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Energy poverty, especially in rural areas, has become a central focus of scholarly and policy discussions. However, there is a significant gap in understanding the impact of religious beliefs on this phenomenon. This paper aims to fill this gap by utilizing household survey data from the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey (CLDS) spanning three waves (2012, 2014, and 2016) to examine the causal link between religious beliefs and energy poverty, covering clean energy accessibility and affordability among rural residents. Our analysis unveils a substantial positive influence of religious beliefs on the likelihood of experiencing energy poverty, especially concerning accessibility and affordability. This effect is notably pronounced among males, ethnic minorities, and low-income groups. Low income and education are recognized as pivotal mediating factors through which religious beliefs contribute to energy poverty. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for formulating strategies to mitigate energy poverty in rural China, with a particular emphasis on the role of religious beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population aging is discreetly reshaping the dynamics of social demand and labor supply, introducing potential turbulence to global carbon emissions. Understanding the impact of aging on carbon emissions is imperative for steering the next phase of sustainable development. This study, focusing on China, the world's largest carbon emitter, delved into the intricacies of how population aging influences carbon emissions using a dynamic panel threshold model and a mediated effects model. Geographic heterogeneity within China was also considered. On the one hand, this study incorporated three consumer-side intermediation mechanisms: energy consumption, residential consumption and medical consumption. It was found that the positive driving effect of consumption-side variables on carbon emissions was characterized by an inverted "U"-shaped change in China's highly aging regions, while an asymptotic upward trend of 7.65% was observed in regions with moderate and low aging. On the other hand, this study scrutinized three supply-side mediating mechanisms: industrial structure, R&D innovation and labor supply. The mechanism of supply-side variables on carbon emissions exhibited a shift from robustly positive driving to more nuanced weak positive driving or even negative inhibiting in highly aging regions, while inhibiting effects dominated in regions with moderate and low aging. This study offers a dual perspective encompassing both the production and consumption sides, which lays a foundation for exploring the internal mechanism of aging on carbon emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use Sr-Nd isotopes of apatite and trace element compositions of apatite-zircon pairs from a major ore layer in each of three selected magmatic Fe-Ti-V oxide ore deposits (Hongge, Panzhihua, and Taihe) in the Emeishan large igneous province (LIP) in southwestern China to contrast the magmatic controls on ore formation. The average contents of REEs in apatite from a representative ore zone/layer in each of these deposits are higher than the predicted values of apatite crystallizing from a melt with REE contents assumed to be the same as the average values of high-Ti basalts in the Emeishan LIP, confirming that the ore-forming magmas all experienced higher degrees of fractional crystallization by major silicate minerals than the average basalt. The apatites Sm/Yb and Sr/Y indicate that the Panzhihua magma was generated at a shallower depth and experienced higher degree of plagioclase fractional crystallization than Taihe and Hongge. The apatite Sr-Nd isotopes can be reproduced by ~ 8 wt% contamination with Precambrian gneiss-schist in the parental magma for Hongge and by ~ 10 wt% and ~ 25 wt% contamination with marbles in the parental magmas for Panzhihua and Taihe, respectively. A recycled, high-T altered oceanic gabbroic component in the mantle source is a viable alternative to the marble contamination model for Taihe. Coexisting zircon trace element compositions reveal that the parental magma for Taihe (ΔFMQ+4.0) is more oxidized than those for Hongge (ΔFMQ−0.4) and Panzhihua (ΔFMQ−0.7), questioning that magma oxidation played a critical role in the genesis of Fe-Ti-V oxide ore deposits in the Emeishan LIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the unmet needs for rehabilitation services among middle-aged and older adults in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, and identify the associated factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted on middle-aged and older adults in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, between 2015 and 2016. The questionnaire included demographic data and questions about rehabilitation needs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the associated factors of unmet needs for rehabilitation services. Among 663 participants, 91.70% needed medical rehabilitation (608/663), 26.55% of who need auxiliary equipment (176/663), 77.07% of who need daily care and social participation (511/663), and 79.34% of who need recreational therapy activities (526/663), while < 30% required auxiliary equipment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that residents who were married, had annual income < CNY 80,000, had no medical insurance, had three or more health problems, were aged ≥ 60, and the disability status were independently associated with unmet needs for rehabilitation services (all P < 0.05). Marital status, annual income, medical insurance, health problems, and disability might be factors independently associated with the unmet needs for rehabilitation services. Attention should be paid to the financial burden of the population on rehabilitation services, and in addition to the disabled, the slow patients should also be given priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver flukes (Fasciola spp.) and rumen flukes (Paramphistomum spp.) are significant parasites in livestock worldwide, and Fasciola spp. are considered an important zoonotic parasite. To our knowledge, there are no reports on fluke species identification and epidemiological prevalence in yak and Tibetan sheep around Qinghai Lake, China. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the major fluke species and determine the prevalence of fluke infections among yak and Tibetan sheep in this area. A total of 307 fecal samples were collected and fluke eggs identified using morphology and molecular methods. Our study is the first to display that the predominant fluke species were F. hepatica and P. leydeni in yak and Tibetan sheep around Qinghai Lake. The overall prevalence of fluke infections in yak and Tibetan sheep was 57.7% (177/307). Specifically, the prevalences of F. hepatica and P. leydeni were 15.0% (46/307) and 31.6% (97/307), respectively, and the co-infection of both species was 11.1% (34/307). No significant difference existed in the prevalence of overall fluke infection between yak and Tibetan sheep (p < 0.05). However, F. hepatica prevalence was significantly different in yak and Tibetan sheep (p < 0.05) but not P. leydeni. The findings of this study provide useful information about the current status of natural fluke invasion in yak and Tibetan sheep around Qinghai Lake, which could be important for monitoring and controlling these parasites in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textural and compositional zoning within plagioclase phenocrysts records the magma chamber processes, such as magma differentiation, magma recharge and mixing, and crustal contamination. The plagioclase phenocrysts in the Daqiao and Qiaojia plagioclase-phyric basalts from the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (LIP) show complex textural and compositional zoning patterns, e.g., normal, reverse, oscillatory, and patchy zoning patterns. Most plagioclase phenocrysts exhibit a core–rim normal zoning pattern (Pl-A) with euhedral high-An cores (An = 76–78%, in mole fraction) and low-An rims (An = 68–72%), indicative of the crystal regrowth processes caused by recharge of relatively evolved magmas after the formation of high-An cores. Some phenocrysts have a core–rim reverse zoning pattern (Pl-B) with irregular ovaloid cores, characterized by extremely low An (60–61 mol%) and Ba (84–88 ppm) contents and extremely high 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7120–0.7130). The rims of the Pl-B have relatively high An (69–72 %), Ba (~160 ppm) contents, and low 87Sr/86Sri (~0.7056). These Pl-B plagioclase phenocrysts preserve the information about the interaction between the crustal xenocrysts and the transporting magmas. Some plagioclase phenocrysts show a core–mantle–rim oscillatory zoning pattern (Pl-C) with multiple oscillations of An (70–80 %), Ba (88–147ppm) from core to rim, revealing replenishment and mixing of multiple batches of basaltic melts with diverse compositions. 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the Pl-C do not vary significantly (0.7050–0.7054). A small portion of phenocrysts has patchy patterns in the cores (Pl-D), where the low-An patches (72–75 %) in form of elliptical or irregular elongated shapes were enclosed by the high-An domains (80–87 %). These features can be attributed to crystal dissolution and regrowth processes during the reaction between early-formed low-Cumulates and recharged hot primitive melts. The cores, mantles, and rims of different types of plagioclase phenocrysts (except the core of Pl-B) commonly display nearly constant Sr isotopic compositions, implying insignificant wall-rock assimilation at shallow-level magma reservoir(s) during the growth of these plagioclase phenocrysts. In conclusion, the massive crystallization of plagioclase in the late stage was an important controlling factor for the formation of iron-rich basalts in the Emeishan LIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guiding individuals to adopt pro-environmental behaviors is critical to achieving carbon neutrality goals. Public policy targeted at a small number of people may be amplified by interpersonal interaction, making peer effect a potentially useful tool for accelerating problem solving. However, previous studies have paid insufficient attention to the influence of peers on university students' energy-saving behaviors. This paper attempts to examine the effect using a large-scale survey dataset conducted on students from Xiamen University in China and the classical linear-in-means model. The result shows that peers' pro-environmental behaviors have positive effect on individuals. The heterogeneity of the influence and the potential mechanisms are also explored. This paper contributes to very important and still growing literature dealing with contagion processes in pro-environmental behaviors. The policy implication is that the government should make full use of the peer effect to maximize the benefits of energy-conservation campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnant women are widely exposed to phthalic acid esters (PAEs) that are commonly used in most aspects of modern life. However, few studies have examined the cumulative exposure of pregnant women to a variety of PAEs derived from the living environmental conditions in China. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the urinary concentrations of nine PAE metabolites in pregnant women, examine the relationship between urinary concentrations and residential characteristics, and conduct a risk assessment analysis. We included 1,888 women who were in their third trimester of pregnancy, and we determined their urinary concentrations of nine PAE metabolites using high-performance gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The risk assessment of exposure to PAEs was calculated based on the estimated daily intake. A linear regression model was used to analyze the relationship between creatinine-adjusted PAE metabolite concentrations and residential characteristics. The detection rate of five PAE metabolites in the study population was > 90%. Among the PAE metabolites adjusted by creatinine, the urinary metabolite concentration of monobutyl phthalate was found to be the highest. Residential factors, such as housing type, proximity to streets, recent decorations, lack of ventilation in the kitchen, less than equal to three rooms, and the use of coal/kerosene/wood/wheat straw fuels, were all significantly associated with high PAE metabolite concentrations. Due to PAE exposure, ~ 42% (n = 793) of the participants faced potential health risks, particularly attributed to dibutyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, and di(2-ethyl)hexyl phthalate exposure. Living in buildings and using coal/kerosene/wood/wheat straw as domestic fuel can further increase the risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron isotopes are important for tracing the magmatic process. The fractionation of iron isotopes in granite is up to 0.55 ‰. In this study, Wangjiagou (XWJ) granite and Tayueping (XTY) granite in the Xinxian pluton of the Western Dabie orogen were evaluated. Both the XTY and XWJ granite belong to monzogranites, with high SiO2 (74.42–76.82 wt.%) contents. The granites are depleted of Nb and Ti but enriched with Pb and K, and they display negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.40–0.52) on REE plots that are normalized by chondrite. The δ56Fe values of the XTY granites vary from 0.19 ± 0.03 ‰ to 0.27 ± 0.04‰, and the δ56Fe values of the XWJ granites are 0.34 ± 0.02 ‰ and 0.36 ± 0.01 ‰, respectively. Both the XTY and the XWJ granites belong to highly fractionated granites due to their SI (solidification index), DI (differentiation index), and content of CaO. Evidence from the iron isotopes shows that neither fluid exsolution, alteration, weathering, nor partial melting can explain the enrichment of the heavy iron isotopes. The results modeled using the Rayleigh equation showed that fractional crystallization can produce Δ56Femelt-crystal with the value of 0.08–0.15 ‰. In conclusion, fractional crystallization was the main factor controlling the fractionation of iron isotopes, and the change of melt composition may also lead to the enrichment of heavy iron isotopes in the residual melt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower irrigation efficiency and energy poverty cast a pall on the prospects for sustainable development. However, their relationship is poorly understood, particularly in rural China. Using the China Family Panel Studies 2014–2018 waves, this study examines the impact of energy poverty (EP) on irrigation water efficiency (IWE). Result show that EP reduced IWE by 28.3 ~ 42.4%. These results are robust to a variety of estimation methods. The underlying mechanisms, as revealed by structural equation modeling, are that health and non-agricultural employment act as mediators of the EP-IWE relationship. Non-agricultural employment has a positive and statistically significant mediating effect, indicating that efforts to alleviate energy poverty are partially transmitted to IWE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic matter assimilation-induced reduction is thought to play a critical role in the formation of magmatic sulfide deposits if the parental magmas are too oxidized to form Ni-Cu deposits, but the mechanism for addition of organic matter to the magma and its global significance are unclear. The Tulaergen deposit, which was formed at 280 ± 4 Ma, is one of the several major magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in western China and is associated with oxidized magmas derived from a subduction-modified mantle. Three types of carbonaceous phases are recognized in the sulfide-bearing ultramafic rocks, (i) graphite enclosed in olivine grains, (ii) graphite enclosed in apatite or sulfide, and (iii) solid bitumen in veinlets among silicates. The graphite inclusions are more common than the bitumen veins. Solid bitumen is also found in the Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary rocks which host the deposit. Based on the different modes of occurrences, we interpret that the graphite formed in the magmatic stage and bitumen during the post-magmatic stage. Non-carbonate carbon extracted from the sulfide-bearing ultramafic rocks has δ13C values from − 27.6 to − 22.9‰, significantly lower than mantle values (− 7 to − 5‰), but similar to those of volcano-sedimentary rocks (− 27.5 to − 24.0‰). The anomalous C isotopic ratios are attributed to addition of organic matter via dehydration of crustal rocks during magma emplacement. Bulk assimilation of country rocks estimated using Sr-Nd isotopes is only < 5 wt.%, suggesting that the organic matter was incorporated into the magma via selective assimilation. The addition of organic matter to the magma resulted in a sudden decrease of oxygen fugacity of the magma, thereby triggering sulfide over-saturation in the magma. No correlation is observed between δ13C values and estimated magmatic oxygen fugacities (fO2) for the Tulaergen deposit, which could be due to highly variable δ13C values in the contaminants. The δ34S values of sulfide ores are from − 1.3 to 3.8‰, within the range (− 2.6 to 4.5‰) of pyrite grains in the volcano-sedimentary rocks, suggesting that the country rocks could have supplied some sulfur to the magma. Our results propose that selective assimilation of organic matter, even for low abundance organic carbon in country rocks, could play a key role in causing sulfide saturation in highly oxidized mafic magma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of productively viable cropping systems with lower environmental footprints to maintain sustainable agriculture in arid areas is urgently needed. Increasing crop diversity usually improves system productivity; however, the effects of crop diversification on the carbon footprint and the sustainability of a cropping system remain unclear. A 3-year field experiment (2018–2020) was conducted in northwestern China to determine the carbon footprint and productivity of five cropping systems, including spring wheat-common vetch/maize double relay cropping (three crops a year), wheat-maize intercropping (two crops a year) wheat-common vetch multiple cropping (two crops a year), monoculture maize (one crop a year), and monoculture wheat (one crop a year). The grain yield for wheat-common vetch/maize double relay cropping (the former) was higher by 8.7% in 2020 as compared to wheat-maize intercropping (the latter). For the same two cropping systems, the energy yield of the former was higher by 9.5–25.1% over 3 years. The carbon footprints of the former system were respectively 5.3%, 14.3%, 16.4%, and 7.4% lower than that of the latter in terms of unit area, kg grain yield, unit energy yield, and unit of economic output. Four carbon footprints of the former system were lower by 12.2%, 27.9%, 37.6%, and 29.6% compared with monoculture maize. The highest sustainability index was observed for a three crops per year system (0.94), due to higher productivity and a lower carbon footprint. This is the first demonstration that increased diversity via double relay cropping on the same plot annually maintained productivity without increasing the carbon footprint in arid irrigation areas. The results partly confirm the positive effect of diversified cropping systems by integrating multiple cropping green manure into an intercropping system. Adopting a diversified strategy exemplified by spring wheat-common vetch/maize double relay cropping contributes to improvements in sustainable crop production in arid, irrigated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crust–mantle interaction induced by continental subduction occurs through metasomatic reaction of continental crust-derived materials with mantle wedge peridotite in continental subduction channels. Mantle-derived igneous rocks above continental subduction zones can provide insights into the nature of crust–mantle interaction and the types of metasomatism. The Laixi region is located on the southeastern margin of the North China Craton adjacent to the Sulu orogen. Here, we present K–Ar dating, whole-rock major and trace elements, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes, and olivine and clinopyroxene major and trace elements of the Laixi basalt to investigate the nature of metasomatism at the crust–mantle interface. These basalts exhibit geochemical inheritance of island arc basalt (IAB)-like