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The dried Mume Fructus (MF), called Wumei in China, is a unique food with medicinal and edible effects. But its actual production method is outdated with low efficiency and inconsistent quality. This study systematically investigated the influence of moisture content (MC), temperature, and relative humidity (RH) on the browning reaction and quality characteristics of the MF and proposed a continuous processing strategy of the three-stage variable process for MF production based on the precise process control of the temperature and the RH. The production process of MF was divided into three stages: preliminary dehydration, browning, and drying. The results showed that the browning reaction rate and drying efficiency were optimal when the MC of the raw materials was reduced to 50%. In the browning stage, the degree of browning was better, and the antioxidant capacity reached the maximum of 64.38 mg/g DM under a processing temperature of 80 °C and an RH of more than 60%. As the RH increased, the drying rate decreased, and the ash content exhibited an increase. Therefore, the optimal processing parameters for the browning stage were determined to be a temperature of 80 °C and an RH of 60%. In the final drying stage, a temperature of 60 °C coupled with a dehumidification mode proved sufficient to ensure efficient drying without compromising the quality of the MF. This study revealed the reaction mechanism of the rapid browning processing of MF, which has important guiding significance for the rapid processing of browning foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the impact of corporate violations on corporate charitable donation behavior and the heterogeneity influences played by corporate ownership type, analyst attention and information transparency. This study analyzed 3,715 non-financial companies in Chinese A-shares from 2011 to 2020 using panel data. The impact of corporate violations on corporate charitable donations was examined by using Ordinary Least Squares, instrumental variables two-stage least squares and propensity score matching method. Consequently, the following conclusions are presented. First, corporate violations are significantly positively correlated with the level of corporate charitable donations. Second, among the companies with high analyst attention, high information transparency, or non-state-owned nature, the positive impact of enterprise violations on charitable donations is greater. These findings suggest that charitable giving may be used by some businesses as an undesirable tool to conceal their irregularities. No study has been conducted regarding the influence of corporate violations on corporate charitable donations in China. This study is a pioneering study that seeks to give insights into the link between these variables in the context of China, which has practical implications for gaining insights into corporate charitable giving in China, as well as identifying and curbing "hypocritical" corporate charitable donation behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cryogenian Period (717–635 Ma) experienced two low‐latitude "snowball Earth" glaciations, the Sturtian and the Marinoan of contrasting 57 and <16 Myr durations, respectively. A lack of reliable age controls on extensional tectonics and associated magmatic rocks during the Marinoan has hampered an understanding of the deglaciation. Furthermore, although deglaciation is generally assumed to have occurred once ongoing magmatism accumulated enough atmospheric CO2, as suggested by cap carbonates, specific geologic evidence linking volcanic events with deglaciation are lacking. Here, we present high‐precision zircon geochronology with chemical abrasion‐isotope‐dilution isotope ratio mass spectrometry that indicates an extensive and thick sequence of rift‐related magmatic rocks in South Qinling, Central China, erupted 2–6 Myr before the termination of the Marinoan. Climate modeling proposes a scenario explaining why the Marinoan was the shorter snowball and how volcanism may have driven the deglaciation. Plain Language Summary: Volcanic CO2 and dust emissions have been regarded as the major driver for Marinoan deglaciation. Most of CO2 outgassing is associated with seafloor spreading and subduction (arc magmatism), which are ongoing processes on geological timescales. To drastically increase CO2 emissions, there must have been many active rift zones during Marinoan glaciation. We provide age constraints on a previously little‐known major Marinoan rift‐related volcanic suite in South Qinling, which reveals volcanic activity lasting 4 Myr and ending 2 Myr before the termination of the Marinoan snowball Earth. Climate modeling provides constraints for the ice‐age duration deduced from the geological setting. Key Points: Volcanism is dated at 641–637 Ma using chemical abrasion‐isotope‐dilution isotope ratio mass spectrometry techniqueClimate modeling on the volcanism‐related CO2 emission is