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Abstract Very few comparative studies on atmospheric dry and wet nitrogen (N) deposition have been conducted in agro-pastoral catchment areas. In an effort to fill this knowledge gap, three interconnected land use types (cropland, mountain pasture, and plain pasture) with six sampling sites (Chinese cropland (CC), Chinese mountain pasture (CM), Chinese plain pasture (CP) Mongolia cropland (MC), Mongolia mountain pasture (MM) and Mongolia plain pasture (MP)) were selected in the transboundary regions of northwest China and western Mongolia. During 16 months from May 2014 to September 2015 atmospheric and precipitation samples were collected to assess levels of nitrogen deposition. Cropland had the highest NO 3 −N (1.0 mg N L−1 in China and 1.2 mg N L−1 in Mongolia) and NH 4 +-N concentrations (1.6 mg N L−1 in China and 2.0 mg N L−1 in Mongolia) in our six sampling sites. The CC experienced the highest wet deposition (5.2 kg N ha−1 yr−1), followed by MM pasture (3.2 kg N ha−1 yr−1) while wet deposition in other sites ranged from 2.1 to 2.8 kg N ha−1 yr−1. The ambient concentrations of NH 3 , NO 2 and dry N deposition were significant higher in cropland than being other land use with 3.0, 3.8 and 1.2 μg N m−3 respectively in China and 2.2, 2.8 and 0.6 μg N m−3 respectively in Mongolia. The highest total N deposition was at CC (14.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and MC (9.4 kg N ha−1 yr−1), followed by the mountain pasture (5.8–6.8 kg N ha−1 yr−1), and the plains pasture (5.6–5.7 kg N ha−1 yr−1). Overall, agro-pastoral catchments areas had relatively low total N deposition compared to other studies, and cropland had the highest wet and dry N deposition than mountain and plain pastures, and dry N deposition absolutely dominated the percentage (64–70% in cropland and 53–64% in pasture areas) of total atmospheric N deposition. Comparing the total N deposition in China and Mongolia, we found the CC had 54% higher value than in MC while the reverse was true for mountain pastures Mongolia received 17% more N. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Passive samplers, PM 10 samplers and rain gauges equipments were used to quantify the nitrogen deposition in six typical land use types. • The cropland sites had significant higher NH 3 and NO 2 concentration and total N deposition than pasture areas in our research area. • Dry deposition absolutely dominated the percentage of total atmospheric N deposition in agro-pastoral catchment areas of China and Mongolia. • Nitrogen deposition in CC had 54% higher value than in MC while the reverse was true for mountain pastures Mongolia received 17% more N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract By determining the methane production, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia nitrogen content of deer manure anaerobic fermentation system we explored the effects of adding biogas slurry on biogas production for the anaerobic fermentation of deer manure. The initial mushroom slag amount that was added was 35 g, total solid content was 6%, and temperature was 35 °C. One set of experiments was not added to the biogas slurry during the experiment, and for the other three groups, the amounts of biogas slurry that were originally added to the fermentation mixture were 10%, 30% and 50%. The results showed that the addition of biogas slurry during the fermentation of raw materials improved biogas total production and CH 4 total production and also produced CH 4 in advance. The total amounts of biogas and CH 4 produced were the largest when the amount of biogas slurry added to the fermented mixture was 30%. Upon increasing the amount of biogas slurry, the trend of the VFA content in the fermented material first increased, then decreased and finally increased again. The content of VFA was the smallest when 30% biogas slurry was added to the fermented mixture because this was the most favorable condition for CH 4 production. Highlights • Addition of biogas slurry increased biogas production from deer manure. • The amounts of CH 4 produced were the largest when 30% biogas slurry was added. • The pH increased when biogas slurry was added to the fermented mixture. • The content of VFA was the smallest when 30% biogas slurry was added to the mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing use of manure nutrients in crop production and decreasing the input of chemical fertilizers, is a promising way to achieve a more circular economy and more sustainable food systems. The integrated effects of amended composting manure with additives and a 50% substitution of chemical fertilizer nitrogen (N) input by amended manure N input to cropland were proved to halve ammonia (NH 3) emissions from an integrate manure-cropland system. However, the accompanied impacts of these measures on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the integrate manure-cropland system have not been well quantified. Here, we examined the effects of improved manure storage and treatment and its usage at field on GHG emissions from a system perspective, based on a two-year experiment in the North China Plain (NCP). Manure storage and treatment included natural storage (NS) and composting with straw, with or without amendment by zeolite (Z) and superphosphate (SP). Manure products were applied as basal fertilizer for both crops. Results showed that CH4 was the dominant GHG source in the natural storage treatment, whereas N2O dominated in the manure composting treatments. Amending manure with straw, Z and SP stimulated 15–48 times N2O emission and decreased CH4 emissions by 82%–91% during storage and treatment. Replacement of 50% synthetic fertilizer N by manure N decreased total system GHG emissions by 25%–34%. Differences between composted manure treatments in total system GHG emissions were relatively small, although comparatively higher in amended manure treatments; however, they promoted greater soil organic carbon sink activity, resulting in no significant difference in net global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI). Application of amended manure produced high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the integrated crop–manure system. The NH3 mitigation approach of replacing 50% of synthetic fertilizer N by amended manure N synergistically decreased total GHG emissions, increased system NUE and also increased the net economic benefit by 5%–11% over the 2 years of the experiment. [Display omitted] • The impacts of NH 3 mitigation measures on GHG emissions were quantified to explore a more sustainable food systems. • Manure composting with straw and/or additives increased N 2 O emissions but depressed CH 4 emissions. • The NH 3 mitigation measures reduced GWP in the manure-cropland system by 25%–34% compared to the traditional treatment. • Compared to the traditional treatment, introducing NH 3 mitigation measures increased economic benefit by 5%–11%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop and livestock production are the primary contributors to agricultural non-point pollution. It is crucial to understand the individual contributions of different crop and animal species to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses in order to develop effective and practical mitigation options. This study aims to estimate the relative contributions of N and P emissions to water and air from various crop and animal species in the Erhai Lake Basin and identify corresponding mitigation potentials. We improved the Nutrient Flow in Food Chains, Environment, and Resources Use (NUFER) model by incorporating data from farmer surveys, monitoring data, and terrain data. Additionally, scenario analysis has been conducted to explore optimum reduction strategies. We found that the losses of N and P to water and air originating from crop and livestock production in the Erhai Lake Basin were 6.5 kt and 0.4 kt, respectively. In terms of crop production, vegetables, maize, and beans accounted for 53% and 55% of the total losses to the environment for N and P, respectively. In livestock production, dairy cattle and pigs accounted for 84% and 64% of the total losses for N and P, respectively. NH 3 emissions, contributing to 48% of the N losses, have a dominant share, while the primary source of P loss was runoff and erosion, contributing to 74% of the total. Our scenario analyses suggest that losses of N and P can be reduced by 50% and 89% respectively, through balanced fertilization, optimized breeding management, and the prevention of direct discharge of animal manure into water. The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights into improving water quality and promoting sustainable agriculture at the basin scale. [Display omitted] • We developed and applied the NUFER model for Erhai Lake Basin. • Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) budgets from crop and livestock production were quantified. • Vegetables, maize, and beans accounted for 53% and 55% of the N and P losses in crop production. • Pigs and dairy cattle accounted for 84% and 64% of the N and P losses in livestock production. • Better nutrient management can effectively reduce N and P losses by 50% and 89%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) is the key nutrient for crop growth in most agricultural systems, but excessive N fertilizer applications have led to very large ammonia (NH 3) and greenhouse gas (GHG), especially nitrous oxide (N 2 O), emissions, resulting in severe air pollution and making a major contribution to global warming. To clarify the effects of improved N management on NH 3 and N 2 O emissions and crop production, a 2-year field experiment was carried out in a maize-wheat rotation in the North China Plain (NCP), testing four optimized N management practices including reducing the fertilizer (urea) N rate and using N 'synergists' with the fertilizer. NH 3 emissions were significantly reduced only by the urease inhibitor (UI) LIMUS®, with an average reduction of 66.9 % relative to emissions from the untreated urea. At the same N rate, N 2 O emissions were reduced by 30.8–76.7 % by all the synergists (UI, a