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Although several studies have highlighted a significant association between parent-adolescent attachment and well-being in normal adolescents, studies exploring this relationship among hearing-impaired adolescents are scarce. The current study examined the association of parent-adolescent attachment with well-being and the underlying mechanism of this relationship among Chinese hearing-impaired students. A total of 512 hearing-impaired students from eight special education centers and schools (female: n = 223; mean age = 17.28 years) were recruited for this study and completed self-report measures of parent-adolescent attachment, resilience, emotional and behavioral problems, and well-being. The results found that for Chinese hearing-impaired students: (1) There was a significant positive correlation between parent-adolescent attachment and well-being. (2) Even after controlling for the effect of gender, parent-adolescent attachment was a significant predictor of well-being. (3) Resilience mediated the relationship between parent-adolescent attachment and well-being. Furthermore, emotional and behavioral problems moderated this relationship. These findings had broad implications in the field of well-being in hearing-impaired adolescents. It suggested that developing secure parent-adolescent attachment, improving resilience, and reducing emotional and behavioral problems could help improve the hearing-impaired students' well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgery for treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH); however, the comparative clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) and percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) in treating L5–S1 LDH remains unclear. This study compared the clinical advantages of PEID and PETD for treating L5–S1 LDH. Methods: This was a single-centre retrospective study analysing clinical data from 120 patients with L5–S1 LDH between February 2016 and May 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for imbalanced confounding variables between the two groups. Perioperative data were recorded, and clinical outcomes, including functional scores and imaging data, were compared between groups. Functional scores included visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and modified MacNab criteria. Imaging data included disc height index (DHI), ratio of greyscale (RVG), and range of motion (ROM) of the responsible segment. Results: After PSM, 78 patients were included in the study, and all covariates were well balanced between the two groups. In the matched patients, the PEID group showed significantly shorter surgical time (65.41 ± 5.05 vs. 84.08 ± 5.12 min) and lower frequency of fluoroscopy (2.93 ± 0.63 vs. 11.56 ± 1.54) compared with the PETD group (P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, total incision length, and incidence of complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). After surgery, both groups showed significant improvement in back and leg pain based on VAS and ODI scores (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in clinical functional scores and imaging data between the two groups at various time points after surgery (P > 0.05). According to the modified MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rates in the PEID group and PETD group were 91.89% and 89.19%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion: PEID and PETD have similar clinical efficacy in treating L5–S1 disc herniation. However, PEID is superior to PETD in reducing operation time and frequency of fluoroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban forests by the riverside are important habitats for various animals and contribute various soundscapes for citizens. Unfortunately, urban forests are exposed to the influence of riverside traffic noises from freeways. This study aims to explore the spatial and temporal variation of soundscape, conduct soundscape optimization for multiple parameters, and find a balance and its interval of soundscape elements through optimizing a soundscape map. Questionnaires and measuring equipment were used to gather soundscape information in an urban forested area in Fuzhou, China. Diurnal variations and soundscape mapping were used to analyze spatial and psychophysical relationships between soundscape drivers. We then conducted optimization for a soundscape map, which included normalization, critical value determination, target interval of optimal SPL determination, and modification of SPL and mapping. Our findings suggest that biological activities and natural phenomena are potential drivers for diurnal variation of soundscapes, especially tidal phenomena contributing water and shipping soundscapes. Our results also suggest that all the high values of perceived soundscapes were found at the southwest corner of the study area, which includes both riverside and urban forest elements. Furthermore, we suggest combining both optimal soundscape and SPL correction maps to aid in sustainable design in urban forests. This can contribute to the understanding and methodology of soundscape map optimization in urban forests when proposing suitable design plans and conservation of territorial sound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing vocational education is a necessity for the economic and social development of high-poverty areas in China. But vocational education in impoverished areas lacks social recognition and faces funding shortages, along with difficulties in recruiting students. Vocational high schools themselves also have shortcomings. This article considers certain problems facing secondary vocational education in high-poverty areas.

Herein, we investigated the characteristics and mechanisms of interannual variability of extreme summer precipitation in northwest China (NWC). The four high-resolution precipitation predicting products under assessment indicated that both the accumulation of summer daily precipitation ≥95th percentile, and the summer maxima of daily precipitation generally decreased in a southeast—northwest direction, while relatively high values were observed in the Tienshan and Qilian Mountain areas. In turn, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite dataset underestimated extreme precipitation in mountainous areas, while Asian precipitation highly—resolved observational data integration towards evaluation (APHRODITE) and Climate Prediction Center (CPC) captured the characteristics of extreme precipitation in NWC. AMIP-type simulations of the interannual variability of extreme summer precipitation in NWC were quite unsuccessful. However, all of them can capture the increasing trends. Therefore, we further found that the interannual increase in extreme precipitation in NWC is strongly correlated with the weakened South Asian high, strengthened Western Pacific Subtropical high, the enhanced westerly jet, and the mid- to high-latitude Rossby wave trains, whose formation and sustenance can be traced back to sea surface temperature-anomalies in the western Pacific in May, June, and July. An increased sea surface temperature promotes convection and induces diabatic heating, which stimulates anticyclonic anomalies that disturb the enhanced westerly jet, resulting in a barotropic Rossby wave train via the Gill-type response. Additionally, it guides more water vapor convergence to NWC and enhances upward motion via anticyclonic anomalies over western Europe and Eastern Asia, and cyclonic anomalies over Central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soundscapes are important resources and contribute to high-quality visiting experiences in scenic areas. Based on a public investigation of 195 interviewees in the Kulangsu scenic area, this study aimed to explore the relationships between the harmonious degree of sound sources (SHD) and visiting experience indicators, in terms of soundscape perception, as well as the satisfaction degree of visual landscape and comprehensive impression. The results suggested that the dominating positions of human sounds did not totally suppress the perception of natural sounds such as birdsong and sea waves in the scenic area. Natural sound sources also showed a higher harmonious degree than other artificial sounds. Significant relationships existed between the SHD of most sound sources and the visiting experience indicators. Natural sounds were closely related to pleasant and comfortable soundscape perception, while mechanical sound sources were mainly related to eventful and varied soundscapes. The close relationships between certain sound sources and the satisfaction degree of the visual landscape and comprehensive impression evaluation indicated the effectiveness of audio-visual and even multi-sensory approaches to enhance visiting experience. The structural equation model further revealed that (1) natural sound was the most influential sound source of soundscape and visual landscape perception; (2) human sounds and mechanical sounds all showed significant positive effects on soundscape perception; and (3) indirect relationships could exist in the SHD of sound sources with comprehensive impression evaluation. The results can facilitate targeted soundscape and landscape management and landsense creation with the aim of improving visiting experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a standardized client satisfaction scale for social work programs in China. Method: We generated items through a thorough literature review, confirmed by experts, and indigenized and revised by scholars, practitioners, and clients. The sample was from 15 government-sponsored