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In light of the global consensus on low-carbon development and the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, coupled with China's strategic objective of achieving "carbon neutrality" and reaching its carbon peak, it becomes increasingly essential to focus on areas that necessitate adaptation for low-carbon development. One such critical area is the water supply system, known for its substantial contribution to carbon emissions. To assess the situation, this study constructed an evaluation framework for carbon emissions of water supply system, which comprised of emission characteristic investigation, emission right allocation and right balance assessment. For emission characteristic investigation, data on water supply quantity, pipe network pressure, and energy consumption was utilized to calculate carbon emissions produced by China's water supply system and investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of emissions. The analysis revealed a minor increase in carbon emissions from 2010 to 2018, with a significant turning point occurring in 2016. Specifically, carbon emissions in 2018 ranged between 1.03 × 107 kgCO 2 and 3.15 × 109 kgCO 2. Coastal areas, such as Guangdong and Jiangsu, exhibited a higher level of carbon emissions. This study constructed a provincial allocation model of carbon emission rights, utilizing the shadow price model and entropy method while adhering to the principle of fairness and efficiency. By comparing the value of emission right and emission amount, the provincial balance of carbon emission right in 2018 was evaluated. It was discovered that 14 regions demonstrated varying levels of carbon allowance surpluses. Conversely, 12 regions exhibited insufficient spatial balance, which were subsequently classified as exhibiting mild, moderate, or severe deficiency. Additionally, emission reduction pressures among these regions were assessed through the analysis of the ratio between theoretical emission right and actual amount, as well as levels of economic development. The carbon emission reduction potential scores of different regions were calculated using principal component analysis based on five dimensions, namely policy driver, engineering test and research level, level of economic development, forestry carbon sink and emission reduction efficiency. Our findings indicated that the degree of insufficient balance between emission reduction potential and carbon emission allowance showed a certain convergence. Ultimately, we proposed tailored emission reduction paths for water supply systems in each region, which may serve as theoretical and technical references towards achieving the "double carbon goals". [Display omitted] • Provincial carbon emissions of water supply systems in China were investigated. • An evaluation framework for carbon emissions was constructed. • Shadow price model and entropy method were applied to allocate carbon emission right. • 14 regions showed deficiency in emission right balance, while 12 showed surplus. • Emission reduction potential and degree of deficiency in balance showed convergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has adopted a dual urban-rural administration system for many years which gives far more attention to cities than to rural areas. Designated as a National Comprehensive Reform Experiment Area for Coordinated Urban-Rural Development, Chengdu is one of several areas in China where the practice of rural planning was firstly carried out. After the earthquakes in Wenchuan in 2008 and Lushan in 2013, the post-disaster reconstruction further enriched the local capabilities of rural planning and management. The practice of Chengdu demonstrates that the success of rural planning and management depends on two aspects, a well-organized and well-developed legal systems and institutions and bottom-up selfadministration of local residents which incorporates the social relationships of local communities based on clan and blood kinships. This paper introduces the positive experience of Chengdu in rural planning and management that could be beneficial for other areas in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng), Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) and Panax notoginseng (notoginseng) are highly valuable tonic herbs derived from the Panax genus that have similar morphological appearances and odors but different pharmacological activities and clinical indications. Thus, the authentication of these three Panax species is crucial for ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of medication. In the present study, a static headspace gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) followed by a multivariate statistical analysis was developed to globally characterize the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles in P. ginseng, P. quinquefolium, and P. notoginseng, and subsequently to discover differentiating chemical markers. Under the optimized conditions, the headspace VOCs of a total of 49 batches of Panax herbs derived from the three Panax species were profiled, and the dataset of sample code, - m/ z pair and ion intensity was processed by unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and by supervised partial least squared discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to comprehensively compare the chemical differences in Panax across the species. The results demonstrated that Panax herbs derived from three species possess obviously diverse chemical characteristics of VOCs, PCA, and PLS-DA. According to their VOC profiles, 49 tested samples could be clearly differentiated according to species. Chemomarker 1, 2, and 4 might be used as unique chemical markers of P. ginseng, P. notoginseng and P. quinquefolium, respectively. Our findings indicate that static headspace GC-MS-based VOC profiling, combined with multivariate statistical analysis, provide a reliable tool to discriminate between the three Panax species and to identify their differentiation markers, which will be helpful for ensuring their quality, safety