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A 1‐bit reconfigurable metasurface antenna for Ground penetrating radar (GPR) application is proposed. The element is loaded with one PIN diode, which can be electronically controlled to generate two states with 200° reflection phase difference at 2.0 GHz. The two states are regarded as "1" and "0." Based on the proposed element, a 10 × 10 reconfigurable metasurface is designed. Besides, a digital control board is used to control the state of element. A reconfigurable metasurface antenna is simulated and fabricated. The simulated and experimented results indicate that the proposed antenna can achieve ±40° beam scanning with a gain tolerance of 3 dB and the maximum gain of 16.7 dBi. In addition, the beam‐forming performance can be achieved, such as multibeam. These properties ensure the proposed antenna has great potential in GPR and microwave imaging systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A hybrid water environment-water resources overloading risk framework is proposed. • A novel Bayesian methodology is introduced for quantitative uncertainty accounting. • 60% of the administrative units were under a relatively severe overloading condition. • Nonpoint source pollution was more serious in the upper or lower reaches. • Point source pollution was more serious in the middle reaches. Water environment-water resources carrying capacity (WERCC) is a sustainability indicator, rendering it significant to measure the water systems covering the water environment and water resources. Currently, water environment carrying capacity (WECC) accounting and assessment mostly tend to the deterministic results of a single element under a design hydrological condition. However, the WERCC, as well as its components WECC and water resources carrying capacity (WRCC), is a random variable with a certain probability distribution. To account for that, we established a Bayesian network-based WERCC overloading risk assessment method system. It can calculate the water system carrying state and its corresponding probability after determining the WECC and WRCC probability distributions. Among them, the probability distributions of the WECC and WRCC were determined by the Bayesian formula, and the spatiotemporal law, respectively. Additionally, based on the above quantitative uncertainty analysis in the basin, a Bayesian network-based WERCC overloading risk assessment path was built by modeling the causal chain of the WERCC internal impact mechanism, and the risk assessment results were obtained by the software Netica. Taking the North Canal Basin in China as an example, the results of WERCC overloading risk zoning showed that CU6 and CU9 were severe risk areas; CU2, CU7, CU8, and CU10 had moderate risks; and the remaining 40% control units were slight or mild risks. According to the overloading risk characteristics, the uncertain quantitative assessment has provided a scientific basis for ensuring the sustainable development of the North Canal from the perspective of reducing the water environment pressure (WEP) and improving the WERCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the largest energy consumer and CO 2 emitting country, the Chinese government is committing to a low-carbon economy. It is meaningful and contributes to evaluate and analyze the low-carbon economy efficiency (LCEE) of China. A Super-slack-based measure (Super-SBM) model with undesirable outputs, as combined with the Malmquist productivity index, is proposed to measure the LCEE and the dynamic low-carbon economy efficiency (DLCEE) of 30 provinces in mainland China from 2005 to 2012. The Theil index is also used to measure the rationalization level of industrial structure (RLIS) for discussing the improvements to the LCEE in China. The results indicate that the proposed undesirable outputs Super-SBM model can effectively rank the SBM-efficient provinces. China's regional economic development does not follow a low-carbon pattern, with an average LCEE of 0.517. As a whole, the China's economic development is gradually following a low-carbon development pattern with an annual LCEE improvement of 4.5%. The RLIS of China is also gradually changing better, as well. Through a comparative analysis of the LCEE and RLIS, the 30 provinces are divided into three sub-areas, and relevant suggestions are presented for improving the LCEE of different sub-areas in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the largest developing country, China has been suffering from resource shortage and serious environmental pollution. Evaluation and improvement of the regional environmental efficiency is crucial to pursuing the balance between economic development and environmental protection. This paper used a regional environmental efficiency SBM (slack-based measure) (REES) model which treats environmental pollution as undesirable outputs to evaluate the environmental efficiency of 30 provincial administrative regions (PARs) in China from 2005 to 2011 and investigated the factors affecting environmental efficiency using the Tobit regression model. The results indicate that there is distinct difference in environmental efficiency amongst each PAR. The GDP per capita, industrial structure, innovation capability, environmental awareness of local government and population density have significant positive impacts, while energy intensity exerts a significantly negative effect on environmental efficiency. In order to make more effective policies for improving China’s regional environmental efficiency, the hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to divide the 30 PARs into 3 sub-regions. A number of policy recommendations were provided for improving environmental efficiency according to the characteristics of each sub-region, which are helpful for the Chinese government to achieve the targets of environmental protection along with the economic development in the coming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese lakes have been affected by climate change, agricultural intensification and population increases since 1850. However, the spatiotemporal variations in nitrogen and phosphorus in lake sediments and the factors influencing these variations are poorly understood. This research analysed the spatiotemporal variations in the mass accumulation rate (MAR) and total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations of sediments since 1850 and the responses of these factors to the influence of natural and anthropic factors through the collection of data from 56 lake sediment samples in China. After 2000, the average MAR value (2794 g/m2/yr), TN concentration (0.35%) and TP concentration (0.96‰) of lake sediments were significantly higher than the average values during 1850–1900 (p < 0.05). During the study period, the MAR of the lake sediments in the eastern plain (EP) was the highest in the country, and the increase was also largest in this region. The TN concentrations of lake sediments in the Northeast Plain (NEP) were the highest in the country, and the TN concentrations of lakes in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (YGP) underwent the largest increase. The TP concentrations in the sediments of the YGP were higher than the national average during the study period, and the lakes in the NEP had the highest increase in TP concentrations. The result showed climate and lake morphology are important factors controlling the indices in lakes' sediment in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) since 1900. Climate and lake morphology are major impact factors for lakes' sediment indices in NEP, EP, Mongolia- Xinjiang Plateau (MXP) and YGP in 1900–1950. After 1950, anthropic factors gradually replaced natural factors and became the main factors affecting these four regions and anthropic factors promoted the increase of nutrient concentration in lake sediments. The results of this study show that sustainable agricultural development policies and population policies can help control the quality of nutrients entering lakes, thereby reducing the concentrations of nutrients in lake sediments in the future. [Display omitted] • Lake sediments N and P in China increased since 1850. • Lake sediments N and P varied among different regions. • The driver factors of lakes' sediments N and P varied among different regions. • Anthropic factors become the main factor for the increase N and P in lake sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution is a serious problem in Dianchi Lake Basin, which has resulted in severe pressure on the sustainable utilization of local water resources. This study investigates and quantifies the various water quality change processes involved in a regional water metabolism system by using grey water footprint. Furthermore, an ecological network model of the water quality change processes in water metabolism system is generated and an ecological network analysis is conducted to understand the underlying principles and analyze the importance of the compartments of water quality metabolism. This study provides insights into the status of water quality metabolism in water metabolism system and determines the reasons for the deteriorating water quality. It describes and quantifies 22 water quality change processes and builds the ecological network model to evaluate the metabolic effects of water quality in Dianchi Lake Basin. Results show that the pollutants from urban daily life water use are the main influencing factor on the water quality metabolism in Dianchi Lake Basin water metabolism system. The weight of the grey water footprint of the pollution source from urban daily life water use is the largest, which accounts for approximately 50% of the total weight (100%). Thus, management