nitrification inhibitor DMPP (NI) and urea with a bacterial agent (UB)), and crop yields were improved by 14.4 % and 15.2 % under the UI and UB treatments, respectively. An 15N tracer experiment showed that using N synergists decreased the total N loss by 10.9–58.7 %, and significantly increased the recovery efficiency of N (RE N) by 16.9–44.8 % over the whole rotation. Reducing the N rate reduced the GWP and yield-scaled GWP (GHGI) by 10.6 % and 8.4 %, respectively. Using the N synergists, GHGI was significantly decreased by 19.2–26.7 % (P < 0.05), while GWP was reduced by 13.2–18.1 % only by the application of DMPP or LIMUS®. Overall, the study showed that reducing N 2 O and NH 3 emissions is important for increasing N utilization and mitigating global warming. Reducing N rate and using synergists can address the joint problems of environmental pollution and agricultural efficiency. In particular, the application of the optimal amount of urea (33% reduction over rates typically applied by farmers) amended with the urease inhibitor LIMUS® to maize-wheat rotations in the NCP proved to be the most effective method for the 'green' and sustainable development of agriculture and the mitigation of global warming in that region of China. • Optimizing N rate decreased environmental impact while maintaining crop yield. • Cropland NH 3 emissions were halved by incorporating a urease inhibitor. • A nitrification inhibitor reduced cropland N 2 O emissions. • Both inhibitors increased the recovery efficiency of fertilizer N by 16.9–44.8 %. • Optimizing fertilizer N rate plus appropriate inhibitor mitigated GWP and GHGI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North China Plain (NCP) is an intensive agricultural area and ammonia (NH 3) emission hotspot in China. Urgent mitigation actions are needed to reduce its environmental impact. A field trial was conducted, and results combined with a synthesis of existing data to assess the NH 3 loss and mitigation potentials in a wheat-maize double-crop rotation, a dominant crop production system in the NCP. Ammonia volatilization losses from N fertilizer applied to summer maize and winter wheat were 9.1% and 5.0%, respectively, based on the data synthesis, and were significantly affected by fertilizer application method and N fertilizer type. From the field trial, optimized reduction in N application rate, compared with conventional practice, had great efficiency for NH 3 mitigation. Despite their high NH 3 reduction potential, the higher input costs associated with the use of controlled-release fertilizers, replacement of urea with calcium ammonium nitrate or inclusion of double inhibitors (urease and nitrification inhibitors) with urea limited their applicability from an economic perspective. The inclusion of a urease inhibitor with urea achieved over 70% reduction in NH 3 emission and also gave a significant improvement in grain yield, net income and N use efficiency. Future adoption of NH 3 mitigation options in the NCP should focus on establishing a reduction target and consider the cost-benefits of simultaneous implementation of multiple mitigation techniques. [Display omitted] • Placement of fertilizer and fertilizer types significantly influence NH 3 emissions. • High cost of fertilizer amendment compromised economic benefits. • Using urease inhibitor showed good economic and environmental performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel enhancement strategy for surveillance rain sounds through the hardware adding. • A surveillance audio-based extreme rainfall classification system is building. The increased frequency of extreme rainfall events (EREs) causing disastrous effects on society has become an indisputable fact in recent years. The weak performance of the current observation network in terms of accuracy and spatiotemporal resolution makes the development of new rainfall estimation techniques essential to reduce the impact of ERE-driven disasters. The rainfall sounds collected by widespread surveillance cameras provide an opportunity to produce high-resolution, all-weather rainfall data. However, the complex structure of the ground surface and the random background noise make building an effective surveillance audio-based ERE estimation system challenging. In this study, from the viewpoint of surveillance sound space, a 3D printer was used to create a shelter for the surveillance camera to define the underlying surface of falling raindrops artificially. Combining the knowledge of meteorology, micro-physics, and acoustics of rainfall, the shelter structure was designed to standardize the acoustical behavior while enhancing the consistency and specificity of raindrop sound, especially in complex scenarios such as those disturbed by different levels of wind. After that, convolutional neural network-based deep learning algorithms were used to classify ERE levels, and an audio-based ERE classification system was built. The experimental results show that the shelter facilitates audio-based rainfall representation; moreover, with the help of shelter, our proposed system achieved performance with about 93.4% accuracy in complex rainfall scenarios. Our study supports high-resolution rainfall data production on existing surveillance resources, developing a novel and reliable alternative for the perception of ERE and the calibration of observations from current rainfall networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study detected the long-term trends in NO 2 concentrations in China from 1997 to 2016 based on the NO 2 columns from GOME, SCIAMACHY, and GOME-2A. Both differences in the time-overlapped NO 2 columns from GOME vs. SCIAMACHAY and SCIAMACHAY vs. GOME-2A showed seasonal variations, and the annual NO 2 columns from GOME were 0.9% higher than those from SCIAMACHY, which exceeded that from GOME-2A by 14%. The long-term trends of the NO 2 columns on a provincial scale could be simulated by cubic models (0.60 < R 2  < 0.96, p < 0.05) and presented three shapes: first decreasing then increasing and decreasing again; first decreasing then increasing; and continuously decreasing. The peak years of NO 2 columns in 17 provinces occurred in 2011 and 2012. These trends in NO 2 columns were determined by the economic developments and enacted air quality policies in nearly all the provinces except for Xizang and Qinghai Provinces, where the trends were determined by natural NO x emission sources. In detail, the panel data analysis showed that the simulated model had fixed effects, and the thermal power generation, consumption of diesel oil in agriculture, passenger traffic by highways, and freight traffic by highways significantly increased NO 2 , while the air quality policies in the 12th five-year plan decreased NO 2 columns from 1997 to 2016. The benefits to decreasing NO 2 columns from the air quality policies issued in the 10th and 11th five-year plans were offset by the quickly increasing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -doped Y(OH) 3 @ β -NaYF 4 core-shell nanorods are synthesized through in situ ion exchange reaction using Y(OH) 3 nanorods as templates. Further, inert shells of β -NaYF 4 without activated dopants are coated by a facile hydrothermal method. Upconversion intensity increases dramatically by ion exchange reaction, and it can be further enhanced through coating inert shells. The maximal enhanced factor of inert coating reaches 6.58. On the basis of the structural tests and spectral data, formation mechanisms of the core-shell nanorods are discussed, as well as their upconversion properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desert ecosystems are likely to change in response to global climate change and nitrogen (N) deposition. The effects of increased precipitation and N deposition on plant growth and the N cycle largely depend on N allocation and N recovery efficiency in the plant-soil ecosystem, but there is limited research on this in desert ecosystems. Here we report results using double-labeled 15 NH 4 15 NO 3 (30 and 60 kg N ha − 1 yr − 1 ) as a tracer under ambient (no additional water addition) and enhanced precipitation (60 mm water addition) in a Haloxylon ammodendron dominated ecosystem in the Gurbantunggut Desert of Northwest China. Herbaceous plants were a significantly larger sink for added 15 N than the H. ammodendron trees, and N retention varied with water and N addition, relative to growing season precipitation. The retention of added 15 N varied within the components of H. ammodendron , with the stems retaining most, followed by the assimilation branches. Soil was the dominant sink for added 15 N, in which the topsoil and subsoil respond differently to water and N addition over the two-year period. Nitrogen relative recovery percentage in the whole ecosystem ranged from 43% to 61%, lower than average recovery rate in temperate forests; N tracer recovery percentage significantly increased with water addition but decreased with enhanced N deposition. Future N cycling in central Asian deserts will depend on changes in precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has been suffering high levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ). Designing effective PM 2.5 control strategies requires information about the contributions of different sources. In this study, a source-oriented Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model was applied to quantitatively estimate the contributions of different source sectors to PM 2.5 in China. Emissions of primary PM 2.5 and gas pollutants of SO 2 , NO x , and NH 3 , which are precursors of particulate sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium (SNA, major PM 2.5 components in China), from eight source categories (power plants, residential sources, industries, transportation, open burning, sea salt, windblown dust and agriculture) were separately tracked to determine their contributions to PM 2.5 in 2013. Industrial sector is the largest source of SNA in Beijing, Xi'an and Chongqing, followed by agriculture and power plants. Residential emissions are also important sources of SNA, especially in winter when severe pollution events often occur. Nationally, the