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Improving the quality of tennis teaching and learning is an important part of the modernization of education in China. The limitations of traditional tennis teaching quality evaluation methods have made them controversial, and it is crucial to improve the scientific, rational, and timely evaluation of tenn is teaching quality. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a scientific and rational quality evaluation model for tennis education to evaluate the quality of tennis education. Based on the principle of constructing a perfect tennis teaching quality evaluation system, this paper analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the previous tennis teaching quality evaluation methods and summarizes the problems existing in the current tennis teaching quality evaluation system in a university. On this basis, to break the limitations of the existing tennis teaching quality evaluation system in a university, a tennis teaching quality evaluation model based on genetic algorithm (GA) and back-propagation (BP) neural network is proposed and a more scientific reasonable tennis teaching quality evaluation system. The evaluation results of BP neural network optimization method based on adaptive mutation genetic algorithm are very satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcareous interbeds control the migration of oil and water in marine strata. However, in China, the origins of such calcareous interbeds have not been investigated in detail. In this paper, we present a study of calcareous interbeds in marine strata of the Zhujiang Formation in the Wenchang Oil Field, which is located in the southeast of Hainan Province, China. The lithological characteristics, types and features of diagenesis, and formation of the calcareous interbeds were investigated using core, thin-section, scanning electron microscopy, and cathodoluminescence observations, and stable carbon and oxygen isotope data. The calcareous interbeds consist of mixed sediments, which are dominated by bioclastic limestones containing terrigenous clasts, along with subordinate calcareous sandstone. The interbeds are densely cemented. The bioclasts are dominantly brachiopods, pleopods, and foraminifera, with minor amounts of echinodermata, bivalves, red algae, ostracods, and bryozoa. Diagenesis involved calcitic cementation, associated with relatively weak compaction. Carbon and oxygen isotopic data indicate the pore water that formed the carbonate cement was mostly sourced from seawater and minor amounts of meteoric water. The degree of carbonate cementation was significantly related to the bioclast content. On the basis of our study, a genetic model for the macroscopic and microscopic formation of calcareous interbeds is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Muscle health is essential for children's physical development and future health. PPARGC1A gene encode the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1α which coactivates transcription factors that control mediating skeletal muscle fiber type conversion and skeletal muscle fiber formation. The PPARGC1A rs8192678 Gly/Ser (Gly482Ser) polymorphism was associated with the regulation of skeletal muscle fibre type. This paper aims to explore the association between the PPARGC1A rs8192678 (Gly482Ser) polymorphism and muscle fitness in Chinese schoolchildren. Methods: We detected the distribution of the PPARGC1A rs8192678 (Gly482Ser) polymorphism by DNA typing of saliva samples from untrained Southern Chinese Han children aged 7–12 years. Considering that muscle studies in children cannot use invasive sampling, we analyzed the association between alleles and genotypes with high validity tests of muscle fitness assesment in children(handgrip strength, standing long jump, sit-ups and push-ups). Results: The results showed no significant differences in height, weight or body mass index between the sexes. The grip strength indicators were correlated with age in boys and height and weight in girls. Sit-ups were significantly higher in girls with the PPARGC1A Gly/Gly genotype than in boys, and handgrip strength and standing long jump were significantly lower in girls with the PPARGC1A rs8192678 (Gly482Ser) genotype than in boys. Genetic model analysis showed that the Gly482 allele had a dominant genetic effect on the Gly482 allele is hypothesized to influence the expression of type I fibers in skeletal muscle in girls, while the Ser482 allele affects on type II fibers in girls. The two alleles had little genetic effect on boys. Conclusions: The results suggested the possible association of the PPARGC1A rs8192678 (Gly482Ser) polymorphism on myofibril type-related phenotypes in Han Chinese children in southern China, with a particular impact on girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the modeling method and collaborative optimization of the dynamic responses for barrier-vehicle-occupant (BVO) system in engineering. The mechanical analytical model of BVO system is established to obtain not only the system dynamic responses but also the evaluation indexes of crashworthiness and compatibility. A collaborative optimization method that combines the BVO model and genetic algorithm is presented to obtain the optimal crash pulse of vehicle. An empirical case of an existing vehicle that has been in running in China is applied to verify this constructed model and solution method. Compared with the results of original alternative, the peak occupant acceleration and occupant load criterion (OLC) of barrier are reduced by 54.65% and 14.07%, respectively, and avoid the barrier bottoming out effectively. In addition, a sensitivity analysis is conducted and the results could be found that the heights about the middle part have a significant impact on occupant injury, OLC, and the middle backward part have a significant impact on the bottoming out of barrier, respectively. In summary, the concave shape crash pulse can improve crashworthiness and compatibility. This research reveals the principles of the BVO system and provides an effective tool to solve the optimization problem in conceptual design of vehicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of forest site quality at early stages of stand development is very essential for scientific afforestation and forest management. In order to enhance the accuracy of the existing models, a new site quality assessment model based on Genetic Algorithm-Radial Basis Function (GA-RBF) was proposed to predict site index (stand dominant height). Data used in this study came from 980 permanent sample plots for Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations in Fujian Province, China, which were randomly divided into the training dataset (786 plots) and the testing dataset (194 plots) with a ratio of 8:2. In this paper, the GA-RBF was compared with the radial basis function (RBF) and the traditional Quantitative Theory I (QT-I) method. The results indicated that the predicted accuracy was significantly increased by using the GA-RBF model. Furthermore, we used the existing site-specific site index table of Chinese fir to test the results of the GA-RBF and the agreement was 73.2%. Therefore, we recommend the GA-RBF for assessing site quality of afforestation land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How a developing China can meet the challenges of the post-Kyoto era in the process of rapid industrialization is a hot issue in current academic research. Facing the pressure of the international community to reduce emissions and the energy and resource constraints under the development trend of the heavy chemical industry, China can only turn the pressure into a driving force and seek a low-carbon development path. This paper proposes a prediction model for China's low-carbon economic development based on the combined model of genetic algorithm (GA) and long short-term memory neural network (LSTM). The data are encoded with one-hot, embedding is used to reduce the dimension, and the genetic algorithm is used to obtain the optimal hyperparameters of the LSTM model to improve the accuracy of the model. The results show that the model accuracy remains above 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the perspective of supply-side reform in China, it is hard for COSCO Shipping, a merged company with a strong shipping capacity, to abandon the container shipping market. Meanwhile, the new company could cooperate with new strategic ports along the Maritime Silk Road in liner service. