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The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the efficiency of blended teaching online according to the Super Star Learning Pass model on Basic computer application for Shunde Technical Vocational College, (2) compare students' achievements before and after learning through blended teaching online according to the Super Star Learning Pass model on Basic computer application, and (3) examine students' satisfaction with of using blended teaching online according to the Super Star Learning Pass model on Basic computer application. The sample comprised 30 students at Shunde Technical Vocational College in China, derived through purposive sampling. The instruments used to collect the data were (1) blended teaching online according to the Super Star Learning Pass model on Basic computer application for enhancing learning achievement, a student's pretest and a posttest, and a teacher's satisfaction form. The data analysis statistics were percentage, mean, standard deviation, and the t-test for the dependent sample. The research findings revealed that applying blended teaching online according to the Super Star Learning Pass model on Basic computer applications for enhanced learning achievement was efficient by E1/E2 (81.40/81.23). The evaluation of content blended teaching online according to the Super Star Learning Pass model on Basic computer application teaching by the experts was appropriate at the excellent level ([x-bar]=4.78, SD. = 0.58). The evaluation of students' satisfaction with blended teaching online according to the Super Star Learning Pass model on Basic computer applications in China by 30 students. The overall students' satisfaction was a strongly agreeing level ([x-bar]=4.51, SD. = 0.50). When considering each item, it was found that blended teaching online according to the Super Star Learning Pass model on Basic computer application methods was strongly agreeing level ([x-bar]=4.67, SD. = 0.48) and combined teaching online according to the Super Star Learning Pass model on Basic computer application was strongly agree level ([x-bar]= 4.60, SD. = 0.50), respectively. According to Shunde Technical Vocational College, teachers' satisfaction with blended teaching online according to the Super Star Learning Pass model on Basic computer applications for enhanced learning achievement was high, with a mean of 4.51.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the containment measures for COVID-19 have affected sleep quality in the population. This study explored sleep-related research from a bibliometric perspective to provide an overview of the research outputs in this field. Original and review articles were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database from December 2019 to 7 Aug 2023. R package "bibliometrix" was used to summarize the number of articles of authors, institutions, and countries; count the citations of the articles, and generate a Three-Fields Plot. VOSviewer software was applied to visualize the collaboration network among authors and institutions, and to conduct a co-occurrence analysis of keywords. A total of 4,499 articles on COVID-19 and sleep, and 25,883 articles on non-COVID-19 and sleep were included. Sleep related articles were mainly published by authors from China, the USA, and Italy. For COVID-19 and sleep research, Huazhong University of Science was the most productive institution. The Psychiatry Research was the most influential journal across the different subject categories of this field. "Mental health", "anxiety", and "depression" were the most common keywords, while "sleep quality" and "quality of life" were the likely topic areas in terms of future research directions. Our findings provide a comprehensive perspective for researchers to understand the wider landscape of both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 sleep-related research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airline pilots are members of a unique occupational group that is often confronted with sleep routine disruptions, yet relatively few studies have examined their mental health status. This study assessed the prevalence and network structure of internet addiction, depression and sleep quality problems in commercial airline pilots. A total of 7055 airline pilots were included in analyses. Internet addiction and depression were measured with the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The network model was constructed based on an Ising model and its association with sleep quality was evaluated using a flow procedure. Internet addiction, depression and sleep quality were common among airline pilots. The prevalence of internet addiction was 8.0 % (95 % CI: 7.3–8.6 %), while the rates of depression and poor sleep quality were 23.3 % (95 % CI: 22.3–24.2 %) and 33.0 % (95 % CI: 31.9–34.1 %), respectively. In the depression and internet addiction network model, "Fatigue" (PHQ4; Expected Influence (EI): 2.04) and "Depressed/moody/nervous only while being offline" (IAT20; EI: 1.76) were most central symptoms while "Fatigue" (PHQ4; Bridge EI: 1.30) was also the most important bridge symptom. The flow network model of sleep quality with internet addiction and depression showed that "Appetite" (PHQ5) had the strongest positive association with poor sleep quality. Internet addiction, depression and sleep quality were common among airline pilots and warrant regular screening and timely treatment. Strategies to improve sleep hygiene may be useful in preventing onsets or exacerbations in depression and internet addiction among airline pilots. • The prevalence of internet addiction was 8.0% (95% CI: 7.3–8.6%), while the prevalence of depression and poor sleep quality were 23.3% (95% CI: 22.3–24.2%) and 33.0% (95% CI: 31.9–34.1%), respectively. • "Fatigue" (PHQ4) and "Depressed/moody/nervous only while being offline" (IAT20) were central symptoms. • "Appetite" (PHQ5) had the strongest positive associations with poor sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information and communications technology (ICT) is now widely used in education. However, the effect of ICT on the development of students' scientific higher-order thinking skills (S-HOTS) is a controversial issue in science education research. This has attracted significant attention from researchers worldwide in the field of educational technology. In this study, a novel framework for students' S-HOTS is proposed based on Marzano's new taxonomy to determine the impact of ICT on S-HOTS. And exploring the difference in the impact of ICT on S-HOTS in two different countries. The data for this study were obtained from the Science Assessment and ICT Familiarity Questionnaire of the PISA 2015 survey for Finnish and Chinese students. This survey measures the differences in economic and educational levels and literacy in each country and tests the knowledge and skills necessary for life in reading, mathematics, and science for students (15 years old), through a detailed pre-testing country field study to make the results comparable across countries. We used the Delphi methodology to determine the framework of S-HOTS and a regression analysis to analyse the effects of ICT on students' S-HOTS. The results demonstrate how the availability, use frequency and use time of ICT affect S-HOTS. Furthermore, we compared the results between China (9841 students) and Finland (2538 students), and these findings demonstrated that ICT use at school has a negative effect on S-HOTS, especially ICT use time in school. We also found that using an interactive whiteboard positively and significantly affects S-HOTS. The results suggest that the effect of ICT use on S-HOTS in school depends on the ICT method combined with the learning process. Consequently, the use of ICT in schools should be viewed dialectically to promote students' S-HOTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the English vocabulary development of 43 very young child English as a foreign language (FL) learners (age 3.2-6.2) in China. They were tested twice for vocabulary breadth (reception and production) and semantic depth (paradigmatic and syntagmatic vocabulary knowledge). The development of the English vocabulary knowledge between these two measurements was predicted using a series of internal factors and external factors. An exploratory mixed-effects regression analysis revealed that English use, interacting with age of English onset, significantly predicted such growth. Older children benefitted more from practicing English to enhance their English vocabulary. The amount of English input at school was found to positively impact the development of English syntagmatic knowledge. Chinese paradigmatic knowledge significantly influenced the growth of English paradigmatic and syntagmatic knowledge. These findings indicate that at least at an early stage, external factors play an important role in child FL vocabulary development, particularly in children with a later age of English onset. Furthermore, the transfer of concepts from the first language to the second language (L2) might be more pronounced with respect to L2 semantic depth than L2 vocabulary breadth. This conceptual transfer is relevant to FL learners as young as three years of age.