contributions of different source sectors to annual total PM 2.5 from high to low are industries, residential sources, agriculture, power plants, transportation, windblown dust, open burning and sea salt. Provincially, residential sources and industries are the major anthropogenic sources of primary PM 2.5 , while industries, agriculture, power plants and transportation are important for SNA in most provinces. For total PM 2.5 , residential and industrial emissions are the top two sources, with a combined contribution of 40–50% in most provinces. The contributions of power plants and agriculture to total PM 2.5 are about 10%, respectively. Secondary organic aerosol accounts for about 10% of annual PM 2.5 in most provinces, with higher contributions in southern provinces such as Yunnan (26%), Hainan (25%) and Taiwan (21%). Windblown dust is an important source in western provinces such as Xizang (55% of total PM 2.5 ), Qinghai (74%), Xinjiang (59%). The large variation in sources of PM 2.5 across China suggests that PM 2.5 mitigation programs should be designed separately for different regions/provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide residues in soils can cause negative impacts on soil health as well as soil biota. However, research related to the toxicity and exposure risks of pesticides to soil biota are scarce, especially in the North China Plain (NCP) where pesticides are intensively applied. In this study, the occurrence and distribution of 15 commonly used pesticides in 41 fields in Quzhou county in the NCP were determined during the growing season in 2020. The ecological risks of pesticides to the soil biota, including earthworms, enchytraeids, springtails, mites and nitrogen mineralization microorganisms, were assessed using toxicity exposure ratios (TERs) and risk quotient (RQ) methods. Based on pesticide detection rates and RQs, pesticide hazards were ranked using the Hasse diagram. The results showed that pesticides were concentrated in the 0–2 cm soil depth. Chlorantraniliprole was the most frequently detected pesticide with a detection rate of 37%, while the highest concentration of 1.85 mg kg−1 was found for carbendazim in apple orchards. Chlorpyrifos, carbendazim and imidacloprid posed a chronic exposure risk to E. fetida , F. candida and E. crypticus with the TERs exceeding the trigger value. Pesticide mixtures posed ecological risks to soil biota in 70% of the investigated sites. 47.5% of samples were ranked as high-risk, with the maximum RQ exceeding 490. According to the Hasse diagram, abamectin, tebuconazole, chlorantraniliprole and chlorpyrifos were ranked as the most hazardous pesticides for soil biota in the study region, indicating that alternative methods of pest management need to be considered. Therefore, practical risk mitigation solutions are recommended, in which the use of hazardous pesticides would be replaced with low-risk pesticides with similar functions from the Hasse diagram, or with biopesticides. [Display omitted] • Nearly half of samples showed high ecological risk to soil biota due to pesticides. • Eisenia fetida suffered exposure risk from multiple pesticides. • Higher ecological risks were found in apple and wheat-maize rotation fields. • A pesticide hazard ranking model was proposed based on the Hasse diagram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote sensing technology has great potential to expand the observation of ground-level nitrogen deposition from local monitoring sites to a regional scale, with high spatial and temporal resolutions. A new methodology is developed to estimate the spatial distribution of monthly bulk nitrogen deposition on a regional scale, based on precipitation amounts and HNO 3 and aerosol nitrate (NO 3 − ) columns, derived from OMI NO 2 columns and the relationship of NO 2 , HNO 3 and NO 3 − from MOZART. The accuracy assessment shows that the proposed model has achieved a reasonably high predictive power for monthly NO 3 − -N deposition (slope = 0.96, intercept = 0.35, R = 0.83, RMSE = 0.72) across China. The spatial NO 3 − -N deposition shows a significant gradient from industrial areas to undeveloped regions, ranging from 0.01 to 26.76 kg N ha − 1 y − 1 with an average of 5.77 kg N ha − 1 y − 1 over China during 2010–2012. The bulk NO 3 − -N deposition shows a clear seasonal variation, with high depositions occurring in the warm season (March–November) and peaking in July and August, and low bulk NO 3 − -N deposition appearing in winter (December–February). This study proves for the first time that the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) HNO 3 and NO 3 − columns and precipitation are powerful to predict the bulk nitrate deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a publication in Atmospheric Environment ( http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2015.10.081 ), Gu et al. (2015) estimated that “the total nitrogen (N) deposition in 2010 was 2.32 g N m −2 yr −1 ” in China. This value is comparable with previous estimations based on a synthesized dataset of wet/bulk inorganic N deposition observations, which underestimates the total N deposition since their algorithm (equations (2) and (3) in their paper) does not account for dry deposition of NH 3 , HNO 3 , NO x and wet/dry deposition of HONO and organic nitrogen (e.g. amines, amides, PAN). Indeed, Gu et al. (2015) mixed the terminology of wet/bulk deposition and total deposition. Another flawed assumption by Gu et al. (2015) is that all inorganic N in precipitation estimated by their algorithm originates from fertilizer and coal combustion. This is incorrect and almost certainly causes biases in the spatial and temporal distribution of estimated wet/bulk inorganic N deposition (Fig. 5 in their paper), further considering the fact that they neglected important N sources like livestock and they did not consider the nonlinearity between various sources and deposition. Besides the input data on N deposition, the model validation (Sect. 2.3.2) described in their paper also requires clarification because the detailed validation information about the time series of observational dataset versus modeling results was not given. As a result of these combined uncertainties in their estimation of N deposition and the lack of detail for model-measurement comparison, their estimates of the impacts of N deposition on carbon storage in Chinese forests may need further improvement. We suggest the clarification of the terminology regarding N deposition, especially for wet deposition, bulk deposition, gaseous and particulate dry deposition or total deposition since the accurate distinction between these terms is crucial to investigating and estimating the effects of N deposition on ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a national-scale model analysis on the sources and processes of inorganic nitrogen deposition over China using the GEOS-Chem model at 1/2° × 1/3° horizontal resolution. Model results for 2008–2012 are evaluated with an ensemble of surface measurements of wet deposition flux and gaseous ammonia (NH 3 ) concentration, and satellite measurements of tropospheric NO 2 columns. Annual total inorganic nitrogen deposition fluxes are simulated to be generally less than 10 kg N ha −1 a −1 in western China (less than 2 kg N ha −1 a −1 over Tibet), 15–50 kg N ha −1 a −1 in eastern China, and 16.4 kg N ha −1 a −1 averaged over China. Annual total deposition to China is 16.4 Tg N, with 10.2 Tg N (62%) from reduced nitrogen (NH x ) and 6.2 Tg N from oxidized nitrogen (NO y ). Domestic anthropogenic sources contribute 86% of the total deposition; foreign anthropogenic sources 7% and natural sources 7%. Annually 23% of domestically emitted NH 3 and 36% for NO x are exported outside the terrestrial land of China. We find that atmospheric nitrogen deposition is about half of the nitrogen input from fertilizer application (29.6 Tg N a −1 ), and is much higher than that from natural biological fixation (7.3 Tg N a −1 ) over China. A comparison of nitrogen deposition with critical load estimates for eutrophication indicates that about 15% of the land over China experiences critical load exceedances, demonstrating the necessity of nitrogen emission controls to avoid potential negative ecological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We assessed large-scale internetwork functional connectivity in VM and MwoA patients. • Functional connectivity between the lFPN and rFPN was reduced in patients with MwoA compared with HCs. • VM patients showed decreased functional connectivity between the DAN, SMN, pmVN, and lVN compared to patients with MwoA. To investigate large-scale internetwork functional connectivity in patients with vestibular migraine (VM) and migraine without aura (MwoA). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 34 VM patients, 34 MwoA patients, and 33 healthy controls (HCs) were collected and the results were analyzed using independent component analysis (ICA). We also analyzed the correlations between clinical data and internetwork functional connectivity. In contrast to HCs, MwoA patients showed decreased functional connectivity between the left frontoparietal network (lFPN) and right frontoparietal network (rFPN), with increased functional connectivity between the sensorimotor network (SMN) and lateral visual network (lVN). When compared to MwoA patients, VM patients demonstrated decreased functional network connectivity between the dorsal attention network (DAN) and posterior medial visual network (pmVN), between the SMN and pmVN, and between the SMN and lVN. Meanwhile, increased functional network connectivity was found between the lFPN and rFPN; however, there was no significant difference in functional network connectivity between VM patients and HCs. In addition, associations were found between clinical data and internetwork functional connectivity. Functional connectivity between the lFPN and rFPN was reduced in patients with MwoA compared with HCs, which may indicate functional impairment in cognitive control, attention, somatosensory perception, and emotion regulation in patients with MwoA. VM patients showed decreased functional connectivity between the DAN, SMN, pmVN and lVN compared to patients with MwoA, which could account for the multisensory integration abnormalities and be the cause of vestibular symptoms in VM patients. These findings offer fresh perspectives on the pathophysiology of VM and MwoA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) in China have raised worldwide concerns due to its contribution to acid rain and particulate pollution. Monitoring sulfur (S) concentrations and estimating its deposition are important for evaluating air quality and its effects on ecosystems and human health. To date atmospheric dry S deposition in China remains unclear due to the paucity of measurements, especially in rural regions where the ecosystems are sensitive to acid deposition. In this study, we monitored both SO 2 and particulate SO 4 2− (pSO 4 2− ) concentrations at 8 sites south and 8 sites north of the Huai River in rural and suburban parts of China between 2010 and 2012. The measured concentration of SO 2 and pSO 4 2− were combined with GEOS-Chem modeled dry deposition velocities to estimate dry S deposition inputs to the surfaces. SO 2 and pSO 4 2− concentrations were high from October/November to next March/April and they (esp. SO 2 ) decreased sharply since March/April at the northern sites, reflecting elevated SO 2 emissions by winter heating (which normally starts in October/November and ends in March/April in the north of the Huai River). However the southern sites did not show this trend. Annual dry deposition of SO 2 plus pSO 4 2− in this study ranged from 3.1 to 27.1 kg S ha −1 across all the sites in the year 2011 (except one site from May 2011 to April 2012) and showed large spatial variation. The sites in northern China had greater dry deposition due to the higher S concentrations compared with sites in southern China. We also found relatively low pSO 4 2− /pNO 3 - ratios at most sites, reflecting NO x emissions had a larger influence than SO 2 emissions on particle composition during the 2010–2012 period at the measurement sites. Our results suggest that dry S deposition is still important input to ecosystems in spite of slow reduction of Chinese national SO 2 emissions since 2005. More research on both wet and dry S deposition and their impacts on the environment and human health should be carried out following the introduction of policies to reduce SO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular pH has been associated with multiple biological processes. However, fluorescent probes for pH are limited. Herein, a new pH fluorescent probe was developed based on reversible structural changes. This probe provided three reversible pH response modes within 2.00–12.00. Under the acidic conditions, there is no-fluorescence, under the neutral conditions, the emission is at 650 nm, under the alkaline conditions, the emissions at 650 nm decreases and at 460 nm appears and increases simultaneously. The probe solution presented distinct colors response to the pH values from 2.00 to 12.00. The fluorescent response from pH 2.00–12.00 makes the probe suitable for the monitoring pH in living cells. Moreover, the imaging results confirm that probe S can be applied in fluorescence imaging in living cells. • A new pH fluorescent probe was developed based on reversible structural changes. • The probe provided three reversible pH response modes accompanied by different color changes. • The probe can be applied to live cell pH monitoring and lysosome imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) is an important issue facing current research. On the basis of MSW composition analysis, this paper investigates the sorting methods of MSW and the utilization of waste in northeastern China by combining theory, experimentation and practice. According to the physical and chemical properties of waste, manual sorting must first be completed followed by magnetic separation, pneumatic separation and water concentration. A green brick can later be made by mixing the crushed construction waste, which is selected manually, with other waste that is selected by machine. Select organic compounds can also be used to make methane by fermentation at temperatures of 35±3 °C at a inoculation rate about 25% and a PH value of near 7.0; the resulting solid rate would need to be controlled within 9–21%. The methane could be used to generate electricity after removing sulfur and CO 2 and drying. An organic–inorganic fertilizer could be made by adding 20–30% of crushed plant stalks into the biogas fermenter and mixing it evenly with added N, P and K after dehydration, secondary fermentation and granulation drying. Both the electricity and exhaust heat could be utilized to improve the utilization of energy. When applied to a model city, the comprehensive treatment system proposed is shown to improve resource utilization by approximately about 40% compared with conventional methods; thus, the goals of waste reduction and recycling have been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing considerably affects ecosystem nutrient cycling and element stoichiometry at the regional and global levels according to synthesized studies. However, the effects of grazing, especially its intensity, on the plant litter decomposition stage of key processes in biogeochemical cycles are not clearly understood. Here, a meta-analysis of 65 published papers was undertaken to examine the responses of eight variables associated with litter decomposition to grazing or grazing intensity. We also explored whether experimental and environmental factors altered the effects of grazing on litter decomposition. Our results indicated that grazing significantly promoted litter decomposition when all the data was averaged, and that the magnitude of its effects on litter decomposition became weaker as grazing intensity increased. Grazing did not affect mixed root litter decomposition, but increased single root litter decomposition, and light grazing had a stronger positive effect. Specifically, grazing significantly accelerated litter C and P release, and significantly increased single N release by single above-ground litter, but not root or mixed aboveground litter. In addition, environmental factors (e.g., elevation, and mean annual precipitation) and experimental factors (e.g., experiment duration and litterbag size) affected the litter decomposition responses to grazing. These results suggest that the effects of grazing on litter decomposition and nutrient release depend on grazing intensity, litter type, and plant organs. Grazing alters terrestrial plant litter decomposition and grazing intensity plays an important role in regulating the magnitude of the effect during litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. • Effect of grazing on litter decomposition and nutrient release was examined. • Light grazing showed a stronger promoting effect on litter decomposition. • Effect of grazing on litter decomposition depends on plant organ and litter type. • Effect of litterbag area on litter decomposition should be considered in subsequent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilized cropland is a significant source of ammonia (NH 3) emissions. Urea, the dominant synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer, makes the largest contribution to NH 3 volatilization from cropland in China. To improve environmental quality and resource utilization efficiency, stabilized urea (UI: Urea amended with the urease inhibitor Limus®) was tested in an intensive cropping system in the North China Plain (NCP). A two-year field trial and an extensive demonstration experiment at five sites were carried out in Quzhou county, NCP, to quantify the effect of RNUI (Reduced N rate + Urea Inhibitor) technology on NH 3 mitigation from farms. NH 3 emission, crop yield and N use efficiency (NUE) were measured to evaluate the efficacy of UI and a questionnaire-based survey used to investigate farmers' attitudes to the technology. In the field trial, UI significantly reduced NH 3 emissions by 60.5–62.9% and 39.7–52.3% during wheat and maize growing seasons, respectively, compared to untreated urea applied at the same rate. NUE was significantly increased by 34.6–62.7% in the wheat season and 14.9–66.6% during the maize season. No significant crop yield improvement was observed, but UI significantly reduced yield-scaled NH 3 emissions. Similar results were found at the five demonstration sites in Quzhou, but there was a small yield increase for maize. On average there were 49.0% and 38.5% reductions in NH 3 emissions, and 50.5% and 46.3% reductions in yield-scaled NH 3 emissions for wheat and maize, respectively, compared to typical farmer practice. Farmers' willingness to adopt RNUI technology depended mainly on crop yield, the convenience of using RNUI and government subsidy to reduce costs. Results emphasized the importance of on-farm demonstration experiments, integrated field management, government subsidies and legislation for the promotion of RNUI technology, achieving sustainable high yields and NUE for mitigating agricultural NH 3 loss at a county level in the NCP. • Field and demonstration trials were conducted to mitigate NH 3 emission in Quzhou. • Urease inhibitor (UI) halved NH 3 emissions from a wheat-maize rotation. • UI with reduced N input (RNUI) increased NUE on farms by 47.8–57.0%. • Government subsidy was essential for promoting UI/RNUI application by farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides that have accumulated in arable soil could be easily transported by wind erosion, thereby potentially threating air quality and human health in surrounding areas. The risks this poses to farmers exposed to pesticide-associated dust is still unknown, especially in rural areas of China. In this study, we screened pesticide residues in dust (indoor and outdoor) collected from the homes and yards of pesticide sprayers (21 participants) and farm workers (14 participants) living in Quzhou County located in the North China Plain to assess health risks by exposed to pesticide-contaminated dust. The results showed that multiple pesticide residues were detected in the dust samples