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to optimize the liner shipping network (LSN) from strategic, tactical, and operational levels and help the merged shipping company adjust its operational measures according to market changes. The optimization towards different levels of decision-making process is a new research of highly practical values. Specifically, this paper created two-phase optimization models for LSN based on the selection of hub ports. In Network Assessment (NA) phase, the LSNs of two types of hub ports selected are designed and assessed on strategic and tactical levels, and the primary and secondary routes are identified; in Network Operation (NO) phase, the "path-based flow" formulations are proposed from the operational level, considering operational measures including demand rejection and flow integration. The models in both phases are mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), but are solved by different tools: CPLEX for the NA phase models and the Genetic Algorithm (GA) for the NO phase models due to the computational complexity of the latter problem. Then, a computational experiment is performed on the LSN of COSCO Shipping on the Persian Gulf trade lane. The results have proved the effectiveness of the methodology and inspired important countermeasures for the merged shipping company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 80% of diagnosed lung cancer patients. RAD52 has been reported to be associated with the development of squamous cell lung carcinoma. In this study, we assessed the relationships of RAD52 genetic polymorphisms and NSCLC risk among the Chinese population at high altitude. Methods: Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of RAD52 were genotyped in the Agena MassARRAY platform among 506 NSCLC patients and 510 healthy controls. We examined the association of RAD52 polymorphisms with NSCLC risk using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) via multiple genetic models. Results: The rs10774474 A allele was related to a decreased risk of NSCLC in a high altitude population of China (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.69–0.98, p = 0.032), whereas mutant alleles of rs1051672, rs7310449, rs1051669, rs6413436, rs4766377 and rs10849605 significantly increased NSCLC risk. Haplotype analysis showed that four haplotypes of RAD52 polymorphisms conferred an enhanced susceptibility to NSCLC (Ars1051672Grs7310449Trs1051669Ars6413436: OR = 1.29, p = 0.021; Grs1051672Ars7310449Crs1051669Grs6413436: OR = 1.21, p = 0.027; Grs4766377Crs12822733Trs10774474Crs10849605: OR = 1.26, p = 0.032; Ars4766377Crs12822733Ars10774474Trs10849605: OR = 1.21, p = 0.032). Conclusions: Our findings suggested the remarkable association of RAD52 polymorphisms with NSCLC risk among the Chinese population in a high altitude area. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronitic microstructures have been used to interpret the late-stage solidification history of igneous rocks and to constrain the corresponding chemical and/or physical changes. Coronas with three shells were also recognized in the Miaowan olivine norite, Yangtze Craton, South China. In our study, orthopyroxene intergrowth with vermicular magnetite in the inner shell is in optical continuity with magnetite-free orthopyroxene in the middle shell. In the outer shell of brown amphibole remaining magnetite-free orthopyroxene inclusions sporadically occur. Meanwhile Mg# values of orthopyroxene (76–80) in the inner and middle shells are basically consistent with olivine (78–81). In this paper, we propose a multi-stage genetic model for the formation of coronas in the Miaowan olivine norite. In the first stage, the magnetite-free orthopyroxene shell formed through reaction between primocrystal olivine with the residual Si-rich melt at 990–1 053 °C and 6.2–6.5 kbar. In the second stage, the orthopyroxene-magnetite symplectite shell formed when primocrystal olivine reacted with the late-stage residual Fe-rich melt promoted by high oxygen fugacity condition at 927–1 035 °C and 6.0–6.5 kbar. In the third stage, the brown amphibole shell formed as the presence of residual hydrous melt and replaced the middle shell at 821–900 °C and 5.5–6.0 kbar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the "high stock dividend" of A-share companies in China often leads to the short-term stock price increase, this phenomenon's prediction has been widely concerned by academia and industry. In this study, a new multi-layer stacking ensemble algorithm is proposed. Unlike the classic stacking ensemble algorithm that focused on the differentiation of base models, this paper used the equal weight comprehensive feature evaluation method to select features before predicting the base model and used a genetic algorithm to match the optimal feature subset for each base model. After the base model's output prediction, the LightGBM (LGB) model was added to the algorithm as a secondary information extraction layer. Finally, the algorithm inputs the extracted information into the Logistic Regression (LR) model to complete the prediction of the "high stock dividend" phenomenon. Using the A-share market data from 2010 to 2019 for simulation and evaluation, the proposed model improves the AUC (Area Under Curve) and F1 score by 0.173 and 0.303, respectively, compared to the baseline model. The prediction results shed light on event-driven investment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy consumption of the construction industry has been increasing year by year, posing a huge challenge to China's dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. The Chinese construction industry has huge potential for energy conservation and emission reduction, and the government has therefore put forward requirements for constructing green buildings and formulated strict evaluation standards. The carbon emissions of the construction industry involve various stages of the entire life cycle and are closely related to the green building design standards that meet the requirements. This article sets multiple objective functions based on the two dimensions of the carbon emissions of the entire life cycle of buildings and green building evaluation and uses the NSGA-II algorithm in genetic algorithms to optimize ten indicators selected from the two objectives. Based on this, building information modeling (BIM) modeling was carried out for an office building project in Southwest China, and energy consumption analysis and evaluation were conducted based on the project's multidisciplinary model. The dialectical relationship between the carbon emissions of the entire life cycle of buildings and the green building evaluation values was discovered, and the optimized parameter combination scheme corresponding to the Pareto solution set was obtained, providing a reference for using improved genetic algorithms and BIM technology to optimize green building design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to screen and validate noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), construct genetic risk prediction models, and evaluate higher-order gene-gene, gene-environment interactions for NIHL in Chinese population. Methods: First, 83 cases and 83 controls were recruited and 60 candidate SNPs were genotyped. Then SNPs with promising results were validated in another case-control study (153 cases and 252 controls). NIHL-associated SNPs were identified by logistic regression analysis, and a genetic risk model was constructed based on the genetic risk score (GRS), and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to evaluate interactions among gene-gene and gene-environment. Results: Six SNPs in five genes were significantly associated with NIHL risk (p < 0.05). A positive dose-response relationship was found between GRS values and NIHL risk. CART analysis indicated that strongest interaction was among subjects with age ≥ 45 years and cumulative noise exposure ≥ 95 [dB(A)·years], without personal protective equipment, and carried GJB2 rs3751385 (AA/AB) and FAS rs1468063 (AA/AB) (OR = 10.038, 95% CI = 2.770, 47.792), compared with the referent group. CDH23, FAS, GJB2, PTPRN2 and SIK3 may be NIHL susceptibility genes. Conclusion: GRS values may be utilized in the evaluation of the cumulative effect of genetic risk for NIHL based on NIHL-associated SNPs. Gene-gene, gene-environment interaction patterns play an important role in the incidence of NIHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between TCF7L2 and CAPN10 gene polymorphisms and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been explored in diverse populations across different geographical regions. Yet, most of these studies have been confined to a limited number of loci, resulting in inconsistent findings. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive review of published literature to identify studies examining the relationship between TCF7L2 and CAPN10 gene polymorphisms and the incidence of GDM in various populations. We specifically focused on five loci that were extensively reported in a large number of publications and performed a meta-analysis. Methods: We prioritized the selection of SNPs with well-documented correlations established in existing literature on GDM. We searched eight Chinese and English databases: Cochrane, Elton B. Stephens. Company (EBSCO), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and China Science and Technology Journal Database and retrieved all relevant articles published between the inception of the database and July 2022. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the selected articles, and the odds ratio (OR) was used as the combined effect size index to determine the association between genotypes, alleles, and GDM using different genetic models. Heterogeneity between the studies was quantified and the I2 value calculated. Due to large heterogeneities between different ethnic groups, subgroup analysis was used to explore the correlation between genetic polymorphisms and the incidence of GDM in the different populations. The stability of the results was assessed using sensitivity analysis. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to assess publication bias. Results: A total of 39 articles reporting data on 8,795 cases and 16,290 controls were included in the analysis. The frequency of the rs7901695 genotype was statistically significant between cases and controls in the European population (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.65–0.86) and the American population (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48–0.77). The frequencies of rs12255372, rs7901695, rs290487, and rs2975760 alleles were also considerably different between the cases and controls in the populations analyzed. Conclusions: rs7903146, rs12255372, rs7901695, rs290487, and rs2975760 were associated with the incidence of GDM in different populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral stroke (CS) is the leading cause of death in China, and a complex disease caused by both alterable risk factors and genetic factors. This study intended to investigate the association of MMP3, MMP14, and MMP25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with CS risk in a Chinese Han population. Methods: A total of 1,348 Han Chinese were recruited in this case-control study. Four candidate loci including rs520540 A/G and rs679620 T/C of MMP3, rs2236302 G/C of MMP14, and rs10431961 T/C of MMP25 were successfully screened. The correlation between the four SNPs and CS risk was assessed by logistic regression analysis. The results were analyzed by false-positive report probability (FPRP) for chance or significance. The interactions between four SNPs associated with CS risk were assessed by multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR). Results: rs520540 A/G and rs679620 C/T SNP in MMP3 were associated with risk of CS in allele, codominant, dominant and log-additive models. Ischemic stroke risk were significantly lower in carriers with rs520540-A allele and rs679620-T allele than those with G/G or C/C genotypes. However, rs520540-A allele and rs679620-T allele were associated with higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Stratified analysis showed that these two SNPs were associated with reduced risk of CS in aged < 55 years, non-smoking and non-drinking participants, and rs679620 SNP also reduced CS risk in male participants. The levels of uric acid, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and eosinophil were different among patients with different genotypes of rs520540 and rs679620. No statistically significant association was found between MMP14 rs2236302 G/C or MMP25 rs10431961 T/C with CS even after stratification by stroke subtypes, age, gender as well as smoking and drinking conditions in all the genetic models. Conclusion: MMP3 rs520540 A/G and rs679620 C/T polymorphisms were associated with CS risk in the Chinese Han population, which provides useful information for the prevention and diagnosis of CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) is involved in the regulation of immune responses mediated by T cells. This study aimed to explore the correlation between CTLA‐4 gene polymorphisms and the risk of gastric cancer (GC) in the Bai minority population of southwestern China. A total of 422 GC patients and 397 healthy controls (HC) were included in this case–control study. Four single nucleotide polymorphism sites of CTLA‐4 gene (rs231775, rs733618, rs16840252 and rs3087243) were selected and analysed. The results showed a significant difference in the rs733618 loci between GC and HC groups. The frequency of the rs733618 polymorphism 'TC' genotype was significantly lower in GC group compared to the HC group [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI):.47 (.35–.63), p <.001]. GC cases with dominant genetic model 'TC + CC' had a 47% reduced risk of GC [OR, 95%CI:.53 (.40–.71), p <.001]. Subgroup analyses revealed that the rs733618 'TC + CC' genotype was associated with a lower risk of GC in male patients [OR, 95%CI:.42 (.31–.58), p <.001], those aged ≤60 years old [OR, 95%CI:.27 (.18–.42), p <.001], non‐drinkers [OR, 95%CI:.21 (.13–.33), p <.001], non‐smokers [OR, 95%CI:.38 (.25–.57), p <.001] and individuals without Helicobacter pylori infection [OR, 95%CI:.16 (.10–.26), p <.001]. Further multivariated analyses indicated that individuals with the 'TC + CC' rs733618 genotype who were aged ≤60 years old [OR, 95%CI:.42 (.29–.83), p =.032] and had no H. pylori infection [OR, 95%CI:.35 (.28–.76), p =.018] were found to have a protective effect against GC. Additionally, soluble CTLA‐4 were significantly lower in GC patients with 'TC' and 'TC + CC' genotypes (all p <.05). Our findings suggest that the rs733618 polymorphism of CTLA‐4 gene may play a critical role in the prevention of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Longquanzhan deposit is one of the largest gold deposits in the Yi-Shu fault zone (central section of the Tan-Lu fault zone) in Shandong Province, China. It is an altered-rock type gold deposit in which ore bodies mainly occur at the contact zone between the overlying Cretaceous rocks and the underlying Neoarchean gneissic monzogranite. Shi et al. reported that this deposit formed at 96 ± 2 Ma using pyrite Rb–Sr dating method and represents a new gold mineralization event in the Shandong Province in 2014. In this paper, we present new He–Ar–S isotopic compositions to further decipher the sources of fluids responsible for the Longquanzhan gold mineralization. The results show that the δ34S values of pyrites vary between 0.9‰ and 4.4‰ with an average of 2.3‰. Inclusion-trapped fluids in ore sulfides have 3He/4He and 40Ar/36Ar ratios of 0.14–0.78 Ra and 482–1811, respectively. These isotopic data indicate that the ore fluids are derived from a magmatic source, which is dominated by crustal components with minor mantle contribution. Air-saturated water may be also involved in the hydrothermal system during the magmatic fluids ascending or at the shallow deposit site. We suggest that the crust-mantle mixing signature of the Longquanzhan gold deposit is genetically related to the Late Cretaceous lithospheric thinning along the Tan-Lu fault zone, which triggers constantly uplifting of the asthenosphere surface and persistent ascending of the isotherm plane to form the gold mineralization-related crustal level magma sources. This genetic model can be