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Amblyopia risk factors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are usually hard to detect in early childhood due to poor cooperation and has not been reported in the Chinese population. We screened 168 Chinese children with ASD, aged between 3 and 8 years, and 264 age-matched neurotypical children with Spot photoscreener and basic ophthalmologic examinations. Children with ASD were found to have normal refractive status but significantly higher incidence of strabismus (16.1%), compared with control children (1.5%) (p < 0.01). Most of the cases of strabismus found in children with ASD were classified as esodeviation. Strabismus in children with ASD should be considered more seriously as an amblyopia risk factor by ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals.

The Chinese flowering cherry (Cerasus serrulata), an ornamental tree with established medicinal values, is observed to suffer from leaf blight within Xi'an's greenbelts. This disease threatens both the plant's growth and its ornamental appeal. In this study, 26 isolates were obtained from plants with typical leaf blight, and only 3 isolates (XA-10, XA-15, and XA-18) were found to be pathogenic, causing similar symptoms on the leaves of the host plant. Based on sequence alignment, the ITS and LSU sequences of the three selected isolates were consistent, respectively. Following morphological and molecular analyses, the three selected isolates were further identified as Mortierella alpina. The three selected isolates exhibited similar morphological characteristics, including wavy colonies with dense, milky-white aerial mycelia on PDA medium. Therefore, isolate XA-10 was used as a representative strain for subsequent experiments. The representative strain XA-10 was found to exhibit optimal growth at a temperature of 30 °C and a pH of 7.0. Host range infection tests further revealed that the representative strain XA-10 could also inflict comparable disease symptoms on both the leaves and fruits of three different Rosaceae species (Prunus persica, Pyrus bretschneideri, and Prunus salicina). This study reveals, for the first time, the causative agent of leaf blight disease affecting the Chinese flowering cherry. This provides a deeper understanding of the biology and etiology of M. alpina. This study lays a solid foundation for the sustainable control and management of leaf blight disease in the Chinese flowering cherry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the vigorous development of digital technology, the development of the digital economy has become an important component of the global economy. Against the background of negative growth of major global economies hit hard by the COVID-19 epidemic, the steadily rising digital economy has become a key force to boost the global economy and an important engine to promote global economic development. Northeast Asian countries should use the dividends released by the digital economy to promote the coordinated development of digital technology innovation within the region, respond to technological revolution and industrial transformation, and build new international competitive advantages. This article provides a detailed overview of the current development status of digital economy in various countries in Northeast Asia, analyzes the challenges faced by countries in the region in developing cross-border digital economic and trade cooperation from three aspects: political mutual trust, digital divide, and network security. It further proposes to build a cross-border digital service trade platform in Northeast Asia, establish a China North Russia Far East digital free trade zone, so as to promote the deepening of cooperation and common development in digital trade within the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced corrosion are generally recognized as one of the main causes of the degradation of the mechanical properties and seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in the northern frozen coastal regions. To investigate the degradation mechanisms of the seismic performance of RC columns subjected to the combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced corrosion, the impact of freeze–thaw cycles on the chloride diffusion coefficient of concrete was studied through concrete deterioration tests and theoretical analysis. This paper proposed a time-dependent deterioration model for RC columns, which is suitable to consider the combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced deterioration. The proposed deterioration model could be applied to the investigations of time-dependent seismic performance and the seismic fragility of RC columns. Based on the established deterioration model, this paper proposed a time-dependent seismic fragility analysis framework for the aging RC columns, considering the combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced corrosion. In addition, a representative three-span RC continuous T-shaped girder bridge that is located in the high-latitude northern frozen coastal regions of China was taken as the case study, and the time-dependent seismic fragility analysis of RC columns was conducted considering the involved uncertainties in geometric parameters, the deterioration mechanisms of the materials, and ground motions. The time-dependent seismic fragility curves of RC columns were obtained at different service time points. The results indicated that the combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced deterioration had a significant influence on the time-dependent seismic responses of the deteriorating RC columns. Under the combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced corrosion, when the RC bridge was in service for 75 years, the stirrup strength decreased by 3.88% and the cross-sectional area decreased by 30.03%. The peak stress of the confined concrete decreased by 52.1% and