social work programs' clients in Jiangsu Province, China. We conducted exploratory factor analyses to test reliability (N = 299) and confirmatory factor analyses to examine validity (N = 699). Predictive validity was also tested. Results: The client satisfaction scale, consisting of 4 dimensions with 15 items, demonstrates good internal consistency, satisfactory factorial validity, and positive correlation with clients' service participation frequency. Discussion: The 4-dimension client satisfaction scale is a reliable and valid instrument. It taps into client perceptions and feedback based on their service experiences. This study offers a feasible way to promote the standardization of social work programs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and advanced DR in Chinese adults with diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 4831 diabetic patients from 24 hospitals from April 2018 to July 2020. Non-mydriatic fundus of patients were interpreted by an artificial intelligence (AI) system. Fundus photos that were unsuitable for AI interpretation were interpreted by two ophthalmologists trained by one expert ophthalmologist at Beijing Tongren Hospital. Medical history, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, and laboratory examinations were recorded. Results: A total of 4831 DM patients were included in this study. The prevalence of DR and advanced DR in the diabetic population was 31.8% and 6.6%, respectively. In multiple logistic regression analysis, male (odds ratio [OR], 1.39), duration of diabetes (OR, 1.05), HbA1c (OR, 1.11), farmer (OR, 1.39), insulin treatment (OR, 1.61), region (northern, OR, 1.78; rural, OR, 6.96), and presence of other diabetic complications (OR: 2.03) were associated with increased odds of DR. The factors associated with increased odds of advanced DR included poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7.0%) (OR, 2.58), insulin treatment (OR, 1.73), longer duration of diabetes (OR, 3.66), rural region (OR, 4.84), and presence of other diabetic complications (OR, 2.36), but overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) (OR, 0.61) was associated with reduced odds of advanced DR. Conclusion: This study shows that the prevalence of DR is very high in Chinese adults with DM, highlighting the necessity of early diabetic retinal screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kulangsu is a famous scenic area in China and a World Heritage Site. It is important to obtain knowledge with regard to the status of soundscape and landscape resources and their interrelationships in Kulangsu before it became a World Heritage. The objective of this study was to explore the spatial dependency of the soundscapes in Kulangsu, based on the spatiotemporal dynamics of soundscape and landscape perceptions, including perceived sound sources, soundscape quality, and landscape satisfaction degree, and the spatial landscape characteristics, including the distance to green spaces, normalized difference vegetation index, and landscape spatial patterns. The results showed that perception of soundscape and landscape were observed in significant spatiotemporal dynamics, and the dominance of biological sounds in all sampling periods and human sounds in the evening indicated that Kulangsu scenic area had a good natural environment and a developed night-time economy, respectively. The green spaces and commercial lands may contribute to both the soundscape pleasantness and eventfulness. Moreover, the soundscape quality was dependent on the sound dominant degree and landscape satisfaction degree but not on the landscape characteristics. The GWR model had better goodness of fit than the OLS model, and possible non-linear relationships were found between the soundscape pleasantness and the variables of perceived sound sources and landscape satisfaction degree. The GWR models with spatial stationarity were found to be more effective in understanding the spatial dependence of soundscapes. In particular, the data applied should ideally include a complete temporal dimension to obtain a relatively high fitting accuracy of the model. These findings can provide useful data support and references for future planning and design practices, and management strategies for the soundscape resources in scenic areas and World Heritage Sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil productivity is a primary determinant of vegetation restoration and land resources utilization in debris flow deposits. However, little is known on the soil productivity change process of debris flow deposits behind check dams during rehabilitation. To investigate the change process of soil productivity at debris flow deposits behind check dams, soil physicochemical properties were measured in different time of rehabilitation (0, 2, 4, 5, 16, 23, 28, 33, 39, 45 years) in Hunshui gully (HSG). Modified Productivity Index (MPI) model was used to evaluate soil productivity. The results showed that soil organic matter (OM), total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available potassium and clay increased with rehabilitation time, while total potassium, pH and bulk density decreased. OM and MPI exponentially increased with the increase of rehabilitation time from 0.1% to 1.7% and 0.0006 to 0.1423, respectively. The rehabilitation time of 23 years was most likely a threshold time for the restoration of soil productivity at debris flow deposits. The trend of MPI indicated that soil productivity increased slowly in the early stage of ecosystem restoration, followed by a rapid with the increase of vegetation and OM. Our results can provide scientific bases for the effective utilization and restoration of debris flow deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check dams represent one of the most important engineering solutions for debris flow prevention and control in mountainous terrains. However, the dynamics of siltation processes behind cascade check dams and siltation effects on check dam efficiency remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the long-term silting processes and their effect on the development and propagation of debris flows at the cascade check dam in Hunshui Gully (HSG) in southwestern China. Multi-source topographic data from different time periods were combined with information on the frequency of debris flows over a 53-year period to determine silting processes behind check dams. Our results showed that (1) the siltation area behind check dams increased over 10 times from 1978 to 2019, reaching 26.28 ± 0.02 ha; (2) the slope of the channels first decreased and then increased, the slopes of the branch channels and the main channel exhibited a stepwise difference, and headward siltation at anaphase was present; (3) the cascade check dam group in HSG intercepted and stabilized a total of 40 ± 0.96 Mm3 of sediment in 45 years, which was 4 times more than the amount that was transported. We concluded that the cascade check dam group in HSG ensured effective debris flow control, and that the siltation behind check dams had significant functions in debris flow control and prevention. Moreover, the cascade check dam group possessed the functions of storage, energy dissipation, channel consolidation, and slope stabilization at different silting periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Natural forests in the Hengduan Mountains Region (HDMR) have pivotal ecological functions and provide diverse ecosystem services. Capturing long-term forest disturbance and drivers at a regional scale is crucial for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. Methods: We used 30-m resolution Landsat time series images and the LandTrendr algorithm on the Google Earth Engine cloud platform to map forest disturbances at an annual time scale between 1990 and 2020 and attributed causal agents of forest disturbance, including fire, logging, road construction and insects, using disturbance properties and spectral and topographic variables in the random forest model. Results: The conventional and area-adjusted overall accuracies (OAs) of the forest disturbance map were 92.3% and 97.70% ± 0.06%, respectively, and the OA of mapping disturbance agents was 85.80%. The estimated disturbed forest area totalled 3313.13 km2 (approximately 2.31% of the total forest area in 1990) from 1990 to 2020, with considerable interannual fluctuations and significant regional differences. The predominant disturbance agent was fire, which comprised approximately 83.33% of the forest area disturbance, followed by logging (12.2%), insects (2.4%) and road construction (2.0%). Massive forest disturbances occurred mainly before 2000, and the post-2000 annual disturbance area significantly dropped by 55% compared with the pre-2000 value. Conclusions: This study provided spatially explicit and retrospective information on annual forest disturbance and associated agents in the HDMR. The findings suggest that China's logging bans in natural forests combined with other forest sustainability programmes have effectively curbed forest disturbances in the HDMR, which has implications for enhancing future forest management and biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determine the main factors affecting carbon emissions of the Chinese steel industry is indispensable commitments to achieve the sustainable development of China. Hereby, based on the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIPRAT) model, this paper combines the economic growth function, carbon emission production function, and the FDI function of the Chinese steel industry, and uses the three-stage least square equation model (3SLS) to analyze the relationship