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The Qarhan Salt Lake is the largest brine lake on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), which contains some potentially toxic elements (PTEs) due to the increase of human activities. This study endeavor encompassed the collection of 62 sediment samples from eight rivers that recharge the Qarhan Salt Lake, and the measurement of seven PTEs' concentrations (As, Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn). Results indicated that the concentrations of most PTEs were lower than their local soil background values, except for Hg and Cd, which surpassed the background contents by 6.8 and 1.1 times, respectively. The I geo and PLI outcomes demonstrated a relatively low level of Hg contamination. Hg was the most hazardous elements with the mean ecological risk factor of 273.88. The Hazard Index (HI) values for PTEs were computed at 0.20 and 0.46 for adults and children, respectively, indicating that neither group was at a non-carcinogenic risk. Through the utilization of source identification methods, this study identified three predominant sources responsible for PTEs in the area: natural geogenic sources, anthropogenic sources and atmospheric deposition inputs. The findings of this study provide a robust scientific foundation for the management of the ecological environment security of rivers in the QTP. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deterioration of water resources has been recognized as an urgent environmental problem due to population growth, industrialization, urbanization and agricultural activities, where water quality assessment is the basis for forward-looking decisions on water quality management. In this study, the Nemerow index method, traditional fuzzy mathematics and improved fuzzy mathematics methods were applied to assess the water quality of the Liao River based on twenty-three water quality parameters. The results revealed that most monitoring stations in the study area were moderately polluted. The improved fuzzy mathematics method gives more appropriate than the other two methods in water quality assessment. The self-organizing map (SOM) results suggested that chemical oxygen demand (COD Cr) significantly affects water quality. The human health risk model was applied to calculate hazard indices (HI) to assess human health risks, indicating that the health risk of the Liao River caused by heavy metals was within an acceptable limit and did not pose a significant human health risk in the study area. Meanwhile, the health risk caused by heavy metals to children was higher than in adults. The results of the present study could provide new insights into water quality assessment, risk warning and public health protection in typical urbanized watersheds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the associations between weekly alcohol consumption and the risk and surgical outcome of Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS). Design: A case–control study. Setting and Participants: The study population consisted of 1095 CRS patients and 909 healthy collected from the first affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou University between May 2018 and December 2019. Main Outcome Measures: Unconditional multivariate logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to estimate the association of alcohol consumption with the risk and surgical outcomes of CRS. Odds ratios (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated separately. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to explore the possible molecular mechanisms. Results: As compared with nondrinkers, the multivariable‐adjusted OR (95% CI) values of current drinkers consuming 7.5–22 drinks and >22 drinks per week were 2.158 (1.249–3.729) and 5.373 (2.912–9.911), respectively. The rate of mucosal epithelialization after CRS surgery for patients who drank 7.5–22 drinks and >22 drinks per week was lower than that of nondrinkers [HR (95% CI) = 0.487 (0.351–0.675) and 0.252 (0.184–0.346), respectively]. The association of alcohol consumption with the risk and surgical outcome of CRS was dose dependent (p <.01). Alcohol consumption increased the risk of CRS and extended the time of mucosal epithelialization after CRS surgery by possibly increasing serum IgE levels (p <.05). Conclusion: Higher alcohol consumption of >7.5 drinks per week was an independent risk factor for CRS and extended the time of mucosal epithelialization after surgery. As a potential underlying mechanism, alcohol consumption increases serum IgE levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mapping of lithological units is a significant challenge for geological tasks. Stream sediment geochemical survey data contain abundant geological information that can help delineate lithological units. In this study, a convolutional neural network (CNN) was applied to map the lithological units in the Daqiao gold District, West Qinling Orogen, China, based on stream sediment geochemical data, in which each sample includes the concentrations of 15 trace elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Mo, Sn, W, Mn, Ba, As, Sb, Bi, Cd, Au, and Hg). The training samples were firstly constructed with a certain window size by randomly selecting locations within each lithological unit. A CNN model was then established based on AlexNet to classify the lithologic categories. The classification map showed that 7 lithological units were correctly distinguished with an overall classification accuracy of 90.0%, suggesting that (1) stream sediment geochemical survey data of only trace element concentrations are useful for lithological mapping, and (2) a CNN can extract effectively geochemical characteristics from geochemical survey data. This study confirms the potential of a CNN as an effective method for geological mapping based on geochemical survey data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Chronic sinusitis (CRS) was a chronic inflammation that originated in the nasal mucosa and affected the health of most people around the world. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) was one kind of chronic sinusitis. Emerging research had suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) played vital parts in inflammatories and inflammation development. Methods. We acquired GEO data to analyze the differential expression between the miRNA, immune genes, TF, and lncRNA data in CRSWNP and the corresponding control tissues. Bioinformatic analysis by coexpression of endogenous RNA network and competitive way enrichment, analysis, and forecasting functions of these noncoding RNA. The different pathway expressions in CRSwNP patients were confirmed using GSVA to analyze the differentially expressed immune genes and TF data sets in CRSwNP patients. The differential immune gene and transcription factor data set in CRSwNP perform functional notes and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network structure. We predicted the potential genes and RNAs related to CRSWNP by constructing a ceRNA network. In addition, we also used 19 hub immune genes to predict the potential drugs of CRSWNP. lncRNA biomarkers in CRSwNP were identified by lncRNAs LASSO regression. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to contrast the divergence in immune infiltrations between CRSwNP and usual inferior turbinate organizations in 22 immunocyte subgroups. Results. We identified a total of 48 miRNAs, 304 lncRNAs, 92 TFs, and 525 immune genes as CRSwNP-specific RNAs. GO and KEGG pathways both analyzed differentially expressed immune genes and transcription factor data sets. We predicted the potential genes GNG7, TUSC8, LINC01198, and has-miR-6776-5p by constructing ceRNA and PPI networks. At the same time, we found that the above genes were involved in two important pathways: chemokine signal path and PI3K/AKT signal path. In addition, we predicted 5 small molecule drugs to treat CRSwNP by analyzing 19 central immune genes, namely, danazol, ikarugamycin, semustine, cefamandole, and molindone. Finally, we identified 5 biomarkers in CRSwNP, namely, LINC01198, LINC01094, LINC01798, LINC01829, and LINC01320. Conclusions. We had identified CRSwNP-related miRNAs, lncRNAs, TFs, and immune genes, which may be making use of latent therapeutic target for CRSwNP. At the same time, we identified 5 lncRNA biomarkers in CRSwNP. The results of this study showed that LINC01198 promoted the progression of CRSwNPs through spongy miR-6776-5p. Our studies provide a new way for further analyses of the pathogenesis of CRSwNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horseshoe crabs, the most well‐known example of "living fossils", are iconic and ecologically important macroinvertebrates in coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Their blood is a crucial resource for manufacturing Limulus or Tachypleus amebocyte lysate to detect bacterial endotoxins or fungal contamination in drug and medical devices. An enhanced understanding of their ecological roles and trophic interactions in the food webs is fundamental to facilitate resource management for the declining populations in Asia. Foraging information of the Asian species, however, is mainly derived from preliminary, scattered reports from a limited number of study locations. In this study, resource utilization, trophic niche dynamics, and trophic interaction of the juvenile tri‐spine horseshoe crab, Tachypleus tridentatus (instars 1–12, approximately 0.5–8 years old) across ontogeny was assessed in diversified nursery habitats along the northern Beibu Gulf, China, using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes. Our results suggest that: (i) T. tridentatus are ecological generalists given the vast range of carbon isotopic values and trophic niche width estimates exhibited between multiple instar groups; (ii) juvenile T. tridentatus across most habitat types predominantly assimilated energy from a variety of basal production sources in the food web, but primarily depended on sedimentary organic matter and seagrass resource pools; (iii) ontogenetic shifts in juvenile dietary proportions were evident, with decreased reliance on sedimentary organic matter, coupled with increased reliance on benthic macroinvertebrate grazers, detritivores, and omnivores with age; and (iv) nearly all juvenile instars occupied similar trophic positions in the food web with slight shifts in trophic position present with increasing size. Our findings indicate that resource availability and ontogenetic diet shifts strongly influence horseshoe crab trophic dynamics, and age should be accounted when formulating habitat conservation measures based on resource use for Asian horseshoe crabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was carried out to examine the pollution characteristics, ecological risk, and origins of seven heavy metals (Hg, As, Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn, and Ni) in 51 sediment samples gathered from 8 rivers located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) in China. The contents of Hg and Cd were 5.0 and 1.1 times higher than their background values, respectively. The mean levels of other measured heavy metals were below those found naturally in the local soil. The enrichment factor showed that the study area exhibited significantly enriched Hg with 70.6% sampling sites. The Cd contents at 19.6% of sampling sites were moderately enriched. The other sampling sites were at a less enriched level. The sediments of all the rivers had a medium level of potential ecological risk. Hg was the major ecological risk factor in all sampling sites, followed by Cd. The findings from the positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis shown agricultural activities, industrial activities, traffic emissions, and parent material were the major sources. The upper, middle, and low reaches of the Quanji river had different Hg isotope compositions, while sediments near the middle reaches were similar to the δ202Hg of the industrial source. At the upstream sampling sites, the Hg isotope content was very close to the background level. The results of this research can establish a strong scientific sound to improve the safety of the natural circumstances of rivers on the QTP. • Accumulation of heavy metals in river sediments of QTP was observed. • Mercury was the main pollution element in river sediments. • The sediments of all rivers were at medium potential ecological risk. • The source identification of heavy metals was studied using PMF and Hg isotope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human diet has been considered to be the main source of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) intake, but only a few risk assessments for PFASs alternatives and isomers with persistent and bioaccumulative properties were available. Hence, the concentrations and human exposure of 10 linear PFASs, 8 branched PFASs and 4 alternatives were characterised in animal-origin and vegetable dietary food samples consumed by Beijing residents of China. Linear-PFASs were commonly found in fish, while PFBS was mainly found in vegetables. PFASs alternative 6:2Cl-PFESA was mainly detected in freshwater and marine fish, with a mean level of 223 and 158 pg/g ww, respectively. In addition, br-PFOA and br-PFOS were only detected in pork liver and fish samples. The