applied, to some extent, to explain the ore genesis of other deposits near or within the Tan-Lu fault belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplementary irrigation area in north China is an important agricultural production area, but water shortages have limited the agricultural production considerably. Irrigation is required to ensure crop yield during growth seasons with variable rainfall. Most irrigation schedules are based on typical meteorological years. However, it is very difficult to predict the meteorological information of irrigation year in advance, which limits the planning of irrigation schedules. Therefore, taking the central part of Shanxi Province (supplementary irrigation area) as an example, this study focuses on the optimal irrigation decision-making method of supplementary irrigation area. The irrigation schedule of summer maize from 1970 to 2020 was firstly optimized by using DSSAT model and genetic algorithm. On this basis, a decision-making method based on the ratio of cumulative rainfall to cumulative ETc between plantation date to the current date to determine the irrigation time is developed. The results indicated that using P/ETc (the ratio of cumulative rainfall to cumulative crop water requirement) as the criterion leads to superior decision-making. Two supplementary irrigation events can meet the growth demand of summer maize. Irrigation events decisions were made on days 44 and 58 after summer maize sowing, the accuracy of this method for two irrigation events decisions is 82.35 % and 86.27 %, respectively, and the average accuracy of the two irrigation event decisions was 84.31 %. At the same time, a support vector machine algorithm is used to make decisions about irrigation, comparing the decision accuracy with the results of the decision method proposed in this paper. The accuracy of the support vector machine decisions for the first and second irrigation events was 82.35 % and 80.40 %, respectively, and the average accuracy of the two irrigation event decisions was 81.40 %. The decision model was also superior to that involving support vector machine algorithms for the irrigation decision of summer maize can be used for irrigation decision-making in similar supplementary irrigation areas with variable rainfall. • Genetic algorithm and the DSSAT can effectively optimize the irrigation schedule. • Rainfall/ETc can be used as a criterion to determine the irrigation schedule. • The irrigation decision method is more effective than the SVM algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distinctive features of the Lower Devonian rocks of the Longmenshan area in southwestern China are brachiopod shell concentrations, especially in the Bailiuping, Ganxi and Xiejiawan Formations, where brachiopod shell concentrations occur widely throughout. Depending on the dominant skeletal elements, six types of shell concentrations can be distinguished: Protochonete , Acrospirifer , Howellella , Orientospirifer , polyspecific shell and polyspecific fragments concentrations. According to the shell features, taphonomic signature, host sediments and their relationships, four genetic models of the various shell concentrations are described in this paper. The genetic processes and distributions along an onshore–offshore area were clarified on the base of taphonomic analysis. Pavements of opportunistic species of Protochonetes are autochthonous assemblages living in quieter, deeper, more offshore waters near the maximum storm wave base. The pavements are the result of reduced sedimentation; the substrate was silty and water-saturated with variable turbidity soupy-mud. Transport by high-energy processes is interpreted as the final formation process of polyspecific fragments concentrations with most extensive scope from intertidal zone to the maximum storm wave base. The Acrospirifer , Howellella , and Orientospirifer concentrations have been stirred by storm wave action and quickly buried after short transport tempestite model. They are most easily preserved around the average storm wave-base. The polyspecific shell concentrations, which include large bivalves are autochthonous assemblages living in shallow and relatively quieter water near shore environments. Autochthonous assemblages of the opportunist Protochonetes bailiupingensis occurring in the Bailiuping Formation of the Longmenshan area not only record of storm events, but are also important features to identify and correlate the Bailiuping Formation in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization and exacerbated natural hazards, for example, floods, have been the big challenges for the sustainable development of many countries. Understanding the coupling coordination between urbanization and flood is important for promoting the sustainable development. However, there are few quantitative studies on the interaction between these two in China which is experiencing accelerated urbanization and climate change. In this paper, we developed an improved coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, applied Moran's I and projection pursuit model based on genetic algorithm to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution and spatial clustering effects of coupling coordination in urbanization–flood disasters system under the context of China's Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development. Our results showed an upward trend of the comprehensive level of urbanization subsystem and a decreasing first and rising later trend of flood disaster subsystem in China from 2001 to 2018. There was a U-shaped relationship between the two subsystems during the research period. From 2001 to 2018, provinces with the moderate and slight uncoordinated development decreased by 9.68% and 16.13%, respectively, while provinces with the barely coordinated development increased by 16.21%. Spatially, there was a remarkable spatial dependency on CCD. The CCD between two subsystems in Northwestern China was higher than that in Southeastern China. Due to the effects of geographic position, rainfall, human activities, and economic development, the low-low (L-L) clusters concentrated in Southeastern China, and the high-high (H–H) clusters appeared in Northwestern China. Our results show that the improved CCD model, along with Moran's I analysis, can provide theoretical basis for policy makers to formulate reasonable measures for promoting the coupling coordination between urbanization and flood disasters. • Spatiotemporal distribution and dynamic evolution of nexus between urbanization and flood disasters were investigated. • Improved CCD model, Moran's I and projection pursuit model based on genetic algorithm were developed. • There was a U-shaped relationship in comprehensive level between urbanization and flood disasters. • CCD between two subsystems in Northwestern China was higher than that in Southeastern China. • There was a remarkable spatial clustering effects in CCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steam channeling between wells of steam flooding in heavy oil reservoirs is an important factor impacting the development effect. Interwell connectivity is a key indicator for analyzing and predicting steam channeling. At present, only the correlation between injection and production is used to analyze the interwell connectivity, and the variation characteristics of liquid production and bottom hole temperature are not comprehensively considered to achieve the quantitative prediction of interwell connectivity in steam flooding. In this paper, based on the mass-conservation equation and energy-conservation equation, the analytical-calculation model of liquid production and bottom hole temperature of steam flooding in one injection well and one production well model is established. The 'interwell connectivity coefficients' are used as the splitting parameter of injected steam to each production well, and the analytical-calculation model of multiwell injection-production is extended. Taking the minimum mean square deviation of the error between the liquid production and bottom hole temperature as the objective function, the genetic algorithm is used to fit the liquid production and bottom hole temperature, and the 'interwell connectivity coefficients' of steam flooding are inverted. The innovation of this method lies in the