its peak strain increased by 12.2 times, respectively. Moreover, the time-dependent seismic fragilities of the aging RC columns under different damage states exhibited a nonlinear increase as the service life increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical compositions and deposition characteristics of atmospheric precipitation affect the structure and function of forest ecosystems and reflect regional air quality. Although northeastern China constitutes a vital forested area, few relevant studies reveal the chemical composition and the nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) deposition characteristics within precipitation. In this study, we monitor precipitation chemistry during 2018–2020 at a rural forested site in northeastern China (the Qingyuan site) and compare it with those from background sites (Mondy in Russia and Ochiishi in Japan) and highly anthropogenically influenced areas (Beijing). The precipitation pH range was 4.7–8.0 (volume-weighted average 6.2). The average concentration of total ions in precipitation was 459 μmol L−1, representing a moderate pollution level. Nitrate (NO3−, 73 μmol L−1) and ammonium (NH4+, 133 μmol L−1) were the major anions and cations in the precipitation. Total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) deposition was 12.3–15.9 kg N ha−1 year−1 (NH4+-N deposition accounted for 54–67%), lower than the average level in China (19.4 kg N ha−1 year−1). Annual precipitation sulphate (SO42−) deposition was 4.9–6.7 kg S ha−1 year−1. Seventy-two percent of the precipitation ions at our site originated from human activities. This work has revealed that N and S deposition is an important ion deposition component in atmospheric precipitation in the study of temperate forests in northeastern China. Nitrogen deposition, as a source of vital nutrients in the forest ecosystem, may promote forest growth and, thereby, forest carbon sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between atmospheric precipitation and water vapor sources is close, so it is of great significance to carry out the identification of interaction region influenced by different summer monsoons of China. Based on the wind direction data of the Global Data Assimilation System, provided by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, this study introduces the backward trajectory model of the Hybrid-Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory to track the source of rainy season precipitation in Southwest China. It not only quantifies the contribution rate of each geography direction in 16 sampling sites, but also simulates the water vapor transport path and tries to demarcate boundary between the moistures from the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea. There are three main results. Firstly, the Bay of Bengal, the South China Sea, and the Northwestern Pacific Ocean are the water vapor sources. Secondly, the Bay of Bengal is the most in Yunnan while the South China Sea in Guangxi. Thirdly, the dividing region of different vapors in the rainy season is supposed to be in the eastern of Yunnan, which is nearby three sampling sites, Gejiu, Mengzi and Yanshan. The barrier function of Ailaoshan Mountain should be the major cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vehicle emissions have been identified as an important urban source of ammonia (NH3). However, there are large uncertainties regarding the contribution of vehicle emissions to urban NH3 budgets, as well as the role of NH3 in spatiotemporal fine particulate matter (PM2.5) formation and nitrogen (N) deposition patterns. The N stable isotopic composition (δ15N) may be a useful observational constraint to track NH3 emission sources and chemical processing, but previously reported vehicle δ15N(NH3) emission signatures have reported a wide range of values, indicating the need for further refinement. Here we have characterized δ15N(NH3) spatiotemporal variabilities from vehicle plumes in stationary and on-road measurements in the USA and China using an active NH3 collection technique demonstrated to accurately characterize δ15N(NH3) on the order of hourly time resolution. Significant spatial and temporal δ15N(NH3) variabilities were observed and suggested to be driven by vehicle fleet composition and influences from NH3 dry deposition on tunnel surfaces. Overall, a consistent δ15N(NH3) signature of 6.6±2.1 ‰ (x‾±1σ ; n=80) was found in fresh vehicle plumes with fleet compositions typical of urban regions. Our recommended vehicle δ15N(NH3) signature is significantly different from previous reports. This difference is due to a large and consistent δ15N(NH3) bias of approximately -15.5 ‰ between commonly employed passive NH3 collection techniques and the laboratory-tested active NH3 collection technique. This work constrains the δ15N(NH3) urban traffic plume signature, which has important implications for tracking vehicle NH3 in urban-affected areas and highlights the importance of utilizing verified collection methods for accurately characterizing δ15N(NH3) values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen stable isotope composition (δ15N) of nitrate (NO3−) deposition can aid in source apportionment of its precursor emissions, nitrogen oxides (NOx), with implications in mitigation policy to address serious air pollution. However, potential δ15N fractionation during atmospheric NO3− formation may hinder accurate quantification of NOx contributions. Previously, NOx photochemical reactions have been suggested to be the dominant δ15N fractionation process in NO3− formation. Here, we have quantified the potential fractionation effects associated with NOx photochemical reactions based upon δ15N‐NO3− measured in 1 year of daily‐based bulk deposition samples in Shenyang, a megacity with distinct seasonal fossil fuel combustion in northeastern China. The mean δ15N was 0.9 ± 4.0‰ and ranged from −4.9 to 8.3‰, with the lowest and