should exert significant effort to control pollutants from the water use of urban residents. By analyzing the interoperability between the components of the ecological network model, this study determines that all the water quality metabolic effects in Dianchi Lake Basin are poor from 2006 to 2013 (the values of mutualism indices M from 2006 to 2013 are all less than 1). The analysis results can be used to interpret the problems encountered in water quality metabolism in regional water metabolism systems. The proposed improvement measures could support the decision-making process regarding future investments for the optimization of pollution treatment and the sustainability of urban water use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorinated gases (F-gases) are considered to be greenhouse gases (GHG) and are widely used as room air conditioner (RAC) refrigerants. This study was initiated to determine the potential to reduce the GHG emission of the RAC refrigerants by calculating their life cycle carbon footprints (CFPs). The life cycle of a refrigerant includes the processes of production, filling of RACs, service, disposal, and energy consumption. The refrigerant functional unit was assumed to produce 1 kW of cooling capacity. The assumed calculation conditions included an RAC service life of 10 years and a unit usage use of 2 h per day, 100 days per year. Specifically, the GHG emission reduction potential of refrigerants was further analyzed based on 15%, 30% and 50% refrigerant recycle rates scenarios. RAC refrigerants were divided into three types: high global warming potential (GWP), middle GWP and low GWP. Analysis of the results indicated that the life cycle CFPs of high GWP refrigerants were larger than those of the middle and low GWP refrigerants. Service and disposal processes contributed most to RAC refrigerants' life cycle CFPs. There are two ways to reduce the GHG emission of RAC refrigerants. One approach is to avoid direct GHG emissions during the disposal process. When the refrigerant recycle rate was improved from 5% to 15%, 30%, and 50%, the reduction of GHG emission of the refrigerants increased by 5%, 12%, and 20%, respectively. The second method is to substitute middle and low GWP refrigerants for high GWP refrigerants. This method can lead to a GHG emission reduction of at least 45.57%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deep learning algorithms (DLAs) could enable automatic measurements of solid portions of mixed ground-glass nodules (mGGNs) in agreement with the invasive component sizes measured during pathologic examinations. However, the measurement of pure ground-glass nodules (pGGNs) based on DLAs has rarely been reported in the literature. Purpose: To evaluate the use of a commercially available DLA for the automatic measurement of pGGNs on computed tomography (CT). Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 68 patients with 81 pGGNs. The maximum diameter of the nodules was manually measured by senior radiologists and automatically segmented and measured by the DLA. Agreement between the measurements by the radiologist and DLA was assessed using Bland–Altman plots, and correlations were analyzed using Pearson correlation. Finally, we evaluated the association between the radiologist and DLA measurements and the invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma in patients with pGGNs on preoperative CT. Results: The radiologist and DLA measurements exhibited good agreement with a Bland-Altman bias of 3.0%, which were clinically acceptable. The correlation between both sets of maximum diameters was also strong, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.968 (P < 0.001). In addition, both sets of maximum diameters were larger in the invasive adenocarcinoma group than in the non-invasive adenocarcinoma group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Automatic pGGNs measurements by the DLA were comparable with those measured manually and were closely associated with the invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We present a conceptual model for vulnerability analysis of an industrial system. [•] We model the vulnerability of an ideal system of a simplified reactor vessel. [•] We propose strategies to reduce the vulnerability of an industrial system. [•] Vulnerability modeling is valuable for vulnerability reduction strategy selection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Implementing an integrated assessment system for the carrying capacity of water environments should include recognizing and eliminating warning signs based on future predictions. However, existing methodologies tend to ignore the warning methods already in place, and current studies fail to quantify water ecology issues adequately. To help solve these problems, the ecological footprint that involves water uses a procedural indicator system, which adopts an early warning methodology system approach. This reconstruction has devised definitions, recognizes hazards, states forecasts status, analyses signs, judges situations, distinguishes levels, and eliminates risks. Based on these procedures, a dynamic system model has been developed, comprising five subsystems with an overarching parent system. These subsystems are population, ecology, water resources, water environment, and water ecology. The simulation involves carrying rates for the water environment, water resource, water ecology, and the level of harmony between society and the environment. All these serve to describe the water environment carrying capacity, i.e., the upper limit of the capacity to supply resources, remove pollutants, and offer sustainable ecological services. To properly quantify the carrying capacity, the water environment carrying rate was assessed by a comprehensive analysis of the water environment, water resources, and water ecological carrying rate. The carrying rates were calculated as the ratios of currently existing pressure to the maximum pressure that can be born. When values are greater than 1, they indicate overload because the actual pressure is greater than the pressure they can bear. The degree of coordination between economy and environment was standardized to range between 0 and 1. The larger the value, the more harmonious the relationship. For this research, the North Canal basin, a basin consisting of several rivers flowing through Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei in northern China and its surrounding areas, was chosen. The results showed that water environment and resource carrying rates would decline to 2.60 and 0.94, respectively, while the water ecology carrying rate would remain high at 10.98 by the year 2025. In addition, the degree of coordination would increase from 0.65 to 0.79. These statistics mean that the overload statuses will be high for a long time, although they are expected to ease gradually. Besides, the relationship between society and the environment would become more stable. Considering both the overload statuses and the relationship between society and the environment, the warning signs would not vanish. Based on predictions, the measures used were explained from three perspectives, i.e., alleviating pressures, enhancing carrying capacities, and finding a balance between society and the environment. Finally, the effects of the measures were estimated quantitatively. • Procedures of early warning methodology system for water environment carrying capacity include definitions, recognizing hazards, forecasting statuses, analysing signs, judging situations, distinguishing levels, and eliminating risks. • Water ecology was quantified by the areas' ecological footprint. • Population subsystem will keep deteriorating; water ecology subsystem will generally remain; the water environment, water resources and economic subsystems will improve. • The overload statuses will last for long, while the relationship between society and the environment will become more stable. • Measures were put forward from three issues: alleviating pressures; enhancing carrying capacities; and finding a balance between society and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burial of organic carbon (OC) in rift lakes on plateau is an important part of the global cycle. It is affected by natural and anthropogenic factors. In this study, we selected the sediment records of 7 rift lakes on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau to study spatial-temporal variation, sources and driving factors of organic carbon burial since 1850. The analysis of the temporal and spatial trend of carbon burial shows that the TOC concentration, TOC flux, C: N and mass accumulate rate have increased significantly since 1850. Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that a strong correlation between the TOC concentration and silty. TOC concentration were identified as core genera due to their high concentration. Carbon isotope tracing results show that before 1950, endogenous OC input played a dominant role, and after 1950, the proportion of exogenous OC increased. Canonical correlation analysis indicated that after 1950, agriculture intensification and population increase become one of the factors affecting the carbon burial of lakes in this area. The result of this study indicate that anthropogenic factors have become the main factors promoting carbon burial in rift lakes on the plateau. • The carbon deposition in YGP lakes has increased significantly since the 1850s. • Correlation between sediment indexes were analyzed by a co-occurrence network. • Lake carbon source and its increase rate varied significantly among different lakes on the YGP. • Agriculture intensification and population are the reason for increase of TOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next-generation sequencing technologies need careful design of experiments and evaluation of results to meet field requirements. Here we discuss technical considerations for these high-throughput assays, together with criteria to assess the quality of the results and the necessary validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cohesins are evolutionarily conserved essential multi-protein complexes that are important for higher-order chromatin organization. They play pivotal roles in the maintenance of genome integrity through mitotic chromosome regulation, DNA repair and replication, as well as gene regulation critical for proper development and cellular differentiation. In this review, we will discuss the multifaceted functions of mammalian cohesins and their apparent functional hierarchy in the cell, with particular focus on their actions in gene regulation and their relevance to human developmental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune-mediated destruction of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells is pathophysiologic in most cases of aplastic anemia (AA). We have successfully determined the gene expression profile of the marrow CD34+ target cells in AA. T cells producing IFN-γ and TNF-α have been implicated in hematopoietic destruction in AA. We sought to characterize T cells as immune mediators using the microarray approach.We applied Affymetrix GeneChip techniques to determine the detailed profile of mRNA expression of CD4+ and CD8+ cells from the BM of newly diagnosed AA patients and healthy volunteers. For validation, we confirmed our microarray results using quantitative real-time PCR.Compared to healthy controls, there were 178 and 183 differentially expressed genes in patients'' CD4+ cells and CD8+ T cells, respectively; activities of 22 selected genes were confirmed using real-time PCR. Dysregulated genes included those encoding cytokines/chemokines, and involved in transcription regulation, calcium and ion channel formation, and cell adhesion. Unexpected findings were overexpression of toll-like receptor genes in marrow CD4+ cells of patients and of genes for killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) in AA marrow CD8+ cells.Our detailed results at the mRNA level provide insights into the mechanism of AA. Both innate and adaptive immune responses of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells appear to be active in immune-mediated marrow destruction. A variety of cytokines and chemokines active in pathophysiologic cells likely play important roles in the recruitment and activation of lymphocytes to cytotoxic effectors for marrow hematopoietic target cells in AA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) results from acquired mutations in the PIG-A gene of an haematopoietic stem cell, leading to defective biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors and deficient expression of GPI-anchored proteins on the surface of the cell's progeny. Some laboratory and clinical findings have suggested genomic instability to be intrinsic in PNH; this possibility has been supported by mutation analysis of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase ( HPRT) gene abnormalities. However, the HPRT assay examines lymphocytes in peripheral blood (PB), and T cells may be related to the pathophysiology of PNH. We analysed the molecular and functional features of HPRT mutants in PB mononuclear cells from eleven PNH patients. CD8 T cells predominated in these samples; approximately half of the CD8 cells lacked GPI-anchored protein expression, while only a small proportion of CD4 cells appeared to derive from the PNH clone. The HPRT mutant frequency (Mf) in T lymphocytes from PNH patients was significantly higher than in healthy controls. The majority of the mutant T lymphocyte clones were of CD4 phenotype, and they had phenotypically normal GPI-anchored protein expression. In PNH patients, the majority of HPRT mutant clones were contained within the V β2 T cell receptor (TCR) subfamily, which was oligoclonal by complementarity-determining region three (CDR3) size analysis. Our results are more consistent with detection of uniform populations of expanded T cell clones, which presumably acquired HPRT mutations during antigen-driven cell proliferation, and not due to an increased Mf in PNH. HPRT mutant analysis does not support underlying genomic instability in PNH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. T cell-mediated suppression of haematopoiesis is believed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of aplastic anaemia (AA) and in the pancytopenia of some myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Natural-killer T (NKT) cells belong to a unique lymphocyte subset that expresses an invariant T-cell receptor (TCR), consisting of Vα24JαQ, and common NK cell surface markers. NKT cells have been hypothesized to play a role in immune regulation, and many human autoimmune conditions are associated with NKT cell deficiency. Here we investigate the role of NKT cells in AA and MDS patients. Flow cytometry demonstrated that NKT cells, unlike other T-lymphocyte subpopulations, were disproportionally decreased in AA and MDS marrow. When we compared variability within the CDR3 region of Vα24 in CD4– CD8– T cells derived from AA and healthy individuals, the CDR3 size of Vα24 cells showed a polyclonal distribution in AA patients, while in control subjects a typical oligoclonal or monoclonal pattern was found. Southern blot and sequence analysis of Vα24 polymerase chain reaction products revealed that the NKT cell-specific JαQ region was predominant in control subjects, whereas it was not, or only very weakly, detected in AA and MDS patients. These results show that NKT cells are profoundly decreased in AA and MDS, and their deficiency may, as in other human autoimmune diseases, play a role in the local immune dysregulation in AA and MDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The jobs–housing balance concerns the spatial relationship between the number of jobs and housing units within a given geographical area. Due to the separation of jobs and housing, spatial dislocations have occurred in large cities, which have resulted in a significant increase in commuting distance and time. These changes have ultimately led to an increase in pressure on urban traffic, and the formation of tidal traffic. In this study we introduce a multi-agent approach to examine the jobs–housing relationship under the maximum location utility of agents. The jobs/housing ratio measures the balance of the of jobs–housing relationship, as well as comparing and analyzing jobs–housing separation in Beijing by district, county, and street scales. An agent-based model was proposed to simulate spatial location selection behavior of agents by considering environmental and economical influences on residential decisions of individuals. Results show that the jobs–housing relationship imbalance in Beijing has been mainly aggravated due to rapid population growth in the 6th Ring Road. An imbalance in the jobs–housing relationship has arisen due to a mismatch with the number of households available compared to the number of jobs; the surrounding urban areas cannot provide the required volume of housing to accommodate the increase in workers. Six sets of experiments were established to examine resident agents and enterprise agents. Differences in resident agents' income level had a greater impact on residential location decision-making, and housing price was the primary factor affecting the decision of residents to choose their residential location. The spatial distribution of jobs and housing in Beijing under the maximization of micro-agent location utility was obtained in this study. Results indicated that the imbalance in the jobs¬-housing relationship in central Beijing has improved and, compared with the initial distributions, the number of jobs–housing balance areas in Beijing has increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an attempt to elucidate the pathogenic role of a CD4+ cytotoxic T-cell clone NT4.2 isolated from the bone marrow of a patient with cyclosporine-dependent aplastic anaemia, we characterized the T-cell clone as well as its cytotoxicity against an autologous Epstein-Barr (EB) virus-transformed B-lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL). NT4.2 expressed BV21+ BJ2.7+ with a complementarity-determining region (CDR) 3 motif of SQGQGEVEQY which was homologous to that of a T-cell clone isolated from a patient with connective tissue disease. NT4.2 started to lyse LCL cells within 2 h and exerted maximal cytotoxicity within 3 h of incubation. The cytotoxicity required the presence of divalent cations and was not associated with DNA fragmentation of the target cells. Anti-CD59 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) blocked the cytotoxicity to the same degree as anti-CD3, HLA-DR or CD2 mAb. Flow cytometric analysis of the peripheral blood of this patient during remission after cyclosporine therapy revealed 1.7% of granulocytes to be deficient in CD59. These findings indicate that NT4.2 exerts its cytotoxicity through a perforin-mediated pathway, not a Fas/Fas ligand-dependent pathway, and that haemopoietic stem cells lacking CD59 may evade cytotoxic T lymphocytes, leading to the in vivo expansion of a paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria clone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen deposition in lake sediment is an important factor reflecting the evolution of lake environments. Over the past 150–200 years, lakes in China have been affected by natural factors and anthropogenic factors, and nitrogen deposition has increased. As a