between China's economic growth, carbon emissions in the steel industry, and FDI (foreign direct investment) inflows. The results document a complete two-way causal relationship of three variables in the whole country and the Western region, while the relationship in the Eastern region and the Central region is not complete. Moreover, there are no bidirectional causal relationship between carbon emissions and FDI in the Eastern region, while only bidirectional causality between carbon emissions and FDI in the Central region. These findings are of great significance for the Chinese steel industry to formulate effective emission reduction policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) is a group of malignant tumors that originate in the digestive system and occurs with a high incidence in China. Few consistent and comparable assessments of BTC disease burden have been conducted at national or subnational levels, and little is known about the demographic, temporal, and geographic patterns of epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of BTC in China. The incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature death and years lived with disability (YLDs) of BTC were comprehensively examined by age, sex, and calendar year in the Chinese population, using the methodological framework and analytical strategies used for the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study. All-age incidence increased from 17,077 to 51,720 between 1990 and 2021, and the age-standardized incidence rate rose by 13.62%; all-age deaths increased from 17,251 to 37,833, but the age-standardized mortality rate fell by nearly one-fifth. The DALYs rose by 89.57% while the age-standardized DALY rate fell by 23.24%. Variations of the tendencies in BTC burden were found between sexes and age groups. Data for each provincial region indicate that coastal eastern provincial regions have higher incidence and YLD levels, whereas northern provincial regions have higher mortality, DALY, and YLL levels. The proportions of DALYs attributable to high body mass index (BMI) illustrate the growing attribution obesity has made, and high BMI usually puts more burden on northern provincial regions. These results provide evidence to support precise, targeted, and customed public health strategies aimed at enhancing biliary tract health among the Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) seriously affects the people's life and health in China. This study aimed to investigate the effect of circRNA circ-ITCH on improving DN by regulating the miR-33a-5p/SIRT6 axis and the possible mechanism of action. High glucose (HG)-induced rat mesangial cells (RMCs) were used to simulate the DN in vitro. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis were conducted to detect the gene or protein expression. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and wound healing assays were performed to estimate the cell viability and migration capability. Immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the α-Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) expression and levels of inflammatory factors. The potential associations between circ-ITCH and miR-33a-5p, miR-33a-5p and SIRT6 in RMCs were measured via dual-luciferase reporter assay. Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce the diabetic mice. Blood glucose and serum insulin of mice were determined by corresponding kits, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were applied to observe the degree of pathological injury and fibrosis of renal tissues. The results of the present study revealed that circ-ITCH expression was obviously decreased in HG-induced RMCs. In addition, circ-ITCH overexpression inhibited the viability, migration, fibrosis and inflammatory response of HG-induced RMCs. Further experiments confirmed that miR-33a-5p may be a direct target of circ-ITCH and SIRT6 may be a direct target of miR-33a-5p. Notably, the miR-33a-5p mimic or shRNA-SIRT6 were discovered to reverse the inhibitory effects of circ-ITCH on the proliferation, migration, fibrosis and inflammatory response of HG-induced RMCs. Furthermore, circ-ITCH overexpression ameliorated renal inflammation and fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic mice. In conclusion, circ-ITCH alleviated renal inflammation and fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic mice by regulating the miR-33a-5p/SIRT6 axis.Author names: Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 1 Given name: [ChunYang] Last name [Xu]. Author 2 Given name: [DingBo] Last name [Xu]. Author 3 Given name: [YongHua] Last name [Liu]. Author 4 Given name: [Juanjuan] Last name [Jiang]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.ok [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among patients in China, and cardiac computed tomography (CT) is one of the most commonly used examination methods for CVD. Coronary artery CT angiography can be used for the morphologic evaluation of the coronary artery. At present, cardiac CT functional imaging has become an important direction of development of CT. At present, common CT functional imaging technologies include transluminal attenuation gradient, stress dynamic CT myocardial perfusion imaging, and CT-fractional flow reserve. These three imaging modes are introduced and analyzed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change material (PCM) coupled with night ventilation (NV) is regarded as a promising cooling strategy. The suitability of PCM coupled with NV in transition and hot seasons of 10 cities in Western China was investigated based on a non-air-conditioned office building. The optimum phase change temperature (PCT) and the cooling potential of PCM coupled with NV in transition and hot seasons were determined by numerical investigations using EnergyPlus. The results showed that the optimum PCT for the 10 selected cities varied from 23 °C to 29 °C. PCM coupled with NV was suitable for application in all of the selected cities, but the PCM strategy was the best choice for the transition season in cities in severe cold zone. Applying PCM coupled with NV strategy could reduce the discomfort hours in the transition season by at least 16% compared with NV alone. In addition, the favorable outdoor air dry-bulb temperature (T out) for the application of PCM coupled with NV was obtained for the selected cities in Western China, which had the following characteristics: (1) the diurnal temperature difference (Δ T) exceeded 6.8 °C, (2) the average value (T ave) was close to 27 °C, (3) the minimum value (T min) was 2.7 °C lower than the optimum PCT and the maximum value (T max) was 1.7 °C higher than the optimum PCT. • Climatic and seasonal factors considered on PCEs coupled with NV. • Optimal phase change temperature obtained by considering seasonal suitability. • Quantitative advantages of PCEs coupled with NV compared with only NV or PCEs. • Climatic characteristics obtained using a performance-based inverse design method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural watersheds are a crucial contributor of terrestrial dissolved organic matter (DOM) for the adjacent aquatic environment. Recently, ecological engineering of the buffer zone such as a rice-paddy field was established to reduce the export of nutrients and contaminants from a small agricultural watershed. However, the potential of the rice-paddy field to reduce the terrestrial signature of DOM is unclear. Therefore, two small agricultural sub-catchments (i.e., sub-1 and sub-2) with different land uses and hill slope angles in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) area of China were studied from 2014 to 2015. The results showed that the terrestrial DOM signals are indicated by optical indices (SUVA254, SR, fluorescence index) in the steeper and more forest covered, but rice-paddy field buffered sub-catchment (i.e., sub-2) decreased significantly, as compared to the reference sub-catchment (i.e., sub-1). Regardless of seasonal variations, the rice-paddy field retained a buffering role to reduce the terrestrial property of DOM and the highest capacity was observed during the rice-growth period. However, during storm events, the differences of DOM properties for two sub-catchments were not significant, because the buffer system was weakened. Finally, environmental implications of the role of such a buffer zone in the TGR areas are discussed. These results demonstrate that rice-paddy fields are successful in mitigating the terrestrial property of exported DOM, but the weaker performance during storm events still needs to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water level fluctuation zone (WLFZ) of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in China is a unique geomorphological unit that undergoes annual flooding and drying alternation cycle. The alternating redox conditions within the WLFZ are expected to result in dynamic cycling of reduced sulfur species, which could affect mercury (Hg) methylation due to the high affinity of reduced sulfur species to both inorganic divalent mercury (Hg(II) i ) and methylmercury (MeHg). Variations of inorganic sulfur species (measured as acid volatile sulfide, chromium reductive sulfur, elemental sulfur, and water-soluble sulfate), total mercury (THg) and MeHg were studied at two typical WLFZ sites in the TGR from July 2015 to June 2016. Whereas the water-soluble sulfate contents stayed essentially constant, the reduced inorganic sulfur contents varied greatly as the water level changed. Compared with the control soils, the MeHg contents in the WLFZ soils increased, suggesting that water level fluctuations accelerated the methylation