highest values observed during summer and winter, respectively. Calculated NOx photochemical equilibrium fractionation may account for up to 42% of the observed seasonal δ15N change in NO3− deposition. However, the relative NOx source contribution trends, estimated based upon a δ15N Bayesian mixing model, were insensitive to NOx photochemical fractionation considerations. Overall, NOx source partitioning based upon averaged year‐long δ15N of bulk NO3− deposition estimated the following relative trend in NOx emission sources: coal combustion > biomass burning = vehicle emissions ≫ soil emissions. Seasonally, the increase of coal combustion emissions from summer to winter drives the seasonality of δ15N in NO3− deposition, indicating a necessity to control NOx emissions from coal combustion to improve wintertime air quality. Key Points: The δ15N‐NO3− measured in bulk deposition of a Chinese megacity shows mean values high in winter (5.7‰) and low in summer (−2.7‰)The seasonality of δ15N was largely explained by source change rather than isotopic fractionation driven by NOx photochemical equilibriumCoal combustion is the dominant source driving the δ15N seasonality of NO3− deposition in Shenyang, China [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting tropospheric cloud formation and subsequent nutrient deposition relies on understanding the sources and processes affecting aerosol constituents of the atmosphere that are preserved in cloud water. However, this challenge is difficult to address quantitatively based on the sole use of bulk chemical properties. Nitrogenous aerosols, mainly ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-), play a particularly important role in tropospheric cloud formation. While dry and wet (mainly rainfall) deposition of NH4+ and NO3- are regularly assessed, cloud water deposition is often underappreciated. Here we collected cloud water samples at the summit of Mt. Tai (1545 m above sea level) in eastern China during a long-lasting biomass burning (BB) event and simultaneously measured for the first time the isotopic compositions (mean ±1σ) of cloud water nitrogen species (δ15N-NH4+ = - 6.53 ‰ ± 4.96 ‰, δ15N-NO3- = - 2.35 ‰ ± 2.00 ‰, δ18O-NO3- = 57.80 ‰ ± 4.23 ‰), allowing insights into their sources and potential transformation mechanism within the clouds. Large contributions of BB to the cloud water NH4+ (32.9 % ± 4.6 %) and NO3- (28.2 % ± 2.7 %) inventories were confirmed through a Bayesian isotopic mixing model, coupled with our newly developed computational quantum chemistry module. Despite an overall reduction in total anthropogenic NOx emission due to effective emission control actions and stricter emission standards for vehicles, the observed cloud δ15N-NO3- values suggest that NOx emissions from transportation may have exceeded emissions from coal combustion. δ18O-NO3- values imply that the reaction of OH with NO2 is the dominant pathway of NO3- formation (57 % ± 11 %), yet the contribution of heterogeneous hydrolysis of dinitrogen pentoxide was almost as important (43 % ± 11 %). Although the limited sample set used here results in a relatively large uncertainty with regards to the origin of cloud-associated nitrogen deposition, the high concentrations of inorganic nitrogen imply that clouds represent an important source of nitrogen, especially for nitrogen-limited ecosystems in remote areas. Further simultaneous and long-term sampling of aerosol, rainfall, and cloud water is vital for understanding the anthropogenic influence on nitrogen deposition in the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No data are available on the prevalence of mortality in neonates after major surgery such as laparotomy in China. Methods: In a tertiary general hospital, 142 newborns who underwent laparotomy for a variety of surgical conditions in the past 6 years were included in this study in Beijing, China. Pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative variables potentially predictive of postoperative 30 day mortality were collected and compared between the surviving and deceased newborns. Results: Death ≤30 days after laparotomy occurred in 19 of 142 newborns (13.4%) during the study period. Newborns diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) had the worst outcome (OR, 11.4). Significantly more neonates in the 30 day death group were intubated preoperatively (52.6%) compared with the survival group (19.5%; OR, 10.0). Base excess ≤−10 mmol/L immediately after laparotomy was associated with negative prognosis in the early postoperative period (OR, 11.2). Conclusion: The mortality rate of newborns ≤30 days after laparotomy was 13.4% in a Chinese tertiary general hospital in the past 6 years. The factors associated with early death were NEC, preoperative intubation with mechanical ventilation, and postoperative immediate base excess ≤−10 mmol/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amblyopia risk factors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are usually hard to detect in early childhood due to poor cooperation and has not been reported in the Chinese population. We screened 168 Chinese children with ASD, aged between 3 and 8 years, and 264 age-matched neurotypical children with Spot photoscreener and basic ophthalmologic examinations. Children with ASD were found to have normal refractive status but significantly higher incidence of strabismus (16.1%), compared with control children (1.5%) (p < 0.01). Most of the cases of strabismus found in children with ASD were classified as esodeviation. Strabismus in children with ASD should be considered more seriously as an amblyopia risk factor by ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric PM 2.5 poses a variety of health and environmental risks to urban environments. Ammonium is one of the main components of PM 2.5 , and its role in PM 2.5 pollution will likely increase in the coming years as NH 3 emissions are still