conductedEnhanced volcanic‐related dust and CO2 emission can shorten the Marinoan snowball Earth by 2–5 Myr [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has been recommended as an alternative staging approach to lymphadenectomy for apparent uterine-confined endometrial cancer (EC). However, the prognostic value of SLN mapping alone instead of systematic lymphadenectomy on EC patients remains unclear. Methods: A multi-center, open label, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial has been designed to identify if SLN mapping alone is not inferior to pelvic lymphadenectomy on prognosis of patients with intermediate-high-risk EC clinically confined to uterus. Eligible patients will be 1:1 randomly assigned to accept SLN mapping or pelvic lymphadenectomy. The primary endpoint is the 2-year progression-free survival (PFS). The second points are the 5-year PFS, 5-year overall survival, surgery-related adverse events and life quality. A total of 780 patients will be enrolled from 6 hospitals in China within 3-year period and followed up for 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors of type 2 diabetes in 5 years in Chinese population, and to construct the prediction model of nomogram and verify its validity. Methods: The physical examination and follow-up data of the participants who received physical examination at 32 sites in 11 cities in China from 2010 to 2016 were collected from the Dryad digital repository database. Randomly divided into modeling group (n = 22936) and validation group (n = 9830). In the modeling group, the independent risk factors were determined by single factor and multi factor analysis based on Cox regression model, and the nomogram prediction model was constructed by R software. The accuracy and performance of the model were evaluated by AUC value, C-index and calibration curve. Results: The multivariate regression model suggested that fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, smoking history and drinking history were independent risk predictors of 5-year risk of type 2 diabetes in Chinese population. In the modeling group, AUC was 0.776 (95%CI: 0.699-0.849), and C-index was 0.783 (95%CI: 0.706-0.856). Similarly, in the validation group, the AUC value was 0.743 (95%CI:0.665-0.824), and the C-index was 0.764 (95%CI: 0.667-0.846), suggesting that the model had a good discrimination ability. The 5-year adjusted risk curve of type 2 diabetes in Chinese population suggests a good consistency between the predicted value and the actual value. Conclusion: The nomogram model can predict the 5-year risk of type 2 diabetes in Chinese population intuitively and accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the optimal age for the baseline serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and for repeat screening and its economic burden in a single center in China. Materials and Methods: 35,533 men with PSA screening were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Follow-ups were conducted in 1,586 men with PSA >4 ng/mL, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to investigate the optimal cutoffs. Results: ROC analysis indicated that the optimal age for initial PSA screening was 57.5 years (AUC = 0.84), 62.5 years (AUC = 0.902), 60.5 years (AUC = 0.909), and 61.5 years (AUC = 0.890) for individuals with PSA >4 and >10 ng/mL, a diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa), and clinically significant PCa defined as the focus events, respectively. For Chinese men aged 50–59, 60–69, and >70 years, the initial PSA levels of 1.305 ng/mL (AUC = 0.699), 1.975 ng/mL (AUC = 0.711), and 2.740 ng/mL (AUC = 0.720) might have a PSA velocity >0.75 ng/mL per year during the follow-up. In addition, the total cost amounts to CNY 13,609,260 in these cases, but only 60 of the 35,533 (0.17%) men gained benefit from PSA screening. Conclusion: In our opinion, the optimal starting age for initial PSA testing was 57.5 years. The necessity for repeat screening should be based on the first PSA level depending on age. A cost--benefit analysis should be included in population-based screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: GP78 is a membrane-anchored ubiquitin ligase mediating the degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl- CoA coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and Insig-1, which was very essential for the synthesis of cholesterol process. Cholesterol levels have a causal role in the development of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between the human gp78 gene polymorphism and coronary artery disease (CAD) in a Han and Uygur population of China. Methods: We used two independent case-control studies: a Han population (602 CAD patients and 572control subjects) and a Uygur population (374 CAD patients and 376control subjects). All CAD patients and controls were genotyped for the same three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs731119, rs2617849and rs2440472) of gp78 gene by a Real-time PCR