establishment of analytical models of multiwell injection-production fluid production and bottom hole temperature and the establishment of a variable weight function in the objective function, which improves the accuracy of interwell connectivity inversion of steam flooding. Utilizing reservoir numerical simulation technology, the accuracy of the method is verified by synthetic models of homogeneous and high-permeability channels. The method is applied to the steam flooding reservoir of the Ng5 unit in Zhongerbei, Shengli Oilfield, China. The interwell connectivity of the two steam flooding well groups is inverted, and the results are consistent with the tracer analysis results. The findings of this study can help for better understanding of the geological conditions of the steam flooding reservoirs, and provide guidance for the selection of the next development plan. • The analytical model of bottom hole temperature of steam flooding is established. • The multi-well model is established using the 'interwell connectivity coefficient'. • A variable weight function is proposed to improve the accuracy of inversion results. • The genetic algorithm is used to invert the 'interwell connectivity coefficients'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous geothermal resources of medium to low temperature have been reported in southern China. Suichuan County is one of the regions where thermal manifestations are abundant. However, the study regarding the understanding of geothermal water sources, hydrochemical composition and fluid-rock interaction lacks behind. Therefore, this study has characterized the slightly acidic to slightly alkaline bicarbonate geothermal waters of medium-low temperature of the Suichuan area. Geothermal waters of the study area have been evaluated mainly as of HCO3-Ca-Na hydrochemical type with a maximum temperature of 80 °C. The results indicate the low hydrochemical concentration where HCO3− acts as a principal anion. Furthermore, the F− content in geothermal and two cold water samples have been found high with a maximum value of 13.4 (mg/L), showing high pH of 9.6 as well. Here, the compilation of deuterium and oxygen-18 isotopic data of geothermal waters showed a local precipitation origin with a recharge elevation ranging from 630–1000 m. The circulation depth and reservoir temperatures are estimated, explaining the deep thermal water behavior. Additionally, the estimation of saturation indices of various minerals shows the geothermal waters' corrosive or scaling behavior. Subsequently, the geothermal water points in the study area represent a fracture convection formation pattern. Finally, by integrating conventional hydrochemistry along with isotopic data, and considering the geological framework, a conceptual genetic model of the Suichuan thermal ground waters has been discussed. Hydrochemistry and isotopic features along with a conceptual circulation model have been provided by the foundation towards the sustainable management of hydrothermal resources in Suichuan. Proper management policies and practices are required for further development of Suichuan hydrothermal waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The visual aesthetics of villages are remarkably affected by the exterior quality of traditional residences, influencing the impression and assessment of local culture. A proper scientific assessment of exterior quality can protect traditional cultures and improve the development of villages. This research was conducted in a village consisting of 115 residences (Mengjinglai village, which is on the border between China and Myanmar). The backpropagation (BP) neural network model with genetic algorithm (GA) was applied to evaluate the quality of the dwellings. All the evaluation values of the dwellings were defined by scores. Meanwhile, the score of each residence was affected by three main factors: architectural spatial elements, architectural construction elements, and historical and cultural elements. The results show that the village's dwellings are well preserved and clearly express the traditional Dai style. Moreover, the GA–BP approach is more suitable than the traditional BP method for the assessment of the exterior quality. The quantitative machine learning model would be useful for other aspects of the assessment of similar villages in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The debris flow hazards endanger the life and property safety of the people, so the investigation about the risk level assessment of debris flow has great significance to prevent its occurrence. Due to the randomness of debris flow hazards, the projection pursuit classification (PPC) model with the acceleration genetic algorithm is introduced to assess the risk level of debris flow hazards in Zhouqu, China. At first, the index systems of debris flow hazards are established, and the principle of projection pursuit classification model is narrated. Then the risk assessments of 10 different gullies in Zhouqu are performed based on PPC model, the results demonstrate that the most risk levels of debris flow of 10 gullies in Zhouqu are high or higher risk, the results assessed by using the PPC model are basically consistent with the results of actual investigation, except that Anmenxia gully, its accurate rate arrives at 90%, so conclusions are drawn that it is feasible to estimate the risk level of debris flow by using the PPC model, a new method and thoughts can be provided to assess the risk level of debris flow in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many studies among different ethnic populations suggested that angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the results remained inconclusive. In the present meta-analysis, we aimed to clarify the effect of ACE polymorphisms on AD risk using all available relevant data. Methods: Systemic literature searches were performed using PubMed, Embase, Alzgene and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Relevant data were abstracted according to predefined criteria. Results: Totally, 82 independent cohorts from 65 studies were included, focusing on five candidate polymorphisms. For rs1799752 polymorphism, in overall analyses, the insertion (I) allele conferred increased risk to AD compared to the deletion (D) allele (I vs. D: OR = 1.091, 95% CI = 1.007–1.181, p = 0.032); while the I carriers showed increased AD susceptibility compared with the D homozygotes (II + ID vs. DD: OR = 1.131, 95% CI = 1.008–1.270, p = 0.036). However, none of the positive results passed FDR adjustment. In subgroup analysis restricted to late-onset individuals, the associations between rs1799752 polymorphism and AD risk were identified using allelic comparison (OR = 1.154, 95% CI = 1.028–1.295, p = 0.015, FDR = 0.020), homozygotes comparison, dominant model and recessive model (II vs. ID + DD: OR = 1.272, 95% CI = 1.120–1.444, p < 0.001, FDR < 0.001). Nevertheless, no significant association could be revealed after excluding studies not in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). In North Europeans, but not in East Asians, the I allele demonstrated increased AD susceptibility compared to the D allele (OR = 1.096, 95% CI = 1.021–1.178, p = 0.012, FDR = 0.039). After excluding HWE-deviated cohorts, significant associations were also revealed under homozygotes comparison, additive model (ID vs. DD: OR = 1.266, 95% CI = 1.045–1.534, p = 0.016, FDR = 0.024) and dominant model (II + ID vs. DD: OR = 1.197, 95% CI = 1.062–1.350, p = 0.003, FDR = 0.018) in North Europeans. With regard to rs1800764 polymorphism, significant associations were identified particularly in subgroup of European descent under allelic comparison (T vs. C: OR = 1.063, 95% CI = 1.008–1.120, p = 0.023, FDR = 0.046), additive model and dominant model (TT + TC vs. CC: OR = 1.116, 95% CI = 1.018–1.222, p = 0.019, FDR = 0.046). But after excluding studies not satisfying HWE, all these associations disappeared. No significant associations were detected for rs4343, rs4291 and rs4309 polymorphisms in any genetic model. Conclusions: Our results suggested the significant but modest associations between rs1799752 polymorphism and risk to AD in North Europeans. While rs4343, rs4291 and rs4309 polymorphisms are unlikely to be major factors in AD development in our research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a serious public universal health issue, metabolic syndrome (MetS) has a high prevalence worldwide. Some studies illustrated that GCKR modulated insulin action and serum lipids are critical diagnostic criteria of MetS. The goal of this study is to investigate the association between GCKR polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a Han population from northeast China. Methods: Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, rs1260326, rs8179206, rs780094, and rs2293571) were genotyped in 3,754 participants. MetS was defined according to International Diabetes Federation criteria (2009). Genotype and allele frequency distributions were compared between two groups by chi-squared test. The associations of the four SNPs under different genetic models with MetS were tested by multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, location, education, occupation alcohol consumption, and smoking. p-values of no more than 0.003125 [0.05/(4 SNPs*4 different genetic models)] after Bonferroni correction were considered statistically significant. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype analysis were evaluated by the Haploview software (version 4.2) and SNPStats program. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed that after Bonferroni correction, rs780094 was associated with MetS under the recessive model (p = 0.002). Weak LD was found for the four SNPs, and the CAGC haplotype appeared to be significantly decreased the risk of MetS (p = 0.026, OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79 - 0.98). Conclusions: GCKR rs780094 was associated with MetS in northeast Han population, and haplotype CAGC generated by rs1260326, rs8179206, rs780094, and rs2293571 may decrease the risk of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Presently, whether X-ray repair cross complementing group 3 (XRCC3) Thr241Met polymorphism is correlated to leukemia risk remains controversial. Because of this reason, the objective of current study is to explore whether XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism confers risk to leukemia. Methods: Two independent authors systematically and comprehensively searched Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane library, Google academic, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Search time is from database foundation to March 2021. Results: Overall, significant associations between leukemia risk and XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism were found in Caucasian population by allele contrast (T vs. C: OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02–1.40), homozygote comparison (TT vs. CC: OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.05–1.73), and recessive genetic model (TT vs. TC/CC: OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.04–1.64). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggests that the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism may be a risk factor for leukemia in Caucasian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gynecological Endocrinology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

During its global dispersal, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has encountered varied geographic environments and host populations. Although local adaptation seems to be a plausible model for describing long-term host-pathogen interactions, genetic evidence for this model is lacking. Here, we analyzed 576 wholegenome sequences of Mtb strains sampled from different regions of high-altitude Tibet. Our results show that, after sequential introduction of a few ancestral strains, the Tibetan Mtb population diversified locally while maintaining strict separation from the Mtb populations on the lower altitude plain regions of China. The current population structure and estimated past population dynamics suggest that the modern Beijing sublineage strains, which expanded over most of China and other global regions, did not show an expansion advantage in Tibet. The mutations in the Tibetan strains showed a higher proportion of A > G/T > C transitions than strains from the plain regions, and genes encoding DNA repair enzymes showed evidence of positive selection. Moreover, the long-term Tibetan exclusive selection for truncating mutations in the thiol-oxidoreductase encoding sseA gene suggests that Mtb was subjected to local selective pressures associated with oxidative stress. Collectively, the population genomics of Mtb strains in the relatively isolated population of Tibet provides genetic evidence that Mtb has adapted to local environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We propose the evaluation models of tobacco yield and CQ with three types of input parameters. • The optimization models based are proposed on evaluation models with yield and CQ objectives. • We solve optimization models by the improved GA to determine cultivation measures. • We develop the tobacco evaluation and cultivation decision support system which has application value. This paper focuses on the tobacco yield and Comprehensive Quality (CQ) and realize a Decision Support System (DSS) for tobacco cultivation measures. The system is designed to determine three major cultivation measures (planting density, nitrogen fertilizer and number of leaves) when giving an expected planting goal (yield or CQ), climate and soil data. The system mainly consists two evaluation models to evaluate yield and CQ and a decision-making strategy. The evaluation models are established based on Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) with three types of input parameters (climate, soil and cultivation measures) which reflect the relationship between input parameters and tobacco yield and CQ. In the decision-making strategy, optimization models with yield and CQ as the optimization objectives are established separately based on proposed evaluation models and an improved Genetic Algorithm (GA) is designed to solve the optimization models to determine cultivation measures. The system has been developed on browser/server architecture and applied in Guizhou Province, China. By comparing the results given by the DSS with the actual results, it shows that the presented DSS can evaluate tobacco yield and CQ through climate, soil and cultivation measures. Moreover, it can provide feasible cultivation measures in tobacco management to obtain satisfied yield and CQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Yaojialing deposit is the first large‐scale Zn–Au–Cu polymetallic skarn deposit located in the Shatanjiao ore field of the Tongling area in the Middle–Lower Yangtze belt. It has distinct metallogenic characteristics and is clearly different from the known skarn Cu–Au deposits in the Tongling area and the Middle–Lower Yangtze belt. Previous studies of the Yaojialing deposit have included rock geochemistry, alteration and mineralization characteristics, as well as metallogenesis and metallogenic models. However, there are still numerous problems concerning the coexistence of multiple elements, metallogenetic specialization of the magma and the metallogenic model. In this study, using the latest production exploration work on the deposit, we investigated the Yaojialing deposit including its geological characteristics, petrography, LA–ICP MS zircon U–Pb dating and whole rock geochemistry. Two kinds of magmatic rocks have been distinguished for the first time in the deposit, amongst which the granodiorite porphyry exposed on the surface of the mining area, which is the host rock of the veined lead–zinc ore body, is the wall‐rock intrusion; and the deep concealed quartz monzonite porphyry is the causative intrusion, the distribution of orebodies and wall‐rock alteration characteristics showing regular zoning around the quartz monzonite porphyry. The 206Pb/238U weighted average age of the granodiorite porphyry is 140.2 ± 1.0 Ma (MSWD = 0.85, n = 13) by LA–ICP MS zircon U–Pb dating, while the quartz monzonite porphyry is 138.9 ± 1.2 Ma (MSWD = 0.60, n = 16), which is consistent with petrographic evidence. The geochemical characteristics show that the quartz monzonite porphyry is a high‐K calc‐alkaline series peraluminous rock. The trace element characteristics show that the quartz monzonite porphyry is enriched in LILE such as K, Rb, Sr, Ba and LREE, yet