eating habits assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify dietary patterns associated with overweight and obesity and adjusted for socio-demographic factors. Consumption of foods and beverages outside three main meals, and potato chips was more popular in boys than in girls, while girls consumed more fried food and soft drinks than boys. In boys, an increased consumption of soft drinks was associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity (1100 mL/day. OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.8), while consuming preserved fruit was associated with decreased risk (OR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9). In girls, having breakfast outside the home (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3) and an increased consumption of energy-dense foods (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.04-2.9), was associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity, while frequently having foods and beverages outside the three main meals (OR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9) was associated with decreased risk. The consumption of breakfast outside the home, soft drinks and energy-dense fast foods were positively associated with overweight and obesity in adolescents. Future health education programs to prevent excess weight gain should target such unhealthy eating habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: 1,1′-Dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dichloride (Paraquat) poisoning remains a significant global health problem. Despite noteworthy research and clinical efforts worldwide in the last few decades, little improvement has been made in reducing fatality from Paraquat poisoning with conventional treatment strategies. We herein report a case of successful management of Paraquat poisoning by Xuebijing, a newly developed injection concocted from multiple traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Settings/location, subjects, and interventions: A 25-year-old male patient was brought to the Emergency Department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University in Changchun, China approximately 23 hours after ingestion of approximately 50 mL of 20% (w/v) Paraquat in a suicide attempt. On admission, the patient presented with clinical symptoms as well as significantly abnormal results in the liver and kidney function tests that were typical of severe Paraquat poisoning. Following the routine emergency procedures for pesticide poisoning to minimize the poison exposure and relieve the poisoning symptoms, an intravenous drip of Xuebijing together with dexamethasone was given daily to the patient until discharge 10 days after admission. The patient was followed up for 15 months after discharge, during which monthly chest radiography was performed. Treatment outcomes: At the time of discharge, the patient had recovered well: His symptoms of poisoning in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract were all diminishing; his liver and kidney functions were recovering with the major test parameters improving; his chest radiograph was clear, showing no signs of pulmonary fibrosis. During the postdischarge follow-up period, the monthly chest radiographs were all normal. Conclusions: This case report suggests that Xuebijing has great potential as a novel effective alternative to the conventional management of Paraquat poisoning. This potential needs to be further evaluated in a substantially larger number of clinical cases in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the most cost-effective strategy involving first-line treatment with long-acting risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine from the perspective of the Chinese health-care system. Methods: A decision analytical model was applied. The model used a time horizon of 2 years. The probabilities of treatment response of different agents and the relapse and hospitalization rates were estimated by a Delphi panel of 17 senior psychiatrists in China. The unit cost for each medical service was calculated from the price system database built by China National Development and Reform Commission and the medical resource utilization was estimated by the Delphi panel. The principal efficacy measure was the proportion of patients successfully treated. Various sensitivity analyses were carried out to test the robustness of the model. Results: The proportion of patients successfully treated over the 2-year period was 46.71% for long-acting risperidone, 39.93% for olanzapine, and 31.28% for quetiapine. The mean cost-effectiveness ratios were RMB189,427, RMB202,432, and RMB233,015 per successfully treated patient for long-acting risperidone, quetiapine and olanzapine, respectively. Results of the sensitivity analyses confirmed that the results were robust. Conclusions: The results showed that long-acting risperidone is more cost-effective than olanzapine and quetiapine for patients with schizophrenia in long-term maintenance treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research and evaluation conducted by Lu-Nan Wang and Jin-Ming Li, regarding the effectiveness of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoglobulins M and G and Western Blot (WB) in screening Treponema pallidum (TP) antibodies in blood donors in China. It is reported that ELISA is commonly used screening the blood donors' TP antibodies in the country. However, this type of screening will only provide false results. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of WB and immunoglobulin M and G are also tested for screening. Moreover, a combination of these three methods are considered valid procedure for TP screening.

Home range studies are essential for understanding an animal's behavioral ecology and for making wildlife conservation efficient. The home range of a group of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys ( Rhinopithecus bieti Milne-Edwards, 1897) was estimated using a global positioning system collar from December 2003 to October 2004 in northern Yunnan Province, China. To measure the ranging area of the study group 1291 animal locations were fixed. Based on the 100% minimum convex polygon method, the home range size was approximately 32.8 km2; based on the grid-cell method it was approximately 17.8 km2 using a 250-m grid and 23.3 km2 using a 500-m grid. We assessed seasonal changes in the home range of this monkey population and found a different ranging pattern of from earlier studies. Daily range size was calculated as 4.80 ± 5.81 ha (mean ± standard deviation), with arange of 45.66 ha (0.01–45.67 ha). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the validation of the simplified Chinese version of the modified Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire for use in China. It states that the adapted traditional Chinese SRS-22 was translated into simplified Chinese version to adhere with the guidelines set by the International Quality of Life Assessment Project. Findings show that the use of validated Chinese SRS-22 in mainland China is culturally relevant and suitable for clinical use.

Chinese cities are undergoing massive transformation. One after another, inner-city neighbourhoods of pre-1949 origin and work-unit compounds built in the socialist period are being torn apart, giving way to glossy office towers and luxurious condominiums. Millions of people have been uprooted and forced to be relocated. Mass media and research based on case studies generally convey a message of widespread grievance among the displaced residents. Based on a survey of 1200 households conducted in Shanghai in 2006, the present study provides a systematic account of the profiles of the displaced residents, juxtaposed against other resident groups of the city. The major conclusion is that, irrespective of all the criticisms concerning unregulated demolitions and forced evictions, the housing conditions of displaced residents are somewhat better than those of other Shanghai residents, both objectively and in terms of subjective evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Delayed treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is common in Mainland China because of the lack of public education about health care resulting in the reluctance to undergo surgery. This leads to a high incidence of complex cases where surgeons may not be trained in advanced procedures. We report the efficacy of single-staged anterior and posterior spinal fusion for correction of severe AIS in China. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 31 consecutive cases in which patients were treated at the Orthopaedic Department of Changhai Hospital in Shanghai between 2001 and 2004 with a combined anterior and posterior spinal fusion with screws, hooks, sublaminar wires or cables. Results: Thirty-one patients with AIS with Lenke type 1, 2, 3 and 4 curves were included for analysis. At least one of the curves was ≥90° in each patient. The mean coronal and sagittal Cobb angles of the main thoracic curve were 98° and 22° before surgery, 50.5° and 21° after surgery, and 53.7° and 24° at follow-up, respectively. No neurological deficits or deaths occurred. Solid arthrodesis with coronal and sagittal balance was achieved in all patients. Conclusions: A single-stage anterior release and fusion and posterior fusion for treatment of severe AIS is good alternative to pedicle screws/vertebrectomy on the basis of risk–benefit balance, and can be performed by surgeons not experienced in more complex procedures. The risk of pulmonary complications may be preferable to the risk of severe neurological complications when thoracic pedicle screws are applied, especially when surgeons are not adequately trained in their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]