and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic polymorphisms in cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) play an influential role in graft rejection and the long-term clinical outcome of organ transplantation. We investigated the association of five CTLA4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs733618 C/T, rs4553808 A/G, rs5742909 C/T, rs231775 A/G, and rs3087243 G/A) with de novo malignancy in 1463 Chinese renal transplantation (RT) recipients who underwent a 192-month follow-up. Multivariate analyses revealed that recipient rs231775 genotype is significantly associated with tumorigenesis (P=0.012). Multiplicative interaction between rs231775 AA and possible risk factors of malignancy revealed two significant results: rs231775 AA × primary diseases and rs231775 AA × number of HLA-mismatch. The frequency of haplotype TACAG was significantly higher in the tumor group (17.07%) than that in the nontumor group (1.53%). In addition, aristolochic acid nephropathy (P=0.003) and the time of discovery of tumor (P=0.000) also were independently associated with tumorigenesis. Our data show that the CTLA4 genotype rs231775 AA may be one of risk factors for the development of malignancy and haplotype TACAG was susceptible haplotype in Chinese kidney transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The 97 Ma I-A transitional Shengsi granites comprise two phases by crystal-melt separation. • Medium-grained phase (MGP) represents the cumulate with less melts extracted. • Fine-grained phase (FGP) shows variable and depleted middle rare earth elements. • FGP is formed by fractional crystallization of titanite + plagioclase + zircon. • FGP represents the melt extracted from a crystal mush, leaving the residue forming MGP. The intrinsic mechanism on geochemical diversity of high-silica (>70 wt% SiO 2) granites (HSGs) still remains unclear. In this paper, we focus on the magmatic differentiation of the Shengsi Pluton at the northeastern tip of SE China by an integrated study of geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry and mineral chemistry of zircon and apatite. The Shengsi granites crystallized at ca. 97 Ma, and can be divided into early medium-grained phase (MGP) and late fine-grained phase (FGP). The FGP granites have higher SiO 2 (75.0–77.1 wt%) contents and lower amount of plagioclase, apatite and titanite. The MGP granites likely represent the primary granitic melts and they show transitional geochemical features between I- and A-type granites. In contrast, the FGP granites may represent the melts differentiated from the MGP magma mush and they are characterized by continuously varied to strongly depleted middle rare earth elements (MREEs). Geochemical modeling demonstrates that the varied REEs of the FGP granites are likely controlled by the crystallization/accumulation of titanite, plagioclase and minor zircon during magmatic differentiation. Such a crystal fractionation process in HSGs could be explained by slow "crystal settling" (mainly titanite) in crystal mush induced by dripping solid–liquid mixtures from the magma roof. This work exemplifies the effective crystal fractionation of >70 wt% SiO 2 melts to generate >75 wt% SiO 2 melts in the present coastal area of SE China, and it also highlights the role of slow settling of early crystallized minerals in crystal mush on geochemical diversity of HSGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The origin of mafic enclaves in granitoid plutons has long been a matter of debate. In this paper, we present detailed petrographic, mineralogical, geochemical, and Srph name="sbnd" />Hf isotopic data, U dates, and field and petrological observations, for mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) and their host quartz monzonites from the Muchen pluton in Southeast China to evaluate their origins. LA–ICP–MS U of zircon yields crystallisation ages of 112.4±1.2Ma and 112.1±1.0Ma for the MMEs and host quartz monzonites, respectively, indicating their coeval formation during the late Early Cretaceous. Field and petrological observations, such as spheroidal shapes, back-veining, double enclaves, xenocrysts, acicular apatites, and oscillatory zoning with repeated resorption surfaces in plagioclases, suggest that the MMEs are globules of a more mafic magma that was injected into and mingled with the host felsic magma. Geochemically, the host monzonites are intermediate-acidic, metaluminous, alkaline, and K-rich. In contrast, the MMEs are relatively poor in Si and K. The host monzonites are enriched in Rb, Th and U, and depleted in Sr, P, Nb, Ta and Ti, and show moderate to strong europium depletions (δEu=0.12–0.60). These mineralogical and geochemical features classify the quartz monzonites as belonging to the I-type granitoids. The MMEs have broadly similar trace element signatures to those of the host monzonite, but are distinct in having relatively enriched Sr and P, more depleted Zr and Hf, and weak to moderate Eu depletions (δEu=0.43–0.93). Major and trace element data plotted versus isotopic data for the MMEs and the host quartz monzonites yield covariant arrays that result from magma mixing during their petrogenesis. The MMEs and the host quartz monzonites have similar initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (I Sr) of 0.7058–0.7070 and 0.7062–0.7065, respectively, and both have high εNd(t) values (−2.6 to +0.6 for MMEs; −3.2 to −2.4 for quartz monzonites). However, zircons from the MMEs have different εHf(t) values (−0.4 to +6.2) than the host quartz monzonites (−1.0 to +1.8), indicating that the MMEs and host granitoids largely crystallised from different magmas, providing direct evidence for mafic–felsic magma mixing processes. The zircon saturation geothermometer and Al-in-hornblende geobarometer show that the Muchen pluton crystallised at temperatures of 797–851°C and depths of 6–7km. The integrated petrology, and elemental and isotopic compositions suggest that the MMEs and host quartz monzonites were generated by mixing of depleted, mantle-derived, mafic magmas and felsic magmas produced by partial melting of crustal materials in an extensional setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Quanzhou (QZ) and Huacuo (HC) gabbro–granite complexes on the southeast coast of Fujian, South China, are important components of a Late Mesozoic calc-alkaline volcanic–plutonic belt in the region. The complexes provide an excellent opportunity to investigate the genetic relationships between acid and basic magmas, and their interactions within the intrusive environment. The complexes are composed mainly of monzogranite and biotite granodiorite in the QZ complex, and biotite granite in the HC complex, with lesser amounts of hornblende gabbro. Zircon U–Pb dating provides consistent crystallization ages of 109 ± 1 Ma and 108 ± 1 Ma for the QZ gabbros and monzogranites, and an age of 111 ± 1 Ma for the HC gabbro, which is contemporaneous with the spatially associated HC granites. Both the mafic and felsic intrusions in these complexes are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs), and are depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs; e.g. Nb and Ta). They show similarly homogeneous Sr–Nd isotopic compositions. All these factors indicate a close genetic relationship between the gabbroic and granitic rocks in the QZ and HC complexes. Although the enriched Sr–Nd isotopic signatures of the QZ and HC gabbros seemingly point to an enriched mantle source (EM-1), they have highly variable zircon Hf isotopic compositions, with εHf(t) values ranging from negative to positive (specifically –4.6 to +6.1 for the QZ gabbros and –4.8 to +11.6 for the HC gabbros). We interpret the parental basic magmas of these gabbros to have received contributions from a depleted mantle source and crustal components. Contributions from such a depleted mantle source resulted in the growth of juvenile basaltic lower crust, the partial melting of which generated the parental felsic magmas of the QZ and HC complexes. Furthermore, based on a synthesis of petrography, geochronology, elemental and isotopic geochemistry and tectonics, we propose that break-off and rollback of the Late Mesozoic subducted Palaeo-Pacific Plate triggered the upwelling of asthenospheric mantle below the coastal area of the South China Block, which induced extension of the overlying continental lithosphere, and finally initiated the large-scale Late Yanshanian magmatism in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents the findings of a 3-year study upon the recolonization of infaunal macrobenthos following the cessation of disposal of contaminated sediment into dredged pits and capping of the pits with uncontaminated sediment. At reference sites, amphipods or polychaetes numerically dominated, while crabs dominated the biomass. There were significant temporal changes in abundance, which were attributable to either change in amphipod or polychaete abundance. The biomass, however, fluctuated only slightly over time. Three capped pits (CPA, CPB, CPC) all started with low biomass and abundance, and showed increase in both parameters over time. The increase in abundance ranged only from 1.0 to 2.3 times, whereas the increase in biomass ranged from 5.2 to 50.0 times. The final abundance and biomass at CPB were comparable to those at the reference sites. CPA and CPC had lower abundance than the reference sites, but the biomass was >15 times higher than the biomass at the reference sites. Small polychaetes numerically dominated all the three capped pits (58–79%), but the relative contribution of taxa to total biomass varied with the pits: molluscs dominated CPA (98%) and CPC (83%), whereas polychaetes (30%), crustaceans (27%), and molluscs (21%) dominated CPB. Our results indicate that benthos appear to have recolonized the capped pits; and there seem to be two recolonization patterns on the basis of biomass, one characterized by the dominance by molluscs and the other by the dominance by crustaceans and molluscs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The 200–160 Ma arc magmatic belt is identified along the coastal region of SE China. • This study firstly reports the ancient basement-derived granitoids in SE China. • The Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction underneath southeast China started at ca. 200 Ma. This study presents new zircon U–Pb ages and whole-rock geochemical data for the Fanyindong (FYD) and Jincheng (JC) granitoid intrusions in coastal Zhejiang and Fujian Provinces, respectively, southeast China, to investigate their petrogenesis and provide new constraints on the regional tectonic evolution and crustal growth. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the FYD and JC intrusions were emplaced at c. 170 Ma and 193 Ma, respectively. Both granitoids belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series, and display arc-like trace element patterns, with enrichment of large ion lithophile elements and Nb-Ta depletion. The FYD granitoids show adakitic geochemical characteristics, with high radiogenic Sr isotope ratios, and the most enriched bulk-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions (crustal Nd–Hf model ages = ca. 2.35–2.75 Ga) ever reported in the Mesozoic granitoids within southeast China. Geochemical characteristics suggest that the FYD granitoids were generated by partial melting of mostly Paleoproterozoic basement rocks in a thickened lower crust. However, whole-rock Sr–Nd and zircon Hf isotopes of the JC granites show depleted source signatures. Geochemical signatures suggest the JC granites originated from the partial melting of a mixed source, consisting of the pre-existing, ancient, lower crust and juvenile, mantle-derived, basaltic rocks. The data from this study, in conjunction with previously published data, indicates that there exists a NE-trending, Early–Middle Jurassic, arc-related, magmatic rock belt along the southeast coast of China, and the Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction most likely started at c. 200 Ma. The early stage subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate and the induced reactivation and extension of pre-existing E–W striking faults in the Nanling region of southeastern China gave rise to the