process of Hg(II) i . In situ Hg(II) i -methylation also appeared to occur in the sub-layer of the drained sediment during the draw-down season. The significant correlation between MeHg and elemental sulfur (S(0)) further suggests that polysulfides may have played a role in Hg(II) i -methylation by increasing the bioavailable Hg(II) i content in the WLFZ of the TGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice paddies provide optimum conditions for Hg methylation, and paddy soil is a hot spot for Hg methylation and the predominant source of methylmercury (MeHg) accumulated in rice grains. The role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in controlling Hg bioavailability and methylation in rice paddy systems remains unclear. Paddy soils from eight various cultivation sites in China were chosen to investigate the variations in soil DOM and the influence of DOM concentration and optical characteristics on Hg methylation in rice paddy systems. In the present study, 151 rhizosphere soil samples were collected, and UV–Vis absorption and fluorescent spectroscopy were used to identify the optical properties of DOM. The relationship between MeHg and DOM's optical property indices revealed the production of MeHg consumes lower molecular weight DOM. Moreover, the correlation between DOM concentration and its optical characteristics highlighted the significant role of humic components on MeHg variability in paddy soil. Variation and correlation results demonstrated the allochthonous origin of DOM in the Hg-contaminated soil, with a higher molecular weight and humic character of DOM, as well as the dominant role of autochthonous DOM in promoting Hg methylation in uncontaminated soil. The current study indicated that soil organic matter and its dissolved fractions tend to limit Hg bioavailability and subsequently diminish MeHg production in contaminated paddy soils. Furthermore, the leading roles of allochthonous DOM in protecting MeHg from degradation and autochthonous DOM signatures in enhancing MeHg production in paddy soils. Overall, these findings provide insight into the correlative distributions of DOM and Hg along a Hg concentration gradient in paddy soil, thereby highlighting their potential role in controlling Hg bioavailability and regulating Hg methylation in the soil ecosystems. [Display omitted] • Soil DOM characteristics play an important role in Hg methylation in paddy soils. • Paddy soil contains DOM from both autochthonous and allochthonous origins. • More autochthonous contribution to Hg methylation in uncontaminated paddy soil. • DOM with higher molecular weight reduced MeHg production in Hg-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between enteritis, a common digestive disease, and exposure to ambient air pollutants has not been examined in a comprehensive manner. The aim of this study was to determine whether an association between short-term air pollution exposure and outpatient visits for enteritis in Xi’an, China, occurred using a time-series investigation. Daily baseline data from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015, were obtained. The overdispersed Poisson generalized additive model was used to analyze the association between air pollutant levels and frequency of enteritis. A total of 12,815 outpatient hospital visits for enteritis were identified. A 10-µg/m3increase in average concentrations of particulate matter (PM)10, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), and a 0.1-mg/m3rise of carbon monoxide (CO) were associated with a significantly elevated number of outpatient visits for enteritis on concurrent days, while ozone (O3) did not markedly affect the frequency of enteritis clinical visits. There were no significant positive effects between two-pollutant and single-pollutant models. Lag models showed that the most prominent responses occurred on concurrent days. Confounding factors of gender and age played a significant role in the observations. Taken together, data indicate that air pollution may result in enhanced occurrence of enteritis attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The data concerning the association between environmental pollution and epilepsy attacks are limited. The aim of this study was to explore the association between acute air pollution exposure and epilepsy attack. Methods: A hospital record-based study was carried out in Xi’an, a heavily-polluted metropolis in China. Daily baseline data were obtained. Time-series Poisson regression models were applied to analyze the association between air pollution and epilepsy. Results: A 10 μg/m3 increase of NO2, SO2, and O3 concentrations corresponded to 3.17% (95%Cl: 1.41%, 4.93%), 3.55% (95%Cl: 1.93%, 5.18%), and -0.84% (95%Cl: -1.58%, 0.09%) increase in outpatient-visits for epilepsy on the concurrent days, which were significantly influenced by sex and age. The effects of NO2 and SO2 would be stronger when adjusted for PM2.5. As for O3, a -1.14% (95%Cl: -1.90%, -0.39%) decrease was evidenced when adjusted for NO2. The lag models showed that the most significant effects were evidenced on concurrent days. Conclusions: We discovered previously undocumented relationships between short-term air pollution exposure and epilepsy: while NO2 and SO2 were positively associated with outpatient-visits of epilepsy, O3 might be associated with reduced risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various antibiotics have been extensively used to treating infectious diseases in hospitals. In this study, the abundance and diversity of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were observed in the wastewater samples from five hospitals in Xinjiang, China. The total concentrations of tetracyclines, sulphonamides, and quinolones in hospital influents ranged from 363.4 to 753.3 ng/L, 285.5 to 634.9 ng/L, and 1355.8 to 1922.4 ng/L, respectively. However, the removal efficiency of tetracyclines, sulphonamides, and quinolones in wastewater treatment processes ranged from 72.4 to 79.3 %, 36.0 to 52.2 %, and 45.1 to 55.4 %, respectively. The contamination levels of the selected ARGs varied in all wastewater samples. The highest relative concentrations of sul1, sul2, tetQ, and qnrS were significantly higher than those of other ARGs in this study. Significant positive correlations between the relative abundance of partial ARGs and concentrations of certain antibiotics were observed in hospital wastewaters. Results show that integrons played an important role in disseminating and distributing ARGs in microorganism systems. Furthermore, strong correlations were observed between tetQ, sulphonamide resistance genes (except sulA) and intI1. This study aimed to determine the contamination levels of antibiotics and ARGs and analyze the relationships among ARGs, and antibiotics and integron genes in hospital wastewaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of home and educational environments on children's motor performance in China.Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 4001 preschool children selected from 160 classes. The children's motor performance was assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd edition (MABC-2). Home and educational environments were evaluated using validated checklists. The effects of home and educational environments on motor performance were analysed using mixed and multilevel logistic regression models.Results: The results showed that one score increase in the outside space of the family home was positively associated with the increase in total test score (0.104) subtest score of aiming and catching (0.037), and balance (0.034) of the MABC-2, after adjusting for potential confounders (each p<0.05). Possession of motor toys at home and parental rearing behaviours were also related to total test score, manual dexterity, and balance (β=0.022-0.104, each p<0.05). Space and furnishings, activity, and interaction in the classroom had a significant positive association with total test score (β=0.069-0.201), and with subtest scores of manual dexterity, aiming and catching, and balance respectively (β=0.115-0.206). Space and furnishings of classrooms and possession of toys in the household were protective factors for 'at risk' or significant poor performance (odds ratio 0.942-0.973, each p<0.05).Interpretation: A permissive and accepting family and educational environment made a positive contribution to children's motor performance. Access to sufficient space and furnishings within the classroom, as well as toys in the family, were protective factors for poor motor performance. Future assistance is needed to support an advantageous environment in early childhood programmes in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Because inadequate expression of human milk (EBM) in mothers of hospitalized infants were noticed in a neonatal center of our hospital, family education program was carried out to increase the EBM. Methods: A breast milk pumping diary was introduced to the mothers with preterm infant(s) admitted in the NICU. The ratios of EBM (days of EBM to NICU/hospitalized days), breast milk feeding (BMF) (days of infants fed with exclusive human milk/hospitalized days), mixed feeding (MF) (days of infants fed with partial breast milk and partial formula/hospitalized days), and formula feeding (FF) (days of infants fed with preterm formula/hospitalized days) were evaluated. Results: During January to April, 2014, the ratios of EBM to the NICU, BMF, MF and FF were 28.11%, 6.6%, 32.8% and 60.6%, respectively. After the introduction of breast milk pumping diary to the mothers from May 2014, the ratio of EBM to the NICU increased significantly to 53.3% (p<0.01) within