and more than 90% of the samples contained over 10 pesticide residues. The maximum detected number of residues was 23, out of the 25 pesticides currently used in the farming area. There was a wide range of pesticide concentrations with the geometric mean values measuring between 0.03 and 0.86 mg kg−1. More residues and higher concentrations of pesticides were detected in indoor dust compared to outdoor dust. Over the monitoring period, the pesticide application has not caused significant pesticide accumulation in dust. The measured concentrations of carbendazim, dimethomorph, dimethomorph and pendimethalin paired indoor-outdoor dust samples were significantly correlated (p < 0.05). The health risks were assessed using the hazard index (HI) and highest HI was found for children under indoor exposure (HI = 0.82). In addition, based on the survey and statistics, pesticide preparation in the home was significantly correlated with the pesticide indoor exposure level. Therefore, farmers should take measures, such as preparing pesticides outside of the house or in the open fields with protection, in order to avoid the exposure risk of pesticides associated with dust. [Display omitted] • Dust in pesticide sprayers' residences exhibits higher pesticide concentrations. • Higher accumulation levels of pesticides were found in indoor dust. • Health risks of pesticides in indoor dust should be aware especially for children. • Preparing pesticides inside homes contributes to indoor pesticide exposure risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing highly efficient strategy for fabrication of bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is a challenging topic. In this work, we reported the in situ synthesis of N, S co-doped carbon nanorod material (N/S-C) by the facile template-free, one-step pyrolysis approach using N and S co-containing poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) of p[BZ][HSO 4 ] 2 as precursor derived from the simple chemically oxidative polymerization of ionic liquid benzidine sulfate ([BZ][HSO 4 ] 2) in the presence of ammonium persulfate as oxidant. The N/S-C catalysts have nanorod morphology with hierarchical porous architectures of abundant micropores and well-defined mesopores featuring high specific surface areas. The ORR performance of N/S-C-800 is extremely satisfactory in alkaline media with the onset and half-potentials of 0.985 V and 0.857 V (vs. RHE), respectively, which are comparable to that of commercial Pt/C (0.990 V and 0.852 V vs. RHE). It also delivers the favorable long-term stability and methanol tolerance, significantly outperforming commercial Pt/C. Moreover, the N/S-C-800 was served as a support for Pt nanoparticles, showing the higher methanol electrooxidation activity (806.74 mA mg Pt -1) compared with commercial Pt/C (356.32 mA mg Pt -1). These results show an effective route to design the attractive metal-free carbon-based electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cells. [Display omitted] • The N/S co-doped carbon nanorod material was synthesized in situ via facile one-step pyrolysis approach using the poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) as precursor. • The N/S-C-800 catalyst exhibited the superior ORR activity and stability in alkaline media. • The Pt nanoparticles supported on the N/S-C-800 catalyst showed superior MOR activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen bonding between dopamine hydrochloride (DH) and N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) were investigated by UV–visible spectra (UV–Vis), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and density functional theory (DFT). It was found that the position of UV–Vis absorption band and the anodic/cathodic peak potentials of DH were all affected by the concentrations of DH in DMF. It was suggested that hydrogen bonding were formed between DH and DMF, which was confirmed by the DFT results. AIM analyses were performed to elucidate the nature of the hydrogen bonding in the mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted at three typical wheat–maize double-cropping sites in north and northwest China to investigate ammonia (NH 3 ) volatilization from urea and from urea amended with 0.12% (w/w) Limus ® (a new urease inhibitor consisting of 75% N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) and 25% N-(n-propyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NPPT)) in winter wheat. Grain yields and nitrogen (N) budgets of all N treatments were also evaluated to investigate the effects of urea-N application rates and Limus during one wheat season. Cumulative NH 3 losses after two weeks for conventional urea were 11–25% of applied N, while those for urea amended with Limus were only 0–6% of applied N. The urease inhibitor increased fertilizer N retention more strongly when soil and environmental conditions promoted extensive NH 3 losses. However, grain yields were not significantly ( P > 0.05) enhanced by Limus compared to conventional urea at all three sites. A clear increase in apparent N recovery efficiency (RE N ) with Limus (ranging from 10 to 16%) resulted at the Quzhou (QZ) site compared to equal amounts of optimized urea-N, with an increase in RE N of up to 65% under a further 20% N-reduced urea amended with Limus treatment. The study also demonstrated the urgency of appropriate fertilizer N management in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • GABA concentration greatly impacts egg storage performance. • GABA slows rates of egg yolk index and HU value decreases during storage. • GABA can reduce the rate of egg processing quality deterioration during storage. Effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on egg storage properties were investigated by comparing freshness and processing properties between eggs treated with different GABA concentrations and untreated controls. GABA treatment delayed storage-associated increases of albumen pH value and surface hydrophobicity and decreases of protein index, yolk index, Haugh unit (HU) value, albumen height, solubility, gel hardness, and apparent viscosity. Highest HU, yolk index, and emulsion stability values and peak storage performance were observed after injection of eggs with 0.05 mL of GABA (0.3 g/mL). Even after 25 days of storage, GABA-treated eggs exhibited freshness resembling that of fresh eggs, indicating that GABA treatment extended shelf life by 10 days relative to controls. Peak solubility, emulsifying activity, emulsifying stability, foaming capacity, and foaming stability values of 89.74%, 0.72, 14.18, 43.35, and 45.57, respectively, for GABA-treated eggs exceeded corresponding control group values, thus demonstrating that GABA treatment of eggs slowed storage-related deterioration of freshness and processing quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric phosphorus (P) deposition is an important environmental nutrient which has significant implications for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems due to regulating the ratio of nitrogen (N) and P. Here, P bulk deposition and its spatial and temporal variation characteristics were monitored in China from June 2019 to May 2021, and the concentrations and fluxes of different P species were further investigated. The annual mean concentrations in precipitation were 0.14 ± 0.02 mg L−1 for total P (TP), 0.06 ± 0.01 mg L−1 for dissolved inorganic P (DIP), 0.05 ± 0.007 mg L−1 for dissolved organic P (DOP), and 0.03 ± 0.003 mg L−1 for particulate P (PP). Annual bulk deposition fluxes of TP, DIP, DOP and PP were 1.08 ± 0.12, 0.46 ± 0.07, 0.36 ± 0.05, and 0.26 ± 0.03 kg ha−1 yr−1 on average, respectively. Atmospheric bulk P concentration showed a negative correlation with precipitation. PP, DIP and DOP contributed 24%, 43% and 33% of TP, respectively. DIP and DOP accounted for 56% and 44% of total dissolved P (TDP). According to analysis of PCA source identification, TP in the bulk deposition most likely originated from anthropogenic sources of combustion in China. The N:P ratios (by mass) in deposition (precipitation) were 32.1 ± 3.88 higher than the Redfield ratio (16.0), which may lead to P-limitation and eutrophication of the water body, and may affect the structure, diversity, and function of ecosystems. • Atmospheric bulk P deposition was quantified in a monitoring network of China. • High bulk P deposition occurred in the rainy season and the Southeast region. • Dissolved inorganic P contributed more to bulk P deposition than other P species. • P in bulk deposition most likely originated from anthropogenic sources of combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large uncertainties and challenges remain in the quantification of land-atmosphere exchanges of ammonia (NH 3), mainly due to limitations in measurement techniques. In this study, the eddy covariance (EC) technique based on an open-path quantum cascade laser (QCL) spectrometer was used to measure the NH 3 fluxes at a typical cropland in the North China Plain, one of the global NH 3 hotspots. It is the first attempt of measuring both NH 3 volatilization and deposition fluxes at an agricultural ecosystem using the open-path instrument-based EC technique. During the one-month experimental period, the NH 3 fluxes were characterized by enhanced emissions after fertilizer application and persistent dry depositions after ploughing practice, with the flux magnitude varying from −0.293 to 7.29 (median: −0.042) mg N m−2 h−1. Nearly 93% of the half-hourly fluxes (absolute values) exceeded the mean instrumental flux detection limit of 9.6 μg N m−2 h−1. Nitrogen loss rate from the wheat field through NH 3 volatilization was 0.57–0.71% relative to the applied nitrogen fertilizers. Ammonia deposition dominated the period after the ploughing practice, showing an average deposition rate of 0.014 kg N ha−1 d−1 with a significant diurnal pattern. Both the local emission sources and meteorological conditions influenced the variation of NH 3 dry deposition. The deposition fluxes measured by the EC technique were nearly one third the results modelled by the widely used inferential model method, but the difference needs to be validated by