generation of the JC granites. Ongoing subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate resulted in a thickening of the continental margin, and subsequent crustal anatexis of basement materials produced the FYD granitoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptomeria fortunei has been widely planted in many cities in southern China. Eventually some of this material may be utilized for timber, but there are relatively few studies of durability of this resource. There is also some question as to whether Cryptomeria fortunei is a synonym for Cryptomeria japonica or Japanese cedar (Sugi). Evaluating the durability of the Chinese resource will help ensure that the decay resistance of this urban plantation resource is properly categorized. The decay resistance of Cryptomeria fortunei wood was assessed in soil block and agar block tests against Trametes versicolor, Gloeophyllum trabeum and Rhodonia placenta. Hot water and ethanol extractive contents of the heartwood were determined on sections from various distances above ground and then FTIR spectroscopy was used to characterize the wood before and after fungal exposure. Weight losses in sapwood were consistent with the minimal decay resistance of this portion of the wood. Inner and outer heartwood weight losses were more variable suggesting that the heartwood of this species would be considered to be only moderately durable. Extractives were weakly correlated with decay resistance. FTIR results were more variable, although they suggested heavier attack of lignin components by the brown rot fungi. The results suggest that Cryptomeria fortunei would need to be protected from the weather unless supplemental preservative treatments were applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression and anxiety are common among pregnant women. Internet-delivered psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) have been developed to increase accessibility and address common help-seeking barriers, especially during pandemic period. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of iCBT on reducing depressive symptoms among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic with the overall goal of preventing depression recurrence in the first 12 months postpartum.Methods: A multi-site randomized controlled trial will be conducted where 300 pregnant women early in their third trimester will be screened for depression symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) during a routine obstetrical visit. Eligible and consenting women with a score greater than 9 will be randomly allocated (1:1) to either intervention group or control group. ICBT involving the completion of 7 weekly online modules will be delivered via a well-designed perinatal mental healthcare app. The primary objective is to evaluate the effect of iCBT on reducing depression symptoms among pregnant Chinese women starting from their third trimester. The secondary objectives are to examine the effect of iCBT on anxiety, sleep quality, social support, parenting stress, co-parenting relationship, and infant development.Discussion: This multi-center randomized controlled trial has been planned in accordance with best practices in behavioral trial design. The internet-based intervention addressed the needs of pregnant women during a major pandemic where face-to-face therapy is not preferable. The trial has a relatively large sample size with sufficient power to evaluate the efficacy of iCBT intervention for the primary and secondary outcomes. One year follow-up evaluation in the study is designed to determine the longer-term effect of the intervention on both maternal and infant outcomes. Although a limitation is the assessment of depression and anxiety using self-report measures, these easily incorporated and maternal-preferred assessments allow for real-life scalability if the intervention is proven to be effective.Ethics and Dissemination: Ethics was approved by the institutional review board of International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital (GKLW2020-25). Dissemination of results will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and presented at scientific conferences.Trial Status: The first patient was enrolled on 19 August 2020. To date, 203 participants have met eligibility requirements and been randomized to either the intervention group or control group. Data collection aims to be complete in September 2022. Date and version identifier: 2020715-version1.0.Trial Registration: ChiCTR2000033433. Registered 31 May 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=54482 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melia azedarach L. is an important economic tree widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of China and some other countries. However, it is unclear how the species' suitable habitat will respond to future climate changes. We aimed to select the most accurate one among seven data mining models to predict the current and future suitable habitats for M. azedarach in China. These models include: maximum entropy (MaxEnt), support vector machine (SVM), generalized linear model (GLM), random forest (RF), naive bayesian model (NBM), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and gradient boosting machine (GBM). A total of 906 M. azedarach locations were identified, and sixteen climate predictors were used for model building. The models' validity was assessed using three measures (Area Under the Curves (AUC), kappa, and overall accuracy (OA)). We found that the RF provided the most outstanding performance in prediction power and generalization capacity. The top climate factors affecting the species' suitable habitats were mean coldest month temperature (MCMT), followed by the number of frost-free days (NFFD), degree-days above 18 °C (DD > 18), temperature difference between MWMT and MCMT, or continentality (TD), mean annual precipitation (MAP), and degree-days below 18 °C (DD < 18). We projected that future suitable habitat of this species would increase under both the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios for the 2011–2040 (2020s), 