the following eight months. Both the ratios of BMF and MF also rose to 23.8% and MF 55.3%, respectively. Consequently, the ratio of FF was reduced to 20.9%. Exclusive breast milk feeding also significantly reduce the duration of nil per oral (NPO) of the very low birth weight infants during hospital stay as compared to those fed with mixed feeding and formula feeding. Conclusion: The introduction of a breast milk pumping diary was associated with a significant increase in the intake of EBM of the hospitalized preterm newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacity of urban parks to contribute to soundscape restorativeness, understood here as contributions to people's recovery from attentional fatigue and reflection on life issues, is receiving increased interest in research and policy. However, scientific understanding of the influential mechanism of perceived soundscape restorativeness is still not clear. This paper aims to explore the effects of audio-visual interaction on perceived soundscape restorativeness (PSR) of urban parks, considering visitors of different social and demographic characteristics. The research design comprises a survey of 419 visitors to five urban parks in Fuzhou, China, general structure equation modeling, and multi-group model analysis. The results show a substantial dependence of visitors' PSR values on respective perceptions of soundscape pleasantness and eventfulness, especially soundscape pleasantness. Visual landscape characteristics showed mediating effects on the influence of soundscape pleasantness and eventfulness on the perceived soundscape restorativeness (19.3 % and 28.3 % of the total effect, respectively). Age was the most influential social and demographic characteristic affecting the PSR, followed by gender, while occupation and educational background showed only limited effects. Future development of urban parks should strongly integrate soundscape design considerations to enhance positive PSR effects for visitors. [Display omitted] • The mechanism of audio-visual interaction could affect the perceived soundscape restorativeness (PSR) in urban parks. • Soundscape pleasantness showed more effects on the PSR than soundscape eventfulness. • Visual landscape played a mediating role in the process of soundscape perception affecting the PSR. • Age showed the most significant effects on the generation mechanism of the PSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To report the preliminary experience of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) in children with Wilms' tumor (WT) and renal cancer. Patients and Methods: From January 2010 to October 2013, the medical records of 7 cases of WT or renal cancer in children treated by LRN at two medical centers in China were reviewed. Results: All the patients were treated by LRN, and 3 of them underwent preoperative chemotherapy before surgery. The biggest tumor size was 10 cm without crossing the lateral edge of the vertebra at the time of operation. The median hospital stay was 8.5 days (range, 6-11 days). The pathologic investigation showed 5 cases of WT, 1 case of rhabdoid tumor, and 1 case of renal cell carcinoma. With a median follow-up of 1.9±1.5 years (range, 0.3-2.9 years), six children were in complete remission, and the remaining one was lost to follow-up. None of these patients presented evidence of oncological complications (tumoral recurrences, port-site implantation, or secondary lung metastases), and no small bowel obstruction occurred. Conclusions: LRN for WT and renal cancer may be considered as an option in selected children. Preoperative chemotherapy is to decrease tumor size and to facilitate the dissection, avoiding tumor rupture. For trained laparoscopic surgeons, the eventual indication of LRN is the tumor not crossing the midline. A long follow-up and more cases are necessary to evaluate the results of the laparoscopic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to analyse the effects of various landscape factors on soundscape perception in city parks. This was based on the experience, which was supposed to reflect soundscape perception, of 580 users of five city parks in Xiamen, China. Visual and functional landscape characteristics were analysed in relation to experienced occurrence of and preference for individual sounds, as well as overall soundscape preference. The results suggest that landscape factors have more significant effects on experienced occurrence of individual sounds than preference for individual sounds. However, landscape effects on overall soundscape preference depend more on preferences for individual sounds. The effects of visual landscape on the perception of individual sounds could be more important in natural sounds than in artificial sounds, and more in experienced occurrence of than preference for individual sounds; for functional landscape the effects are reversed. In general, visual landscape effects on the perception of individual sounds are more significant than functional landscape effects, especially on experienced occurrence of individual sounds. Taking all factors into account, only the two landscape factors are highly correlated with the overall soundscape preference, with coefficient values of 0.325 and 0.204, respectively. Overall, the results reveal the close relationship between landscape and soundscape experience in real contexts, and that visual and functional aspects should be considered in terms of creating a better soundscape during park design and management processes. The analysis of users' social, demographical and behavioural factors such as age, visit frequency and length of stay, in relation to the soundscape experience, has also shown significant effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Late Mesozoic granitoid plutons of four distinct ages intrude the lower plate of the Hohhot metamorphic core complex along the northern margin of the North China craton. The plutons belong to two main groups: (1) Group I, deformed granitoids (148 and 140 Ma subgroups) with high Sr, LREE, and Na2O, low Y and Yb contents, high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, weak or no Eu anomalies, low Rb/Ba ratios, similar initial 87Sr/86Sr values (0.7064–0.7071) and low Mg# (<37 mostly, 100 × molar MgO/MgO + FeO t ); (2) Group II, non-deformed granitoids (132 and 114 Ma subgroups) with low Sr, relatively low Na2O, high Y and Yb contents, pronounced negative Eu anomalies, high Rb/Ba ratios, and initial 87Sr/86Sr values (0.7098–0.7161). The two groups share geochemical similarities in ϵNd(t) (–11.3 to –15.4) and T DM2 ages (1.85–2.18 thousand million years) as well as Hf isotopic ratios in zircons. Geochemical modelling (using the MELTS code) suggests that similar sources but different depths of magma generation produced the early, high-pressure low-Mg adakitic granitoids and late, low-pressure granitoids with A-type characteristics. The early granitoids likely represent a partially melted, deep-seated, thickened lower continental crust that involved a minor contribution from young materials, whereas the later group partially melted at shallower depths. This granitic magmatic evolution coincided with the tectonic transition from crustal contraction to extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hohhot metamorphic core complex (MCC) is one of the typical MCCs in the North China craton. Its fault systems consist of the master Hohhot detachment zone (HHDZ) on the southern flank of the Daqing Shan, and the lowermost and uppermost northern detachment zones on the northern flank. Ductile deformation temperatures of three zones were estimated as 500 ± 50°C, 650 ± 50°C, and 400 ± 50°C, respectively, by analysis of microstructures of minerals and quartz [c] crystallographic axis fabrics using electron backscattered diffraction. These measurements suggest that previous 40Ar/39Ar ages could not represent the time of the high-temperature (>500°C) ductile deformations. Therefore, we used U-Pb zircon ages of mylonitized and non-mylonitized granitic intrusions to constrain the timing of the early high-temperature shearing. Strongly mylonitized granites and weakly mylonitized granites in the lowermost northern detachment zone yielded zircon U-Pb ages of 148 ± 1 and 140 ± 1 million years respectively. A syn-kinematic pluton in the lower plate of the MCC gave a U-Pb age of 142 ± 1 million years. These allow us to speculate on the possibility that SE-directed, early tangential, high-temperature ductile shearing probably was initiated during ca. 148–140 Ma (or ca. 142 Ma) at depth, with the thrust events occurring at shallow levels. A strongly mylonitized granitic dike and a non-mylonitized pluton in the master HHDZ yielded ages of 142 ± 1 and 132 ± 2 million years respectively. A non-mylonitized pluton intrusive into the uppermost northern detachment zone was dated at 131 ± 1 Ma. All these suggest that major extensional ductile shearing along the detachment zones took place during ca. 140–132 Ma. Using these new U-Pb ages, combined with previously published 40Ar/39Ar cooling ages that range from 127 Ma to 119 million years for the master HHDZ and supradetachment basins, we discuss and derive the time of formation process of the MCC. This is one of only a few cases of detailed study of timing for the development of an MCC from earlier deep-level shearing to later thermal uplifting (doming). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of methanol extract from the whole plants of Patrinia scabiosifolia Fisch. resulted in the isolation of three new triterpenoid saponins (1–3) along with twelve known triterpenoids (4–15). The structures of the new compounds were established as 11α, 12α-epoxy-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-olean-28, 13β-olide (1), 11α, 12α-epoxy-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-olean-28, 13β-olide (2), and 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3) on the basis of various spectroscopic analyses (including different 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopies and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry) and chemical evidences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