result, it is critical to reconstruct the spatiotemporal variation trend of nitrogen deposition and analyse the nitrogen source and driving factors. On a regional scale, based on the sediment TN, δ15N and C: N ratio variation trends, this study analysed the buried nitrogen variation trend in Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau lakes over the past 150–200 years. The effects of lake morphology on nitrogen deposition were also analysed by using natural lake parameters. At the watershed scale, the δ15N isotope in the sediment was used to distinguish the sediment sources. On this basis, this study analysed the relationship between nitrogen deposition in nine lakes and the socioeconomic conditions during 1949–2010. The results show that (1) during the last 150–200 years, the TN, δ15N and the C: N ratio in the sediments increased. (2) Lake depth and area are the main natural factors affecting the extent of nitrogen deposition. (3) Before 1950, the nitrogen in the lake sediments in the region was sourced mainly from natural sources such as precipitation, woodland, grassland and aquatic plants. After 1950, man-made sources such as sewage and farmland became the main sources of nitrogen. (4) Human social and economic activities have an increasingly significant influence on the lake water environment in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and are also the main factors leading to the deterioration of the aquatic environment. Unlabelled Image • The nitrogen deposition in YGP lakes have increased significantly over the last 150–200 years. • Lake nitrogen deposition and its increase rate varied significantly among different lakes in the YGP. • The TN changes were affected by recent human activities and environmental policies. • The controls on lake nitrogen deposition varied among different lakes in the YGP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high‐gain bow‐tie antenna with double‐layer phase‐gradient metasurface (PGMS) lens is proposed. A modified bow‐tie antenna is designed as a feed, which has end‐fire characteristics. The proposed PGMS can transform quasi‐spherical electromagnetic wave to plane wave within the frequency band from 1.7 to 2.1 GHz, thereby the proposed lens antenna has a good beam focusing effect. The measured gain is from 9.5 to 12.8 dBi and a −3 dB gain bandwidth of around 20% is achieved. At the same time, the gain increases 6.5 dB on average in the whole working frequency band. Simulated and measured results show that the designed modified bow‐tie antenna with PGMS lens has high gain and high directivity, which can well meet the requirement of microwave imaging system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than half of the total natural ionizing radiation dose received by the human population is caused by radon and thoron (Rn and Tn) and their progeny. To estimate the level of radiation due to radon and thoron and their progeny, an investigation was conducted in a residential area near the world's largest open-pit mine of Bayan Obo in Inner Mongolia, China. The concentration of Rn, Tn, and their decay products in air and soil were studied by using AlphaGUARD, RAD7, and ERS-RDM-2S for a discrete period of time in three different locations. The average indoor concentration of radon and thoron was 62.6 ± 44.6 Bq/m3 and 108.3 ± 94.5 Bq/m3 respectively, and the outdoor concentration was 12.9 ± 6.3 Bq/m3 and 55.8 ± 18.5 Bq/m3, respectively. Relatively high concentrations were recorded in the area near to the mine, with a significant increasing trend observed in indoor thoron concentration. A prominent hotspot in thoron concentration was found in a single-story house with values 747 ± 150 Bq/m3. The equilibrium equivalent thoron concentration (EECTn) varies from 0.48 Bq/m3 to 2.36 Bq/m3 with an arithmetic mean of 1.37 ± 0.64 Bq/m3, and comparatively higher than EECRn. Concluding that the mining activity at Bayan Obo mine is significantly increasing the level of indoor thoron and its progeny in surroundings. It is suggested to further systematically investigate the indoor Rn and Tn progeny concentrations in the residential dwellings of the Bayan Obo mining area, and 232Th content of the building materials, to provide a basis for calculating the radiation dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Different from conventional energy analyses which focus on primary and final stages of energy flows, useful work analysis can describe the last stage of energy transformations to end-uses. Besides, useful work analysis considers the quality of energy flows as well as efficiencies and provide a robust thermodynamic framework for analyzing the efficiency of energy use. As the world's largest energy consumer, China has less number of studies related to useful work analysis and mainly centered on national scale besides ignoring the impact of differences among different regions. Owing to this, this study developed an analysis on the temporal and spatial characteristics of useful work in China on provincial-level during 1985–2016, and combined logarithmic mean divisia index (LMDI) decomposition with affinity propagation clustering to systematically evaluate the spatial distribution of the driving factors of useful work, thereby proposing a targeted energy policy proposal for each cluster of provinces. It has been noted that the useful work of southeastern provinces has increased significantly since 1995, while western provinces had some improvements after 2005 due to the "Western Development Drive" policy. Economic output and energy intensity were the two most important factors in most of the provinces, the efficiency effect was always positive and incremental and the impact of industrial structure and energy structure were complicated. Furthermore, it could be noted that the formulation of China's energy policies should consider the features of regional useful work and their driving mechanism, and more importantly it should be adjusted in a timely manner in order to respond to different developmental stages. Highlights • A provincial-level useful work analysis of China for recent 30 years is developed. • China's policies have a significant impact on energy consumption distribution. • Various provinces have different driving factors of their useful work increments. • An affinity propagation clustering is taken to study the peculiarity of useful work. • Targeted energy policy strategies are proposed based on provincial features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization and population growth have resulted in serious water shortage and pollution of the aquatic environment, which are important reasons for the complex increase in environmental deterioration in the region. This study examines the environmental consequences and economic impacts of water resource shortages under variant economic policies; however, this requires complex models that jointly consider variant agents and sectors within a systems perspective. Thus, we propose a complex system model that couples multi-agent based models (ABM) and system dynamics (SD) models to simulate the impact of alternative economic policies on water use and pricing. Moreover, this model took the constraint of the local water resources carrying capacity into consideration. Results show that to achieve the 13th Five Year Plan targets in Dianchi, water prices for local residents and industries should rise to 3.23 and 4.99 CNY/m 3 , respectively. The corresponding sewage treatment fees for residents and industries should rise to 1.50 and 2.25 CNY/m 3 , respectively, assuming comprehensive adjustment of industrial structure and policy. At the same time, the local government should exercise fine-scale economic policy combined with emission fees assessed for those exceeding a standard, and collect fines imposed as punishment for enterprises that exceed emission standards. When fines reach 500,000 CNY, the total number of enterprises that exceed emission standards in the basin can be controlled within 1%. Moreover, it is suggested that the volume of water diversion in Dianchi should be appropriately reduced to 3.06 × 10 8 m 3 . The reduced expense of water diversion should provide funds to use for the construction of recycled water facilities. Then the local rise in the rate of use of recycled water should reach 33%, and 1.4 CNY/m 3 for the price of recycled water could be provided to ensure the sustainable utilization of local water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high‐gain antenna with multi‐layer phase‐gradient metasurface (PGMS) lens is proposed. It consists of three parts, feed antenna, PGMS lens and back cavity. The proposed PGMS can transform quasi‐spherical electromagnetic wave to plane wave within the frequency band 5.5–6.5 GHz. The half‐power beamwidth of the feed antenna is reduced by up to 83.1°, and the gain is increased by up to 8.7 dB. Because the loading of the lens increases the back lobe, this article also introduces an antenna back cavity, which reflects the energy radiated from the antenna back to the front, thereby improving the radiation performance of the feed antenna. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulation results, verifying that the loading of the lens and the back cavity can achieve the purpose of increasing the gain and reducing the back lobe. The cavity‐backed lens antenna provides potential application for microwave imaging and wireless communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact wideband metalens antenna which is composed of a log-periodic dipole antenna (LPDA) and metalens is proposed operating over the band of 1.7–2.7 GHz. The metalens is designed by using anisotropic ABA structures (A: impedance matching layer (IML), B: phase gradient metasurface lens (PGMS lens)) to reduce the back-lobe level and achieve high-performance. The PGMS lens is used to achieve a considerable phase shift range, and two IMLs are introduced to eliminate unnecessary reflection caused by the impedance mismatch and further increase phase coverage. Hence, the metalens features a low profile with a thickness of 0.29 λ 0 , where λ 0 is the free-space wavelength at 2.2 GHz. The measured results demonstrate that the proposed metalens antenna has a wide impedance bandwidth of 45% (1.7–2.7 GHz) and −3 dB gain bandwidth of 40% (1.8–2.7 GHz), respectively. Moreover, the gain is averagely increased by 9.56 dB in the whole working band, and the maximum gain achieves 16.1 dBi at 2.2 GHz. These characters make the proposed metalens antenna suitable for microwave imaging systems and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of bone marrow failure syndromes such as aplastic anemia (AA) to clonal hematologic diseases such as myelodysplastic syndrome is well recognized. Cytogenetic abnormalities are commonly seen late events, particularly aneuploidy of chromosomes 7 and 8. A proportion of bone marrow failure patients may also develop aneuploidy that is detectable by fluorescence in situ hybridization but not by standard cytogenetic analysis. The molecular basis for aneuploidy in this setting is currently unknown but may include abnormalities in the mitotic spindle checkpoint. For this reason, we searched for mutations in the mitotic spindle checkpoint genes hBUB1 and hMAD2, and also examined the expression of hBUB1 in cells of bone marrow failure patients. No pathogenic mutations were found in 59 patients. Of 170 bone marrow failure patients, less than one-third expressed hBUB1 transcript. Gene expression profiling confirmed a significant down-regulation of hBUB1 message in patients. We conclude that mutations in mitotic spindle checkpoint genes do not account for aneuploidy in marrow failure states. However, we cannot exclude epigenetic inactivation of hBUB1 as a potential mechanism in some patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectiveRecently, phenotypically normal CD34 cells from the marrow of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) were reported to show impaired growth and elevated Fas receptor expression as compared to glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored protein (GPI-AP)-deficient CD34 cells and CD34 cells from normal individuals. These results are consistent with the theory that PNH cells have an intrinsic growth advantage, but their superior expansion in vitro could also be the outcome of selective extrinsic pressure in vivo.: Material and MethodsGrowth characteristics, competitive features, and susceptibility to apoptosis of sorted normal or GPI-AP–deficient CD34+ cells derived from PNH patients were assessed in suspension and methylcellulose cultures.: ResultsWhen we directly compared the growth of patients'' CD34 cells, separated based on expression of GPI-AP CD55 and CD59, in most of the patients studied, mutant CD34 cells showed higher progeny production and outgrew phenotypically normal CD34 cells derived from PNH patients in mixing experiments. However, their proliferation rate did not exceed that of control CD34 cells. To determine whether deficient growth of phenotypically normal CD34 cells in PNH was secondary to a pre-existing in vivo insult, we determined the fraction of apoptotic cells within fresh normal and PNH CD34 cells. Normal CD34 cells from PNH patients showed a high proportion of apoptotic cells and higher Fas expression, while GPI-AP–deficient and control CD34 cells showed similar, low rates of apoptosis. After correction for pre-existing apoptosis, the proliferation potential of normal and PNH CD34 cells was similar.: ConclusionsThese results strongly suggest that clonal expansion of GPI-AP–deficient progenitor cells from PNH patients is due to their selection in the hostile marrow environment of the patient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Accurately obtaining the pollution sources and their contribution rates is the basis for refining watershed management. Although many source analysis methods have been proposed, a systematic framework for watershed management is still lacking, including the complete process of pollution source identification to control. We proposed a framework for identification and abatement of pollutants and applied in the Huangshui River Basin. A newer contaminant flux variation method based on a one-dimensional river water quality model was used to calculate the contribution of pollutants. The contributions of various factors to the over-standard parameters of water quality sections at different spatial and temporal scales were calculated. Based on the calculation results, corresponding pollution abatement projects were developed, and the effectiveness of the projects was evaluated through scenario simulation. Our results showed that the large scale livestock and poultry farms and sewage treatment plants were the largest sources of total nitrogen (TP) in Xiaoxia bridge section, with contribution rates of 46.02% and 36.74%, respectively. Additionally, the largest contribution sources of ammonia nitrogen (NH 3 –N) were sewage treatment plants (36.17%) and industrial sewage (26.33%). Three towns that contributed the most to TP were Lejiawan Town (14.4%), Ganhetan Town (7.3%) and Handong Hui Nationality town (6.6%), while NH 3 –N mainly from the Lejiawan Town (15.9%), Xinghai Road Sub-district (12.4%) and Mafang Sub-district (9.5%). Further analysis found that point sources in these towns were the main contributor to TP and NH 3 –N. Accordingly, we developed abatement projects for point sources. Scenario simulation indicated that the TP and NH 3 –N could be significantly improved by closing down and upgrading relevant sewage treatment plants and building facilities for large scale livestock and poultry farms. The framework adopted in this study can accurately identify pollution sources and evaluate the effectiveness of pollution abatement projects, which is conducive to the refined water environment management. • A framework of pollution source identification and abatement is proposed. • Contaminant flux variation method was put forward for quantifying contribution. • Water quality scenarios models provide pollution management strategies. • Point source contributes the biggest for ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus. • Impact from point sources on water quality was greater during the dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance ecosystem conservation in protected areas, natives' behavior, mainly the use of natural resources or direct human disturbance to ecosystems, must be well intervened and regulated. To explore the determinants and incentives of the conservation behavior of natives, this paper establishes a theoretical behavior model emphasizing livelihood assets and conservation policy impacts, and specifies it with structural equation modeling. The protected areas of Chishui county in southwest China and the Three-River-Source National Park in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were selected for empirical analyses based on household surveys. Results show that conservation intentions that shape the natives' conservation behavior are collectively decided by conservation attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Livelihood assets exert indirect positive effects on conservation behavior by influencing the aforementioned psychological variables. The impacts on conservation behavior of the governmental policy instruments, Grain to Green Program , Grassland Ecological Protection Subsidy and Incentive Policy , and Ecological Ranger Post Setting are evaluated. The command & control functions of the first two instruments are verified to be effective. The propaganda & education functions of all three policy instruments affect conservation intention and behavior by influencing conservation attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control of the natives. The ecological compensation functions of the policies prevent the loss of the natives' livelihood assets but fail to enhance it. The findings demonstrate that besides the direct impacts on conservation behavior of the protection policy instruments, the indirect policy impacts affecting the protection consciousness of natives should not be underestimated. In the long run, a suggestion is to strengthen eco-compensation to improve livelihood assets, to better promote the protection behavior of the local residents and obtain sustainable ecosystem conservation in the protected areas. This research demonstrates applicability and feasibility of the behavioral theory and causal model method in natural conservation study and shows strong policy implication. Unlabelled Image • Natives' behavior disturbance to ecosystem matters and policy incentive is needed. • Psychological & livelihood factors have multiple impacts on conservation behavior. • Command and control policies impose directly influences on natives' behavior. • Propaganda, education and eco-compensation generate indirect but long-term impacts. • Behavioral theory framework helps support conservation policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in cities. Multiple strategies including transport management, urban planning and behavioral changes are required to reduce GHG emissions. Considering the urgent need to improve to urban jobs-housing relationship and reduce transport carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions, we propose a complex system model that couples multi-agent based models (ABM) and system dynamics (SD) models to simulate the impact of jobs-housing relationship adjustment policies on CO 2 