EDI∑PFOA and EDI∑PFOS values were far below the tolerable weekly intake as recommended by EFSA in 2018. However, the occurrence and exposure of PFAS alternatives suggested that the risk of these contaminants should be further evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification, protection and enhancement of essential habitats are priority issues for management and restoration of exploited species. The shores utilized by Asian horseshoe crabs as nurseries were surveyed and the coastal habitat characteristics were described in the northern Beibu Gulf of China. Regression models were applied to explore species‐habitat relationships.Fourteen and ten nursery sites were identified for Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda populations, respectively. Xiacun and Jinhaiwan in the eastern region of the northern Beibu Gulf were the essential nurseries for T. tridentatus, whereas Shanxin and Jiaodong in the western part were the primary nursery shores for C. rotundicauda. These shores supported high densities (4–6 individuals/100 m2) of juvenile horseshoe crab populations.Mangrove and seagrass coverage area, coupled with sediment physico‐chemical parameters, particularly grain size, and the environmental heterogeneity of nursery habitats explained the distribution pattern of juvenile populations. Most juvenile populations were found along the outer fringe of mangroves in the small shallow estuary, particularly near outflows of tidal creeks with generally higher chlorophyll a and organic carbon contents. The distribution of high‐density juvenile populations of both species also overlapped with areas of seagrass patches.These findings highlight the importance of mangroves and seagrasses in the nursery habitat use of Asian horseshoe crabs. Preserving the estuarine habitats with these vegetation types and identifying the high‐use nursery sites should be prioritised in China and other Asian places to conserve the declining Asian horseshoe crab populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overharvesting Asian horseshoe crabs for food is a primary threat to their populations. In the present study, 451 residents were interviewed from the northern Beibu Gulf, the coastal area that is believed to accommodate the highest density of the Chinese horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus worldwide, to obtain baseline information on their consumption behaviour and underlying drivers.Based on the survey data, it is estimated that a mean individual consumption rate of ten meals per year. Nearly half of the respondents (49.7%) claimed that they had previously eaten at least two horseshoe crab meals.Among the six occupation categories (managers, professionals, workers, environmental‐related workers, fishers and farmers, and students), fishers and farmers were identified as the group that had eaten a significantly higher number of horseshoe crab meals, had consumed them more frequently, and had a greater intention of eating them than that of students. The age, education level, and salary of participants were the important socio‐demographic variables related to their consumption behaviour. More than one‐third of respondents decided to consume horseshoe crabs because they perceived them as tasty 'seafood' and valuable ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine.Eighty‐three per cent of participants reported an overall decrease in the number of horseshoe crabs in the region.Although the community was supportive towards horseshoe crab conservation, their ecological knowledge of horseshoe crabs was limited. The findings may be useful for providing insights to merge the gap between scientific data and management planning for the horseshoe crab population in the region. Conservation management initiatives, such as the involvement of fishers in monitoring and enforcement, developing a reporting system for landings and by‐catch, and implementing long‐term conservation education through the school curriculum could promote the protection and management of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urbanized river networks are strongly influenced by intensive land use, industrial activities and population density. The spatial variations and their influencing factors of 16 priority PAHs were investigated in surface water, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments among areas under different intensive land uses (industrial areas, agricultural areas, inner city, suburban towns and island areas) in the Shanghai river network, East China. Source apportionment was carried out using isomer ratios of PAHs and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). Total concentrations of 16 PAHs ranged from 105.2 to 400.5 ng/L, 108.1 to 1058.8 ng/L and 104.4 to 19,480.0 ng/g in water, SPM and sediments, respectively. The concentrations of PAHs in SPM and sediments varied significantly among areas ( p  < 0.05), with the highest concentrations in inner city characterized by highly intensive land use and high population density. The PAH concentrations in sediments were positively correlated with those in SPM and were more strongly correlated with black carbon than with total organic carbon, indicating a stronger influence of prolonged anthropogenic contamination than the recent surface input in sediments. Biomass and coal combustion contributed strongly to total PAHs, followed by natural gas combustion in water and SPM, and vehicular emissions in sediments. Vehicular emissions were the strongest contributors in SPM and sediments of the inner city, indicating the strong influence of vehicular transportation to PAHs pollution in the urbanized river network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduced mangroves are widely used to restore mangrove ecosystems in South China. Results of potential impacts on indicative benthic macroinvertebrates are divergent. We explored the community structure of benthic macroinvertebrates in the mangrove ecosystem of northern Beibu Gulf, China across four habitats: native Avicennia marina mangrove, introduced Laguncularia racemosa mangrove, native-introduced mixed mangrove, and unvegetated intertidal flat. Based on the Hill number, community structure was estimated from the dimensions of estimated species richness, diversity, evenness, and species composition similarity. Benthic macroinvertebrates in the unvegetated flat significantly differed from the other three assemblages in mangroves; introduced L. racemosa mangrove had relatively distinct benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage from the native A. marina and the mixed mangroves, with lower species richness and similarity but higher diversity and