instrument. Results: In the Han population, for total and men, the distribution of SNP3 (rs2440472) alleles and the dominant model (AA vs AG + GG) and recessive model (GG vs AG + AA) showed a significant difference between CAD and control participants (for allele: P = 0.003 and P = 0.002, respectively; for dominant model: P = 0.041 and P = 0.026, respectively; for recessive model: p = 0.004 and p = 0.004, respectively).The significant difference in both the two models was retained after adjustment for covariates (for dominant model OR:0.760, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.584-0.99, P = 0.042; OR:0.686, 95% CI: 0.498-0.946, P = 0.022, respectively; for recessive model OR: 1.451, 95% CI: 1.067-1.974, P = 0.018; OR: 1.789, 95% CI: 1.219-2.627, P = 0.000). Our data was also assessed via haplotype-based case-control studies. For the Han population, for total, The G-T-G haplotype in CAD was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = 0.02), and the G-C-A haplotype in CAD was significantly lower than that in the control group (P = 0.0443), And for man, the G-T-G haplotype in CAD was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = 0.0048). Conclusions: The GG genotype and G allele of rs2440472 in gp78 gene could be a risk genetic marker of CAD in Han population in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern Tibet is the headstream region for the Yangtze, Salween River, Mekong River, and numerous other inflowing rivers and high mountain lakes. Sustaining the environmental conditions in the region is of vital importance for Tibet and the whole of China. The alpine grassland ecosystem in Northern Tibet is the most important ecosystem and extremely sensitive to climate change and human activity. In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of climate variability based on observed meteorological data and future climate scenarios, and reviewed the impact of climate variability and to explore adaptation strategies of alpine grassland in Northern Tibet. The result showed that the annual mean temperature has increased by 0.31 °C·10a while the annual total precipitation has increased by 14.6 mm·10a with high inter-annual and inter-seasonal fluctuations in Northern Tibet from 1961 to 2008. The rising trends of temperature and precipitation would be continued and the aridity indices showed a decreasing trend in the future, which potentially predicts that the climate in Northern Tibet becomes warmer and dryer. The climate variability results the melting of glaciers, the expansion of inland high mountain lakes and the negative impacts on alpine grassland in recent years. In order to adapt to such possible future climate changes, the alpine grassland water-saving irrigation was recommended as key adaptation measure and also rational grazing management, alpine grassland fencing and artificial grass planting were selected as adaptation measures, to lower the negative impacts of climate variability on the alpine grassland ecosystem in Northern Tibet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the speedy growth of industrialization and urbanization in China and the continued rise of coal consumption, this paper identifies factors that have impacted coal consumption in 1985-2011. After extracting the core factors, the Bayesian vector autoregressive forecast model is constructed, with variables that include coal consumption, the gross value of industrial output, and the downstream industry output (cement, crude steel, and thermal power). The impulse response function and variance decomposition are applied to portray the dynamic correlations between coal consumption and economic variables. Then for analyzing structural changes of coal consumption, the exponential smoothing model is also established, based on division of seven sectors. The results show that the structure of coal consumption underwent significant changes during the past 30 years. Consumption of both household sector and transport, storage, and post sectors continues to decline; consumption of wholesale and retail trade and hotels and catering services sectors presents a fluctuating and improving trend; and consumption of industry sector is still high. The gross value of industrial output and the downstream industry output have been promoting coal consumption growth for a long time. In 2015 and 2020, total coal demand is expected to reach 2746.27 and 4041.68 million tons of standard coal in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, gas has begun to be widely used in power generation as well as in manufacturing because of the environmental advantages, lower cost, and the relative safety and reliability. Accurate prediction of future gas consumption is of great importance for energy security. In this paper, we first use path analysis to select the core factors that impact gas consumption, then use the RBFQRNN model and BVAR model separately to predict future gas consumption, and finally discuss and compare the results from the two