emissions from urban transport. Through simulation of the jobs-housing relationship and comprehensive intelligent simulation of multi-scenario policy schemes, the best optimal combination of schemes is investigated. Results show that the implementation of a single policy and measure can reduce some transport CO 2 emissions, but they still rise, and do not reach a peak. To address possible future development of Beijing, three scenarios for transport CO 2 emissions reduction were designed, which include Business as usual scenario (BAU), Plan scenario (PS) and Integrated scenario (IS), respectively. Under the IS, carbon intensity could be reduced by 25%–55% compared with 2005, and the environmental economic benefits of each combination scheme were higher than the single measure. Further, we investigated the effects of a reduction in carbon intensity of 65% in 2050 compared to 2005, by simulating 3 different integrated schemes (Combination Scheme Six (CSSI), Combination Scheme Seven (CSSE) and Combination Scheme Eight (CSEI)). This approach showed that CO 2 emissions reduction and environmental economic benefits of the CSEI scheme were greater than either of the other two schemes. Therefore, the CSEI scheme is the best optimal development path in an integrated scenario from the long-term goal, and the research results provide decision-making reference and research support for Beijing to achieve low-carbon transportation. Image 1 • We proposed a complex system model that couples multi-agent based models (ABM) and system dynamics (SD) models. • Three subsystems were designed by an intelligent model. • Differences in income level significantly impacts residential location decision-making. • Through the comprehensive simulation of multi-scenario policy schemes, the best optimal schemes is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FSHD is characterized by the misexpression of DUX4 in skeletal muscle. Although DUX4 upregulation is thought to be the pathogenic cause of FSHD, DUX4 is lowly expressed in patient samples, and analysis of the consequences of DUX4 expression has largely relied on artificial overexpression. To better understand the native expression profile of DUX4 and its targets, we performed bulk RNA-seq on a 6-day differentiation time-course in primary FSHD2 patient myoblasts. We identify a set of 54 genes upregulated in FSHD2 cells, termed FSHD-induced genes. Using single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-seq on myoblasts and differentiated myotubes, respectively, we captured, for the first time, DUX4 expressed at the single-nucleus level in a native state. We identified two populations of FSHD myotube nuclei based on low or high enrichment of DUX4 and FSHD-induced genes ("FSHD-Lo" and "FSHD Hi", respectively). FSHD-Hi myotube nuclei coexpress multiple DUX4 target genes including DUXA, LEUTX and ZSCAN4, and also upregulate cell cycle-related genes with significant enrichment of E2F target genes and p53 signaling activation. We found more FSHD-Hi nuclei than DUX4-positive nuclei, and confirmed with in situ RNA/protein detection that DUX4 transcribed in only one or two nuclei is sufficient for DUX4 protein to activate target genes across multiple nuclei within the same myotube. DUXA (the DUX4 paralog) is more widely expressed than DUX4, and depletion of DUXA suppressed the expression of LEUTX and ZSCAN4 in late, but not early, differentiation. The results suggest that the DUXA can take over the role of DUX4 to maintain target gene expression. These results provide a possible explanation as to why it is easier to detect DUX4 target genes than DUX4 itself in patient cells and raise the possibility of a self-sustaining network of gene dysregulation triggered by the limited DUX4 expression. Author summary: Although misexpression of DUX4 has been known as the major cause in FSHD, it is lowly expressed in patient samples and analysis of the consequences of DUX4 expression has largely relied on artificial overexpression. Here, we took advantage of recent methodological advances to observe native DUX4 expression at the single-nucleus level in FSHD2 patient-derived myotubes. Using single-nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-seq), we were able to detect endogenous DUX4-expressing nuclei and the extent of spreading of DUX4-target gene expression across many nuclei. Our highly sensitive snRNA-seq method further allowed us to identify two populations of FSHD myotube nuclei with distinct transcriptional profiles. One is highly enriched with DUX4 and target genes (FSHD-Hi) while the other has sparser DUX4 and FSHD-induced genes expressed (FSHD-Lo), reflecting two potentially different pathological states of patient myotubes. We observed a set of transcription factors specifically upregulated in FSHD-Hi myotube nuclei associated with the cell cycle, and significant upregulation of DUX4 paralog DUXA that contributes to further upregulation of DUX4 target genes. We propose that transcription factors downstream of DUX4 may amplify DUX4 signal and thus act to perpetuate FSHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the limited local electricity consumption in northeastern, northwestern, and northern China, developers are committed to unlocking wind resource-rich areas in the mountainous regions of southern China, leading to the southward movement of wind power. Construction processes destroy vegetation (especially forests) and may cause subsequent ecological impacts. However, due to the scarcity of cloudless remote sensing images in southern China, the ecosystem impact of low-speed wind farm construction in southern China remains unclear, which is not conducive to decision-making. This study used the flexible spatiotemporal data fusion (FSDAF) model to fuse the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) value obtained by Landsat 5 satellite Thematic Mapper (TM)/Landsat 8 satellite Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the NDVI value obtained by Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images. Cloudless and high-resolution (30 m) fusion results were used to establish a system framework for evaluating and quantifying the impact of low-speed mountain wind farms on vegetation and soil erosion. The results showed that wind farm construction led to a significant decline in mountain vegetation growth. The impact ranges of wind farm roads were mainly within the 0–30 m buffer zone (the reduction range of NDVI was 0.04–0.22), and the impact ranges of wind turbine foundations were mainly within the 0–60 m buffer zone (the reduction range of NDVI was 0.00–0.26). In addition, the NDVI in regions damaged by mountain wind farm construction was more sensitive to climate change. After vegetation damage, the synergistic effect of factors such as rain and terrain may lead to the doubling of soil erosion (compared to 2010, the increase in soil erosion could reach 1195.96%). In the study area, roads should be scientifically planned to reduce their length, and vegetation restoration and environmental supervision should be strengthened. [Display omitted] • This study built an FSDAF-based framework for the ecological impact of wind farms. • The influence range was 0–60 m for roads and the NDVI decreased 0.04–0.22 • The wind turbine foundation influence range was 0–90 m and NDVI declined 0.00–0.26 • The NDVI in regions damaged by wind farm construction was more sensitive to climate. • Soil erosion is more serious in areas with damaged vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With a rapid economic growth and social development in China, the associated problems of water pollution and shortage of water resources would limit the sustainable and coordinated development of socioeconomic and water environmental systems of urban cities. To investigate the relationship of coupling coordination between social economy and water environment on urban scale, we introduced an integrated approach that enables the dynamic evaluation of coupling coordination degree (CCD), which consists of a system dynamics model and a coupling coordination degree model; and applied it to a case study in Kunming in 2016–2025. The business-as-usual (BAU) scenario and five alternative regulating scenarios are simulated to evaluate the effectiveness exerted by various socioeconomic development patterns and water protection efforts in improving CCD. We found that the improvement of CCD could attribute to both the sufficient water protection efforts and the maintaining sustainable speed and scale of socioeconomic development patterns. Under BAU scenario, Kunming would maintain the current state of barely balanced development with CCD at 0.5–0.8, predominantly due to substantial water consumption and pollution. Through the comparison of dynamic evolutions of system indicators and CCD under five alternative regulating scenarios, it is realistic for Kunming to plan its future development in accordance to M-H scenario (Medium-speed socioeconomic development pattern; High-intensity water protection effort). Following this scenario, Kunming's CCD would conform to a steadily increasing trend in 2016–2025 and remain above 0.8 in 2022–2025, tracing a shift in the development stage of that coupling coordination from "barely balanced development" to "highly balanced development" despite the difficulty to cut NH 3 -N emission significantly. The effective and feasible regulatory measures such as reducing productive or domestic water pollutants and consumptions; improving collection and reuse rates of wastewater, should be prioritized when adjusting coordination development during decision-making. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • We studied coupling coordination of social economy-water environment of a city system. • An integrated model is developed and applied to test regulating scenarios in Kunming. • Kunming would benefit under moderate development-high water protection conditions. • Regulatory measures could improve coupling coordination degree in decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D controlled-source audio frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) responses can be distorted strongly by topography and should be accounted for in data inversion and interpretation. In this paper we present a scheme to incorporate topographic distortions into the inversion instead of correcting them. This approach has been verified by comparing the modelling results with 2D FEM CSAMT solutions and synthetic inversion examples. Compared with the responses generated from a half-space model with flat surface, it is found that not only the topography in the survey area but also that at the source position may strongly distort the CSAMT responses. The field example indicates that results with topography are much better than those without considering topography to map the distribution of coal seam underground, which also illustrates the effectiveness of our approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, environmental problems associated with excessive energy consumption are escalating with rapid economic development, and the greenhouse effect caused by increased carbon dioxide emissions has risen into the focus of domestic and even international attention. Based on the reduction target China committed in 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, the study proposes a dynamic factorization model to decompose and compare the effect of industrial structure on the reduction of carbon emissions during the five Five-Year Plan (FYP) Periods from 2006 to 2030 at the dimensions of industries and sectors. Results show that China's industrial restructuring exerts a positive impact on reduction of carbon emissions and the impact varies with the ratio of sectors within the economic structure, in the later five years, carbon reductions emissions causing by restructuring in the three major industries and in the secondary industrial sectors account for 28.22% and 4.26% of the national total carbon reductions emissions respectively; in industrial sectors to mitigation was less than in the three major industries in the past two FYP Periods, but will increase in the next three FYP Periods. These findings are significant for the government in formulating environment and economy policy and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern terminations of the Himalayan orogeny, named Namche Barwa, are considered a vital natural laboratory in the Tibetan plateau for geodynamics due to its distinctive geological and geomorphological characteristics. Magnetotelluric (MT) data measured at 83 sites around the Namche Barwa are imaged by three-dimensional (3-D) inversion to better reveal the crustal structure of the eastern Himalaya. The results show a complex and heterogeneous electrical structure beneath the Namche Barwa. The electrical conductors distributed in the middle and lower crust around the Namche Barwa provide additional evidence for the 'crustal flow' model if they are considered as some parts of the flow in a relatively large-scale region. The near-surface resistivity model beneath the inner part of Namche Barwa conforms with the locations of hot spring and fluid inclusions, the brittle-ductile transition, and the 300°C-400°C isotherm from previous hydrothermal studies. Relatively resistive upper crust (>800 Ωm) is underlain by a more conductive middle to lower crust (<80 Ωm). The electrical characteristics of the thermal structure at shallow depth indicate an accumulation of hydrous melting, a localized conductive steep dipping zone for decompression melting consistent with the 'tectonic aneurysm' model for explaining the exhumation mechanism of metamorphic rocks at Namche Barwa. The results also imply that both surface processes and local tectonic responses play a vital role in the evolution of Namche Barwa. An alternative hypothesis that the primary sustained heat source accounts for the local thermal-rheological structure beneath Namche Barwa is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions has become a hot topic in the 21st century. As the main source of urban carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions, reducing transportation CO 2 emission has also attracted great attention worldwide. To reduce traffic CO 2 emissions, we propose a complex model that combines multiagent-based models and system dynamics models. From the perspective of the job-housing balance, we explore the interaction among urban socioeconomic development, low-carbon transportation, environmental economic policies (prices, charging policies, etc.), and other factors, simulate the urban traffic CO 2 emissions system and policies, investigate the impact of different strategies on traffic CO 2 emissions reduction and the economic advantages to the environment, and then select an optimal policy scheme. The analysis results indicate that if we want to achieve the goals of Beijing's future development planning through comprehensive industrial structure adjustment and policy adjustment, then Beijing should accelerate the implementation of the policy of collecting traffic congestion charges. The pricing of traffic congestion charges should be 40 CNY, the parking fees should be increased to 13 CNY, the starting fares of buses and subways should be increased to 2.6 CNY and 4 CNY, respectively, and taxi starting prices should be raised to 17 CNY. At the same time, through the simulation results of the coupling model, the CO 2 emissions reduction effect of each scenario in 2050 is better than that of business as usual scenario (BAU). Compared with BAU, C8 scheme has the largest emission reduction, with emission reduction of 19.5975 million tons in 2050, and CO 2 emissions reduction intensity of more than 50%. As a result, given a comprehensive scenario, C8 is the optimal long-term development route. Our findings serve as a foundation for key Beijing administrative departments to enhance the jobs-housing link, as well as a guide for the development and execution of environmental and economic policies to reduce traffic CO 2 emissions. [Display omitted] • We proposed a complex model that combines multiagent-based models (ABMs) and system dynamics (SD) models. • Four systems were designed by an coupled model. • The simulation scheme with the optimal pricing and the best emission reduction effect is investigated. • Our results provide a basis for the formulation of environmental and economic policies in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet the demand of on-site measurement for radionuclides, a portable liquid scintillation TDCR system was developed at National Institute of Metrology (NIM), China. The system consists small size TDCR counter for the measurement of liquid scintillation sources, and digital electronics for pulse signal processing. The optical chamber adopts Teflon material with high diffuse reflection efficiency. Two independent signal processing solutions were used here for TDCR counting. One employed the on-line TDCR solution based on FPGA counting module named TDCR-DMCA, and the other adopted the off-line TDCR solution based on a stand-alone desktop digitizer of CAEN. Two solutions are applied to perform coincidence, dead-time and counting operations follow by MAC3 logic. The performance of the TDCR counting system was tested in benchmark comparison with the traditional custom-built TDCR counting system at NIM through activity measurements of 3H, 14C. Good agreement between these two systems was observed. • Portable liquid scintillation TDCR system at National Institute of Metrology (NIM). • On-line TDCR solution based on FPGA counting module named TDCR-DMCA. • Off-line TDCR solution based on a stand-alone desktop digitizer of CAEN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A human-wildlife spatial interaction index was proposed. • The average level of human-wildlife interaction in the study area was low. • Higher potential human-wildlife interaction occurred in areas with roads and rails. In the context of today's rapid economic development and increasingly strict ecological protection, interactions between humans and wildlife will intensify. Therefore, we need to identify the spatial distribution of such interactions and to take measures to mitigate possible negative interactions. Using the Three-Rivers Source Region as a case study, we combined species habitat suitability, species feeding habits, species conservation levels and human impact intensity to construct a "human-wildlife spatial interaction index" (HWSII) to evaluate the intensity of human-wildlife spatial interactions. The overall level of HWSII was relatively low in the Three-River Source Region. Higher potential human-wildlife interactions occurred in areas with roads and railways. Areas of relatively high interactions between carnivores and livestock were mainly located in the southern part of the study area, and those with relatively high interactions between herbivores and livestock appeared in the western and eastern parts. Managers in these areas should consider mitigation measures. Although developed for a specific region of China, the 'human-wildlife spatial interaction index' could have application in other areas of the world for setting a baseline reference to identify areas with the potential for high levels of human-wildlife interactions and pinpoint places where potential negative interactions can be mitigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aplastic anaemia is a bone-marrow-failure syndrome characterised by low