evenness. Considering the lack of unanimous conclusion of potential impact on benthic macroinvertebrates under complex species interactions, native mangroves should be of top priority in ecosystem restoration. • Community structure of benthic macroinvertebrates among distinct habitats is shown. • The Hill number based estimates for taxonomic diversity are presented. • Introduced mangroves had lower species richness, but higher diversity and evenness. • Unvegetated flat had lower species richness, diversity, evenness, and similarity. • Native mangroves should be used under unknown species interactions in communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of land use type on the content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the soils of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and the associated ecological and human health risks has drawn great attention. Consequently, in this study, top- and subsurface soil samples were collected from areas with four different land uses (i.e., cropland, forest, grassland, and developed area) and the total contents of Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined. Geostatistical analysis, self-organizing map (SOM), and positive matrix factorization (PMF), ecological risk assessment (ERA) and human health risk assessment (HRA) were applied and used to classify and identify the contamination sources and assess the potential risk. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) was applied to clarify the relationship of land use with PTE contents and risk. The PTE contents in all topsoil samples surpassed the respective background concentrations of China and corresponding subsurface concentrations. However, the ecological risk of all soil samples remained at a moderate or considerable level across the four land use types. Developed area and cropland showed a higher ecological risk than the other two land use types. Industrial discharges (32.8%), agricultural inputs (22.6%), natural sources (23.7%), and traffic emissions (20.9%) were the primary PTE sources in the tested soils, which indicate that anthropogenic activities have significantly affected soil PTE contents to a greater extent than other sources. Industrial discharge was the most prominent source of non-carcinogenic health risk, contributing 37.7% for adults and 35.2% for children of the total risk. The results of PLS-PM revealed that land use change associated with intensive human activities such as industrial activities and agricultural practices distinctly affected the PTE contents in soils of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. [Display omitted] • Most samples from developed area and cropland posed a moderate ecological risk. •Industrial discharge was the prominent source of non-carcinogenic health risk. •Intensive human activities affected PTE contents in soils of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Capsule : The land use change associated with intensive human disturbance affected the soil PTEs accumulation, ecological risk and human health risk in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Along with the increasing number of automotive output and End-of-Life vehicles (ELVs) in China, resources shortage and environmental pollution are aggravating, so the tremendous need to reuse automotive components gives birth to the industry. The Chinese government becomes to realize that it is necessary to build a conservation-oriented and environment-friendly harmonious society. As the ultimate form of recycling, remanufacturing will be an effective method to promote the development of Chinese circular economy. The automotive remanufacturing industry in China is just at the preliminary stage, this paper presents some problems before remanufacturing, during remanufacturing and after remanufacturing, and then it points out several barriers, such as restrictive policies and regulations, consumer acceptance, scarcity of technologies, etc. Like many other developed countries, Chinese remanufacturing industry will also experience the primary stage, growth stage and developed stage. while the emphasis of resources input will not be the same. By analyzing the resources input characteristics at different development stages, three development patterns, such as the Government Incenting Pattern, Technology Driving Pattern and Market Leading Pattern, are put forward. At present, the cooperation of the government, industry, universities and research institutes, etc, will jointly construct the enhancing system of automotive components remanufacturing industry in China. Finally, it concludes with a summary and some suggestions in the field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Microemulsion based on α-linolenic acid from peony seed oil was developed. • Industrial rheological parameters for microemulsion were obtained. • The storage stability of microemulsion products was investigated. • The α-linolenic acid-loaded microemulsion showed good thermal stability. Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) seed oil (PSO) has been identified as novel resources of α-linolenic acid (ALA) in China. In this study, fatty acid mixture (FAM) and ALA were obtained during the extraction of ALA from PSO by freezing crystallization and column chromatography. The oil-in-water microemulsion (ME) was selected as the delivery system to strengthen the stability of unsaturated bonds and improve the solubility of those lipophilic fatty acids. The ME samples were characterized by particle size measurement, transmission electron microscope (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and rheological measurement, and their stability was evaluated and compared by 60 days of storage and pasteurization heat treatment methods. The stability of the three ME samples was found to be ALA-ME > FAM-ME > PSO-ME due to the increased molecular weight and complex structure of the load. The ALA-ME system sustained a stable particle size (< 20 nm) and an optically transparent appearance irrespective of different experimental storage conditions (4℃, 25℃, and 37℃) or sterilization heat treatments, indicating its potential industrial application in cosmetics, medicine, food, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Niubiziliang Ni-(Cu) deposit is the first magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposit in the North Qaidam Orogenic Belt (NQOB), NW China, and plays a significant role in geological evolution, Ni-Cu mineralization, and exploration in the NQOB. Here, we report on the mineral chemistry, S-Pb-O isotopes, and S/Se ratios of the mafic-ultramafic complex, which provide insights on the parental magma, evolution, and sulfur saturation mechanism. The