unregulated and rising in many cities worldwide. However, partitioning urban NH 4 + sources remains challenging. Although the 15N natural abundance (δ15N) analysis is a promising approach for this purpose, it has seldom been applied across multiple cities within a given region. This limits our understanding of the regional patterns and controls of NH 4 + sources in urban environments. Here, we collected PM 2.5 samples using an active sampling technique during winter at six cities in the North China Plain to characterize the concentrations, δ15N and sources of NH 4 + in PM 2.5. We found substantial variations in both the concentrations and δ15N of NH 4 + among the sites. The mean NH 4 + concentrations across the six cities ranged from 3.6 to 12.1 μg m−3 on polluted days and from 0.9 to 10.6 μg m−3 on non-polluted days. The δ15N ranged from 6.5‰ to 13.9‰ on polluted days and from 8.7‰ to 13.5‰ on non-polluted days. The δ15N decreased with increasing NH 4 + concentrations at all six sites. We found that non-agricultural sources (vehicle exhaust, ammonia slip and urban wastes) contributed 72%–94% and 56%–86% of the NH 4 + on polluted and non-polluted days, respectively, and that during polluted days, combustion-related emissions (vehicle exhaust and ammonia slip) were positively associated with the proportion of urban area, population density and number of vehicles, highlighting the importance of local sources of particulate pollution. This study suggests that the analysis of 15N in aerosol NH 4 + is a promising approach for apportioning atmospheric NH 3 sources over a large region, and this approach has potential for mapping rapidly and precisely the sources of NH 3 emissions. [Display omitted] • Non-agricultural and agricultural sources contributed 82% and 18% to NH 4 + in PM 2.5. • Aerosol NH 4 + on polluted winter days in six cities was mainly of local origin. • Combustion-derived NH 4 + positively related to urban area size and vehicle numbers. • Agricultural contribution to NH 4 + increased with increasing agricultural coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accomplishment of the gradual strategy of the administrative reform in China relies on the system transformation, institution improvement and technology innovation of local government. As an important carrier of the transformation of government functions and reform of greater part system, Administrative Service Center of local government has made beneficial exploration in simplifying the process of administrative approval, enhancing the credibility and responsiveness of the government, and constructing supply mechanism of public service with high performance. However, with the rapid spread, there are also a host of problems as ambiguous definition of the concept, unclear nature of the institution, non - uniformed administration and inadequate function play, which need to be standardized. This raises the argument on whether all the institutional system and management processes of the center should be reunified or it should maintain the status quo to encourage the independent development of a variety of forms. Standardized administration is relatively stable and more effective, and is the important foundation and the necessary premise to the healthy development of the administrative service center. Giving local government certain room for self - adjusting, self - selection and sufficient leeway to adapt to environmental changes, encouraging it to find the right position in the exploration and avoid the simplification of models, can fully mobilize the creativity and initiative of administrative service center, and made it play a more active and efficient role in the promotion of local economic development and building a harmonious society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a survey of archivists from 20 provinces and municipalities in China to investigate their professional skills and knowledge needs. It analyzes their responses concerning the educational advantages and disadvantages archivists face and the relationship between their skill levels and knowledge needs. In conclusion, it points to several solutions to these problems: preprofessional curriculum design better addressing actual archivists' needs, increasing continuing education to address archivists' needs to maintain professional skills, and archivists' desire for custom-built training to specific technical requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated nitrogen (N) deposition due to intensified emissions of NH 3 and NO x is a global problem with profound consequences on living organisms and the environment. Although N emission rates are currently considered to be high in East Asia, reports on the current N deposition level and composition are still limited, especially in northeastern China, where official N deposition monitoring sites are unavailable. This limits our understanding of the spatio-temporal N deposition patterns and their influencing factors at regional to continental scales. Here, we used data collected mostly during 2019 at 38 sites, comprising 7 sites in northeastern China and 31 EANET (Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia) sites in middle and east Russia, Mongolia, central and southern China, South Korea and Japan to explore the spatial-seasonal variations and drivers of ammonium and nitrate deposition across the Northeast Asia. Total bulk inorganic N (TIN) deposition was 3.7–24.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and NH 4 +-N/NO 3 −-N ratio in the TIN was 0.8–2.8 in northeastern China. The bulk/wet TIN deposition averaged 7.