BACKGROUND: Nucleic acid testing (NAT) is currently not a routine donor test in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current residual risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission and the value of ALT testing in preventing HBV infection. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: From January 2008 to September 2009, a total of 5521 qualified donations by routine screening and 5034 deferred donations due to elevated ALT alone were collected from five blood centers. Samples were tested for HBV DNA by triplex individual-donation (ID)-NAT (ULTRIO assay, on the TIGRIS system, Novartis Diagnostics). HBV NAT-reactive samples were further analyzed by HBV serology, alternative NAT, and viral load and were diluted to simulate if they could be detected in a minipool-NAT. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the HBV NAT-yield rate between the qualified donations group (5/5521) and the deferred donations group (4/5034). Of these nine potential HBV-yield cases, one donor (11%) was a possible HBV window-period donor, one (11%) was a chronic HBV carrier, and seven (78%) had probable or confirmed occult HBV infections. Of seven potential HBV-yield cases quantified, the viral loads were less than or equal to 70.0 IU/mL. Minipool testing (minipools of 4, 8, and 16 donations) would miss 43% to 79% of the nine HBV-yield donations. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings in qualified donations, we estimate that the nationwide implementation of ID-NAT testing for HBV DNA in China would detect an additional 9964 viremic donations per year. ALT testing seems to have no significant value in preventing transfusion-transmitted HBV infection. ID-NAT versus simulated minipool-NAT using the ULTRIO test demonstrates the benefit to implement a more sensitive NAT strategy in regions of high HBV endemicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a cause of hand, foot and mouth disease (HMFD) in children under 6 years old, and could cause serious neurological complications in some patients. Numerous large outbreaks of EV71 caused HMFD have occurred recently in Asia, especially in China. The cross-reactivity of EV71 with human brain tissue was observed and the cross-reactivity inducing regions were identified in previously study, which suggested that there were two regions in structural proteins of virus should be avoided in the vaccine. Six peptides without cross-reactivity were selected and combined into three vaccine candidates and applied in further evaluation in neonatal mice. The Vac6 comprising the peptides of P70–159, P140–249, P324–443 and P746–876 of the structural proteins could provide effective protection on pups against virus infection, as shown in viral copies detection and histopathology examination. Immunohistochemical staining results indicated that Vac6 had no cross-reactivity with human brain tissues. Our results suggested that Vac6 could have potential clinical value against EV71 epidemics caused mainly by C4 strains in the mainland of China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mega-dunes in the lake group area of the Badain Jaran Sand Sea, China, are generally taller than dunes in the non-lake group area. This spatial distribution of dune heights may provide a new perspective on the controversy regarding the dunes' formation mechanism. In this study, we calculated the relative heights and slopes of individual dunes based on a digital elevation model, and we confirmed the height distribution of abnormally tall dunes in the lake group area of the sand sea. It was also found that slopes of more than 10° in the lake group area are more common than those in the non-lake group area. Based on meteorological observations, coupled with the measurement of water content in the sand layers, we propose a conceptual model demonstrating that moisture exchange between the lakes and soil via non-rainfall water will humidify dune slopes and form a more favorable accumulation environment for aeolian sand, thus increasing dune heights. Although long-term observations are yet to be carried out, the present study can be used as evidence for understanding the basis of dune formation in the lake group area and assessing groundwater utilization in deserts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discussed the transboundary eco-security issues, their distribution patterns, characteristics and driving forces, and regulation system in the Longitudinal Range-Gorge Region (LRGR). Major transboundary eco-security issues, except for sand-dust storm, can be found along the terrestrial border regions of China in the LRGR. The direct driving forces included constructions of cascade hydropower dams, highways and international navigation development, slope land cultivation and mineral exploration. Transboundary eco-security issues affect the neighboring areas in the terrestrial region, and the downstream countries along the international watercourses. The ecological changes in the neighboring countries had effects on the domestic side in the LRGR, such as species invasion. The integrated measures should be taken into consideration, including the construction of border eco-protection projects and transboundary nature reserves, ecological threshold set-up, species invasion control, the establishment of eco-security monitoring platform, the constituting of ecological compensation mechanism and laws (rules) and institutions, and capacity building. The most important tasks to deal with the transboundary issues in the LRGR are to form internationally participative cooperation mechanism, establish fund for transboundary eco-security, implement ecological compensation strategy, and develop information exchange platform and warning system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two bacterial strains, paraffin removal strain and biosurfactant-producing strain, named BHJ-1 and QFL-1, were isolated from oil production wells in Daqing oilfield of China. They were subsequently identified as Bacillus cereus QAU68 and Bacillus subtilis XCCX, respectively. As an indicator of the degradation paraffin, the inoculum concentration of BHJ-1 and QFL-1 were added in different proportions, the optimum proportion was 5:2. In this proportion the degradation rate of paraffin could reach 64 %, the prevention rate of paraffin could reach 55 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent decade, the hydroelectric reservoir is identified as a methylmercury (MeHg) hotspot and gained much attention. The artificial water level management in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in China formed a water-level-fluctuation zone (WLFZ) undergoing flooding drying rotations annually. However, the mercury (Hg) methylation and major geochemical driving factors at different elevations in the WLFZ remain unclear. Here we use total Hg (Hg T) normalized MeHg (MeHg/Hg T ratio) to evaluate Hg methylation degree in a one-year field study at 155, 165 m elevations in the WLFZ and with >175 m elevation as the reference. Results demonstrate that MeHg/Hg T ratio at the WLFZ could reach 4.1% in soils, and both 155 and 165 m elevations have a higher Hg methylation degree than the >175 m elevation. However, the differences in MeHg/Hg T ratios both in soils and waters between 155 and 165 m elevations are not significant. This indicates the influence of different submerging periods on the MeHg/Hg T at the WLFZ elevations is not observed. The significant correlation between the MeHg/Hg T ratio and soil organic carbon (SOC) content implies a MeHg retention in re-exposed soils after flooding. Decoupling of MeHg/Hg T ratios between submerged soil and overlying water are found at both elevations and therefore make MeHg/Hg T in waters alone cannot be used to evaluate Hg methylation degree in this study. The calculation of Hg T and MeHg partitioning coefficient (K d) found an immobilization of MeHg by submerged soils at the WLFZ during the flooding period. Major geochemical factors, determined through principal component analysis (PCA), in affecting Hg methylation are the redox cycling of sulfur and the distribution of organic matters in the WLFZ. • MeHg/Hg T ratios in soils and waters were used to evaluate Hg methylation degree in the WLFZ. • MeHg/Hg T ratios between 155 and 165 m elevations are not significant. • MeHg may be immobilized by SOC in re-exposed soils after flooding. • Sulfur and organic matter are major factors controlling Hg methylation in the WLFZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the reform and opening-up, China's CO2 emissions have increased dramatically, and it has become the world's largest CO2 emission and primary energy consumption country. The manufacturing industry is one of the biggest contributors to CO2 emission, and determining the drivers of CO2 emissions are essential for effective environmental policy. China is also a vast transition economy with great regional differences. Therefore, based on the data of China's provincial panel from 2000 to 2013 and the improved STIRPAT model, this paper studies the impact of economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI) and energy intensity on China's