depleted in HFSE such as Nb, Ta, P and Ti. The Yaojialing deposit shows the mineralization characteristics of proximal skarn and distal skarn, having the common characteristics of 'multi‐storey' and 'Trinity' metallogenic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a spectrum of disease comprising more than 30% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Although studies have identified several molecular subgroups, the heterogeneous genetic background of DLBCL remains ambiguous. In this study we aimed to develop a novel approach and to provide a distinctive classification system to unravel its molecular features.Method: A cohort of 342 patient samples diagnosed with DLBCL in our hospital were retrospectively enrolled in this study. A total of 46 genes were included in next-generation sequencing panel. Non-mutually exclusive genetic signatures for the factorization of complex genomic patterns were generated by random forest algorithm.Results: A total of four non-mutually exclusive signatures were generated, including those with MYC-translocation (MYC-trans) (n = 62), with BCL2-translocation (BCL2-trans) (n = 69), with BCL6-translocation (BCL6-trans) (n = 108), and those with MYD88 and/or CD79B mutations (MC) signatures (n = 115). Comparison analysis between our model and traditional mutually exclusive Schmitz's model demonstrated consistent classification pattern. And prognostic heterogeneity existed within EZB subgroup of de novo DLBCL patients. As for prognostic impact, MYC-trans signature was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor. Furthermore, tumors carrying three different signature markers exhibited significantly inferior prognoses compared with their counterparts with no genetic signature.Conclusion: Compared with traditional mutually exclusive molecular sub-classification, non-mutually exclusive genetic fingerprint model generated from our study provided novel insight into not only the complex genetic features, but also the prognostic heterogeneity of DLBCL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Axi gold deposit is one of the largest epithermal deposits in northwestern China and is characterized by multistage generations of pyrite associated with gold mineralization. Genetic models for superjacent epithermal Au and porphyry Cu systems involve either contemporaneous or episodic mineralization, implying different metal sources and ore-forming events. Nine pyrite separates from disseminated ores associated with pyrite-sericite-quartz alteration in the Axi deposit yield a Re–Os isochron age of 350 ± 10 Ma (MSWD = 5.1, initial 187Os/188Os (IOs) = 0.20 ± 0.11). This age likely reflects a mixed contribution of two subtypes of disseminated pyrite (Py1) based on zoned pyrite crystals. The isochron age of 353 ± 6 Ma (MSWD = 1.6, IOs = 0.107 ± 0.021, n = 6), excluding samples with pyrite cores, overlaps previous ages for andesite from the Dahalajunshan Formation (ca. 356 Ma), indicating that the early mineralization event occurred shortly after the formation of host rocks (ca. 353 Ma). Pyrite from disseminated ores shows little variation of sulfur isotopic compositions (+ 2.9 to + 4.0‰) and has high Cu, Co, Ni, and V contents, which favors a magmatic-hydrothermal origin. Pyrite grains from gray quartz veins yield a younger Re–Os isochron age of 332 ± 8 Ma (MSWD = 0.22, n = 4). Vein-hosted pyrite shows characteristics of a mantle-derived magma source (IOs: 0.171 ± 0.024; δ34S: − 0.10~+ 3.10‰), which result from the intrusion-driven convective hydrothermal circulation accompanying fluid exsolution and metal remobilization from basement and wallrocks. Our data demonstrate that the Axi gold deposit was formed during two temporally separated hydrothermal events. This model of ore formation may apply to other epithermal-porphyry deposits within the Axi–Tawuerbieke district: disseminated Au and porphyry-style Au ± Cu mineralization occurred shortly after magmatic activity (356–353 Ma) whereas epithermal-style Au mineralization occurred at ca. 332 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mafic dykes (dolerites) during the Early Paleozoic are widely spread in Langao-Ziyang, southern Qiling Block, and the investigation on these dykes are very important. Previous studies have mainly focused on the Silurian mafic dykes; however, research on the Earlier Paleozoic mafic dykes is relatively weak at present. Therefore, the overall understanding of the mantle source and genetic dynamic setting during the Early Paleozoic in this area is lacking. To study the accurate age and origin of the Early Paleozoic mafic dykes in Ziyang, southern Shaanxi Province, the mafic dykes from dabacunand Qinmingzhai were selected and the petrology, zircon U–Pb chronology, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes were studied. Analysis indicates that the mafic dykes studied are mainly composed of dolerite, and they are the products of the Early Ordovician (475.8–480.7 Ma). Furthermore, the dolerites belong to alkaline rock series, and they are characterized by enrichment in LREE, Rb, Ba, Sr, Nb, (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7020–0.7050, εNd(t) = 3.0–4.0), εHf (t) = 4.5–12.1,176Hf/177Hf = 0.282681–0.282844. This suggests that the mafic dyke were derived from the partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle, and the genetic process is mainly controlled by the mantle plume based on the discussion of the genetic model. Furthermore, the genetic process experienced the separation and crystallization of olivine and clinopyroxene at the same time, with little crustal contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignant tumours of the female genital tract, and it has become a serious malignant disease of the female genital tract in China. Existing researches have revealed the association between polymorphisms of IL‐1A and several gynaecological diseases. In this research, we analysed the association between IL‐1A gene polymorphisms and endometrial cancer susceptibility in Chinese female population. A total of 81 patients and 198 healthy people were selected. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. Genetic models and analyses showed that IL‐1A rs3783550 TT and rs3783546 CC increased the risk of endometrial cancer under the recessive model, respectively (rs3783550: OR = 2.80, 95%CI: 1.32–5.92, p =.008; rs3783546: OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.32–5.89, p =.008). In the recessive model, we also found that both IL‐1A rs1609682 and IL‐1A rs3783521 increased the risk of endometrial cancer, respectively (rs1609682: OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.32–5.89, p =.0081; rs3783521: OR = 2.80, 95%CI: 1.32–5.92, p =.008). Haplotype analysis was performed that did not reveal any significant results. In summary, IL‐1A rs3783550, rs3783546, rs1609682 and rs3783521 polymorphisms may be associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer in Chinese female populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate landslide displacement prediction has great practical significance for mitigating geohazards. Traditional deterministic forecasting methods can provide only a single point value and cannot give the degree of uncertainty associated with the forecast, thereby failing to provide information on predictive confidence. This study applied interval prediction for landslide displacement. Taking the Tanjiahe landslide of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area as an example and considering the impact of seasonal variations in reservoir level and rainfall, the uncertainties associated with landslide displacement prediction were quantified into prediction intervals (PIs) by a bootstrapped least-square support vector machine (LSSVM) method (B-LSSVM). The proposed method consists of three steps: First, the LSSVM and bootstrapping were combined to estimate the true regression means of landslide displacement and the variance with respect to model misspecification uncertainties. Second, a new LSSVM model optimized by a genetic algorithm (GA) was implemented to estimate the noise variance. Finally, the point prediction was derived from the regression means, and the PIs were constructed by combining the regression mean, the model variance, and the noise variance. We applied the proposed method to predict the displacement