models. The results show that if there is a positive growth in GDP, urbanization, and population, then gas consumption is expected to increase over a comparatively long time. In detail, gas consumption is expected to remain at about 25% of all energy consumption, GDP's contribution to gas consumption is expected to be about 53%, and the urbanization rate contribution would be about 15%. Gas consumption in China is predicted to reach around 178649.23 million cubic meters by the end of 2015 and about 264698.86 million cubic meters by 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding present patterns of genetic diversity is critical in order to design effective conservation and management strategies for endangered species. Tangjiahe Nature Reserve (NR) is one of the most important national reserves for giant pandas Ailuropoda melanoleuca in China. Previous studies have shown that giant pandas in Tangjiahe NR may be threatened by population decline and fragmentation. Here we used 10 microsatellite DNA markers to assess the genetic variability in the Tangjiahe population. The results indicate a low level of genetic differentiation between the Hongshihe and Motianling subpopulations in the reserve. Assignment tests using the Bayesian clustering method in STRUCTURE identified one genetic cluster from 42 individuals of the two subpopulations. All individuals from the same subpopulation were assigned to one cluster. This indicates high gene flow between subpopulations. F statistic analyses revealed a low FIS-value of 0.024 in the total population and implies a randomly mating population in Tangjiahe NR. Additionally, our data show a high level of genetic diversity for the Tangjiahe population. Mean allele number (A), Allelic richness (AR) and mean expected heterozygosity (HE) for the Tangjiahe population was 5.9, 5.173 and 0.703, respectively. This wild giant panda population can be restored through concerted effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between one and six subspecies of Chinese rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) have been proposed based on morphological differences and/or their geographic distribution. In this study, a 489 base pair fragment of the mitochondrial control region was amplified from 230 DNA samples collected from rhesus macaques in the Sichuan province in Western China. The fragment was then sequenced and aligned with 208 sequences from wild rhesus macaques, sampled throughout the species' geographic range in China downloaded from GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis of the 182 unique sequences identified among these samples divided Chinese rhesus macaques into two western haplogroups (haplogroups A and B) and three older eastern haplogroups (haplogroups C, D, and E), whose differentiation probably occurred during the penultimate glacial event. During the warming after the penultimate glacial event, haplogroups A, B, and E rapidly expanded and a relatively young subhaplogroup of haplogroup E, E', limited to Southern China but shared with Vietnamese rhesus macaques, was reintroduced from Indochina during the last glacial event. One haplotype most closely related to subhaplogroup E' probably represents the isolation of Hainan Island, to where it is restricted, from the mainland by the formation of the Qiongzhou Strait approximately 8,500 years ago. The distribution of haplogroups both informs the phylogeographic history of dispersal of Chinese rhesus macaques and has implications for their suitability as animal models in biomedical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a new approach that allows us to partition the anthropogenic and natural contributions to heavy metal accumulations in roadside agricultural soils. This approach, combining trend analysis and multivariate statistical analysis, partitions total heavy metals into three components: anthropogenic, natural, and unexplained residual. The approach was applied in a case study in Yixing City, China, to determine the spatial distributions of heavy metal accumulations. The results show that anthropogenic components of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd account for 52.4%, 23.04%, 5.09%, and 10.9% of total content, respectively. Spatial distributions of anthropogenic components are characterized by decreasing accumulation with increasing distance from the road. Ranges of influence of traffic for Pb, Cu, and Cd are beyond 300 m, whereas the range of Zn is less than 200 m. The spatial distributions of the four elements' natural components show relatively similar distribution patterns. Assessments of variable partition methods show that the predicted values of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd are consistent with their measured values. The anthropogenic components extracted from total contents of heavy metal will be useful for modeling heavy metal accumulations produced by human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Schistosoma japonicum is a major public health