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (predominantly in the form of ammonium-N: NH 4 +-N/NO 3 −-N = 1.4) over the Northeast Asia region, with the highest rates being observed in northeastern China (11.6), as well as central and southern China (10.7), followed by east Russia, South Korea and Japan (5.6), and the lowest in middle Russia and Mongolia (1.5). This regional bulk/wet TIN deposition level is about twice of the wet TIN deposition level in Europe and the United States. The TIN deposition in summer and spring was 45–467% higher than in autumn and winter. Out of the ten land uses considered, only agricultural and urban land uses significantly positively correlated with NH 4 +-N and NO 3 −-N deposition rates across all monitored sites. This study suggests that the ongoing agricultural and urban expansions are likely to enhance N deposition and its associated effects across global ecosystems. [Display omitted] • Total inorganic N deposition was 3.7–24.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in northeastern China. • TIN deposition ranged 0.4–24.5 and averaged 7.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 over Northeast Asia. • NH 4 +-N dominated TIN deposition (NH 4 +-N/NO 3 −-N = 1.4) in Northeast Asia. • TIN deposition level in NE Asia is about twice that reported in Europe and the USA. • NH 4 +-N and NO 3 −-N deposition increased with increasing farmland and urban coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large anthropogenic NO x emissions increase atmospheric nitrate (NO 3 −) deposition. The China's Clean Air Action has been implemented to reduce anthropogenic NO x emissions since 2013. To examine if atmospheric NO 3 − deposition would decrease and its sources had changed as a result of this regulation, we collected the precipitation samples (n = 181) on a daily basis at a rural forested site in Northeast China from April 2014 to December 2017 and measured the concentrations and δ15N values of NO 3 −. We found annual NO 3 − deposition ranged from 6.5 to 7.3 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and gradually declined since 2015. The δ15N–NO 3 - spanned a large range from −17.4 to 13.1‰ with a mass-weighted mean of −3.5‰ during the study period. The δ15N–NO 3 - was higher by 10‰ in winter (3.3 ± 4.2‰) than in summer (−7.4 ± 3.9‰), which was driven by the changes of both coal combustion and soil emission. Over the study period, NO x from coal combustion, vehicle exhaust, biomass burning and soil emission contributed 28.2 ± 11.9%, 28.8 ± 16.3%, 26.9 ± 14.7%, and 16.1 ± 7.2% to precipitation NO 3 −, respectively. We found that relative contribution of fossil fuel combustion did not decline with the China's Clean Air Action and considerable NO x reduction at the regional scale. [Display omitted] • The δ15N values of NO 3 − in rain were measured at a rural site over four years. • Nitrate deposition only decreased 6% while NO x emission was reduced by 27%. • The contributions of varied NO x sources to NO 3 − deposition unchanged among years. • Fossil fuel combustion still was dominant NO x source even with a sharp NO x decline. • Coal combustion and soil emission determined seasonal δ15N–NO 3 - trend. We found that relative contribution of fossil fuel combustion did not decline with the China's Clean Air Action and considerable NO x reduction at the regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of agricultural versus vehicle emissions in urban atmospheric ammonia (NH 3 ) remains unclear. The lockdown due to the outbreak of COVID-19 provided an opportunity to assess the role of source emissions on urban NH 3 . Concentrations and δ 15 N of aerosol ammonium (NH 4 + ) were measured before (autumn in 2017) and during the lockdown (summer, autumn, and winter in 2020), and source contributions were quantified using SIAR. Despite the insignificant decrease in NH 4 + concentrations, significantly lower δ 15 N-NH 4 + was found in 2020 (0.6 ± 1.0‰ in PM 2.5 and 1.4 ± 2.1‰ in PM 10 ) than in 2017 (15.2 ± 6.7‰ in PM 2.5 ), which indicates the NH 3 from vehicle emissions has decreased by∼50% during the lockdown while other source emissions are less affected. Moreover, a reversed seasonal pattern of δ 15 N-NH 4 + during the lockdown in Changsha has been revealed compared to previous urban studies, which can be explained by the dominant effect of non-fossil fuel emissions due to the reductions of vehicle emissions during the lockdown period. Our results highlight the effects of lockdown on aerosol δ 15 N-NH 4 + and the importance of vehicle emissions to urban atmospheric NH 3 , providing conclusive evidence that reducing vehicle NH 3 emissions could be an effective strategy to reduce PM 2.5 in Chinese megacities., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ammonia (NH 3 ) volatilization from agricultural lands is a main source of atmospheric reduced nitrogen species (NH x ). Accurately quantifying its contribution to regional atmospheric NH x deposition is critical for controlling regional air nitrogen pollution. The stable nitrogen isotope composition (expressed by δ 15 N) is a promising indicator to trace atmospheric NH x sources, presupposing a reliable nitrogen isotopic signature of NH 3 emission sources. To obtain more specific seasonal δ 15 N values of soil NH 3 volatilization for reliable regional seasonal NH 3 source partitioning, we utilized an active dynamic sampling technique to measure the δ 15 N-NH 3 values volatilized from maize cropping land in northeast China. These values varied from -38.0 to -0.2‰, with a significantly lower rate-weighted value observed in the early period (May-June, -30.5 ± 6.7‰) as compared with the late period (July-October, -8.5 ± 4.3‰). Seasonal δ 15 N-NH 3 variations were related to the main NH 3 production pathway, degree of soil ammonium consumption, and soil environment. Bayesian isotope mixing model analysis revealed that without considering the seasonal δ 15 N variation in soil-volatilized NH 3 could result in an overestimate by up to absolute 38% for agricultural volatile NH 3 to regional atmospheric bulk ammonium deposition during July-October, further demonstrating that it is essential to distinguish seasonal δ 15 N profile of agricultural volatile NH 3 in regional source apportionment.