2041–2070 (2050s), and 2071–2100 (2080s). Our findings are expected to assist in better understanding the impact of climate change on the species and provide scientific basis for its planting and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the purposes of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is to monitor and control weight of the patient. Our study is to compare the different obesity indexes, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC), through one well-designed CR program (CRP) with ACS in Guangzhou city of Guangdong Province, China, in order to identify different effects of BMI and WC on organ damage. In our work, sixty-one patients between October 2013 and January 2014 fulfilled our study. We collected the vital signs by medical records, the clinical variables of body-metabolic status by fasting blood test, and the organ damage variables by submaximal exercise treadmill test (ETT) and ultrasonic cardiogram (UCG) both on our inpatient and four-to-five weeks of outpatient part of CRP after ACS. We mainly used two-tailed Pearson’s test and liner regression to evaluate the relationship of BMI/WC and organ damage. Our results confirmed that WC could be more accurate than BMI to evaluate the cardiac function through the changes of left ventricular structure on the CRP after ACS cases. It makes sense of early diagnosis, valid evaluation, and proper adjustment to ACS in CRP of the obesity individuals in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haimenkou site is the largest railing-enclosed wooden architecture settlement site on the waterfront in current China. This research conducts degradation assessment of waterlogged wood at Haimenkou site with various methods, including maximum moisture content analysis, basic density analysis, shrinkage measurement, swelling analysis, chemical composition analysis, measurement of compression strength parallel to grain, SEM microstructure analysis and measurement of crystallinity, providing scientific guidance for the subsequent formulation of proper methods of reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of CYP3A4*1G allele on the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin in the Chinese Han patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Twenty male patients of CHD with different CYP3A4*1G genotypes were orally administered a single 20 mg dose of atorvastatin. Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin and 2-hydroxyatorvastatin were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to infinity (AUC0-∞) of atorvastatin in subjects with the CYP3A4*1G/*1G genotype were 36% or 25% lower than in those with the wild-type or the *1/*1G genotype, respectively. The time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax) and oral clearance of atorvastatin (CL/F) were significantly different between subjects with the CYP3A4*1G/*1G genotype and the wild-type. The AUC0-∞ for 2-hydroxyatorvastatin in subjects with the CYP3A4*1G/*1G genotype was 44% or 31% lower than in those with the wild-type or the *1/*1G genotype, respectively. The peak plasma concentration, Tmax and apparent clearance of 2-hydroxyatorvastatin (CL/Fm) were significantly different between subjects with the CYP3A4*1G/*1G genotype and the wild-type. This study indicates that the CYP3A4*1G allele is associated with the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin and its metabolites in those Chinese Han patients with CHD after a single oral dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface sediments collected from the coastal region off South China were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The concentrations of BDE-209, Σ12PBDE, Σ15PAH, Σ7PAH, and Σ11OCP were 0.22 to 26.3, 0.01 to 0.77, 13.9 to 271, 6 to 133, and 0.9 to 104 ng/g, respectively. The spatial distribution patterns of PBDEs and PAHs suggested that the eastern coastal region was slightly more contaminated than the western coast. In addition, the concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDXs) were highly variable, with the highest level found at a site in Zhanjiang Bay, which might have been reflective of the impact of antifouling paints mainly used in boat maintenance in harbor areas. The predominance of BDE-209 in the study region was consistent with the usage pattern of penta-, octa-, and deca-BDEs in China, whereas sediment PAHs appeared to have been derived largely from coal or wood and petroleum combustion. Preliminary assessments indicated that terrestrial inputs, such as atmospheric transport and riverine runoff, may have been the major input pathways for PBDEs and PAHs, respectively, to accumulate in coastal sediment off South China. Conversely, residues of DDT-containing antifouling paints associated with shipping activities and boat maintenance accounted for most of the accumulated sediment DDTs. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:1194-1201. © 2012 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The mafic–ultramafic rocks in the Fanjingshan Group from northeastern Guizhou have been classified as the calc-alkaline series. These mafic rocks have prominent negative Nb, Ta and Ti but positive Pb anomalies and show typical geochemical signatures of arc basalts and decoupling Nd–Hf isotopic characters. SHRIMP and LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon datings for four samples of the mafic rocks yield U–Pb zircon ages of 814±15Ma, 814±6Ma, 831±6Ma and 827±24Ma with an average age of 822±15Ma. The U–Pb ages of the youngest detrital zircon grains in four samples of the sandstones from the Fanjingshan Group are 873±4Ma, 874±10Ma, 870±10Ma and 869±9Ma with an average age of 872±3Ma that is considered as the maximum depositional age of these sandstones. It suggests that the Fanjingshan Group, the equivalent of the Sibao and Lengjiaxi Groups occurring in the western Jiangnan orogen, is Neoproterozoic rather than Mesoproterozoic as previously considered. Combined with published age data, the U–Pb zircon dating of both mafic rocks and sandstones in the Fanjingshan Group provides new constraints on the timing of various geological events