Niubiziliang mafic-ultramafic intrusion contains four ore blocks and about ten Ni-(Cu) ore/mineralization bodies. Olivines in Niubiziliang belong to the species of chrysolite with Fo values of 88~89, and the pyroxenes are mainly orthopyroxene (En = 79~82) and clinopyroxene (En = 44~40). The olivines and some pyroxenes likely crystallized in a magma chamber at a depth of 35.45~36.55 km at a high temperature (1289~1369 °C) and pressure (9.38~9.67 kbar), whereas the Niubiziliang complex formed at a moderate depth (8.13~8.70 km) with a temperature and pressure of 1159~1253 °C and 2.15~2.30 kbar, respectively. The parental magma was considered to be high-Mg picritic basalt with MgO and NiO contents of 14.95~16.58% and 0.053~0.068%, respectively, which indicated high-degree partial melting of the depleted mantle. The mantle-derived primary magma underwent significant fractional crystallization and crustal assimilation and contamination, which was strongly supported by S-Pb-O isotope data and S/Se ratios, resulting in sulfur saturation and sulfide immiscibility in the magma. Crustal assimilation and contamination contributed more to sulfur saturation than fractional crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The extensive invasion of Spartina alterniflora in coastal wetlands of China has posed a ruinous risk to biodiversity and ecosystem constancy. Sulfur is an essential nutrient, while sulfide is biologically toxic and could couple with iron. The influence of S. alterniflora invasion on sulfur and iron cycling in sediment remains poorly understood. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate how the invasion of S. alterniflora affects the sulfur and iron cycles in sediments in coastal wetlands. Methods: Field investigations were conducted in the Jiuduansha Wetland to examine the different sulfur and iron components, microbial communities, and functional genes related to the sulfur cycle in soils colonized by S. alterniflora and in native coenosis. Results: The invasion of S. alterniflora caused the accumulation of reduced inorganic sulfur (RIS) in the sediments, and the RIS components were stratified at different sediment depths. The activity of S. alterniflora roots and the presence of low-elevation tides promoted sulfate reduction and the accumulation of acid volatile sulfide (AVS), primarily through abiotic chemical processes. These processes facilitated the invasion and expansion of S. alterniflora. Meanwhile, S. alterniflora could promote sulfate reduction by altering sediment physicochemical properties, such as pH. However, the correlation between RIS components and salinity or Eh in the low-intertidal zones was not significant due to the influence of tidal action. Nevertheless, S. alterniflora could buffer sulfide by enriching Fe, rapidly reducing Fe(III) and forming pyrite, thus mitigating sulfide stress. Conclusion: The invasion of S. alterniflora in tidal environments increased sediment sulfide levels, while S. alterniflora is able to mitigate the effects of sulfide stress on itself by efficiently utilizing iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activity has caused rivers and reservoirs to become sources of nitrous oxide (N2O), which is thought to play an important role in global climate change. There are thermal and DO stratification in deep-water reservoirs with long hydraulic retention time, which change N2O production mechanism compared with shallow-water reservoirs. To promote our understanding of the relationship of N2O production in reservoirs at different depths, spatiotemporal variations in water environmental factors and N2O from cascade reservoirs of Chaishitan (CST), Longtan (LT), Yantan (YT) and Dahua (DH) reservoirs in the Zhujiang River were detected, and the LT and YT reservoirs were compared as representatives of deep-water and shallow-water reservoirs in April and July 2019. The average N2O concentrations in the LT and YT reservoirs were 22.82 ± 2.21 and 21.55 ± 1.65 nmol L−1, respectively. During spring and summer, the WT (water temperature) and DO (dissolved oxygen) concentrations in the YT reservoir were well mixed. In contrast, the LT reservoir, as a deep-water reservoir, had thermal and DO stratifications in both the shallow and middle water, especially in the summer when the solar radiation intensity was high. During summer stratification, the DO concentration in the LT reservoir showed obvious spatial variation, ranging from 1.23 to 9.84 mg L−1, while the DO concentration in the YT reservoir showed very little variation, ranging from 6.45 to 7.09 mg L−1. Structural equation modeling results showed that NH4+ was the main determinant of the N2O concentration in the YT reservoir, and DO was the most influential factor of the N2O concentration in the LT reservoir. These results suggest significant variations in the factors influencing N2O concentration among reservoirs. Additionally, the mechanisms of N2O production differ between deep-water and shallow-water reservoirs. This study highlights the spatio-temporal variations and influential factors contributing to N2O concentration. Furthermore, it discusses the production mechanisms of N2O in different types of reservoirs. These findings contribute to our understanding of N2O distribution in hydropower systems and provide valuable data for the management of hydropower facilities and research on greenhouse gas emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study asks how human trafficking in Ming China (1368–1644) became enveloped in the emerging global economy of the sixteenth century. Utilizing theoretical insights from the model of "slaving zones," the essay examines recorded incidents of human trafficking along China's littoral from 1370 to 1565 and contends that its presence and persistence were intertwined with the Ming court's economic policies and problems. Here the history of human trafficking in early-to-mid-Ming China is viewed from the perspective of a series of challenges to the country's economic well-being but also to its power to govern according to its own laws and norms. These challenges include the Ming regime's efforts: to eradicate piracy and smuggling through their integration into the lawful framework of tribute trade; to support provincial requests for extra revenue to promote military security; to acquire Japanese silver but deny Japan mercantile access to China; to profit from Portugal's Southeast Asian and Japanese commercial networks. This study argues that the increasing prevalence of human trafficking along China's coastline was the result of competing forces anxious for power and riches that fused into the thrust of sixteenth-century China's expanding economy, as well as the adaptability of those in authority to ignore the consequences of allowing safe havens for persons bartering and selling human beings. These factors turned the status of Ming China's littoral from a "no slaving zone" into an "imperfect no slaving zone." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we identified a new citrus vein enation virus (CVEV) isolate (named CVEV-DT1) through sRNA high-throughput sequencing and traditional sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole genome sequences of all known CVEV isolates revealed that CVEV-DT1 was in an evolutionary branch with other isolates from China. Molecular variation analysis showed that the single nucleotide variability along CVEV full-length sequences was less than 8%, with more transitions (60.55%) than transversions (39.43%), indicating a genetically homogeneous CVEV population. In addition, non-synonymous nucleotide mutations mainly occurred in ORF1 and ORF2. Based on disorder analysis of all encoded ORF by CVEV-DT1, we identified that the CVEV-DT1 coat protein (CP) formed spherical granules, mainly in the cell nucleus and partly throughout the cytoplasm, with liquid properties through subcellular localization and photobleaching assay. Furthermore, we also confirmed that the CVEV P0 protein has weak post-transcriptional RNA-silencing suppressor activity and could elicit a strong hypersensitive response (HR) in tobacco plants. Collectively, to the best of our knowledge, our study was the first to profile the genomic variation in all the reported CVEV isolates and reveal the functions of CVEV-DT1-encoded proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yuanmou hominid site is a rare Late Miocene fossil locality in southern China, where thousands of fossil specimens of the ape Lufengpithecus hudiensis have been found. These have been well studied, but the taxonomy of other mammalian groups is not fully understood. This is especially the case for large predator Felidae, which play a key role in the palaeo-environment in which these fossil apes lived. Here we study the systematics of fossil Felidae from Yuanmou, which is composed of four species of machairodonts: Amphimachairodus cf. horribilis , Longchuansmilus xingyongi gen. & sp. nov. , aff. Yoshi sp. Machairodontinae gen. & sp. indet. and one species of feline, Felinae gen. & sp. indet. Longchuansmilus xingyongi is a member of Machairodontini, related to Lokotunjailurus and possibly two derived species of Paramachaerodus , i.e. P. orientalis and P. maximiliani. The high diversity of machairodonts suggests a unique palaeo-environment of the Yuanmou Basin during the Late Miocene, different from northern Eurasia or modern south-eastern Asia. An analysis of body size and intraguild competition suggests that aff. Yoshi sp. and Machairodontinae gen. & sp. indet. are probably regular predators of the fossil great ape, which may have pushed the high evolutionary rate of the fossil ape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) Central Committee's Measure and Plans for Policy Activities concerning Japan, formulated in March 1955, was China's first Japan Policy Platform after the founding of the People's Republic of China. It specified policy principles and measures. Its policy directed toward Japan could be called a "Japan neutralization" policy. There were three factors that contributed to the formulation of the Japan Policy Platform. The first factor was the start of full-fledged Japan-China private-sector exchanges and the CCP's aim to break away from a people's diplomacy toward Japan that centered on support for the Japanese Communist Party. The second factor was the major change in postwar Japanese politics with the resignation of the Yoshida Cabinet and the start of the Hatoyama Cabinet. The third factor was the change in foreign policy, with the reintroduction of the "Theory of Intermediate Zones" and the international environment, with the advent of the Sino-Soviet honeymoon period and the intensification of the US-China confrontation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews Japan-China private trade from the 1950s to the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China in 1972. Under the Cold War in East Asia, private actors were responsible for trade and business exchanges on behalf of the government in Japan-China relations. Both Japan and China promoted private trade with different political agendas. Japan's objective was to expand Japan-China exchanges with the concept of separation of politics and economics, while China used private trade as a strategic tool to attract Japanese public opinion toward China. This article will clarify how the intentions of the two countries affected private trade, and how private trade expanded as various trade groups competed with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to reinforce arguments that a genuinely global history of slavery is possible only if we examine the nature and dynamics of chattel and bonded status in parts of the world that have been largely ignored in slavery studies. Although scholars have begun to reassess the dynamics of slavery in early-modern Asia, a comprehensive study of slaving practices in China remains to be written. A careful examination of the provisions on 'slaves' (nubi) included in the Great Ming Code (1397) provides an opportunity to better understand slave status in Ming (1368–1644) China. Despite their limits, the norms and concepts subsumed in the legislation can tell us a great deal about the relative nature of social status and changes in slave status through time. This article seeks to explain how and why slaves were conceptualized as such in the late imperial period. It distinguishes between two categories of social interaction (that which slaves had with society and that which they had with their master's family) and dissects the analogy between slaves and children in these interactions. It argues that the features that historians usually regard as distinctive of nubi slavery cannot be properly understood without adequate contextualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much has been learned regarding orbital and millennial timescale climate changes after the onset of Northern Hemisphere glaciations (NHG) at ca. 2.7 Ma. By contrast, little is known about these variations before the NHG due to lack of high‐resolution records. Here we report first millennial resolution quantified East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) precipitation record from the north eastern Tibetan Plateau. The record supports astronomical forcing of EASM during the late Miocene, except for the period of 8.13–8.03 Ma when EASM experienced