Importance: Progression of myopia in a school-aged population due to home confinement (January to May 2021) during the COVID-19 pandemic has been previously reported. A key remaining question was whether the myopia spike in children aged 6 to 8 years persisted., Objective: To investigate the changes in refractive status and prevalence of myopia in school-aged children 1 year after home confinement ended in China., Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study with a cohort substudy prospectively evaluated data from school-based photoscreening in Feicheng, China. Children aged 6 to 13 years participated in 8 screenings from 2015 to 2021., Exposures: Noncycloplegic photorefraction was conducted using the Spot Vision photoscreener., Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcomes were the differences in spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and prevalence of myopia between 2020 (during home confinement) and 2021 (after home confinement). The SER was recorded for each child, and the prevalence of myopia was calculated annually for each age group., Results: A total of 325 443 children participated in the study (51.4% boys, 48.6% girls; age range, 6 to 13 years). Compared with 2020, the mean SER of children in 2021 increased significantly for those aged 6 (0.42 diopters [D]), 7 (0.41 D), and 8 (0.33 D) years. The prevalence of myopia in 2021 was similar to in 2019 for each age group (aged 6 years: 7.9% vs 5.7%; aged 7 years: 13.9% vs 13.6%; aged 8 years: 29.5% vs 26.2%). Both the prevalence of myopia and mean SER for these children returned to their prepandemic levels., Conclusions and Relevance: Compared with 2020, the prevalence of myopia among children aged 6 to 8 years in the 2021 screenings decreased, and the mean SER returned to prepandemic level. The refractive development in children aged 6 to 8 years may be most susceptible to environmental changes. These findings support the premise that age 6 to 8 years is a critical period for myopia development and suggest a need to focus preventive interventions for myopia control on children in this age range.

It was previously believed that ammonia (NH 3 ) has a short residence time in the atmosphere and cannot be transported far from its sources. In late March, however, this study observed a severe NH 3 episode in urban Beijing when fertilizer was intensively applied on the North China Plain, with the highest hourly concentrations of 66.9 μg m -3 throughout the year. The stable nitrogen isotopic composition of NH 3 (δ 15 N-NH 3 ) during this episode (-37.0 to -20.0‰) fell in the range of endmembers of fertilizer and livestock, suggesting the long-range transport of NH 3 from agricultural to urban regions. Based on a Bayesian isotope mixing model, the contribution of agriculture (fertilization) to urban NH 3 concentrations was apportioned as 43.5% (26.0%) on polluted days. However, these contributions were reduced to 29.1% (12.8%) when nitrogen isotope fractionation between NH 3 and ammonium was considered. In contrast to the limited contribution of agricultural sources, we found that nonagricultural emissions, particularly vehicles, dominate the source of NH 3 in urban Beijing, even during the fertilization period. This finding indicated that nonagricultural sources should be considered when designing a control strategy for NH 3 to reduce haze pollution in the urban atmosphere., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Effects of human activities on atmospheric nitrate (NO 3 - ) formation remain unclear, though the knowledge is critical for improving atmospheric chemistry models and nitrogen deposition reduction strategies. A potentially useful way to explore this is to compare NO 3 - oxidation processes in urban and rural atmospheres based upon the oxygen stable isotope composition of NO 3 - (Δ 17 from three-years of daily-based bulk deposition in urban (Shenyang) and forested rural sites (Qingyuan) in northeast China and quantified the relative contributions of different formation pathways based on the SIAR model. Our results showed that the Δ 3 - ). Here we compared the Δ 17 O-NO 3 - from three-years of daily-based bulk deposition in urban (Shenyang) and forested rural sites (Qingyuan) in northeast China and quantified the relative contributions of different formation pathways based on the SIAR model. Our results showed that the Δ 17 O in Qiangyuan (26.2 ± 3.3‰) is significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in Shenyang (24.0 ± 4.0‰), and significantly higher in winter (Shenyang: 26.1 ± 6.7‰, Qingyuan: 29.6 ± 2.5‰) than in summer (Shenyang: 22.7 ± 2.9‰, Qingyuan: 23.8 ± 2.4‰) in both sites. The lower values in the urban site are linked with conditions that favored a higher relative contribution of nitrogen dioxide reaction with OH pathway (0.76-0.91) than in rural site (0.47-0.62), which should