trace-element patterns, moderately enriched Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, and variable Pb isotopic compositions from upper-crustal materials of the subducted South China Block. The olivine and clinopyroxene contents of the Laixi basalts indicate a mixed source composed of ~ 51% pyroxenite and ~ 49% peridotite which is the result of carbonate metasomatism. On the basis of the typical differences in MgO, CaO and Al2O3 contents between the Laixi basaltic magmas and experimental melts, the metasomatic agents are identified as carbonated eclogite-derived melts. These features of the IAB-like basalts suggest metasomatic reaction of mantle-wedge peridotite with carbonated silicate melt derived from the subducted upper crust in the continental subduction channel, with olivine being consumed to generate ultramafic metasomatites enriched in pyroxene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ~1.74 Ga Damiao anorthosite complex, North China, is composed of anorthosite and leuconorite with subordinate melanorite, mangerite, oxide-apatite gabbronorite, perthite noritic (i.e., jotunitic) and ferrodioritic dykes. The complex hosts abundant vein-, pod- and lens-like Fe-Ti-P ores containing variable amounts of apatite (10-60 modal%) and Fe-Ti oxides. In addition to Fe-Ti-P ores, there are also abundant Fe-Ti ores which are closely associated with Fe-Ti-P ores in the deposit. Most of Fe-Ti-P ores are dominated by Fe-Ti oxides and apatite, devoid of silicate minerals, mineralogically similar to the common nelsonites elsewhere. In contrast, Fe-Ti ores are dominated by Fe-Ti oxides with minor apatite (<5 modal %). The parental magma of these ores, estimated from olivine and apatite compositions using mineral-melt partition coefficients, has composition similar to the ferrodioritic dykes. Fe-Ti-P ores have variable Fe-Ti oxides and apatite proportions, indicating that they are cumulates. Their simple assemblage of Fe-Ti oxides and apatite and local net-texture suggest that the Fe-Ti-P ores in Damiao have formed from nelsonitic melts immiscibly separated from the ferrodioritic magma during late-stage differentiation. Fe-Ti ores are also cumulates and have mineral compositions similar to Fe-Ti-P ores. The close association between Fe-Ti and Fe-Ti-P ores indicates that the Fe-Ti ores may have also formed from the nelsonitic melts. We proposed that differentiation of nelsonitic melts accompanied by gravity settling is responsible for the formation of Fe-Ti and Fe-Ti-P ores. Such a differentiation process in nelsonitic melts is well supported by variations of Sr, Y, Th, U, REE and Eu/Eu* of apatite in Fe-Ti-P ores. Using oxides/apatite ratio of 2:1 and compositions of apatite and calculated primary oxides, we estimate the composition of the nelsonitic melt as ~52.0 wt% FeOt, ~18.5 wt% CaO, ~14.2 wt% PO, ~8.7 wt% TiO, ~4.0 wt% AlO and ~1.1 wt% MgO with minor SiO, KO, NaO and F. Such a nelsonitic melt is suggested to be possibly conjugated with Si-rich melts compositionally similar to the Damiao jotunitic dykes (~50 wt% SiO and ~15 wt% FeOt) which may subsequently evolve to mangeritic rocks in Damiao. Our modeling also indicates that the onset of immiscibility occurs at a time when the evolved melt has ~44 wt% SiO, ~21 wt% FeOt, ~3.0 wt% TiO and ~2.6 wt% PO. High oxygen fugacity and phosphorous content in magmas may play important roles in the immiscibility of nelsonitic magmas, including promoting iron enrichments and widening the two-liquid field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Nutrient depletion in the ecosystem mainly occurred via the base cations leach from the ecosystems. Isotope technology can provide new information on the nutrients' behavior (cycle) in ecosystems. To better understand the strontium (Sr) biogeochemical cycle in the forest, radiogenic and stable Sr isotopes were determined in various environmental samples (rainwater, groundwater, calcareous soil, vegetation, and bedrocks) collected from a karst forest ecosystem, Southwest China. The Sr supplies are supported via the deposition of atmospheric materials and the weathering of carbonate rock in this area. These supplied sources observably influence the Sr isotope compositions (both stable and radiogenic isotope). Across the ecosystem, the varied ranges of 87Sr/86Sr ratios increased in the order: bedrock (0.708) ~ groundwater (0.708–0.709) ~ rainwater (0.709–0.711) ~ vegetation (0.709–0.710) < surface calcareous soil (0.713–0.719) < deep calcareous soil (0.714–0.724). Both rainwater and groundwater present similar 87Sr/86Sr ratios to the water-draining carbonate-dominated terrain. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of vegetation are similar to that of rainwater but slightly heavier than groundwater. In contrast, the varied ranges of δ88/86Sr values followed a sequence of rainwater (0.08–0.21‰) < groundwater (0.11–0.27‰) < deep calcareous soil (0.02–0.29‰) < tree leaves (0.12–0.17‰) < surface calcareous soil (0.14–0.29‰) < bedrock (0.40‰) < shrub leaves (0.50‰). The δ88/86Sr values of tree leaves are between surface calcareous soil and deep calcareous soil, and the δ88/86Sr values of shrub leaves are higher than all of the compartments in the forest ecosystem, which indicated vegetation uptake might control the stable strontium fractionation. In combination with the radiogenic and stable Sr isotopes, our investigation presents that the 87Sr/86Sr provides sources' information, whereas the δ88/86Sr records biogeochemical cycle information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale landslides along rivers that incised valleys in the mountain region have been widely concerned. Occurrences of landslides along rivers are closely linked with river valley evolution. Field investigations and numerical approaches were employed to examine the landslide formation mechanism and analyze the relationship between landslide and river valley slope evolution. The formation mechanism of the multi-level landslide is investigated. The results indicate that gentle weak structural planes parallel to the slope were the geological origins of the landslide. The causes of the landslide are regional tectonics, river valley cutting, and water infiltration. River valley cutting causes the unloading of the weak bedding structure of the slopes, which pulls the intermediate strata out like a drawer. The interbedded weak interlayer is a determinant factor for formation of the landslide, and engineering excavation and continuous rainfall further induced the landslide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunnel excavation has significant disturbance on groundwater system and related geo-environment, especially in karst regions like southwestern China. The present research was conducted to quantitatively understand the negative impacts posed by tunnel construction on the karst groundwater system and reveal the behavior of karst groundwater system under the tunnel disturbance, with the aid of field survey, hydrogeological analysis, and numerical simulation. The results suggested that negative impacts such as loss of surface and underground water, ground collapse, and house deformation would be posed directly and indirectly to the karst groundwater system and its dependent geo-environment as the result of groundwater level drawdown by tunnel excavation. The degree and range of groundwater drainage impact were determined by the lithological and hydrogeological characteristics of strata. These negative impacts were dominantly distributed in the karst depressions valleys, and the direct ones occurred at first and followed by the indirect ones. Simulation results showed groundwater level drawdown would not occur synchronously in spatial, but always occurred around the tunnel axis at first and gradually expanded towards far away over time. The maximum disturbance on groundwater system can reach to approximately 25 m vertically and 3000 m horizontally for present modeling tunnel. With the aid of numeral simulation, three response stages were identified for the karst groundwater system behavior to the tunnel disturbance. The impacts of tunnel practice on groundwater and surface water bodies can be gradually eliminated since the second stage, but would continue if existing failure of tunnel waterproof until a new balance state achieved. The present research can improve the understanding of the impacts of tunnel excavation on karst groundwater system and dependent geo-environment, and provide reference to the protection of water resources and geo-environment in karst regions like Chongqing worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The geochemistry of rare earth elements (REEs, La to Lu) in suspended sediments (SS) is generally controlled by weathering processes and the water environment. Although the concentrations and fractionations of REEs in SS have been reported in the Zhujiang River, China, their variations and controlling factors have not been researched. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the REE controlling factors in SS through their variations of concentrations and fractionations during 14 years (from 2000 to 2014). Material and methods: The concentrations of REEs, light REE (LREE, La to Nd), middle REE (MREE, Sm to Ho), and heavy REE (HREE, Er to Lu) in the SS of the Zhujiang River were investigated, and REE fractionation proxies including ∑LREE/∑HREE, ∑MREE/∑HREE, and Ce and Eu anomalies were calculated. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation relationships between physicochemical parameters, REE concentrations, and REE fractionation proxies were analyzed. Results and discussion: The ∑REE concentrations of SS in the Zhujiang River varied from 35.9 to 396.4 mg kg−1 (mean 229.6 mg kg−1), higher than the world's rivers (mean 174.8 mg kg−1). Moreover, ∑REE, ∑LREE, ∑MREE, and ∑HREE concentrations increased along the flow direction. PAAS-normalized REE ratios showed that MREE in SS were enriched relative to LREE and HREE. The concentrations of all REEs in SS significantly correlated with Fe, Al, and K concentrations positively, while significantly correlating with Ca and Na concentrations in a negative trend. These correlation relationships between the concentrations of REEs and major metal elements were attributed to the spatial variation of rock distribution based on the same source (weathering processes and soil erosion) of REEs and major metal elements in SS. The physicochemical properties affected REE fractionation in SS, such as clay minerals, water pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). During 14 years from 2000 to 2014, the decrement of soil erosion reduced the REE concentrations of SS in the upper reaches. Meanwhile, river water acidification resulted in the weakening negative Ce anomaly and positive Eu anomaly of SS. These results suggested that the variations of REE concentrations and fractionations in SS were mainly controlled by soil erosion and water pH in the Zhujiang River from 2000 to 2014. Conclusions: The concentrations of REEs in SS mainly depend on weathering processes, while REE fractionations are closely associated with river water physicochemical properties in the Zhujiang River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic variations of groundwater have been extensively studied, but there are few studies on the long-term time–frequency features of groundwater dynamic variations. Here we report the dynamic characteristics of the groundwater level and dissolved radon concentration based on the long-term (January 1988–March 2018) daily observation records and regional precipitation data in the Tengchong area, China. The results show that the precipitation (2–3 years and 13 years), groundwater level (13 years), and dissolved radon (9 years) all have multi-year periodic variations, which might be controlled by climate and solar radiation. The groundwater levels were highly correlated with rainfall amount, while the radon concentration variations were not only affected by rainfall but also by other complex factors. Furthermore, the changes of groundwater level and radon concentration lagged behind that of precipitation by about 3 months, and as the cycle range increased, the lag time tended to stabilize. During the observation period, the dissolved radon concentrations increased and decreased sharply. Radon concentration remained correlated with precipitation during the anomalous period. After the anomaly disappeared in 2002, however, its annual periodic characteristics weakened. The increase of radon concentrations may cause a potential risk for water utilization that requires more attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the role of cultural values in influencing counterproductive work behaviours (CWBs). In particular, it focuses on the cultural values of power distance, long-term orientation and collectivism (both horizontal and vertical collectivism) as well as the Confucian values of guanxi and harmony. In line with recent approaches in moral psychology and sociology, we consider how Confucian values become moral triggers or inhibitors for employees to engage in CWB. In addition, we consider the moderating effects of guanxi and harmony on the relationships between the cultural values of power distance, long-term orientation, collectivism and CWB. The results from a survey of 489 white-collar employees in China confirmed the importance of cultural values in influencing CWB. Specifically, our findings indicate that guanxi moderates the relationship between cultural values and CWB and acts as a moral trigger for an employee to engage in CWB. With the exception of horizontal collectivism, we also found that harmony moderates the relationship between cultural values and CWB. Specifically, harmony acts as a moral inhibitor for an employee to engage in CWB. Lastly, we discuss the implications of the findings for theory and practice in the context of managing an increasingly global workplace and business environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslide failure time prediction is considered a challenging issue in landslide research. A significant goal of landslide research is to provide scientific and accurate prediction methods. In this paper, the short-term forecasting of landslides (STFL) model is proposed by analyzing landslide deformation characteristics in a known evolution process. The landslides on the southern slope of the West open pit mine (SSWOPM) in Liaoning province, northeast China, and Huangci in Gansu province, northwest China, were selected as the study cases. After pre-processing, which include eliminating abnormal data (t test), adding missing data (cubic spline interpolation), and smoothing noisy data (Savitzky–Golay filters), the displacement data are assembled to serve as the model's input parameters. The parameters of STFL can be obtained through the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm. Using the forecasting criterion, the time of failure of landslides can be predicted and determined. Forecasting results provide evidence that the STFL model can achieve an accurate prediction of landslide displacement (correlation coefficient R2 > 0.99). The forecasting results of the SSWOPM and Huangci landslides indicate that the forecasting failure time of the STFL model is March 10, 2014 and January 31, 1995, respectively, which are near the actual failure time compared with those obtained using the Verhulst model. This finding indicates that the new method has excellent reliability and accuracy in landslide prediction and a robust description of the landslide movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The C/N/P stoichiometry of organic matter can provide useful information for better understanding of the effects of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. The Daya Bay is a semi-closed bay under serious anthropogenic influences in the southeastern China. This study investigated the contents and ratios of C, N, and P in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and surface sediment in Daya Bay during the spring of 2017. Average C/N/P ratios were 139/17/1 in the surface SPM, 129/16/1 in the bottom SPM, and 61/8/1 in the surface sediment. The C/N ratio of SPM was significantly lower in the western inner bay, suggesting that eutrophication can reduce this ratio. The N/P ratio of SPM was slightly higher in the inner bay, while no clearly distribution pattern was found in the C/P ratio of SPM. Compared with SPM, surface sediment showed significantly lower N/P and C/P ratios. The C/N, N/P, and C/P ratios and contents of total organic C, N, and P were higher in the surface sediment in the inner bay. Our results suggested that the distribution of C/N/P stoichiometry was uncoupled between SPM and surface sediment. The C/N/P stoichiometry of surface sediment can effectively reflect the regional variation of terrigenous input and the influence of nuclear power plant thermal effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates are used in a wide variety of personal care products (PCPs) as solubilizer, denaturant or color fixative. However, there are few studies referring the correlation between phthalate exposure and PCPs use among general population in China. In this study, ten metabolites of phthalates in spot urine samples (N = 500) were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The frequency and duration of 12 types of PCPs were collected by questionnaire survey. The associations of phthalate metabolites and PCPs use were assessed by multivariable liner regression models. Median concentration of mono-benzylphthalate (MBzP) was significantly higher among frequent users of almost all PCPs. Low molecular weight phthalates (monomethyl phthalate (MMP), mono-n-butylphthalate (MnBP) and monoisobutylphthalate (MiBP)) were significantly lower among frequent user of some rinse-off PCPs (e.g., shampoo, facial cleanser, and body wash). Meanwhile, monoethylphthalate (MEP) was positive correlated with frequently use of facial moisturizer. Mono-2-ethylhexylphthalate (MEHP) and MBzP showed a significant positive association with frequently use of body lotion. Univariate linear analyses indicated a significant decreasing trend between urinary concentrations of MMP, MnBP, and the number of rinse-off PCPs being frequently used, and a significant increasing trend between urinary MBzP and the number of leave-on products being frequently used. These findings indicated that the use of some PCPs, especially leave-on PCPs, could be a potential source of exposure to some phthalates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predominant types of high-grade iron deposits in China include skarn, sedimentary metamorphic (banded iron-formation, BIF-type), continental/submarine volcanic-hosted and magmatic Fe-Ti-V oxide deposits. Based on a comprehensive review of current studies on these deposits, this paper suggests that the oxygen concentration in atmosphere played an important role for the formation of BIFs, whereas the tectonic setting and deep magmatic differentiation processes are more important for the other types. Notably, both high temperature and high pressure experiments and melt inclusion studies indicate that during the differentiation, high temperature magmas could develop iron-rich magma via liquid immiscibility but not pure oxide melt ("iron ore magma"). Fe-P melt could be generated directly by liquid immiscibility under hydrous and oxidized condition. The formation of high-grade iron deposits is mostly associated with the processes related to multiple stages of superimposition, e.g., desiliconization and iron enrichment, removal of impurity, and remobilization and re-precipitation of iron. According to the temporal evolution, the high-grade iron deposit could be divided into multi-episode superimposition type (temporally discontinuous mineralization) and multi-stage superimposition type (temporally continuous mineralization). The former is represented by the sedimentary metamorphic iron deposit, and the latter includes those related to magmatic-hydrothermal fluids (e.g., skarn, volcanic-hosted and magmatic types). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heavy metal pollution level in soils is heavily affected by the soil particle size distribution. However, the heavy metal loss during particle size extraction and the effect of calcite on the heavy metals removal in terms of the particle size are unclear. In this study, the distribution of heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, U, and V) was determined in five particle fractions (> 2, 2–0.25, 0.25–0.02, 0.02–0.002, and < 0.002 mm) of two soil and one sediment samples collected from the floodplain of Dongchuan, Yunnan Province, Southwest China. The sampled floodplain soils were mainly composed of gravel and sand fractions (> 97%). The concentrations of all nine heavy metals in the sampled soils and sediment increase significantly with decreasing particle sizes. The maximal loss rate of Cd and Cu reaches 54% and 8.6%, respectively, which should be considered in the process of particle size fraction extraction in soils. The removal amount and removal rate of heavy metals in solution by pure calcite ranks in the order of Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Cr6+, while the removal rate of Pb (93.13%) is much higher than that of Cu (24.56%) and Cr (10.71%), which increase with the calcite particle size decreasing. The stabilization of carbonate minerals in soils is crucial for heavy metal pollution control in floodplain soils with high carbonate concentrations in Dongchuan, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of landslide displacement prediction can effectively prevent casualties and economic losses. To achieve accurate prediction of the Majiagou landslide displacement in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), China, a hybrid machine learning prediction model considering the deformation hysteresis effect is proposed. The real-time deep displacement measurements were captured by using in-place inclinometers with Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. The time series method was adopted to divide the total displacement into a trend term and periodic term. Trend displacement was determined by the geological condition and predicted by the fitting method. Periodic displacement was controlled by external factors such as rainfall and fluctuation of reservoir water level. Before making the prediction, the grey correlation analysis was adopted to confirm that the fluctuation of the reservoir water level was the main influence factor. In view of the deficiency that current prediction methods could not quantitatively determine the lag time of landslide deformation and thus select the influencing factors empirically, the dynamic analysis of the correlation between periodic influence factors and periodic displacement was carried out in this paper, and the deformation lag time was identified to be 18 days by using set pair analysis (SPA) method. Finally, the optimal influence factors were selected and the prediction model of Majiagou landslide based on support vector machine optimized by particle swarm optimization (SPA-PSO-SVM) was established. Results showed that the root mean square error (RMSE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the proposed SPA-PSO-SVM prediction model are 0.28 and 12.8, respectively. Compared with the PSO-SVM model, the prediction accuracy of the proposed model had been improved significantly. The reliability and effectiveness of the SPA-PSO-SVM prediction model is verified and it has apparent advantages while predicting landslide displacement with deformation hysteresis effect involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 5000 landslides or potential landslides have been identified in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) region since its impoundment in 2003. These hazards seriously threaten the continuation of reservoir operations and the safety of dams, waterways, and local residents. Understanding the deformation characteristics and kinematic evolution of these landslides can be helpful for assessing their stability and providing long-term landslide predictions. In this study, the deformation characteristics, influencing factors, sliding mechanism, and threshold reservoir level of the Muyubao landslide are revealed. Data from a professional monitoring network implemented in 2006 reveal that the deformation of this landslide is in a stage of creep characterized by overall movement, and the rate of creep is gradually slowing. The deformation mechanism is investigated by combining meteorological, hydrological, and reservoir level data with displacement measurements from surface cracks, manual and automatic GPS monitoring records, and field investigations and drilling surveys. The reservoir level is the main driving factor of deformation, whereas the filling-drawdown rate is not directly related to the deformation of the landslide. Furthermore, rainfall can promote deformation during periods with high reservoir levels. The deformation of the landslide follows a very distinctive pattern featuring large displacements after the reservoir level rises to a high level (from late October to early March of the following year) and a rapid transition to constant deformation as the reservoir level drops. The results indicate that the reservoir level of 172 m is the general threshold reservoir level of the Muyubao landslide. At present, the deformation rate of the Muyubao landslide is gradually decreasing, and the probability of large-scale sliding is low; however, the monitoring system must be strengthened and additional research must be performed on the deformation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a study of mineral-hosted melt inclusions were used to reconstruct the evolution of tholeiitic melts that produced the rocks of the shield edifice of Wangtian'e volcano, Northeast China, including the P–T parameters of their crystallization. Primary melt inclusions were studied in plagioclase of tholeiitic basalts. They contain "dry" Fe-rich silicate glass or a crystallized fine-grained mineral aggregate, feldspar rim, and globules of various compositions: water-bearing Fe-rich globules, water-bearing Si-rich globules and "dry" Si-rich globules. In the groundmass of tholeiitic basalts, "dry" Si-rich and Fe-rich glasses, as well as hydrated Fe-rich glass with an H2O content of up to 10–15 wt.% were identified. The fractional crystallization path of Wangtian'e tholeiitic melts was calculated by the COMAGMAT-5.2.2 software using glass compositions of homogenized melt inclusions in plagioclase from the basalts. It was shown that the calculated temperatures of the beginning of plagioclase crystallization are in good agreement with temperatures obtained in thermometric experiments with melt inclusions in plagioclase, and correspond to 1180–1200°C. Based on our studies, several stages of the melt differentiation during the formation of Wangtian'e volcanic rocks were identified. The first stage includes the Fenner-type crystal fractionation of the melt due to the appearance of plagioclase on the liquidus at the beginning of magma crystallization. The separation of the ferrobasaltic melt into Si-rich and Fe-rich silicate immiscible liquids ("dry" and hydrated) corresponds to the second stage of differentiation. The occurrence of silicate liquid immiscibility follows from the presence of Fe-rich and Si-rich glasses in the intergranular space of the basalts and in the melt inclusions in plagioclase of these rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emissions in the transportation sector are of great concern, since they are the third leading contributor to China's carbon emissions. This research examines the decoupling relationship between economic outputs and carbon emissions of 11 provinces in 2000–2016 by focusing on Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB), which is the densest traffic and economic corridor in China. Although many studies have focused on the decoupling state and its driving forces between economic outputs and carbon emissions, few studies further addressed the microscale analysis for decoupling drivers. This paper reveals the characteristic, inequality contribution ratio, and dynamic evolution of the drivers by integrating Dagum's Gini ratio with kernel density estimation in YREB. Results are as follows: (1) The decoupling states presented weak decoupling state at the whole belt in the majority of the latter observed sub-periods. The decoupling states at the provincial level turned more satisfactory during the four observed sub-periods, especially for Shanghai and Zhejiang. (2) The energy intensity (EI) effect is the predominant driver for promoting the decoupling state in the vast majority of provinces, whereas value added per capita effect is the major role for inhibiting the decoupling state. (3) During the four observed sub-periods, the Gini inequality and transvariation intensity of the EI effect between sub-regions are the main sources of the provincial differences in YREB. The driving force of EI effect is increasing, but the provincial differences are expanding in the upstream and downstream regions by analyzing its dynamic evolution. Understanding the temporal and spatial microscale inequality of the decoupling drivers provides governments with differentiated and forward-looking suggestions towards coordinating regional economic growth and carbon emissions reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive wastes (HLW), Na-bentonite produced from Gaomiaozi (GMZ) deposit has been selected as a possible buffer and backfill material for the Beishan repository in China. A sealing buffer is manufactured with bentonite at its hygroscopic water content (initially unsaturated). After taking water from the surrounding geological medium, bentonite under totally free condition is used to seal the technological voids, and then the outer surrounding bentonite (affected by the water mostly) compresses the innermost bentonite under partially free-swelling condition. However, permeability of GMZ bentonite under the partially free-swelling condition is still unknown. In this article, using the instantaneous profile method, we present a laboratory test of the GMZ bentonite unsaturated hydraulic conductivity under partially free-swelling condition. Changes in the cross-sectional area and motion of the sensors (to measure temperature and relative humidity) were considered in computing the unsaturated permeability. Our experimental results show that before the finial hydration stage, although permeability increases locally at some suctions (due to saturation degree increase and bentonite swelling to some extent), unsaturated permeabilities decrease and become constant in general for the reasons as follows. Initially, water is tightly adsorbed to the clay sheet surface and then water film is adsorbed to the tightly adsorbed water which leads to the initial highest permeability, and then diffuse double-layer forces lead to water uptake between the hydrated montmorillonite unit layers which is partially restricted by the confining stress, while capillary water flows on the water adsorbed on the internal surface of the bentonite large pores. For the capillary water flow due to surface tension, complex microstructure evolution (e.g., mesoscopic swelling compacts the inter-aggregate pores due to hydration under the confining stress from the rubber tube) before the finial hydration stage leads to flux decrease if under a certain hydraulic gradient (i.e., permeability decreases). Results show that in the final hydration stage, permeability increases rapidly with decreasing suction, because large pore compacting is complete while saturation degree increases and bentonite swells to some extent. Results show that at the same suctions, the unsaturated permeabilities located at the sensor closest to the water injection device are the largest among the four sensors, which could be explained with "critical gradient" concept for unsaturated expansive clay or effect of hydraulic gradient from boundary water pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Infection is a common complication in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). The study goal was to investigate the infectious profile in patients with AAV from Southern China. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on the inpatients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from 2012 to 2017. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Results: A total of 132 AAV inpatients with 174 episodes of infection (prevalence, 63.8%) were included. Lung was the most commonly involved. Ninety-six (72.7%) patients developed infection during the first 6 months after AAV diagnosis. Bacteria (75.9%) were the prominent microbes. Gram-negative bacteria were predominant (71.4%). The most frequently isolated bacteria were P. aeruginosa (16.7%) and A. baumannii (16.7%). Mixed infection accounted for 14.9% of the episodes, while fungal infection accounted for 6.3%. Mortality rate was 12.9% (17/132). Six deceased patients (46.2%) were infected with multiple pathogens. In multivariate analysis, smoking (odds ratio (OR) 2.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–5.03, P = 0.02), kidney involvement (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.11–5.88, P = 0.03), lymphopenia (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.20–4.55, P = 0.01), and dialysis (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.14–8.20, P = 0.03) were associated with infection in patients with AAV. Conclusions: Bacteria, especially Gram-negative bacteria, were the major pathogens in Chinese AAV patients. Mixed infection was a great threat to death. Infection tended to develop within the 6 months after AAV diagnosis. Smoking, kidney involvement, dialysis, and lymphopenia increased the risk of infection in patients with AAV. Key Points • Infection tended to develop within the 6 months after AAV diagnosis. • Gram-negative bacteria were the leading pathogens. • Smoking, kidney involvement, dialysis, and lymphopenia increased the risk of infection in patients with AAV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Temperature has a significant influence on water retention curve (WRC) because temperature affects surface tension of water and volumetric behaviour of soil. However, in previous studies on thermal effects on WRC, the difference in suction-induced volume change of soil specimen at various temperatures is always insignificant. With increasing temperature, the wetting-induced collapse of loess increases. This study aims to investigate thermal effects on WRC of collapsible loess. Material and methods: A loess from Shaanxi province, China, is tested. Wetting–drying tests were carried out on compacted loess specimens at temperatures ranging from 5 to 50 °C. Thermal effects on water retention behaviour of collapsible loess are analysed. Results and discussion: During the wetting process, volumetric water content at a given suction at 50 °C is 20% smaller than that at 5 °C. This is because when temperature increases from 5 to 50 °C, surface tension of water decreases by 10% and wetting-induced volumetric contraction increases by three times. During drying, the air entry value (AEV) of loess decreases with increasing temperature at a rate of 0.16%/°C. Conclusions: The retention capability of unsaturated loess decreases with increasing temperature. For the tested collapsible loess, with increasing temperature, a combined effect of smaller water surface tension and larger wetting-induced collapse results in a prominent decrease in volumetric water content of loess. Moreover, the decrease of AEV induced by smaller surface tension is partially compensated by effects of larger wetting-induced collapse on AEV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of its low hydraulic conductivity, high swelling capacity, and good adsorption properties, Gaomiaozi (GMZ) bentonite has been proposed as a suitable buffer/backfill material for construction of artificial barriers in deep geological repositories for high-level nuclear waste (HLW) disposal in China. By varying the concentration of NaCl solution and total suction, the swelling and shrinkage characteristics of compacted GMZ bentonite were studied under one-dimensional conditions. Results show that the swelling strain of compacted GMZ bentonite decreases as the concentration of NaCl solution increases under one-dimensional conditions. During drying with suction control by vapor phase technique, the density increases with suction. Simultaneously, the sample saturated with salt solution has a larger void ratio than that of the sample saturated with distilled water under the same suction. The void ratio and water content of the samples decrease with increasing suction. For a given suction, the sample saturated with salt solution has a higher degree of saturation than the sample saturated with distilled water. With the obtained water content (w), void ratio (e), and the degree of saturation (Sr), soil-water retention curves (SWRCs) were calculated for samples initially hydrated with different concentrations of NaCl solution. The SWRCs reveal that the sample with salt solution has higher water retention capacity than the sample with distilled water. A modified SWRC equation was proposed to account for the effect of NaCl solutions on the drying process of compacted GMZ bentonite under one-dimensional conditions. The results confirm that the modified SWRC equation can effectively describe the SWRCs of compacted GMZ bentonite considering the effects of NaCl solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zhonggu orefield is located within the southern Ningwu volcanic basin and is one of the largest iron ore districts within the Middle–Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt (MLYRMB) of eastern China. The area hosts the Gushan iron oxide–apatite (IOA) deposit and the Baixiangshan, Longshan, Hemushan, Zhongjiu, and Taipingshan skarn-type iron deposits. Here, we employ laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) to determine trace element concentrations in magnetite from these deposits. Combining these new data with geological information from these deposits indicates that the iron ore within the Gushan deposit has V and Ti compositions that are strongly suggestive of a Kiruna-type IOA origin. Specifically, the V and Ti chemistry of magnetite in iron ore breccias from the Gushan deposit suggests that this style of mineralization formed at a high temperature and as a result of magmatic magnetite precipitation. This was followed by precipitation of lower temperature magmatic–hydrothermal massive magnetite. Both types of magnetite host exsolved ilmenite. Elemental mapping also indicates that Gushan breccia-hosted magnetite records hydrothermal fluid activity that formed late-stage vein mineralization. In comparison, other deposits within the Zhonggu orefield all contain magnetite with compositions that are indicative of skarn mineralization. This implies that these deposits formed as a result of magmatic–hydrothermal rather than purely magmatic or purely hydrothermal activity, contrasting with the Gushan deposit. Finally, the geochemistry of magnetite within thick anhydrite units in the Longshan deposit indicates the formation by low-temperature sedimentary processes, and this magnetite was subsequently overprinted as a result of hydrothermal activity during the formation of the main Longshan deposit. Overall, this study indicates that the IOA, skarn-type, and sedimentary anhydrite-type iron mineralization in the Zhonggu iron ore field record evolving metallogenic processes from initially orthomagmatic mineralizing systems to high- to moderate-temperature magmatic–hydrothermal systems and finally to low-temperature hydrothermal mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mafic–ultramafic intrusions comagmatic with Proterozoic massif-type anorthosites can provide insights into the parental magma from which large volumes of hyper-feldspathic rocks are produced. Recent deep drilling has unveiled a large olivine–Ti-magnetite-rich layered intrusion (named Dawusunangou) beneath the Damiao massif-type anorthosite complex in the North China Craton. The layered intrusion is composed of alternating olivine–Ti-magnetite-rich dark layers and plagioclase-rich light layers (ca. 35–80% plagioclase), with the latter also containing pod- or lens-shaped pyroxene–Ti-magnetite-rich aggregates. This layered intrusion shows low Mg# and REE patterns similar to the overlying Damiao anorthosite complex. Baddeleyite Pb–Pb geochronology yielded indistinguishable crystallization ages of ca. 1735 Ma for both the Dawusunangou layered intrusion and the Damiao anorthosite complex, suggesting coeval emplacement. Using the average bulk compositions of the two intrusions, mass balance calculations assuming 30–40% Dawusunangou and 70–60% Damiao would give a composition similar to high-Al basaltic magma. Collectively, these features indicate that the Dawusunangou layered intrusion represents the mafic residues after the segregation