manufacturing carbon emissions through the fixed-effect panel quantile regression model. The results show that the effects of economic growth, FDI and energy intensity on carbon emissions of the manufacturing industry are different in different levels and regions, and they have apparent heterogeneity. In particular, economic growth plays a decisive role in the CO2 emissions of the manufacturing industry. Economic growth has a positive impact on the carbon emissions of the manufacturing industry; specifically, a higher impact on high carbon emission provinces. Besides, FDI has a significant positive effect on the upper emission provinces of the manufacturing industry, which proves that there is a pollution paradise hypothesis in China's manufacturing industry, but no halo effect hypothesis. The reduction of energy intensity does not have a positive effect on the reduction of carbon emissions. The higher impact of the energy intensity of upper emission provinces on carbon emissions from their manufacturing industry, shows that there is an energy rebound effect in China's manufacturing industry. Finally, our study confirms that China's manufacturing industry has considerable space for emission reduction. The results also provide policy recommendations for policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yaluzangbu-Brahmaputra River is a hotspot for the discussions on regional security. The interactions on water between China and India are key to realizing water-related 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets in the basin. Using a series of secondary literature information, and the method of event studies, we created a timeline of the Sino-Indian relation events since the 1950s, analyzed the correlations among the contents, the duties by each side, the events of water cooperation, and the diplomatic events between them. We found the following dilemmas hamper water cooperation: (1) The scopes of, and steps towards, transboundary water cooperation are hampered by patchy Sino-Indian diplomatic relations; and (2) there is a lack of motivation for China to cooperate with India without benefits sharing, given that China has undertaken more duties and has often received negative feedback. However, we also found the following pathways toward improving water cooperation: (1) A national cooperation mechanism on transboundary rivers has been established, which may be beneficial for further water cooperation; and (2) a channel for interdisciplinary dialogue should be encouraged to bridge the disparate outlooks and improve interactions between policymakers and scientific experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic–microwave synergistic extraction was used to extract flavonoids from sweet potato leaves (SPL) by response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for flavonoids extraction were 1:40 (g/ml) of solid–liquid ratio, 57°C of extraction temperature, 76 s of extraction time, and 72% (v/v) ethanol for 2 times, the highest extraction efficiency was 91.65 ± 3.37%. After purification, the flavonoids purity reached to 76.10 ± 3.11 (%, DW). The result of high‐performance liquid chromatography revealed 11 compounds including astragalin (473.8 ± 7.3 mg/g, DW), quercetrin (86.5 ± 0.7 mg/g, DW), 4,5‐chlorogenic acid (76.4 ± 0.5 mg/g, DW), isoquercitrin (62.4 ± 0.4 mg/g, DW), tiliroside (18.8 ± 0.3 mg/g, DW), quercetin (12.5 ± 0.2 mg/g, DW), 3,4,5‐chlorogenic acid (6.5 ± 0.2 mg/g, DW), caffeic acid (6.1 ± 0.2 mg/g, DW), kaempferol (6.0 ± 0.2 mg/g, DW), myricetrin (5.9 ± 0.1 mg/g, DW), and rhamnetin (4.3 ± 0.1 mg/g, DW) in sweet potato leaf flavonoids, which possessed good antioxidant activity compared to soy isoflavones, ginkgo biloba extract, and propolis flavone. The IC50 value of sweet potato leaf flavonoids was 13.26 ± 0.09 μg/ml in ferric reducing antioxidant power and 5.41 ± 0.21 in 2, 2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) scavenging capacity, respectively. Practical applications: China is the leading country of sweet potato production in the world, but sweet potato leaves (SPL) have been neglected except for a partial use as livestock feed in most parts of China, and detailed reports on the effective components in the leaves are scarce. Ultrasonic–microwave synergistic extraction is an efficient way to select flavonoids from SPL which has a potential to be extended in natural flavonoids industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays an essential role in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) as a linkage between terrestrial and aquatic systems. In particular, the reducing capacities of soil DOM influence the geochemistry of contaminants such as mercury (Hg). However, few studies have investigated the molecular information of soil DOM and its relationship with relevant geochemical reactivities, including redox properties. We collected samples from eight sites in the TGR areas and studied the link between the molecular characteristics of DOM and their electron donation capacities (EDCs) toward Hg(II). The average kinetic rate and EDC of soil DOM in TGR areas were (0.004 ± 0.001) hr−1 and (2.88 ± 1.39) nmol e−/mg DOM bulk , respectively. Results suggest that higher EDCs and relatively rapid kinetics were related to the greater electron donating components of lignin-derived and perhaps pyrogenic DOM, which are the aromatic constituents that influenced the reducing capacities of DOM in the present study. Molecular details revealed that even the typical autochthonous markers are important for the EDCs of DOM as well, in contrast to what is generally assumed. More studies identifying specific DOM molecular components involved in the abiotic reduction of Hg(II) are required to further understand the relations between DOM sources and their redox roles in the environmental fate of contaminants. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The link between bullying victimization and suicide ideation among Chinese adolescents remains unclear. • Suicide ideation related to bullying victimization via school adaptation, via stress response, and serially via school adaptation and stress response. • Gender moderated the relationship between school adaptation and stress response. One effective way to reduce suicide ideation and behavior may involve increasing school adaptation and decreasing stress response. Previous studies have highlighted a strong association between bullying victimization and suicide ideation. However, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship. Building on the classic General Strain Theory, the current study investigated the chained mediating roles of school adaptation and stress response and the moderating role of gender on the relationship between bullying victimization and suicide ideation among Chinese adolescents. A total of 7159 junior high school students (46.9% female, mean age = 13.91 years) were recruited to participate in this study and completed measures of demographic information, bullying victimization, school adaptation, stress response, and suicide ideation. The results found that: (1) There were significant correlations between bullying victimization, school adaptation, stress response, gender, and suicide ideation. (2) Bullying victimization positively predicted suicide ideation. (3) Suicide ideation related to bullying victimization via school adaptation, via stress response, and serially via school adaptation and stress response. (4) Gender moderated the relationship between school adaptation and stress response. This negative relationship was stronger for females. These findings expand the understanding of the theoretical mechanism underlying the relationship between bullying victimization and suicide ideation. It also highlights the crucial roles of school adaptation, stress response, and gender in designing bullying-related and suicide-related interventions among Chinese adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under global warming, fire and the season in which the fire occurs both have important impacts on grassland plant biomass. Still, the effect of fire on below-ground biomass (BB) along a natural aridity gradient and the main impact factors remain unclear. Here, we conducted a fire manipulation experiment (including un-fired, autumn fire and spring fire treatments) to investigate the effects of prescribed fire on BB and its critical determinants along a transect of grassland in northern China. BB had different response strategies in different aridity regions and fire seasons, despite above-ground biomass (AB) and root-shoot ratio were not significantly affected by fire. General linear regression models revealed that the fire changed the trend of increasing BB to decreasing along increasing aridity (p ＜ 0.05). Random forest model (RFM) and partial correlations revealed that the BB was primarily influenced by aridity, followed by the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentration ratio of AB under un-fired disturbance. For autumn fire, the BB was primarily influenced by below-ground biomass carbon concentration (BB c), followed by the C and N concentration ratio of BB. For spring fire, the BB was primarily influenced by soil temperature (ST), followed by aridity and soil total phosphorus concentration (Soil p). Furthermore, partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) revealed that autumn fires weakened the effects of environmental factors on BB, while spring fires enhanced the effects of soil nutrients on BB. These suggested that fire disrupted the original stable nutrient dynamics of BB. Our results suggested that fire promoted the growth of BB in relatively humid areas (aridity = 0.51–0.53) while