high amplitude variations at the 100‐, 20‐kyr, and suborbital bands, which is in sharp contrast with the damped astronomical forcing. Detection of strong 100‐kyr and millennial cycles during low eccentricity intervals of the warm late Miocene with ephemeral NH ice sheets cast doubt on NH ice sheet size variations as their exclusive forcing in the late Miocene and late Quaternary paleoclimatic records. Plain Language Summary: Millennial and 100‐kyr cycles in paleoclimate records are normally attributed to Northern Hemisphere ice sheet size variations. Here we present the first 1‐kyr resolution quantitative East Asian summer monsoon precipitation record from the northeastern Tibetan Plateau during the late Miocene, when Northern Hemisphere ice sheets were ephemeral. The record demonstrates strong 100‐kyr and clear millennial cycles. Detection of 100‐kyr and millennial cycles in this warm time interval cast doubt on Northern Hemisphere ice sheet size variations as their exclusive forcing in paleoclimatic records. Key Points: First 1‐kyr resolution quantitative northern China precipitation record during the late MioceneThe record reveals strong 100‐kyr and clear millennial cyclesDetection of 100‐kyr and millennial cycles in this warm interval challenges Northern Hemisphere (NH) ice sheet size variations as their exclusive forcing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qingzhuan tea (QZT) is classified as compressed dark tea and has been an essential daily commodity for ethnic minority communities in China's border areas. It boasts unique flavor characteristics and health benefits, captivating the attention of consumers both domestically and internationally. However, the QZT industry's historical closed nature and lengthy processing cycle have impeded a comprehensive scientific understanding and evaluation of this tea, as well as hindered the overall healthy development of the industry. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress on QZT, covering defluoridation techniques, processing technology, flavor characteristics, chemical composition, microbial communities, health benefits, and their underlying mechanisms. A technology system aimed at reducing fluoride levels in tea, known as "appropriate fertilization-selection of low-fluorine tea tree varieties-control of raw material tenderness and growing period," has been proposed. Through the implementation of specific processing techniques, QZT exhibiting an orange-red infusion color, a mellow taste, and an aged aroma. During the key pile fermentation process, microorganisms release extracellular enzymes that initiate enzymatic and moist heat reactions, resulting in oxidation, hydrolysis, polymerization, and secondary metabolic conversions. These reactions serve as the underlying foundation for the distinctive sensory attributes of QZT. The regulation of microorganisms plays a vital role in attaining the desired flavor of QZT. Moreover, QZT encompasses a diverse array of bioactive constituents, which offer numerous health advantages such as antioxidative properties, anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects, modulation of the intestinal microbiota, and alleviation of non-alcoholic fatty liver. • A systematic approach to reduce fluoride in tea is proposed. • Specific techniques are used to create Qingzhuan tea (QZT) with vibrant color, taste and aroma. • The role of microorganisms in developing QZT's sensory traits is revealed. • Diverse bioactive compounds in QZT for health benefits are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Healthy Ageing focuses on optimizing intrinsic capacity and functional ability. • Intrinsic capacity predicts adverse outcomes better than frailty in the elderly. • Personalized care plan on intrinsic capacity can meet old adults' complex need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background. sCD30 and sCD26 are correlated with autoimmune diseases. However, little research has been done on the relationship between them and primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Methods. This study enrolled 47 patients diagnosed with ITP in the Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Tianjin, China), from January 2015 to August 2015. The peripheral blood of all subjects was collected. The mRNA expression of CD30 was quantified by RT-PCR, and concentrations of sCD30 and sCD26 were measured by ELISA. Patient characteristics, CD30 mRNA levels, and sCD30 and sCD26 concentrations were analyzed. Results. The concentration of sCD30 was higher in active ITP patients (median, 35.82 ng/mL) than in remission ITP patients (median, 23.12 ng/mL; P = 0.021) and healthy controls (median, 25.11 ng/mL; P = 0.002). Plasma sCD26 levels decreased in remission ITP patients compared with that in healthy controls (median, 599.4 ng/mL vs. 964.23 ng/mL; P = 0.004). Ratios of sCD26/sCD30 in active ITP patients decreased compared with those in controls (P = 0.005). Increased sCD30 was positively correlated with hemorrhage (r = 0.493 , P = 0.017) in ITP patients while little relationship was identified between sCD26 and ITP. Conclusion. Since sCD30 levels and sCD26/sCD30 ratios may contribute to the activity of the disease, they may be used to assess ITP disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining cancer-omics databases deepens our understanding of cancer biology and can lead to potential breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Here, we propose an integrative analytical approach to reveal across-cancer expression patterns and identify potential clinical impacts for genes of interest from five representative public databases. Using ribonucleotide reductase (RR), a key enzyme in DNA synthesis and cancer-therapeutic targeting, as an example, we characterized the mRNA expression profiles and inter-component associations of three RR subunit genes and assess their differing pathological and prognostic significance across over 30-types of cancers and their related subtypes. Findings were validated by immunohistochemistry with clinical tissue samples (n = 211) collected from multiple cancer centers in China and with clinical follow-up. Underlying mechanisms were further explored and discussed using co-expression gene network analyses. This framework represents a simple, efficient, accurate, and comprehensive approach for cancer-omics resource analysis and underlines the necessity to separate the tumors by their histological or pathological subtypes during the clinical evaluation of molecular biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different species of trace heavy metals (HMs) in seawater samples were simultaneously analyzed by anodic stripping voltammetric