be induced by different levels of human activities in the two sites. The seasonal variations of Δ 17 O-NO 3 - in both sites are explained by a higher relative contribution of ozone-mediated oxidation chemistry and unfavorable conditions for the OH pathway during winter relative to summer, which is affected by human activities and seasonal meteorological condition change. Based on Δ 17 O, wintertime conditions led to a contribution of O 3 related pathways (NO 3  + DMS/HC and N 2 O 5 hydrolysis) of 0.63 in Qingyuan and 0.42 in Shenyang, while summertime conditions led to 0.15 in Qingyuan and 0.05 in Shenyang. Our comparative study on Δ 17 O-NO 3 - between urban and rural sites reveals different anthropogenic effects on nitrate formation processes on spatial and temporal scales, illustrating different responses of reactive nitrogen chemistry to changes in human activities., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A general feature in the diurnal cycle of atmospheric ammonia (NH 3 ) concentrations is a morning spike that typically occurs around 07:00 to 10:00 (LST). Current hypotheses to explain this morning's NH 3 increase remain elusive, and there is still no consensus whether traffic emissions are among the major sources of urban NH 3 . Here, we confirmed that the NH 3 morning pulse in urban Beijing is a universal feature, with an annual occurrence frequency of 73.0% and a rapid growth rate (>20%) in winter. The stable nitrogen isotopic composition of NH 3 (δ 15 N-NH 3 ) in winter also exhibited a significant diurnal variation with an obvious morning peak at 07:00 to 10:00 (-18.6‰, mass-weighted mean), higher than other times of the day (-26.3‰). This diurnal pattern suggests that a large fraction of NH 3 in the morning originated from nonagricultural sources, for example, power plants, vehicles, and coal combustion that tend to have higher δ 15 N-NH 3 emission signatures relative to agricultural emissions. In particular, the contribution from vehicular emissions increased from 18% (00:00 to 07:00) to 40% (07:00 to 10:00), while the contribution of fertilizer sources to NH 3 was reduced from 15.8% at 00:00 to 07:00 to 5.2% at 07:00 to 10:00. We concluded that NH 3 concentrations in winter mornings in urban Beijing were indeed enhanced by vehicle emissions, which should be considered in air pollution regulations.

Importance: Time spent in outdoor activities has decreased owing to home confinement for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Concerns have been raised about whether home confinement may have worsened the burden of myopia owing to substantially decreased time spent outdoors and increased screen time at home., Objective: To investigate the refractive changes and prevalence of myopia in school-aged children during the COVID-19 home confinement., Design, Setting, and Participants: A prospective cross-sectional study using school-based photoscreenings in 123 535 children aged 6 to 13 years from 10 elementary schools in Feicheng, China, was conducted. The study was performed during 6 consecutive years (2015-2020). Data were analyzed in July 2020., Exposures: Noncycloplegic photorefraction was examined using a photoscreener device., Main Outcomes and Measures: The spherical equivalent refraction was recorded for each child and the prevalence of myopia for each age group during each year was calculated. The mean spherical equivalent refraction and prevalence of myopia were compared between 2020 (after home confinement) and the previous 5 years for each age group., Results: Of the 123 535 children included in the study, 64 335 (52.1%) were boys. A total of 194 904 test results (389 808 eyes) were included in the analysis. A substantial myopic shift (approximately -0.3 diopters [D]) was found in the 2020 school-based photoscreenings compared with previous years (2015-2019) for younger children aged 6 (-0.32 D), 7 (-0.28 D), and 8 (-0.29 D) years. The prevalence of myopia in the 2020 photoscreenings was higher than the highest prevalence of myopia within 2015-2019 for children aged 6 (21.5% vs 5.7%), 7 (26.2% vs 16.2%), and 8 (37.2% vs 27.7%) years. The differences in spherical equivalent refraction and the prevalence of myopia between 2020 and previous years were minimal in children aged 9 to 13 years., Conclusions and Relevance: Home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to be associated with a significant myopic shift for children aged 6 to 8 years according to 2020 school-based photoscreenings. However, numerous limitations warrant caution in the interpretation of these associations, including use of noncycloplegic refractions and lack of orthokeratology history or ocular biometry data. Younger children's refractive status may be more sensitive to environmental changes than older ages, given the younger children are in a critical period for the development of myopia.