concern in the Peoples' Republic of China (PRC), with over one million people infected and another 50 million living in areas at risk of infection. Based on ecological, environmental, population genetic and molecular factors, schistosomiasis transmission in PRC can be categorised into four discrete ecosystems or transmission modes. It is predicted that the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) will impact upon the transmission of schistosomiasis in the PRC, with varying degree across the four transmission modes. We undertook longitudinal surveillance from 2002 to 2006 in sentinel villages both above and below the TGD across five provinces (Hunan, Jiangxi, Hubei, Anhui and Sichuan) to determine whether there was any impact of the TGD on schistosomiasis transmission during its construction. Here we present the results from a schistosomiasis-endemic village located above the dam in Sichuan Province. Results: Baseline results showed a human S. japonicum prevalence of 42.0% (95% CI: 36.6-47.5). At follow-up, results showed that the incidence of S. japonicum infection in the selected human cohort in Shian decreased by three quarters from 46% in 2003 to 11.3% in 2006. A significant (P < 0.01) downward trend was also evident in the yearly adjusted (for water contact) odds ratios. Over the four years of follow-up, the incidence of S. japonicum infection in bovines declined from 11.8% in the first year to zero in the final year of follow-up. Conclusions: The substantial decrease in human (75%) and bovine (100%) incidence observed in Shian village can probably be attributed to the annual human and bovine PZQ treatment of positives; as seen in drug (PZQ) intervention studies in other parts of PRC. If an increase in schistosome transmission had occurred as a result of the TGD, it would be of negligible size compared to the treatment induced decline seen here. It appears therefore that the construction of the TGD had virtually no impact on schistosomiasis transmission in Shian village over the period of study. Furthermore, contrary to previous reports from Sichuan downplaying the role of animals in human schistosome transmission, bovines may indeed play a role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Northern Tibet is the headstream region for the Yangtze, Nu (Salween River), and Lancang (Mekong River). Sustaining the environmental conditions in the region is vital for Tibet and, as the source of many rivers, the whole of China and much of Asia. The study combines remote sensing data with data from other sources and national standards of grassland degradation index to assess alpine grassland degradation index between 1981 and 2004 in Northern Tibet. A Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to examine trends in grassland degradation index and its response to climate variability, including precipitation, temperature, and solar radiation. The results show that degradation has been very serious. The areas with a significant grassland degradation index trend accounted for 23.3% of the total grasslands in Northern Tibet. During 1981–2004, precipitation variability has benefited the recovery and protection of the grasslands, while temperature and solar radiation variability exacerbated grassland degradation index in Northern Tibet. The impact of regional climate change on grassland degradation index was on the balance more detrimental than positive from 1981 to 2004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the necessity of the incorporation of semantic information into three-dimensional city models (3DCMs) has become a consensus in 3D GIS field. In order to provide practical support for visual applications concerned with semantics, this paper firstly presents an extended semantic model based on the CityGML standard, which was worked out for the general storage and representation of semantics. In this model, concepts like Room, Corridor and Stair are all derived from concept Space which corresponds to the concept of Room in CityGML. This extension will benefit the indoor structure representation. Geological feature is also supported by the model for the underground analysis. Next, for the promotion of semantic modeling by this model, a semi-automatic process of semantic enrichment is implemented in a data integration tool. It provides an adaptive way to link semantics with pure geometry. Finally, two typical cases of visual exploration are illustrated to prove the model's practicability in a national 3D GIS project of China. One is indoor routing, which adopts this model to extract the geometric path and thus enrich traditional semantic-enhanced navigation routine; another case is unified profiler, where semantics are intergrated in order to fill up the cross section correctly and ensure the topological and semantic consistency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cyanophage capable of infecting Anabaena floaquae was isolated by traditional dilution and plating techniques from a eutrophicated freshwater