more observations that includes different surface and meteorological conditions. This study suggests that this open-path QCL-based EC instrument is an effective tool for long-term and high-frequency measurements of ecosystem NH 3 exchanges. It also enables cross-validation between different methods to improve the understanding in the atmospheric reactive nitrogen cycling. • The open-path QCL-based eddy covariance instrument can detect small NH 3 fluxes. • Nitrogen loss rate from the wheat field through NH 3 volatilization was 0.57–0.71%. • NH 3 dry deposition averaged to 0.014 kg N ha−1 d−1 with a significant diurnal pattern. • Depositions estimated by inferential model were two times larger than the observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is currently high and meanwhile diffuse N pollution is also serious in China. The correlation between N deposition and riverine N export and the contribution of N deposition to riverine N export were investigated in a typical hilly red soil catchment in southern China over a two-year period. N deposition was as high as 26.1 to 55.8 kg N/(ha·yr) across different land uses in the studied catchment, while the riverine N exports ranged from 7.2 to 9.6 kg N/(ha·yr) in the forest sub-catchment and 27.4 to 30.3 kg N/(ha·yr) in the agricultural sub-catchment. The correlations between both wet N deposition and riverine N export and precipitation were highly positive, and so were the correlations between NH 4 + -N or NO 3 − -N wet deposition and riverine NH 4 + -N or NO 3 − -N exports except for NH 4 + -N in the agricultural sub-catchment, indicating that N deposition contributed to riverine N export. The monthly export coefficients of atmospheric deposited N from land to river in the forest sub-catchment (with a mean of 14%) presented a significant positive correlation with precipitation, while the monthly contributions of atmospheric deposition to riverine N export (with a mean of 18.7% in the agricultural sub-catchment and a mean of 21.0% in the whole catchment) were significantly and negatively correlated with precipitation. The relatively high contribution of N deposition to diffuse N pollution in the catchment suggests that efforts should be done to control anthropogenic reactive N emissions to the atmosphere in hilly red soil regions in southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Soil organic C remains the most important indicator for soil quality assessment. • The nonlinear scoring and weighted additive integration method is the best SQI tool. • The soil quality in the wheat-maize and vegetable systems is higher than that in the cotton system. • High soil quality depends on high inputs of straw residues, organic and inorganic fertilizers. • Application of agrochemicals decreases soil quality. Soil quality on smallholder farms is progressively declining due to inappropriate land management and agricultural inputs. Assessing soil quality at the field scale and evaluating the contributions of agricultural inputs to soil quality is therefore important in the formulation of policies and technologies for improving the land management practices of smallholders. The objectives of this study were to analyze the effects of smallholder agricultural inputs (fertilizer input, agrochemical input, organic fertilization and straw incorporation) on soil quality under three dominant planting patterns (wheat-maize, vegetable and cotton) in Quzhou County on the North China Plain. Six soil indicators (soil organic carbon, available zinc, fungal species richness, carbon pool activity, total chromium content and acid phosphatase activity) were identified as the minimum dataset (MDS). The SQI calculated using nonlinear weighted additive integration (SQI-NLWA) had the best discrimination under different planting patterns. The SQIs in the wheat-maize and vegetable systems were significantly higher than those in the cotton system. The overall spatial pattern of soil quality was related to the distribution of the planting patterns throughout the county. Organic fertilization, fertilizer input and straw incorporation increased the SQI, while agrochemical input decreased the SQI. Our study provides a quantitative tool for assessing soil quality at the field-scale and creatively analyzes the effects of smallholder agricultural inputs on soil quality. Our findings suggest that resource input and allocation determine soil quality and agricultural sustainability in smallholder-dominated agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional genes involved in nitrogen (N) cycling regulate soil nitrification, denitrification and N 2 O emissions. However, the general patterns and variability of N functional genes in response to N addition, and their association with N 2 O emission have not been synthesized for terrestrial ecosystems. We synthesized 2068 observations from 144 papers to explore the impact of N addition on the abundance and diversity of N functional genes, and their relationship to N 2 O emissions in croplands, grasslands and forests on a global scale. In croplands, N addition increased N 2 O emissions (109%), the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) (19%) , ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) (95%) , nirK (52%), nirS (40%) and nosZ (41%), and the diversity of AOB (15%), nirS (12%) and nosZ (11%). In grassland, N addition increased AOB abundance (130%) and decreased the abundance of nirS (−99%) and nosZ (−58%) genes, but in forests, significant effects were only found for the abundance of AOA (35%) and AOB (121%). N 2 O emission was negatively correlated with the abundance of nosZ , but positively correlated with the abundance of AOA and AOB. Apart from the abundance of functional AOA, AOB and nosZ genes, climate variables (precipitation and temperature), and available N concentrations were the main factors explaining the variation in N 2 O emission with N addition, as shown by random forest analysis. These findings indicate that impacts on N functional genes that encode enzymes involved in nitrification (AOA, AOB) and in the transformation of N 2 O to N 2 (nos Z) are the main mechanisms behind the effect on N fertilizer-induced N 2 O emissions. • Nitrogen addition increased the abundance of AOA, AOB, nirK , nirS and nosZ. • N 2 O emission was negatively correlated with the abundance of nosZ gene. • N 2 O emission was positively correlated with the AOA and AOB abundance. • AOA, AOB and nosZ abundance were main factors affecting N 2 O emission. • Climate variables and available N concentrations were additional main factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Veterinary antibiotics reach the soil environment by manure application, where they accumulate or are prone to vertical translocation. We assumed that a high pH value at slightly calcareous soil properties should retain tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones even at high manure loads, whereas it should facilitate leaching of sulfonamides. Hence, we investigated the transport of manure-added antibiotics in a soil developed from calcareous parent material on a farm in peri-urban Beijing, China. Leachate was collected from zero-tension samplers, installed at 40cm depth under undisturbed soil, which was treated according to (i) routine farm practice and (ii) worst-case conditions (high antibiotic concentrations, irrigation imitating heavy rainfall). Additionally, the soil depth distribution of pharmaceuticals at the end of the leaching experiment was analysed. Under routine farm practice, sulfamethazine was repeatedly detected in the leachate with a maximum concentration of 0.12μgL−1. All applied substances were still detected in soil after 53days, suggesting that there was no overall rapid and complete dissipation. Worst-case conditions enhanced vertical translocation; all leachate samples contained sulfonamides (up to 653μgL−1 sulfamethazine), and even tetracyclines were found in the leachate once, with doxycycline reaching the highest concentration (0.19μgL−1). The concentrated simultaneous occurrence of sulfonamides with the bromide tracer in leachate samples pointed to preferential flow as underlying transport process. The high pH values did not prevent the single leaching event for tetracyclines and hardly affected overall leaching behaviour. The applied fluoroquinolones were not significantly translocated below 4cm depth, irrespective of irrigation and high manure addition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The potential roles of 11β-HSD1 inhibitors in metabolic syndrome, T2D and obesity were well established and currently several classes of 11β-HSD1 inhibitors have been developed as promising agents against metabolic diseases. To find potent compounds with good pharmacokinetics, we used the bioisosterism approach, and designed the compound 2 and 3 bearing an 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring to replace the amide group in compound 1. Guided by docking study, we then transformed compound 3 into a potent lead compound 4a by changing sulfonamide group to amide. To elaborate this series of piperidyl–oxadiazole derivatives as human 11β-HSD1 inhibitors, we explored the structure–activity relationship of several parts of the lead compound. Based on their potency toward human 11β-HSD1 two compounds 4h and 4q were advanced to pharmacokinetic study. It was found that 4h and 4q are potent and selective human 11β-HSD1 inhibitors with better pharmacokinetic properties than those of the original piperidine-3-carboxamide compound 1, and suitable for further in vivo preclinical study in primate model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several classes of non-steroid 11β-HSD1 inhibitors have been developed as promising treatments for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Using a human 11β-HSD1 selective inhibitor as a starting point, we designed and synthesized a new class of derivatives of 1-arylsulfonyl piperidine-3-carboxamides. It was found that the large lipophilic group on the amino moiety may lead to cross-species potency towards human and mouse, allowing drug development by evaluating compounds in rodent model. By exploring