during the development of the Jiangnan orogen. It is evident that there existed coeval magmatism (878–822Ma) with arc signatures and sedimentation (872–835Ma) in the foreland basin along the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block during the Neoproterozoic. Compared with the Grenvillian-age orogenic event, the collision between the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks was postponed for 355–160Ma. Moreover, the basement strata in the Jiangnan orogen underwent thorough greenschist-facies metamorphism. The prevalent granulite-facies metamorphism in the Grenvillian orogenic belts has not been found in the metamorphosed sedimentary-igneous rocks of the basement strata exposed in the Jiangnan orogen. All these suggest that the Jiangnan orogen should not be considered as a Grenvillian-age orogenic belt. It is proposed that the Jiangnan orogen might be the product of collision between two neighboring blocks during the transition of Rodinia to Gondwana. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The western end of the Proterozoic Jiangnan orogen is located at the Northern Guangxi, South China. Neoproterozoic granitoids are dominant (>90%) in the area, with ca. 8% being the mafic-ultramafic rocks. The generation of these igneous rocks was previously considered to be related to a mantle plume (or superplume) event that led to the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. In this work, we present new laser ablation-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon data for the igneous rocks from Northern Guangxi. The ages for the Zhaigun, Bendong, Dongma, Sanfang and Tianpeng granitic plutons are 835.8±2.5, 822.7±3.8, 824±13, 804.3±5.2 and 794.2±8.1Ma, respectively, and the Hejiawan layered diabases are 811.5±4.8Ma. These ages indicate a broad duration of magmatic activities (ca. 35million years), inconsistent with plume models that predict widespread magmatic eruption and emplacement within period of 1–5million years. The granitoids in Northern Guangxi are typical S-type granites with high ACNK values (1.10–1.87), and are generally plotted in the collision-related areas in the tectonic discrimination diagrams. They should not be the products of the mantle plume activity. On the contrary, they might be related with the continent–continent collisional orogeny between the Yangtze and Cathysia blocks. A total of eight spot analyses of zircon cores and two from single zircon xenoliths gave early Neoproterozoic ages ranging from ca. 870–950Ma. These ages might record subduction or collision-related magmatic events during 950–870Ma in Northern Guangxi. Combined with previous geochronological and geochemical data, our new dating results support post-collisional extension, instead of mantle plume or superplume model, for the genesis of 835–800Ma granites and mafic rocks in Northern Guangxi. The upwelling of deep mantle due to the detachment of subducted slab and the delamination of the lithosphere might cause partial melting of the continental crust to generate S-type granites. The continent–continent collisional orogenic event along the Jiangnan orogen may have spanned ca. 70million years from 870 to 800Ma, and the early Neoproterozoic subduction might last for ca. 130million years. It is proposed that South China might have been located at the western margin in the Rodinia supercontinent during the period of ca. 870–800Ma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The prevalence of IGD symptoms is 1.78 % among Chinese adolescents. • Excessive online gaming not only contributes to psychological distress of adolescents, but also increase the level of aggressive behavior. • Apart from male sex and younger age, severe IGD symptoms and psychological distress are the most important predictors of the development of aggressive behavior. The present study aimed to investigate the current situation of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in Chinese adolescents and explore the impact of IGD-related factors on adolescent aggression. We hypothesized that IGD symptoms in adolescents would be associated with aggressive behavior and that risk factors for IGD symptoms could increase the aggressive tendencies of adolescents. To verify the above hypothesis, a cross-sectional survey of junior and senior high school students from southern, southwestern, central, and eastern China was conducted. A total of 9306 valid questionnaires were collected. The results showed that the prevalence of IGD symptoms was 1.78 % among Chinese adolescents. The adolescents in the disordered gamer group had the most severe IGD symptoms, with the highest levels of psychological distress and aggression. Interestingly, adolescents in the casual gamer group had the lowest psychological distress and aggression scores. Linear regression analysis further showed that higher levels of aggression were significantly associated with male sex, younger age, more severe psychological distress and IGD symptoms, and more violent game exposure. Our results suggested that excessive online gaming not only contributes to psychological distress in adolescents but also increases their levels of aggressive behavior. Apart from male sex and younger age, severe IGD symptoms and psychological distress are the most important predictors of the development of aggressive behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scleractinian cold-water corals (CWCs) are one of the most important habitat engineers of the deep sea. Although the South China Sea (SCS) abuts the biodiversity center of scleractinian CWCs in the western Pacific, only a few sporadic records are available. We discovered new CWC sites by means of trawl sampling and video observation along the continental shelf of the northwestern SCS. All trawled scleractinian CWC specimens were identified to species level according to skeleton morphology and structure. The living CWCs and associated fauna recorded in the video were -identified to a higher level of classification. Scleractinian corals were identified to genus level, while non-scleractinian CWCs were identified to family level and given general