method, an analytical technique that does not require sample pre-concentration or the addition of reagents. The effects of the crucial parameters, deposition potential and time, on the determination of HMs were investigated. Concentrations of the total dissolved, dissolved active, and dissolved inert HMs were obtained through different analysis processes. The three species of Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn in seawater samples collected in different locations across Sishili Bay, North Yellow Sea, China were studied. The relative concentration of the dissolved active Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn in the total dissolved concentrations is 59.0%, 69.6%, 87.3% and 84.1%, respectively. The concentrations of different HMs species in Sishili Bay could be affected by the discharged effluent, sea current, and uptake of marine organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If Liang Sicheng's meeting with the eminent American planner Clarence Stein in 1936 started Liang's career in planning, it would be a significant event in Chinese planning history. No research has yet explored this claim on Stein's influence on Liang or Stein role in introducing American planning ideas and practices to China. To explore this cultural exchange, the author provides a more holistic understanding of their earnest friendship based on the study of archival materials including the Stein Papers at Cornell University and Liang's working diary at Tsinghua University, their own published writings, and the scholarly work on their contributions. This article reports a more complex picture of this exchange and shows that their friendship deepened while Liang was in America during 1946–1947 as Stein inspired Liang and exposed him to various American planning projects. However, in pursuing of a Chinese planning theory, Liang inherited of diverse traditions and did not rely on Stein alone. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Wetlands play an important ecological role and provide many functions for people, yet wetlands are currently decreasing and deteriorating. The ability to calculate an economic value for the loss of wetlands is becoming increasingly important for policy makers. In this study, remote sensing, field investigations, department visits, and other methods were used to survey wetland types, assess wetland area changes, and calculate wetland economic value. Market value loss and ecological function value loss, caused by reduction of wetland area and environmental pollution were calculated using commonly accepted methods of market valuation, ecological valuation, environmental protection investment cost analysis, and outcome parameters. According to market value loss and ecological function value loss, preliminarily fund allocation for wetland and ecological compensation was calculated. This will provide an important reference for future Yellow River Delta eco-compensation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's traditionally nuclear missile force has added a conventional force component with an inventory of over 1,000 short-range ballistic missiles and an emerging class of theater ballistic and ground-launched cruise missiles. This growing conventional missile force provides Beijing an operational-tactical and strategic capability in theater without the political and practical constraints associated with nuclear-armed missiles. China's emerging inventory of conventional antiship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) affords its military an extra employment option enhancing its layered defense posture against potential offshore threats beyond Taiwan. The military's conventional missiles, operational doctrine, and threat perceptions create conditions for China's escalation to conventional missile attacks against U.S. or allied forces and bases in Asia, including ASBM strikes against U.S. Navy aircraft carriers in any hypothetical China-Taiwan conflict. China's senior leaders would be more likely to authorize such strikes if they endorse the missile force's perceptions of a severe threat to its operations from potential U.S. electronic warfare-based information operations and joint firepower attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alphasatellites, which encode only a replication-associated protein (alpha-Rep), are frequently found to be non-essential satellite components associated with begomovirus/betasatellite complexes, and their presence can modulate disease symptoms and/or viral DNA accumulation during infection. Our previous study has shown that there are three types of alphasatellites associated with begomovirus/betasatellite complexes in Yunnan province in China and they encode three corresponding types of alpha-Rep proteins. However, the biological functions of alpha-Reps remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the biological functions of alpha-Reps in post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) and transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) using 16c and 16-TGS transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Results showed that all the three types of alpha-Rep proteins were capable of suppressing the PTGS and reversing the TGS. Among them, the alpha-Rep of Y10DNA1 has the strongest PTGS and TGS suppressor activities. We also found that the alpha-Rep proteins were able to increase the accumulation of their helper virus during coinfection. These results suggest that the alpha-Reps may have a role in overcoming host defense, which provides a possible explanation for the selective advantage provided by the association of alphasatellites with begomovirus/betasatellite complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study that aims to investigate geochemical characteristics and the genesis of the Nachitai gold deposit in Qinghai province, China. The study reveals that carbonate rock are the major source of ore mine, and it provides material basis for the gold mineralization of the area. Also the study shows the impact of faulting, magma intrusion in the process of orogeny on gold mineralization of Nachitai gold deposit.

The article presents a case study of Gaocheng Quartz Vein-hosted Gold Deposit to study hydrothermal gold deposits in Pingle depression situated in north-western Jiangxi Province of China. Topics discussed include mechanism of mineralization with data of ore bodies, lodes and ore-forming fluids; studies of quartz fluid inclusions of the gold-forming stages of Gaocheng gold deposits; and association of polymetallic sulfide formation, pyritization and silicification with gold mineralization.

Corrections to Vol. 11, no. 1 of the journal is presented.