lake, Dianchi Lake, in Yunnan Province, China, and designated as F1. Morphologically, cyanophage F1 is similar to the bacteriophage T4, and it should belong to Myoviridae. Cyanophage F1 could effectively lyses Anabaena flosaquae cells both on the cyanobacterium plates and in liquid cultures. In microcosm experiments, inoculation of cyanophage F1 could clear the artificial Anabaena flosaqua water blooms within three days. The results could provide important information on the cyanobacterial/phage interactions in the field, and suggested that cyanophage F1 could be a promising bio-control agent in the control of cyanobacterial blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpine grassland is a fragile ecosystem, and a large area of this grassland type has been severely degraded in Northern Tibet, to the extent that it has become the primary ecological problem in the region. Various levels of government, including the national central government, the Tibetan Autonomous Region government, and the Nagqu Prefecture government have worked together to achieve alpine grassland ecosystem protection and prevent grassland degradation. These efforts have resulted in significant ecological, social, and economic benefits in Northern Tibet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results from the third nationwide cluster sampling survey on the epidemiology of schistosomiasis in the People's Republic of China, conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2004, are presented. A stratified cluster random sampling technique was used, and 239 villages were selected in 7 provinces where Schistosoma japonicum remains endemic. A total of 250,987 residents 6-65 years of age were included in the survey. Estimated prevalence rates in the provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Anhui, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Jiangsu were 4.2%, 3.8%, 3.1%, 2.2%, 1.7%, 0.9%, and 0.3%, respectively. The highest prevalence rates were in the lake and marshland region (3.8%) and the lowest rates were in the plain region with waterway networks (0.06%). Extrapolation to all residents in schistosome-endemic areas indicated 726,112 infections. This indicates a reduction of 16.1% compared with a nationwide survey conducted in 1995. However, human infection rates increased by 3.9% in settings where transmission is ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was applied to assess genetic diversity and population structure of Brachythecium rivulare Schimp. (Brachytheciaceae) from Foping Nature Reserve (Qinling Mountain, China). Sixty individuals from five populations along an elevational gradient were investigated by RAPD profiles. Of the 61 primers screened, 12 primers amplified clear and reproducible bands. Using these primers, 122 discernible bands were generated with 82 (67.2%) being polymorphic. The results revealed a high level of genetic variation (percentage of polymorphic loci ranged from 53.28% to 63.11%; mean expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.2024 to 0.2431; Shannon diversity index ranged from 0.3011 to 0.3582; genetic identity ranged from 0.8626 to 0.9395, with a mean of 0.9118; genetic distances ranged from 0.0624 to 0.1478, with a mean of 0.1008). Analysis of molecular variance showed that a large proportion of genetic variation (91.20%) resided within populations, whereas only 8.80% resided among populations. The results also show no significant correlation between genetic distance and elevational gradient among these five populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer types and a leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in China. Increased thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) levels have been previously identified as possible target for CRC. The present study revealed that the natural product hydroxytyrosol (HT), which exhibits a polyphenol scaffold, is a potent inhibitor of TrxR1. Inhibition of TrxR1 was indicated to result in accumulation of reactive oxygen species, inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis and G1/S cell cycle arrest of CRC cells. Using a C-terminal mutant TrxR1 enzyme activity assay, TrxR1 RNA interference assay and HT binding model assay, the present study demonstrated the core character of the selenocysteine residue in the interaction between HT and TrxR1. HT can serve as polyphenol scaffold to develop novel TrxR1 inhibitors for CRC treatment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the features of Entodon acutifolius, which is the other term for Platygyriella aurea flora species located in China. Accordingly, Entodon has a yellow seta and a lack of annular distinguishing feature. It is said that the kind of species is best placed with same classification with Platygriella aurea.