names such as gorgonian corals, bamboo corals and black corals. Associated benthic dwellers were divided into major categories. A total of 28 scleractinian CWC species were identified to 7 families, 15 genera, and 1 additional subgenus. Among them, 13 species were colonial, including important habitat-forming species in the genera Eguchipsammia, Dendrophyllia and Cladopsammia. Non-scleractinian CWCs were identified to 7 families, including 4 families gorgonian corals, 1 family bamboo corals, and 2 families black corals. Gorgonian corals were the most abundant non-scleractinian CWCs in this region. Meanwhile, starfish, sea anemones, fish, gastropods, echinoderms, and other associated benthic fauna were recorded in the CWC habitats, with starfish belonging to the order Brisingida being most common. New scleractinian CWC assemblages were discovered along the continental seabed mounds in the northwestern SCS. This study highlights the remarkable diversity of cold-water scleractinian corals in the whole SCS, and shows the potential widespread distribution and conservation prospect of CWC habitats in this region. • The first study of cold-water corals was conducted in the South China Sea by the combined method of trawling and video observation. • New scleractinian CWC assemblages were discovered with high diversity along the continental seabed mounds. • The presence of CWC habitat was confirmed with many non-scleractinian CWCs and other associated benthic taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From July to August 2022, scleractinian coral communities in China's Greater Bay Area (GBA) in the northern South China Sea (nSCS) experienced an unprecedented bleaching event, despite the fact that coral communities in this area are often considered coral thermal refugia due to their high latitude distribution. Field surveys of six sites covering three main coral distribution areas of the GBA revealed that coral bleaching occurred at all sites. Bleaching was more severe in shallow water (1–3 m) than in deep water (4–6 m), as indicated by both percent bleached cover (51.80 ± 10.04% vs. 7.09 ± 7.37%) and bleached colonies (45.86 ± 11.22% vs. 6.58 ± 6.53%). Coral genera Acropora , Favites , Montipora , Platygyra , Pocillopora, and Porites showed high susceptibility to bleaching, and Acropora and Pocillopora suffered high post-bleaching mortality. In the three areas surveyed, analysis of oceanographic data detected marine heatwaves (MHWs) during the summer, with mean intensities between 1.62 and 1.97 °C and durations between 5 and 22 days. These MHWs were primarily driven by increased shortwave radiation due to strong western Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH), combined with reduced mixing between the surface and deep upwelling waters due to reduced wind speed. Comparing with histological oceanographic data showed that the 2022 MHWs were unprecedented, and there was a significant increase in the frequency, intensity, and total days of MHWs during 1982–2022. Furthermore, the heterogeneous distribution of summer MHW characteristics indicates that the coastal upwelling may modulate the spatial distribution of summer MHWs in nSCS through its cooling effect. Overall, our study indicates that MHWs may have affected the structure of the subtropical coral communities in the nSCS, and impaired their potential as thermal refugia. [Display omitted] • Unprecedented coral bleaching occurred in the northern South China Sea in 2022. • Coral bleaching varied among taxa and was more severe in shallow water. • Summer marine heatwaves were responsible for the coral bleaching event. • The marine heatwaves were caused by the western Pacific subtropical high. • The frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves have increased over the last decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A gradual geochemical variation from E to W across the Jiangnan orogen (JO). [•] The change of provenance may have been the key control on the variation. [•] The 860–820Ma basement sediments deposited in back-arc and retro-arc foreland basins. [•] The early crust in South China formed mainly at ca 3.8Ga with minor 4.1Ga crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Zircons can retain a grain-scale record of granitoid compositional evolution that is accessible through microanalysis. In situ U–Pb, Hf and O isotope data yield new insights into the petrogenesis and evolution of the Neoproterozoic strongly peraluminous granitoids of the Jiangnan orogen (JO), southern China. A negative correlation of Th/U versus δ18O is found for most analyses. Some zircons from eastern JO granitoids show δ18O variations of 3–6‰ from core to rim, indicating a dramatic shift toward higher oxygen isotope values by voluminous partial melting of supracrustal rocks and signaling a transition from I-type-like to S-type-like magmas during the later stage of magmatic evolution. This mechanism provides a reasonable explanation why some granitoids have intermediate geochemical features between S-type and I-type granites. Hf isotope trends indicate that a larger proportion of mature continental crust was incorporated into the magma sources of the western JO granitoids, whereas more juvenile arc crust was incorporated into the eastern JO magmas. No significant depleted mantle-derived mafic magma was injected into the JO granitoid magmas. Instead, radiogenic Hf and Nd signatures in JO granitoids reflect incorporated juvenile arc crust and document crustal growth in southern China during the Early Neoproterozoic (ca. 900Ma). Thus, our zircon data suggest that strongly peraluminous granitoids, which are widely regarded as the products of orogenesis that primarily recycle evolved crust, can also record important information about early crustal growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Multiple geochemical markers, including aliphatic hydrocarbons ( n-alkanes), linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were employed to relate sediment organic chemical pollution in the coastal zone off South China to socioeconomic development there. Concentrations of Σ n-C15-35 ( n-alkanes with 15-35 carbon atoms), ΣLAB (sum of C10 to C13 LABs), and Σ26PAH (sum of 26 PAH compounds) ranged from 110 to 3,160, 11 to 160, and 26 to 600 ng/g, with medians of 730, 40, and 230 ng/g, respectively. Natural hydrocarbons were mainly derived from terrestrial higher plant waxes, and in minor amounts from aquatic plankton and bacteria. Compositions of LABs indicated that considerable amounts of poorly treated wastewater had been directly discharged or transported to the eastern and western coastal areas of Guangdong Province. In addition, anthropogenic hydrocarbons were derived largely from vehicular emissions and combustion of domestic coal and biomass and to a lesser extent from oil spills. Eastern and western coastal sediments contained higher levels of LABs but lower levels of PAHs than those of the Pearl River Estuary, a coastal area of the Pearl River Delta. This spatial pattern of organic pollution was consistent with chemical use patterns. The eastern and western regions of Guangdong Province are economically less developed than the Pearl River Delta region, where more domestic wastewater treatment plants have been built. However, greater amounts of energy are consumed in the latter region to produce more combustion-derived PAH contamination. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:312-319. © 2012 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scleractinian corals with growth anomalies, often referred to as 'tumors', have been reported globally. A recent survey of Hong Kong waters showed that > 60% of P latygyra carnosus colonies developed tumors. Here we report for the first time, the bacterial community associated with tumors in P . carnosus over different seasons and locations in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and Port Shelter. Culture-based methods for strain isolation and molecular techniques of 16 S rRNA analysis for strain identification were used, as well as the culture-independent technique terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism. We tested the hypothesis that the community composition would be considerably different between healthy and tumor corals and aimed to investigate whether potential differences because of tumors would override the seasonal and spatial influences. Our analysis detected only minor differences between the communities associated with the healthy and tumor corals, indicating that tumors are not associated with major changes in the bacterial community structure. In contrast, community structure was strongly influenced by the location and season, with greater A lphaproteobacteria diversity in the winter than in the summer. This study demonstrated that the coral-associated bacterial community composition was more related to environmental variables (i.e. season and location) than to disease (i.e. tumor). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Assessment of the effectiveness of protected areas requires information on population characteristics of the target species. This study used a mark-and-recapture approach to examine the population structure, individual growth, and mortality of the commercially harvested short-spined sea urchin Anthocidaris crassispina in a small (18ha) no-take marine reserve and two nearby non-protected sites. Sea urchins were tagged with fluorochrome and recaptured 1 year later. The size-at-age relationship was modelled using the Tanaka function, and mortality estimated using an exponential decay function coupled with the Tanaka growth parameters. The urchin population in the reserve consisted of a higher proportion of older individuals than populations in the two non-protected areas, however, large sea urchins (>50mm) were absent in the reserve. Sea urchins occurring at high densities (>15ind.m−2) in the reserve grew much slower than those outside the reserve, suggesting a density-dependant effect on growth. Growth ring analysis from the rotulae supported the mark-and-recapture results with the maximum number of rings being higher in the reserve than in non-protected sites. Urchins with the same number of growth rings inside the reserve were smaller than those outside the reserve. Within the reserve, urchins with the same number of growth rings were smaller at locations with higher urchin density. Annual mortality rate was lower in the reserve population than in the non-protected populations. These results illustrate the effectiveness of this small reserve in protecting A. crassispina from fishing. However, further study is required to examine whether a high density of small/old individuals is better than a medium density of large individuals in order to maximize the potential spillover of larvae by such small urchin refugia to the surrounding overfished areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, sea urchins Anthocidaris crassispina, Diadema setosum and Salmacis sphaeroides inhabiting the coastal area of Hong Kong were collected and their gonadal biochemical compositions determined and compared for the first time. The proximate nutritional composition of all species exhibited an order of lipid>protein>carbohydrate. Neutral lipid was the major lipid constituent, accounting for over 80% of the total lipid. The major fatty acids in neutral lipid fraction of the three urchins were C14:0, C16:0, C16:1 (n-7), C18:1 (n-7) and C20:5 (n-3), whereas those in the polar lipid fraction were C16:0, C16:4 (n-4), C20:4 (n-6) and C20:5 (n-3). The dominant carotenoid was echinenone, which accounted for 81.7%, 56.7% and 68.5% of the total carotenoids in A. crassispina, D. setosum and S. sphaeroides, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mitigating mental health consequences during the COVID-19 outbreak: Lessons from China In the last 3 months of curbing the spread of COVID-19, China has implemented a package of targeted measures to mitigate the potential mental health consequences of COVID-19. Now, as the COVID-19 outbreak escalates across the world, we share our experience in addressing the mental health ramifications of COVID-19 in China in order to inform similar efforts globally. [Extracted from the article]