structure–activity-relationship, the (R)-(+)-bornylamine derivative is identified as the most potent inhibitor of mouse enzyme 11β-HSD1 with an IC50 of 18nM. Docking studies revealed the different possible interaction modes of the S-enantiomer and R-enantiomer bound to h11β-HSD1, and explained why the S-enantiomer is more active than the R-enantiomer. Finally, two potent and isoform-selective compounds, (+)-isopinocampheylamine derivative 8m and (R)-(+)-bornylamine derivative 8l, with suitable in vitro properties, could be selected for future PK/PD evaluation in rodent models. Then, 8l was subjected a pharmacodynamics study in vivo with rodent model. It was shown that 8l have 71% and 63% inhibition in adipose and liver tissue at 1h after administration, but it was a short-acting compound displaying a significant drop in potency in the subsequent 3h. This study not only provides compounds as novel h11β-HSD1 inhibitors, but also presents structure–activity relationships for designing potent human/mouse 11β-HSD1 inhibitors suitable for in vivo evaluation in rodent models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To assess the effects of nitrogen (N) deposition on greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes in alpine grassland of the Tianshan Mountains in central Asia, CH4, CO2 and N2O fluxes were measured from June 2010 to May 2011. Nitrogen deposition tended to significantly increase CH4 uptake, CO2 and N2O emissions at sites receiving N addition compared with those at site without N addition during the growing season, but no significant differences were found for all sites outside the growing season. Air temperature, soil temperature and water content were the important factors that influence CO2 and N2O emissions at year-round scale, indicating that increased temperature and precipitation in the future will exert greater impacts on CO2 and N2O emissions in the alpine grassland. In addition, plant coverage in July was also positively correlated with CO2 and N2O emissions under elevated N deposition rates. The present study will deepen our understanding of N deposition impacts on GHG balance in the alpine grassland ecosystem, and help us assess the global N effects, parameterize Earth System models and inform decision makers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A seco-precursor of macrolactin A was synthesized by coupling two advanced segments. Wittig reaction and Horner–Emmons reaction were utilized to construct the three characteristic E,Z and E,E dienes. The C1–C10 segment was synthesized through Horner–Emmons reaction with phosphonate reagent. The α-alkylation of sulfone stabilized anion with allyl bromide followed by desulfonation gave the C11–C24 segment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Formation of free radicals and other reactive molecules is responsible for the adverse effects produced by a number of hepatotoxic compounds. cDNA microarray technology was used to compare transcriptional profiles elicited by training and testing sets of 15 oxidant stressors/reactive metabolite treatments to those produced by approximately 85 other paradigm compounds (mostly hepatotoxicants) to determine a shared signature profile for oxidant stress-associated hepatotoxicity. Initially, 100 genes were chosen that responded significantly different to oxidant stressors/reactive metabolites (OS/RM) compared to other samples in the database, then a 25-gene subset was selected by multivariate analysis. Many of the selected genes (e.g., aflatoxin aldehyde reductase, diaphorase, epoxide hydrolase, heme oxgenase and several glutathione transferases) are well-characterized oxidant stress/Nrf-2-responsive genes. Less than 10 other compounds co-cluster with our training and testing set compounds and these are known to generate OS/RMs as part of their mechanisms of toxicity. Using OS/RM signature gene sets, compounds previously associated with macrophage activation formed a distinct cluster separate from OS/RM and other compounds. A 69-gene set was chosen to maximally separate compounds in control, macrophage activator, peroxisome proliferator and OS/RM classes. The ease with which these ‘oxidative stressor’ classes can be separated indicates a role for microarray technology in early prediction and classification of hepatotoxicants. The ability to rapidly screen the oxidant stress potential of compounds may aid in avoidance of some idiosyncratic drug reactions as well as overtly toxic compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Macrophage activation contributes to adverse effects produced by a number of hepatotoxic compounds. Transcriptional profiles elicited by two macrophage activators, LPS and zymosan A, were compared to those produced by 100 paradigm compounds (mostly hepatotoxicants) using cDNA microarrays. Several hepatotoxicants previously reported to activate liver macrophages produced transcriptional responses similar to LPS and zymosan, and these were used to construct a gene signature profile for macrophage activators in the liver. Measurement of cytokine mRNAs in the same liver samples by RT–PCR independently confirmed that these compounds are associated with macrophage activation. In addition to expected effects on acute phase proteins and metabolic pathways that are regulated by LPS and inflammation, a strong induction was observed for many endoplasmic reticulum-associated stress/chaperone proteins. Additionally, many genes in our macrophage activator signature profile were well-characterized PPARα-induced genes which were repressed by macrophage activators. A shared gene signature profile for peroxisome proliferators was determined using a training set of clofibrate, WY 14643, diethylhexylphthalate, diisononylphthalate, perfluorodecanoic acid, perfluoroheptanoic acid, and perfluorooctanoic acid. The signature profile included macrophage activator-induced genes that were repressed by peroxisome proliferators. NSAIDs comprised an interesting pharmacological class in that some compounds, notably diflunisal, co-clustered with peroxisome proliferators whereas several others co-clustered with macrophage activators, possibly due to endotoxin exposure secondary to their adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system. While much of these data confirmed findings from the literature, the transcriptional patterns detected using this toxicogenomics approach showed relationships between genes and biological pathways requiring complex analysis to be discerned. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Information on the neuroanatomical expression of a given gene is critical to understanding its function in the central nervous system. The integration of laser capture microdissection (LCM), T7-based RNA amplification and cDNA microarrays allows for this information to be simultaneously generated for thousands of genes. To validate this integrative approach, we catalogued the gene expression profiles of seven rat brain nuclei or subnuclei. A hundred cells from the following seven brain nuclei were analyzed: locus coeruleus (LC), dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), parvocellular division (PA) and magnocellular division (MG) of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG) divisions of the hippocampal formation. Of the 2145 genes investigated, 1402 genes (65%) gave a hybridization signal statistically different from the background level that was defined by non-specific hybridizations to 15 different plant genes. Validation of our microarray data on four arbitrarily selected genes was confirmed by Real-Time PCR. Previous research showing expression patterns of ‘signature’ genes (n=17) for specific brain nuclei are consistent with our findings. For example, as previously shown, enriched mRNA expression encoding the serotonin transporter or tyrosine hydroxylase was found in DR and LC cells, respectively. Interestingly, expression of the serotonin 5-HT2B receptor mRNA was also found in DR cells. We confirmed this new finding by in-situ hybridization. The hierarchical clustering analysis of gene expression shows that the two divisions of the PVN (PA and MG) are closely related to each other, as well as the three regions of the hippocampal formation (CA1, CA3 and DG), which also showed similar gene expression profiles. This study demonstrates the importance, feasibility and utility of cellular brain nuclei profiling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have successfully developed a bis-schiff base fluorescent probe L, linking hemicyanine aldehyde and salicylaldehyde through hydrazine hydrate, which continuously identify Fe3+ and F− in MeCN-Tris (v/v, 2:1, 10 mM, pH 7.3) solution. The probe L showed a highly selective and sensitive fluorescence "turn-on" for Fe3+ over other metal ions accompanying with the solution color change from yellow to red. Furthermore, the resulting L-Fe3+ complex detect only F− among the common various anions. The bonding mechanisms were detected by fluorescence and absorption titrations, 1H NMR titrations, HRMS and theoretical calculations. In addition, the probe has been used for liquid colorimetry and test paper colorimetric identification of Fe3+. Moreover, the probe L was used for sequentially off-on-off fluorescence imaging of Fe3+ and F− in HeLa cells. In this study, we have successfully developed a bis-schiff base fluorescent probe L, linking hemicyanine aldehyde and salicylaldehyde through hydrazine hydrate, which continuously identify Fe3+ and F− in MeCN-Tris (v/v, 2:1, 10 mM, pH 7.3) solution. The probe L showed a highly selective and sensitive fluorescence "turn-on" for Fe3+ over other metal ions accompanying with the solution color change from yellow to red. Furthermore, the resulting L-Fe3+ complex detect only F− among the common various anions. The bonding mechanisms were detected by fluorescence and absorption titrations, 1H NMR titrations, HRMS and theoretical calculations. In addition, the probe has been used for liquid colorimetry and test paper colorimetric identification of Fe3+. Moreover, the probe L was used for sequentially off-on-off fluorescence imaging of Fe3+ and F− in HeLa cells. [Display omitted] • A