of the Damiao anorthosites from high-Al basaltic parental magma. A short-lived magma chamber is thought to have supplied the two intrusions. In situ crystallization with variable nucleation rates for plagioclase combined with the mafic minerals crystallizing in equilibrium proportions resulted in the formation of repeated dark and light layers of the Dawusunangou layered intrusion. The two intrusions are interpreted to have formed by multiple magma injections, instead of continuous differentiation of one melt. The parental magma was derived from a depleted mantle source with significant crustal contribution during magma evolution. The large Nd–Hf isotopic variations suggest contamination by Paleoarchean to Neoarchean crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of energy subsidy research from a bibliometric perspective was conducted. Based on the bibliometric method, a statistical analysis of energy subsidy–related publications from 1997 to 2016 was undertaken using the Science Citation Index (SCI) and Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) databases. A total of 1182 publications were retrieved, with a significant increase in the number of publications observed after 2006. The majority of these publications were within the disciplines of Energy & Fuels and Environmental Science & Ecology. Although the USA and China contributed the most papers, authors from 96 countries were involved in the various studies. The USA was the center of global collaborations, while other countries/territories mainly conducted bilateral or regional collaborations in their research activities. Five of the top 11 most productive institutes were from China, followed by the USA. The frequency of collaborations among institutes was relatively low. However, the institute–keyword 2-mode network showed that institutes had great potential to cooperate on a number of common topics. Five major themes were identified from the co-keywords analysis: general renewable energy research, bio-energies, sustainability, subsidies, and welfare. The findings, as a complement to previous conventional reviews, will be useful in future energy subsidy research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although BPA use is widespread and often detectable in humans, little is known about its exposure levels and potential exposure predictors in pregnant women in China. We investigated the BPA exposure levels in pregnant women and its health implications and potential exposure predictors. Urinary BPA levels were measured for 506 pregnant women in northern China. Hazard quotients (HQs) based on estimated daily intakes (EDIs) were conducted. Sociodemographic characteristics and food consumption during pregnancy were collected and seasons of sample collection were recorded. The detection rate of urinary BPA was 86.6% and the median concentrations were 0.48 μg/L (1.05 μg/g creatinine). The EDI (median = 0.008 μg/kg bw/day) was much lower than the recommended tolerable daily doses and the HQ (median = 0.002) much lower than 1. The urine collected in summer had significantly higher BPA levels than that collected in other seasons (β = 0.225; 95% CI − 0.008, 0.458; p = 0.03). Women "always consuming shellfish" had significantly higher BPA levels than those "seldom consuming shellfish" (β = 0.341; 95% CI 0.022, 0.66; p = 0.04). The study found a wide exposure to BPA among pregnant women in this region, which might be associated with seasonal variation and shellfish consumption. Although the HQs suggested no obvious risk, further attention to the comprehensive exposure and potential determinants should be paid in view of its endocrine-disrupting potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pingchuan iron deposit, located in the Yanyuan region of Sichuan Province, SW China, has an ore reserve of 40 Mt with ~ 60 wt% Fe. Its genesis is still poorly understood. The Pingchuan iron deposit has a paragenetic sequence of an early Fe-oxide–Pyrite stage (I) and a late Fe-oxide–pyrrhotite stage (II). Stage I magnetite grains are generally fragmented, euhedral–subhedral, large-sized crystals accompanying with slightly postdated pyrite. Stage II magnetite grains are mostly unfragmented, anhedral, relatively small-sized grains that co-exist with pyrrhotite. Combined with micro-textural features and previously-obtained geochronological data, we consider that these two stages of iron mineralization in the Pingchuan deposit correspond to the Permian ELIP magmatism and Cenozoic fault activity event. Both the Stage I and II magnetites are characterized with overall lower contents of trace elements (including Cr, Ti, V, and Ni) than the ELIP magmatic magnetite, which suggests a hydrothermal origin for them. "Skarn-like" enrichment in Sn, Mn, and Zn in the Stage I magnetite grains indicate significant material contributions from carbonate wall-rocks due to water–rock interaction in ore-forming processes. Stage II magnetite grains contain higher Mn concentrations than Stage I magnetite grains, which possibly implies more contribution from carbonate rocks. In multiple-element diagrams, the Stage I magnetite shows systematic similarities to Kiruna-type magnetite rather than those from other types of deposits. Combined with geological features and previous studies on oxygen isotopes, we conclude that hydrothermal fluids have played a key role in the generation of the Pingchuan low-Ti iron deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On August 27, 2014, a large-scale landslide occurred in Fuquan, Guizhou, China. This high-speed landslide caused considerable destruction; 23 people were killed, 22 were injured, and 77 houses were damaged. Field investigations, deformation monitoring, and numerical analyses have been performed to examine the characteristics and formation processes of this landslide. In the Xiaoba area, the slope showed a two-layered structure with a hard upper layer and a soft lower layer. Dolomite of the Dengying Formation in the slope front formed a locked segment controlling slope stability. Based on deformation and failure characteristics, the landslide is divided into sliding source area A and accumulation area B. The landslide is also divided into the following stages: bedding slip, tension cracking at the slope scarp, and the appearance of the locked section at the slope toe. Numerical calculations show that excavation led to maximum shear strain concentration along the interface of siltstone and slate in the middle of the slope, which became a potential sliding surface. Stress concentration and distribution of the plastic zone of the locked segment of the Dengying Formation dolomite occurred in the slope toe. Continuous rainfall caused the groundwater level to rise in the Xiaoba slope. The unfavorable geological structure was a determinant factor, and the combined effects of excavation and continuous rainfall were triggering factors that induced the landslide. The geomechanical mode for the Xiaoba landslide is sliding tension-shear failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yunshan caldera complex is part of a larger scale, ca. 2000-km-long volcanic-plutonic complex belt in the coastal region of SE China. The volcanic rocks in the caldera complex are characterized by high-silica peraluminous and peralkaline rhyolites associated with an intracaldera porphyritic quartz monzonite pluton. In this study, we present zircon U-Pb, Hf and stable O isotopes along with geochemical data of both volcanic and plutonic rocks to evaluate the potential petrogenetic link between volcanism and plutonism in the Yunshan caldera complex. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb geochronology of both volcanic and plutonic rocks yields almost identical ages ranging from 95.6 to 93.1 Ma. The peraluminous and peralkaline rhyolites show negative anomalies of Sr, P, Ti and Ba and to a lesser extent negative Nb and Ta anomalies, along with positive Rb anomalies and 'seagull-like' rare earth element (REE) patterns with negative Eu anomalies and low (La/Yb) ratios. The intracaldera porphyritic quartz monzonite displays minor negative Rb, Nb, Ta, Sr, P and Ti anomalies and a positive Ba anomaly with REE patterns characterized by relatively high (La/Yb) ratios and lack significant Eu anomalies. The peraluminous and peralkaline rhyolites and the porphyritic quartz monzonite exhibit consistent ε ( t) of − 3.7 to − 2.2 and display zircon ε ( t) values of − 2.1 to 3.7. They further have similar, mantle-like, zircon oxygen isotopic compositions (δO mainly = 4.63 to 5.76‰). We interpret these observations to be in agreement with a crystal mush model in which the parental magma of the volcanic and plutonic rocks of the Yunshan caldera complex was likely produced by interaction of asthenosphere melts with subduction-influenced enriched mantle wedge. The peralkaline rhyolites are interpreted to represent the most differentiated magma that has subsequently experienced significant fluid-melt interactions, whereas the porphyritic quartz monzonite may be representative of the residual crystal mush. The Yunshan rhyolites typically match the geochemical characteristics of 'hot-dry-reduced' rhyolites indicating that, during the late Cretaceous, the tectonic setting of SE China changed from a compressional environment to an extensional environment, i.e., from an arc into a back-arc setting. Our results imply that volcanic and plutonic rocks in caldera systems may provide unique constraints on the evolution of the magmatic system in which both the erupting melt and the residual crystalline material are being preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring possible relationships between climate-induced maize yield and rainy-season precipitation under climate change is fundamental to science-based decision for food security in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR). To determine the relationship of maize yield with precipitation variables across IMAR during 1960-2012, we selected 11 precipitation indices of rainy season and divided IMAR into four sub-regions-west, middle, east, and northeast using principal component analysis and K-means clustering methods. Results show that climate-induced maize yield is more sensitive to precipitation variability in the west and middle IMAR. The most important precipitation factor that limits maize yield is moderate precipitation days in these two sub-regions. Moreover, west and middle Inner Mongolia was dominated by decreasing precipitation during the rainy season. Furthermore, the El Niño/La Niña-Southern Oscillation cycle has the significant influence on the rainy-season precipitation in the west and middle IMAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which analyzed the strength anisotropy of quartz mica schist along the exploration adit of the DanBa hydroelectric power in Sichuan Province, China using the point load test. It provides information on the quartz mica schist used in the study, including its mineral composition and texture. It also mentions two types of failure modes observed during the point load test.