The timing of the onset of magnetochron M0r and its duration are disputed, reflecting both a limited set of radioisotopic dates and uncertain magnetostratigraphic correlations. We present a chronostratigraphic framework for a reversed polarity interval based on two chronometers (40Ar/39Ar, U-Pb) and newly published paleomagnetic data from the Qingshan Group, Jiaolai Basin, China. Bayesian modeling of U-Pb zircon and 40Ar/39Ar sanidine dates suggests a minimum duration of 540 ± 37 k.y. (95% credible interval) for the reversed polarity interval. These findings are compatible with an astrochronologic age model for Msequence seafloor magnetic anomalies, indicating that the reversely magnetized sediments correspond to magnetochron M0r rather than the shorter chron "M-1r." Integration of U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar ages constrains the onset of M0r to 120.29 ± 0.09 Ma, which is 1 m.y. younger than that inferred in the current geologic time scale (GTS 2020). This finding also implies that the Cretaceous normal superchron (CNS) began at 119.70 ± 0.12 Ma and that the average seafloor spreading rate during the CNS was 3.5% higher than that inferred from GTS 2020. It also suggests that oceanic anoxic event 1a began at 119.40 ± 0.12 Ma, thereby providing an updated chronologic basis for exploring the primary trigger of this carbon cycle perturbation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological contact oxidation technology was used to remediate the polluted river water in Hanyang, China. The purification effect of the polluted river water in three simulated rivers was investigated using two different carriers, i.e., AquaMats made in USA and semi flexible supports made in China. The results showed that when the hydraulic loading rate increased, purification effect in terms of CODMn decreased. Moreover, the removal efficiency of total nitrogen (TN) increased when AquaMats support was used, however it decreased when semi flexible support was used, in comparison with the control experiment. The removal ability of total phosphorus (TP) was strengthened by using different carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiometric dating of Neoproterozoic Cryogenian glacial deposits is critical for constraining the duration of the Sturtian and Marinoan ice ages and understanding the climate, geochemistry, and biology related to these Snowball Earth events. U Pb zircon dating of volcanic tuffs on different continents has constrained the chronology of the Sturtian Ice Age, but the timing of onset of the Marinoan Ice Age remains in doubt due to the rarity of datable volcanic tuff beds at or near the base of the glacial succession. Here, we report two new laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U Pb ages for volcanic tuffs within the nonglacial Datangpo Formation from a condensed Cryogenian section in South China. A tuff sample 1.1 m above the Sturtian glacial diamictites of the Gucheng Formation and below a distinctive manganese carbonate layer in the Datangpo Formation, yielded an age of 660.1 ± 3.6 Ma, providing a new age constraint for the end of the Sturtian Ice Age in South China. This result is consistent with those of previous studies, indicating that the Sturtian Ice Age may have terminated before ∼660 Ma. A second tuff located 0.4 m below the boundary between Datangpo Formation and overlying Marinoan diamictites yielded an age of 651.2 ± 3.3 Ma, providing a new age constraint for the onset of the Marinoan Ice Age in South China. This result is consistent with a previously reported maximum depositional age of 651.69 ± 0.64 Ma, by chemical abrasion-isotope dilution-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS), for the nonglacial Thorndike submember in Death Valley (USA). This consistency in zircon ages suggests that the Marinoan Ice Age began after 654.5 Ma, and that its duration in South China did not exceed 19 Myr, with age errors incorporated. Our new ages from a shelf section in South China supply reliable geochronological data and constraints on the Cryogenian ice ages. • LA-ICP-MS U Pb dating of zircons in tuffs from mid-Cryogenian Datangpo Fm. • New age of 660.1 ± 3.6 Ma for basal Datangpo limits Sturtian deglaciation to > ∼ 660 Ma. • Age of 651.2 ± 3.3 Ma for upper Datangpo limits onset of Marinoan Ice Age to <654.5 Ma. • These results are consistent with existing radiometric age framework for Datangpo Fm. • The Datangpo Fm. may represent a highly condensed shelf deposit [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New fossil-bearing horizons at the Gezidong and Jiaxikou localities, eastern Inner Mongolia, referred to as the Moqi fossil bed, yield a diverse fossil assemblage coined herein as "Moqi Fauna". The Moqi Fauna provides important insights into the evolution of some vertebrate clades, such as frogs and salamanders, and their Early Cretaceous diversification. In this paper, we report an improved chronology of the Moqi fossil bed based on SIMS and high-precision CA-ID-IRMS U-Pb zircon analyses of three tuff samples from horizons that are interstratified with the fossil-bearing layer at two localities. The SIMS U-Pb dating method applied on zircons from three samples gave