new hemicyanidine-based colorimetric-fluorescent probe L was synthesized. • The probe L can detect Fe3+ and F− ions in aqueous solutions. • The binding modes of probe L with Fe3+ have been well demonstrated by MS, 1H NMR and DFT calculation. • The probe L had the potential application value for monitoring Fe3+ and F− ions in environment and vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soil biodiversity is positively related to agroecosystem multifunctionality. • Management practices are most important driving factors of multifunctionality. • High multifunctionality depends on high inputs of straw residues, organic and inorganic fertilizers. • Management practices are determined by smallholders' socioeconomic factors. Agroecosystems provide multiple goods and services that are important for human welfare. Despite the importance of field management practices for agroecosystem service delivery, the links of socioeconomic factors, management practices and ecosystem multifunctionality have rarely been explicitly evaluated in agroecosystems. Here we used a county-scale database with 100 farmer households and their farmlands, and analyzed the relative importance of management practices, soil abiotic environment and soil biota on multifunctionality under three distinct ('smallholder's viewpoint', 'sustainable soils' and 'equal weight') scenarios. Furthermore, we also analyzed the effect of smallholders' socioeconomic factors on management practices. Our results found that smallholders' high inputs of fertilizers and agrochemicals were associated with their high agricultural income and less farmland area, but total land area had a positive effect on straw incorporation. Total soil biota index was positively related to multifunctionality, however, management practices (fertilizer input, agrochemical input, organic fertilizer amount and straw incorporation) had stronger effect on multifunctionality than that of soil biota or the abiotic environment. Their strength varied with distinct scenarios. Our work suggests that increasing organic materials (organic fertilizers and crop residues) and decreasing agrochemicals are beneficial for maintaining or increasing ecosystem multifunctionality in smallholder-dominated agroecosystems. Moreover, improving management practices of smallholders needs to take into account the effects of their socioeconomic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N enrichment enhanced foliar N, P concentration and N:P, but decreased NRE and PRE. • N enrichment notably changed plant N and P coupling in mature foliar. • NRE could regulate foliar N and P coupling under N enrichment. • Ambient N deposition notably affected foliar nutrient status and resorption. A meta-analysis was preformed to reveal how environmental and experimental factors alter the effects of N enrichment on the concentrations and stoichiometry of N and P in both mature and senesced foliage and nutrient resorption, with published studies from Chinese grasslands. N enrichment, when averaged across the studies, significantly increased the mature leaf N, P and N:P by 27.89%, 2.55% and 20.85%, respectively. The N, P and N:P ratio for senesced foliage under N enrichment increased by 41.35%, 3.28% and 20.11%, respectively, but N enrichment significantly decreased the leaf N resorption efficiency (NRE) and P resorption efficiency (PRE) by 6.85% and 3.41%, respectively. They were significantly controlled by the rates of addition of N, humidity index and the ratio of N addition rates to ambient N deposition, which suggested that ambient N deposition can indirectly influence plant internal nutrient cycling in this system. The effects of N enrichment on the N, P, stoichiometry and nutrient resorption in plants varied greatly among the types of grassland. In addition, the rates of N addition, forms of N application, experimental duration and application frequency of N had different effects on the leaf nutrient status. Specifically, the response of a critical threshold value of leaf P to N addition is 50–100 kg N ha−1 year−1, at which range with a shift from negative to positive impacts. Moreover, the addition of N significantly changed N and P coupling in mature leaves but not of senesced leaves, which were primarily regulated by N enrichment impacts on nutrient resorption. Our findings suggest that N enrichment significantly affected the status of leaf nutrients and then altered plant internal nutrient cycling across the grasslands of northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few related studies have been carried out for northwest China's the inland, although the increasing inorganic reactive nitrogen (Nr) deposition and severe air pollution in China have attracted considerable attention. Based on eight-year measurements of the concentrations of NH 3 , HNO 3 , particulate (p) NH 4 +, pNO 3 −, and NO 2 in the air and inorganic nitrogen (NH 4 +, NO 3 −) in the precipitation at a rural site in Wuwei, Gansu Province, we quantified the dry and bulk/wet Nr deposition fluxes and analyzed their temporal trends in combination with air pollution data (2015–2018). The concentrations of the single Nr species in the air did not exhibit significant seasonal variations, except for that of pNO 3 − which were the highest in summer and the lowest in winter. The average annual total Nr (dry + bulk) deposition was 27.2 ± 6.7 kg N ha−1 with a significant (p <.05) annual increase rate of 10%, which was dominated by the dry deposition flux (20.8 ± 7.1 kg N ha−1 yr−1) during the entire period. The NH 4 +-N and NO 3 −-N deposition fluxes in the precipitation were significantly (p <.05) higher in the summer than in the other three seasons owing to the heavy rainfall. The reduced N (NH 3 , pNH 4 +, and NH 4 +) deposition flux was 4.7 times that of the oxidized N (HNO 3 , pNO 3 −, NO 2 , and NO 3 −), which increased with a high annual rate (25%). The annual mean concentrations of the main air pollutants (PM 2.5 , PM 10 , SO 2 , NO 2 , and CO) significantly decreased by 15%–76%; in contrast, increasing trends of the O 3 and NH 3 concentrations were observed. Our results highlight the importance of the control of NH 3 emissions and O 3 pollution to comprehensively mitigate N deposition and improve air quality in the considered region. • The total nitrogen deposition increased at an annual rate of 10% from 2010 to 2018. • Nitrogen deposition has become an important nitrogen source to the agroecosystem. • Air pollutants significantly decreased by 15%–76%, except for O 3 and NH 3. • NH 3 concentrations increased at an annual rate of 25% from 2010 to 2018. • Control of NH 3 emission and O 3 pollution is imperative to improve air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Atmospheric N deposition in China was evaluated by two time-scale deposition databases. • Bulk and dry N deposition reached a peak between 2000 and 2010 and then began a steady decline. • Significant decrease of oxidized N deposition proved the effectiveness of NO x emissions control. • Increase of NH 3 dry deposition highlighted the importance of regional NH 3 mitigation. China has experienced a dramatic change in atmospheric reactive nitrogen (Nr) emissions over the past four decades. However, it remains unclear how nitrogen (N) deposition has responded to increases and/or decreases in Nr emissions. This study quantitatively assesses temporal and spatial variations in measurements of bulk and calculated dry N deposition in China from 1980 to 2018. A long-term database (1980–2018) shows that bulk N deposition peaked in around 2000, and had declined by 45% by 2016–2018. Recent bulk and dry N deposition (based on monitoring from 2011 to 2018) decreased from 2011 to 2018, with current average values of 19.4 ± 0.8 and 20.6 ± 0.4 kg N ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Oxidized N deposition, especially dry deposition, decreased after 2010 due to NO x emission controls. In contrast, reduced N deposition was approximately constant, with reductions in bulk NH 4 +-N deposition offset by a continuous increase in dry NH 3 deposition. Elevated NH 3 concentrations were found at nationwide monitoring sites even at urban sites, suggesting a strong influence of both agricultural and non-agricultural sources. Current emission controls are reducing Nr emissions and deposition but further mitigation measures are needed, especially of NH 3 , built on broader regional emission control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has the largest reactive nitrogen deposition worldwide. Understanding the change of nitrogen deposition and its socioeconomic drivers in China is crucial for the function and sustainability of regional and global ecosystems. Here we presented satellite-derived nitrogen deposition constrained with the national ground-based measurements over China. We found that oxidized nitrogen deposition peaked at 7.0 kg N ha−1 in 2012, then decreased to 6.2 kg N ha−1 in 2017. In contrast, reduced nitrogen deposition increased continuously, and reached 12.6 kg N ha−1 in 2017. The Chinese Clean Air Act is responsible for the reduction of oxidized nitrogen emissions, while there is no current effective control policy for ammonia emissions in place resulting in reduced nitrogen deposition reaching levels of approximately twice that of oxidized nitrogen in 2017. The ratio of reduced to oxidized nitrogen deposition decreased from 1.30 in 2008 to 1.08 in 2011, while this ratio began to increase from 1.08 in 2011 to 1.56 in 2017. This suggests reduced nitrogen deposition would become more important in the air quality and their ecological consequences in the future. The total nitrogen deposition in China was about 3–4 times that in the US and Europe. The policy of controlling nitrogen pollution is urgent, especially for reducing ammonia emissions, while ensuring the sustainable production of agriculture and maintaining food security. Image 1 • Methods were developed to obtain N deposition using satellite observations. • The ratio of reduced to oxidized N deposition in China increased since 2011. • N deposition in China was about 3–4 times that in the US and Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]