of four GPS monitoring points of the Tanjiahe landslide, and we comprehensively compared the prediction accuracy and the quality of the constructed PIs with benchmark methods. A simulation and performance comparison showed that the proposed method is a promising technique for providing accurate and reliable prediction results for landslide displacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leukoaraiosis (LA) is shown as white matter hyperintensities on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging brain scans. Together with candidate gene association studies (CGAS), multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to be associated with LA in European populations. To date, no replication studies have been reported in independent Chinese samples. Methods: Here, we performed a candidate gene association study comprising 220 Chinese subjects with LA and 50 controls. Thirty-nine polymorphisms on 32 risk genes were selected from previous studies, and they were genotyped through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Genetic association analysis was firstly performed in all subjects with LA. Then, the same analysis was conducted in the six random sampling cohorts of 50 LA patients, respectively. Data analyses on the associations of SNPs with LA risk were evaluated through Pearson's χ2 and multivariate logistic regression tests. Results: We found that eight polymorphisms in six genes (PMF1 , ICAM1 , TRIM65 , AGT , FBF1 , and ACOX1) were significantly associated with LA in the genetic association tests. Except for those eight gene variants, 24 other polymorphisms were not found to be significantly associated with LA in general genetic model, dominant model, recessive model, or multiplicative model. Among those eight polymorphisms, rs2984613 in PMF1 showed significant association with LA in the cohort of 220 LA subjects, and such significant association remained in both general genetic model (OR: 0.262, 95% CI: 0.091–0.752, p adj = 0.030) and recessive model (OR: 0.323, 95% CI: 0.119–0.881, p adj = 0.038) when controlling for clinical variables. Seven other significant variants (rs5498 in ICAM1 , rs699 in AGT , rs2305913 in FBF1 , rs1135640 in ACOX1 , and rs3760128, rs7214628, and rs7222757 in TRIM65) were identified in those six random sampling tests that were conducted in the adjusted cohorts of 50 LA patients. In addition, except for rs699 which showed detrimental effect and represented a risk variant for LA, seven other polymorphisms seemed to exert protective effects on LA and to reduce the risk of LA. It is necessary to confirm these associations in an independent cohort. Conclusions: This first replication study on multiple genes in an independent Chinese population did not replicate any risk polymorphisms for LA other than rs 699 in AGT but revealed the significantly negative associations of PMF1 , ICAM1 , TRIM65 , FBF1 , and ACOX1 polymorphisms with LA. It not only supported the strong ethnic differences in the genetics of LA but also indicated that those six identified genes may be involved in Chinese white matter lesions. Larger scales of CGAS and GWAS are necessary to confirm and decipher those ethnic-Han specific risk genes for LA in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mallotus oblongifolius, an evergreen shrub endemic to Hainan Island, China, is important both medicinally and economically. Due to its special medicinal significance and the continuing rise of market demand, its populations in the wild have been subject to long-term illegal and unrestrained collection. Hence, an evaluation of genetic variability is essential for the conservation and genetic reserve development of this species. Methods Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were employed to assess the genetic diversity and genetic structure of 20 natural populations of M. oblongifolius growing in different eco-geographical regions of Hainan Island, China. Results We revealed a considerable genetic diversity (h = 0.336, I = 0.5057, SRAP markers; h = 0.3068, I = 0.4657, ISSR markers) and weak genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.2764 for SRAP, Gst = 0.2709 for ISSR) with the same gene flow (Nm = 1.3092 for SRAP, Nm = 1.346 for ISSR) among the M. oblongifolius populations. The Mantel Test showed that the distribution of genetic variation among populations could not be explained by the pronounced geographical distances (r = 0.01255, p = 0.5538). All results of the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), Neighbor-joining (NJ), Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) and Bayesian analyses supported a habitat-specific genetic clustering model for M. oblongifolius, indicating a local adaptive divergence for the studied populations. Discussion We suggested that the habitat fragmentation and specificity for M. oblongifolius populations weakened the natural gene flow and promoted an adaptation to special habitats, which was the main reason for local adaptive divergence among M. oblongifolius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated that some single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs are related to the risk of ischemic stroke (IS), but the conclusions are still controversial and inconclusive. We performed this meta-analysis to further assess the association between miR-146a C>G (rs2910164), miR-149 T>C (rs2292832), miR-196a2 T>C (rs11614913), miR-499 A>G (rs3746444) and risk of IS in Chinese individuals. Methods: Relevant studies were identified in the databases of PubMed, Embase. The strength of correlation between microRNAs polymorphisms and IS risk was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) under five genetic models. Results: 5 studies, containing 2,632 cases and 3,191 controls, were included in this meta-analysis. The overall results of meta-analysis indicated that there were no significant association between miR-146a C>G (rs2910164), miR-149 T>C (rs2292832), miR-196a2 T>C (rs11614913), and the IS risk in the overall analyses. MiR-499 A>G (rs3746444) was associated with an increased IS risk under allele model (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.02-1.66), heterozygous model (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.01-1.79) and dominant model (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.02-1.80) in Chinese. The sensitivity analysis results of these four polymorphisms were similar to the overall results. Conclusion: MiR-499 A>G (rs3746444) G allele and AG, AG + AA genotype might be risk factors of IS in Chinese. No significant association was observed between miR-146a C>G (rs2910164), miR-149 T>C (rs2292832), miR-196a2 T>C (rs11614913), and IS risk. The associations may be different due to geographical factors of China. More explorations in more diverse geographically regions with large sample size are expected to further verify the findings in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shimensi deposit (Northern Jiangxi, South China) is a recently discovered super-large tungsten deposit. Muscovite 40Ar/39Ar dating yielded a plateau age of 145.7 ± 0.9 Ma, with normal and inverse isochronal ages being 145.4 ± 1.4 Ma and 145.3 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively. The muscovite 40Ar/39Ar age, which can represent the mineralization age, coincides well with the published zircon U-Pb ages (143-148 Ma) of the ore-hosting granites, which indicates that the tungsten mineralization was syn-magmatic. The new age reported here confirms that the Shimensi tungsten deposit is part of a large Early Cretaceous (147-136 Ma) tungsten-polymetallic belt in South China. Measured and calculated sulfur isotopic compositions (δ34Sminerals = -3.0% to 1.1%, average -1.3%; minerals34SH2S = -4.5h to +1.2h, average -1.8h) of the Shimensi ore-forming fluids indicate that the sulfur was mainly magmatic-derived. The calculated and measured oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions (218OH2O = 4.1h to 6.7%, δD = -62.7% to -68%) of the ore-forming fluids indicate a dominantly magmatic source with a meteoric water input. Oxygen isotopic modelling of the boiling/mixing processes indicates that the Shimensi tungsten mineralization was caused mainly by fluid mixing of magmatic hydrothermal fluid with meteoric water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]