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the sixth leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide and the incidence and mortality in China are the highest. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to microRNAs could lead to alteration in microRNA expression and contribute to the susceptibility of cancer. To evaluate the association between microRNA-related SNPs and EC, a case-control study including 381 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and 426 gender, age-matched controls was carried out to investigate the genetic susceptibility of five microRNA-related SNPs (rs2910164 in microRNA-146a, rs11614913 in microRNA-196a-2, rs7813 in GEMIN4, rs1595066 and rs16845990 in ErbB4) as well as the interactions of gene-gene and gene-environment in the development of ESCC. Variant homozygote genotype of rs11614913 in microRNA-196a-2 and rs1595066 in ErbB4 were significantly associated with reduced ESCC risk (OR: 0.62, 95 % CI: 0.39-0.99 and OR: 0.38, 95 % CI: 0.24-0.61). The analysis of haplotypes in ErbB4 gene showed significant increased ESCC risk in GC and GT haplotypes (OR: 1.46, 95 % CI: 1.08-1.99 and OR: 1.33, 95 % CI: 1.10-1.62), and inversely reduced ESCC risk in AC and AT haplotypes with OR (95 % CI) of 0.75 (0.60-0.94) and 0.65 (0.49-0.86), respectively. These findings suggest that the polymorphisms in the microRNA-related genes may affect susceptibility of ESCC in Chinese Han population and the gene-gene interactions play vital roles in the progression on esophageal cancer. Future studies with larger sample and different ethnic populations are required to support and validate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a first qualitative assessment tool, LOVECLIM has been used to investigate the interactions between insolation, ice sheets and the East Asian Monsoon at the Marine Isotopic Stage 13 (MIS-13) in work by Yin et al. (Clim Past 4:79-90, , Clim Past 5:229-243, ). The results are in need of validation with a more sophisticated model, which is done in this work with the ARPEGE atmospheric general circulation model. As in the Earth system Model of Intermediate Complexity, LOVECLIM, ARPEGE shows that the northern hemispheric high insolation in summer leads to strong MIS-13 monsoon precipitation. Data from the Chinese Loess Plateau indicate that MIS-13 was locally a warm and humid period (Guo et al. in Clim Past 5:21-31, ; Yin and Guo in Chin Sci Bull 51(2):213-220, ). This is confirmed by these General Circulation Model (GCM) results, where the MIS-13 climate is found to be hotter and more humid both in the presence and absence of any added ice sheets. LOVECLIM found that the combined effects of the ice sheets and their accompanying SSTs contribute to more precipitation in eastern China, whilst in ARPEGE the impact is significant in northeastern China. Nonetheless the results of ARPEGE confirm the counter-intuitive results of LOVECLIM where ice sheets contribute to enhance monsoon precipitation. This happens through a topography induced wave propagating through Eurasia with an ascending branch over northeastern China. A feature which is also seen in LOVECLIM. The SST forcing in ARPEGE results in a strong zonal temperature gradient between the North Atlantic and east Eurasia, which in turn triggers an atmospheric gravity wave. This wave induces a blocking Okhotskian high, preventing the northwards penetration of the Meiyu monsoon front. The synergism between the ice sheets and SST is found through the factor separation method, yielding an increase in the Meiyu precipitation, though a reduction of the Changma precipitation. The synergism between the ice sheets and SST play a non-negligible role and should be taken into consideration in GCM studies. Preliminary fully coupled AOGCM results presented here further substantiate the finding of stronger MIS-13 monsoons and a reinforcement from ice sheets. This work increases our understanding of the signals found in the paleo-observations and the dynamics of the complex East Asian Summer Monsoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined the prevalence of Eimeria infections in domestic rabbits in China. A total of 480 faecal samples were collected from 48 farms in 14 provinces of China. Each faecal sample was subjected to oocyst counting and oocyst isolation. The Eimeria species from samples containing isolated and sporulated oocysts were morphologically identified under microscope. The overall prevalence of infections was 41.9% (201/480). Northwest China had the highest prevalence (70%), followed closely by Northeast China (65%) and Southwest China (62.5%). The prevalences in North China (34%) and South China (25.8%) were significantly lower. The large and medium farms had lower prevalences (34.2% and 37.2%, respectively) than the small farms (61.4%). Coccidian oocysts were found in 42.2% (76/180) of faecal samples from meat rabbits, 40% (28/70) from angora rabbits and 44.7% (85/190) from Rex rabbit. In total, ten species of Eimeria were identified from oocyst-positive samples. Concurrent infection with two to eight Eimeria species was found. E. perforans was the most prevalent species (35.2%), followed in order by E. media, E. magna, E. irresidua and E. intestinalis with prevalences of 31.3%, 28.8%, 19.4%, and 14.8%, respectively. Taken together, These results reveal the characteristics of the prevelance of rabbit coccidia infection in China, including the distribution, the scale of farming and the species, which are indispensable to the control of rabbits coccidiosis in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis (PS; MIM#177900) is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated skin disorder. Although the disease is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, immunologic and environmental factors, its complete etiology has not been fully understood. Here, we focused on the BSG (MIM#109480), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed ubiquitously in circulating immune cell populations. We observed that the expression level of BSG in PBMCs was elevated in psoriasis patients. To understand the underlying mechanism for this change, we genotyped the rs8259 T>A SNP located in the 3′UTR of the BSG gene from 668 psoriasis patients and 1,143 healthy controls. The rs8259 T allele was associated with significantly decreased psoriasis susceptibility (OR = 0.758, 95% CI 0.638-0.901, p = 0.002). Interestingly, the rs8259 polymorphism was located in a seed region for miR-492 binding. The miR-492 was able to bind to the BSG 3′UTR sequence bearing the rs8259 T allele as assayed by luciferase reporter gene assay. The substitution of T with A abolished miR-492 binding. BSG protein expression in PBMCs from patients carrying the rs8259 AA genotype was significantly higher than in those from patients carrying the rs8259 TT genotype. Our study suggests that miR-492 may physiologically suppress BSG expression and the BSG rs8259 polymorphism is associated with decreased psoriasis susceptibility through affecting miR-492 binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A zircon U–Pb age of 120.2 ± 1.7 Ma has been dated by ion microprobe in situ for the Laoshan A-type granite in eastern China. Fossil 231Pa excess has been inferred to explain the observed 207Pb–208Pb decoupling for alkali feldspar. In order to reconcile the apparent paradox of fossil 231Pa excess for alkali feldspar rather than for zircon, two hypothetical mechanisms for a water undersaturated magma with lifetime not shorter than 0.32 Ma have been proposed. Assuming that the fossil 231Pa excess in the Laoshan A-type granite was produced by low degree dynamic melting of Precambrian intermediate to felsic lower crust, which was dehydrated under granulite facies conditions, the isotopic uniformity of both zircon and alkali feldspar suggest that their source was sufficiently homogeneous and/or was homogenized via thorough magma convection. This study demonstrates that the evolution of an ancient crustal magmatism can be highlighted through appropriate isotopic systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Benign familial infantile seizures (BFIS) is a form of idiopathic epilepsy characterized by clusters of afebrile seizures occurring around the sixth month of life and a favorable outcome. Linkage analysis has revealed that three chromosomal segments, 19q12-q13.1, 16p12-q12, and 2q23-31, are linked to this disorder.Subjects and Methods: We report here a large Chinese family in which all 17 affected members had had infantile seizures with onset at age 2-4 months, with two of these also manifesting seizures later in life accompanied with either choreoathetosis or myokymia. Linkage analysis in this family confirmed a previous report of genetic heterogeneity in BFIS - since linkage was excluded at the above-mentioned known BFIS loci - and suggested a possible linkage to the KCNQ2 gene, which is believed to be a voltage gated potassium channel gene responsible for benign familial neonatal seizures (BFNS).Results and Discussion: Sequencing of the KCNQ2 gene revealed that all 17 affected family members carried a heterozygous Gly-to-Val (G271V) mutation in the conserved pore region that resulted from a guanine-to-thymine transition in exon 5 of KCNQ2. The same mutation with a comparable localization in the KCNQ3 (G310V) gene has been found in BFNS patients. The same conserved amino acid was also found to be mutated in the KCNQ1 gene in a family with Long QT Syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]