Purpose: To study the epidemiology of myopia in school-aged children in Tianjin and the relationship between visual acuity-based screening and refraction-based screening., Method: This school-based prospective cohort study was performed on children from 42 elementary schools and 17 middle schools in Tianjin, China. Totally 14,551 children, ages ranging from 5 to 16 years, were included in this study. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was determined by logarithmic tumbling E chart. Non-cycloplegic photorefraction was examined by the Spot (v2.1.4) photoscreener. The relationship between the UCVA and refractive error was investigated for different age groups., Results: The overall prevalence of myopia at this school based screen is 78.2%, ranged from 10% at age of 5 to 95% at age of 16. The most dramatic increase in prevalence is from age of 6 (14.8%) to age of 7 (38.5%). The overall prevalence of high myopia is 2.5%. UCVA is found corresponding to spherical equivalent refraction (SER) in a manner of normal distribution and is significantly affected by age. When using UCVA to estimate the prevalence of myopia, the overall sensitivity and specificity are 0.824 and 0.820, respectively. Age-dependent optimal cutoff points and 95% confident intervals of such estimation are reported., Conclusions: Myopia is heavily affecting school-aged children in Tianjin, China. The refraction screening is preferable for myopia screening, whereas the UCVA screening results need to be interpreted in an age-dependent manner for myopia estimation.

Ectopia vesicae, or bladder exstrophy, is a rare malformation, more frequently found in males. Very few cases of pregnancy with unrepaired ectopia vesicae have been reported in literature. The majority of these pregnant women with ectopia vesicae have terminated their pregnancies by cesarean section due to malpresentation, preterm labor or other indications. Clemetson concluded that cesarean section was the preferable method of term delivery to avoid postpartum prolapse. We have a different opinion on this because we had an interesting case. A woman with unrepaired ectopia vesicae had two successful vaginal deliveries, in 2009 and 2019 respectively. She recovered well and did not have any symptoms or signs of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) so far. CASE PRESENTATION: Let us present this woman with ectopia vesicae who had four pregnancies; two spontaneous abortions and two vaginal deliveries. In 2009, she had a successful vaginal delivery at Yantai Harbor Hospital where the first author worked at that time. She met the first author again surprisingly, during her third trimester in 2019. She had a spacious pelvis and pendulous abdomen. In this fourth pregnancy, the fetus changed its presentation frequently. Still, she had the second vaginal delivery successfully. She recovered fully after delivery and did not have any symptoms or signs of POP. As far as we know, this is the first case that a patient with ectopia vesicae who has been observed for such a long time after multiple vaginal deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: Doctors must evaluate the risk of vaginal delivery or cesarean section and consider maternal-neonatal health. Prior to this, women with repaired or unrepaired ectopia vesicae usually delivered their babies by cesarean section. Our practice shows that vaginal delivery is also a safe and feasible choice for some of these patients, especially for those with unrepaired, mild types of ectopia vesicae who experience no other dangerous or uncomfortable symptoms.

The antioxidative activity of hydrolysate peptides from oysters (Crassostrea talienwhanensis) was investigated. After hydrolysis with subtilisin, the yields of the peptides that were soluble in trichloroacetic acid (TCA-soluble) and the antioxidant activities of the resulting hydrolysate were determined using an orthogonal design and a hydroxyl radical scavenging reaction. The hydrolysate was fractionated using Sephadex G-15 gel filtration chromatography, and the two resulting bioactive peptides were subsequently purified by RP-HPLC with a Kromasil C18 (ODS) column. The amino acid sequences were analyzed by nano-ESI-MS/MS. The critical reaction temperature, pH, hydrolysis time and enzyme-to-substrate (E/S) ratio were determined for the optimum hydrolysis with subtilisin, and the E/S ratio was found to be the most critical reaction condition. The amino acid sequences of the peptides (518 and 440 Da) were proline-valine-methionine-glycine-aspartic acid (PVMGA) and glutamine-histidine-glycine-valine (QHGV), respectively. These two novel peptides exhibited high antioxidative actions based on their hydroxyl and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)