inhibited the growth of BB in relatively arid areas (aridity = 0.68–0.74). BB c and ST may be key drivers of BB after prescribed fire in autumn and spring. • The prescribed fire changed the trend of increasing belowground biomass to decreasing along with increasing aridity. • The belowground biomass of plants was mainly regulated by belowground biomass C after prescribed fire in autumn. • The belowground biomass of plants was mainly regulated by soil temperature after prescribed fire in spring. • The prescribed fire disrupted belowground biomass's original stable nutrient dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Train Collision Early Warning System (TCEWS) has been developed for collision avoidance. However, there are few studies regarding how to evaluate the collision risk and provide an early warning concerning a preceding train on the railway. In this paper, we have found that the time for collision avoidance is constrained by the timing of events, such as wireless communication latency, driver reaction, safety protection distance and deceleration rate. Considering these timing components, the time to avoid a collision is calculated accurately. To evaluate the potential collision severity when the following train approaches, the collision risk is defined based on the time to avoid a collision. The train collision early warning signal is divided into a four-tier color-coded system based on the collision risk, with red representing the most severe collision risk, followed by orange, yellow and blue. A field test of the train collision early warning strategy on the Hankou–Yichang Railway is analysed. It is demonstrated that the strategy has sufficient capability to indicate a potential collision and warn the following train. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first study of standby power use and its saving potential in China. Standby power use refers to power consumed by appliances when they are switched off or are not providing their intended functions. Appliances in 28 urban Chinese homes were surveyed and standby power use was measured. The combined standby power use was about 29 W per home. However, many occupants unplug appliances when not in use, so standby energy use accounts for 50–200 kWh per year in an average urban home. Residential standby power consumption in China requires the electrical output equivalent of at least six 500 MW power plants. Levels of standby power use in Chinese homes are below those observed in developed countries but still high in part because Chinese appliances have higher standby than similar products in developed countries. Existing technologies are available to greatly reduce standby power at low costs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become an important public health solution. To date, there has been a lack of data on COVID-19 vaccination willingness, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccination coverage in China since the vaccine has become available. We designed and implemented a cross-sectional, population-based online survey to evaluate the willingness, hesitancy, and coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine among the Chinese population. 8742 valid samples were recruited and classified as the vaccine-priority group (n = 3902; 44.6%) and the non-priority group (n = 4840; 55.4%). The proportion of people's trust in the vaccine, delivery system, and government were 69.0%, 78.0% and 81.3%, respectively. 67.1% of the participants were reportedly willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccination, while 9.0% refused it. 834 (35.5%) reported vaccine hesitancy, including acceptors with doubts (48.8%), refusers (39.4%), and delayers (11.8%). The current coverage was 34.4%, far from reaching the requirements of herd immunity. The predicted rate of COVID-19 vaccination was 64.9%, 68.9% and 81.1% based on the rates of vaccine hesitancy, willingness, and refusal, respectively. The COVID-19 vaccine rate is far from reaching the requirements of herd immunity, which will require more flexible and comprehensive efforts to improve the population's confidence and willingness to vaccinate. It should be highlighted that vaccination alone is insufficient to stop the pandemic; further efforts are needed not only to increase vaccination coverage but also to maintain non-specific prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report a high-performance direct carbon solid oxide fuel cell that enables a green pathway for brown coal utilization. • Brown coal of China is used as fuel for direct carbon solid oxide fuel cells. • Abundant Ca element exists in brown coal fuel and is beneficial to anode reaction. • Brown coal char has larger specific surface area and more pores than the raw coal. • The cell with brown coal char has a maximum power density of 221 mW cm−2 at 850 °C. • The cell with brown coal char reveals a higher carbon fuel utilization. Direct carbon solid oxide fuel cells (DC-SOFCs) are promising, all-solid-state, highly efficient and environment-friendly power generating devices fueled by solid carbons. In addition, utilization of real-world coal as fuel for DC-SOFC is an attractive topic, however, they still yield poor performance due to negative effect of impurities in coal. In order to utilize brown coal to generate electricity efficiently and environmentally, here we report a high-performance direct carbon solid oxide fuel cell that enables a green pathway for brown coal utilization. The cell consists of nano Al 2 O 3 doped yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte supports and Ag-Gd 0.1 Ce 0.9 O 2-δ as symmetrical composite catalyst electrodes. Fueled with raw brown coal and brown coal char at 850 °C separately, the cells can achieve maximum power densities of 211.4 and 221 mW cm−2, respectively. Furthermore, a stable discharging voltage and platform with the fuel utilization of 61.5% are demonstrated when brown coal char fueled DC-SOFC is operated under a constant current of 0.1 A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Invasive alien species pose great threats to ecological and economic health and cause enormous losses to global ecosystems. The Mikania micrantha management program is a source of great theoretical and practical insights for regional agricultural and forestry development. In this paper, the invasion history and distribution patterns of M. micrantha in the China-Myanmar Border Region are summarized, and the short-term and long-term performance of the current post-border management program are evaluated. A literature survey found that M. micrantha was mainly distributed in 85 townships of five municipalities along the border in China with Myanmar, suggesting an explicit border-crossing scenario of M. micrantha. The M. micrantha management program has produced positive but short-term results due to the conduction of general investigations, establishment of an extensive monitoring network, development of integrated measures, and improvements of public awareness and participation. However, the long-term management performance was hampered by overlapping departmental functions, lagging and unreliable public feedback, inadequate funding, and biased and passive strategies. We suggest that invasive species committees, social media tools, public-private partnership, and forest restoration and conservation and biological control could greatly improve the situation. This regional-scale research provides referential insights for the development of biological invasion management systems in developing economies under transboundary contexts. Highlights • Mikania micrantha has invaded southwest China through the border with Myanmar. • The current management program features effective but short-term performance. • Several factors hamper the long-term performance of Mikania micrantha management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a crucial driver of various biogeochemical processes in aquatic systems. Thus, many lakes and streams have been investigated in the past several decades. However, fewer studies have sought to understand the changes in DOM characteristics in the waters of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) areas, which are the largest artificial reservoir areas in the world. Thus, a field investigation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) properties was conducted from 2013 to 2015 to track the spatial-temporal variability of DOM properties in the TGR areas. The results showed that the alternations of wet and dry periods due to hydrological management have a substantial effect on the quantity and quality of aquatic DOM in TGR areas. Increases in DOC concentrations in the wet period show an apparent “dilution effect” that decreases CDOM compounds with relatively lower aromaticity (i.e., SUVA 254 ) and molecular weight (i.e., S R ). In contrast to the obvious temporal variations of DOM, significant spatial variability was not observed in this study. Additionally, DOM showed more terrigenous characteristics in the dry period but weak terrigenous characteristics in the wet period. Furthermore, the positive correlation between SUVA 254 and CDOM suggests that the aromatic component controls the CDOM dynamics in TGR areas. The first attempt to investigate the DOM dynamics in TGR areas since the Three Gorges Dam was conducted in 2012, and the unique patterns of spatial-temporal variations in DOM that are highlighted in this study might provide a new insight for understanding the role of DOM in the fates of contaminants and may help in the further management of flow loads and water quality in the TGR area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]