dates of 117.8 ± 0.9/1.5 Ma, 117.7 ± 1.0/1.5 Ma, and 118.3 ± 1.2/1.7 Ma, respectively. Two high-precision CA-ID-IRMS U-Pb weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of, 119.20 ± 0.38/0.38/0.72 Ma and 118.67 ± 0.13/0.14/0.28 Ma were also obtained. These findings indicate the age of the Moqi Fauna is ca. 119.20 Ma to 118.67 Ma. Comparison of the Moqi Fauna with the well-known Jehol Biota, as well as the Fuxin Biota of a slightly younger age, suggests that the Moqi Fauna was a distinct fauna which shows a potential link with the Jehol Biota. • We report the exceptional "Moqi Fauna" in eastern Inner Mongolia, China. • The "Moqi Fauna" is characterized by new and diverse fossil assemblages. • Mesozoic frog and salamander preserved together. • The Moqi fossil-bearing bed is precisely dated to 119.20–118.67 Ma. • Our study allows to better understand the vertebrate evolution and Early Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tuff zircon TIMS U-Pb age of 720.16 ± 1.40 Ma was reported from the upper Gongdong Formation; • Monte Carlo simulation suggests a 717.61 ± 1.65 Ma onset age for the Sturtian glaciation in South China; • New age is consistent with the geochronological records in Laurentia and the Arabian-Nubian Shield; • New age represents an important step forward for testing rapid and synchronous global Sturtian glaciation. Neoproterozoic glaciations have drawn worldwide attention in recent years because of their influence on atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and potential causal relationship to the subsequent Cambrian evolutionary explosion which represents the most important event in the history of life on Earth. The Snowball Earth hypothesis predicts a rapid and synchronous initiation of the Neoproterozoic glaciations, but convincing radiometric dates to constrain this hypothesis are yet to be established. Dating this event is often compromised by indistinct stratigraphic relationships and the presence of detrital zircon grains. In this study, we present a chemical abrasion–isotope dilution–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CA-ID-IRMS) U-Pb zircon age from the upper Gongdong Formation of South China, ca. 25 m below the base of the Chang'an diamictite. This new data combined with Monte Carlo modelling suggests the onset of the Sturtian glaciation, in South China, occurred after <718.8 Ma, possibly 717.61 ± 1.65 Ma. This new age is consistent with the geochronological records in Laurentia and the Arabian-Nubian Shield, an important step forward for testing rapid and synchronous global Sturtian glaciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentration and temperature on rice dry matter accumulation vary in planting regions and cropping systems. It remains unclear how dry matter productivity responds to factorial combination of elevated CO 2 and temperature in the double rice cropping system of China. Field experiments were conducted using open-top chambers (OTC) to simulate different scenarios of elevated CO 2 and/or temperature for three rotations of double rice in Jingzhou, Hubei Province. Liangyou 287 and Xiangfengyou 9 were used as rice cultivar for early rice and late rice, respectively. There were five treatments: UC, paddy field without OTC covering; CK, OTC with the similar temperature and CO 2 concentration to field environment; ET, OTC with 2 ℃ temperature elevation; EC, OTC with 60 μmol·mol -1 CO 2 elevation; ETEC, OTC with simu-ltaneous 2 ℃ temperature elevation and 60 μmol·mol -1 CO 2 elevation. We measured aboveground biomass, leaf area index (LAI) and net assimilation rate (NAR) of dry matter under different treatments. Our results showed that elevated CO 2 and/or temperature had no significant effects on NAR from transplanting to jointing, increased NAR from jointing to heading, but decreased NAR from heading to maturity (except for EC treatment in early rice). Elevated CO 2 and/or temperature promoted leaf area development at all growth stages, with ETEC showing the highest increase in LAI except at maturity. Warming and CO 2 enrichment jointly promoted dry matter accumulation at heading, with ETEC increasing aboveground biomass by 10.3%-39.8% and 23.6%-34.4% compared with CK in early rice and late rice, respectively. At maturity of early rice, elevated temperature partly offset the positive effects of elevated CO 2 on aboveground biomass, as shown by a reduction of 3.2%-14.1% under ETEC compared with EC. Contrarily at maturity of late rice, co-elevation of CO 2 and temperature further increased aboveground biomass, showing a synergistic interaction. Results from regression analysis showed that warming and CO 2 enrichment had positive effects on NAR at vegetative stages of double rice, while warming showed negative effects on NAR at reproductive stages. Considering the dissimilarities in growth characteristics, growing periods and ambient temperature, elevated CO 2 and temperature might increase dry matter production in the Chinese double rice cropping system.