blood-cell counts and fatty bone marrow. In most cases, no obvious aetiological factor can be identified. However, clinical responses to immunosuppression strongly suggest an immune pathophysiology. Methods To test the hypothesis that aplastic anaemia results from antigen-specific lymphocyte attack against haemopoietic tissue, we analysed effector immunity, seeking especially dominant specific T-cell responses. Blood samples from 54 patients with aplastic anaemia were subjected to flow cytometry to define T-cell-receptor V -chain usage and expansion of particular V subsets. We measured the size distribution of the complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) for expanded V subsets, then cloned and sequenced skewed, oligoclonal, or monoclonal peaks. Findings Expanded V subsets were identified in almost all the patients. Over-represented V subsets from CD8-positive cells showed oligoclonal or monoclonal CDR3 size patterns. The CDR3 sequence repertoire in aplastic anaemia showed much redundancy compared with healthy donors. We identified patient-specific putative pathogenetic clonotypes that were not detectable in controls. In selected patients who were assessed longitudinally, these clonotypes were quantitatively related to disease activity. Selective killing of autologous haemopoietic progenitors by the V -specific lymphocyte population was shown in one patient. These apparently pathogenetic CDR3 sequences showed homology between individuals, suggesting a role for a "semi-public" immune response in the pathophysiology of aplastic anaemia. Interpretation In-vivo dominant clonal immune response can be identified in many patients with aplastic anaemia, which is evidence for an underlying antigen-driven immune process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorinated gases are considered greenhouse gases and have a global warming effect up to 22,800 times greater than that of carbon dioxide. Fluorinated gases are widely used as room air conditioner refrigerants. In view of the current lack of well-equipped refrigerant replacement technology and research on comprehensive and systematic refrigerant alternative schemes, we propose a decision-making method system for optimizing room air conditioner refrigerant alternative schemes suitable for meeting future greenhouse gases emissions reduction target constraints by integrating the life cycle assessment method, the system dynamics method and the multi-objective programming method. In accordance with the requirements of the Montreal Protocol and other relevant fluorine-containing substance elimination plans, four scenarios for refrigerant alternative schemes were designed, which include Business as usual scenario, Convention Scenario, Design Scenario and Ideal Scenario, respectively. The Convention Scenario is based on the refrigerant phase-out plan stipulated by international conventions in China; the Ideal Scenario is based on the use of refrigerants with minimal environmental impact within the range of available predictable technologies; and the Design Scenario is designed according to the degree of strictness between the Convention Scenario and the Ideal Scenario and used to propose more reasonable and feasible refrigerant use planning schemes. The results show that the ozone depletion ability of refrigerants will be eliminated with the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant HCFC-22. The total cost of refrigerant substitution work under different alternative scenarios will cost a total of $1.378 billion to $1.672 billion, which is worthwhile considering the considerable environmental benefits. The refrigerant dosage scheme under design scenario II, which is 50% faster than the conventional phase-out scheme, is the optimal scheme for future refrigerant replacement phase-out in the room air conditioner industry. Under this scenario, the total economic cost is $1.672 billion; additionally, compared with those under the business as usual scenario, the greenhouse effect intensity will decrease by 78.2%, the safety risk will decrease by 6.8%, the energy consumption will decrease by 60.4% and the ozone depletion ability will decrease by 99.8%. • We proposed a decision-making method system for optimizing room air conditioner refrigerant alternative schemes. • The economic cost of refrigerant replacement work is positively correlated with environmental benefits. • The refrigerant consumption planning roadmap for the future room air conditioner industry was obtained. • HC-290 is an important future alternative refrigerant that has better comprehensive performance than HCFC-22 and HFC-410A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overlap between wildlife living spaces and human activity spaces represents one of the main causes of human-wildlife conflict. It is therefore necessary to identify and adjust the spatial distribution of conflicts because climate change will modify the ranges and locations of species. The MaxEnt model was used to simulate the distribution of wildlife living spaces under current and future climatic conditions (RCP4.5 scenario) based on species distribution data and environmental data from the Three-River Source Region. Furthermore, the logistic-cellular automata model was used to simulate the changes in human activity spaces (construction land and arable land) by 2050. Areas of overlap between wildlife living spaces and human activity spaces were determined by overlay analysis. Then, the areas of construction and arable land that would conflict with wildlife were redistributed outside highly suitable wildlife living spaces. In addition, ecological corridors connecting current and future living spaces were planned for the migration of certain species in response to climate change based on the minimum cumulative resistance model. The results showed that the areas of highly suitable wildlife living spaces will decrease under the influence of climate change if global warming occurs. In the future, the area of overlap between highly suitable wildlife living spaces and construction land will be 125 km2, and that between highly suitable wildlife living spaces and arable land will be 340 km2. The redistribution of these areas will cause human activity spaces to become more concentrated. Moreover, 110 ecological corridors should be constructed across roads in the Three-River Source Region. • The increase or decrease in spatial conflict areas will vary from species to species. • Construction land and arable land will become more concentrated after adjustment. • The number of corridors for species migration from current to future will be 110. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aplastic anaemia in adults is usually acquired, but rarely constitutional types of bone marrow failure can occur late in life. We assessed two families with onset of pancytopenia in adults and detected two novel point mutations in the telomerase RNA gene (TERC) in each family. This gene is abnormal in some kindreds with dyskeratosis congenita. Individuals in our families with mutated TERC did not have physical signs of dyskeratosis congenita, and their blood counts were nearly normal, but all had severely shortened telomeres, reduced haemopoietic function, and raised serum erythropoietin and thrombopoietin. Bone marrow failure of variable severity due to dyskeratosis congenita, historically characterised by associated physical anomalies and early pancytopenia, may be present in otherwise phenotypically normal adults, and can masquerade as acquired aplastic anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobility and spatial interaction data have become increasingly available due to the widespread adoption of location-aware technologies. Examples of mobile data include human daily activities, vehicle trajectories, and animal movements. In this study we focus on a special type of mobility data, i.e., origin–destination (OD) pairs, and propose a new adapted chord diagram plot to reveal the urban human travel spatial-temporal characteristics and patterns of a seven-day taxi trajectory data set collected in Beijing; this large scale data set includes approximately 88.5 million trips of anonymous customers. The spatial distribution patterns of the pick-up points (PUPs) and the drop-off points (DOPs) on weekdays and weekends are analyzed first. The maximum of the morning and the evening peaks are at 8:00–10:00 and 17:00–19:00. The morning peaks of taxis are delayed by 0.5–1 h compared with the commuting morning peaks. Second, travel demand, intensity, time, and distance on weekdays and weekends are analyzed to explore human mobility. The travel demand and high-intensity travel of residents in Beijing is mainly concentrated within the 6th Ring Road. The residents who travel long distances (>10 km) and for a long time (>60 min) mainly from outside the 6th Ring Road and the surrounding new towns of Beijing. The circular structure of the travel distance distribution also confirms the single-center urban structure of Beijing. Finally, a new adapted chord diagram plot is proposed to achieve the spatial-temporal scale visualization of taxi trajectory origin–destination (OD) flows. The method can characterize the volume, direction, and properties of OD flows in multiple spatial-temporal scales; it is implemented using a circular visualization package in R (circlize). Through the visualization experiment of taxi GPS trajectory data in Beijing, the results show that the proposed visualization technology is able to characterize the spatial-temporal patterns of trajectory OD flows in multiple spatial-temporal scales. These results are expected to enhance current urban mobility research and suggest some interesting avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]