Background:Orientia tsutsugamushi is a zoonotic intracellular pathogen that requires parasitism in eukaryotic cells to reproduce. In recent years, tsutsugamushi disease reported in many places nationwide has crossed the Yangtze River, continuously, spreading to the North China. Now this phenomenon has aroused people's attention. Materials and Methods: In this study, meta-analysis was used to analyze the infection of rodents (vectors) in China, to clarify the transmission rule of O. tsutsugamushi. Results: This study included literature from six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Wanfang, CNKI, and VIP). A total of 55 articles were included in the study from 610 retrieved articles. The total infection rate of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents was 5.5% (1206/20,620, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0553–0.0617). The prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents before 2013 (7.73%, 95% CI: 4.11–12.37) was higher than after 2013 (2.11%, 95% CI: 0.64–4.41). O. tsutsugamushi spread among a variety of rodents, among which Rattus losea (13.3%, 95% CI: 4.33–26.26), Rattus tanezumi (5.69%, 95% CI: 1.37–12.72), and Apodemus agrarius (5.32%, 95% CI: 2.26–9.58) infection rate was higher. Kawasaki (8.32%, 95% CI: 1.42–20.17), Karp (7.36%, 95% CI: 2.62–14.22), Kato (2.54%, 95% CI: 0.08–8.28), and Gilliam (2.13%, 95% CI: 0.42–5.09) were the main prevalent genotypes in China. The prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents was seasonal, increasing gradually in summer (2.39%, 95% CI: 0.46–5.77), peaking in autumn (4.59%, 95% CI: 1.15–10.16), and then declining. The positive rate of immunofluorescence assay (25.07%, 95% CI: 8.44–46.88) was the highest among the detection methods, and it was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on the subgroup of geographical factors and climatic factors, the probability of O. tsutsugamushi infection in rodents was the highest when the temperature >19℃ (8.20%, 95% CI: 1.22–20.52), the altitude <100 millimeters (7.23%, 95% CI: 3.45–12.26), the precipitation >700 millimeters (12.22%, 95% CI: 6.45–19.50), and the humidity 60–70% (7.80%, 95% CI: 4.17–12.44). Conclusions: Studies have shown that rodents carrying O. tsutsugamushi are common. People should prevent and control rodents in life and monitor rodents carrying O. tsutsugamushi for a long time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between social capital and household income has received inadequate attention over the past decade. We examine the role of social capital in household income using three waves of household surveys from 2011 to 2015 in China. Using "local big surname or not" as the instrumental variable, we find that gift expenditure as a proxy for social capital is positively associated with total household income. In addition, social capital mainly affects income sources through improved financial sophistication, higher job position levels, closer government connections, and greater accessibility to operating loans. The results are robust to alternative social capital measures. The findings highlight the importance of social capital in household economic welfare in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the process of subduction, which transfers materials from the Earth's surface into the deep mantle. The authors focus on the role of carbon in this process and its cycling in the Earth's interior. They present findings from a study conducted in the Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt in China, where they discovered coexisting micro-diamond, methane, and magnesite in peridotite. These findings provide insights into diamond formation and carbon cycling in subduction zones. The authors suggest that carbon released from the subducting slab can be stored as diamond, methane, and magnesite in the overlying mantle wedge, contributing to carbon cycling at great depths. [Extracted from the article]

Heart failure is the leading cause of death worldwide. Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) or CDDP combined with simvastatin has been widely used to treat patients with myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases in China. However, the effect of CDDP on hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis-induced heart failure is unknown. We constructed a new model of heart failure induced by hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and LDL receptor (LDLR) dual deficient (ApoE–/–LDLR–/–) mice and investigated the effect of CDDP or CDDP plus a low dose of simvastatin on the heart failure. CDDP or CDDP plus a low dose of simvastatin inhibited heart injury by multiple actions including anti-myocardial dysfunction and anti-fibrosis. Mechanistically, both Wnt and lysine-specific demethylase 4A (KDM4A) pathways were significantly activated in mice with heart injury. Conversely, CDDP or CDDP plus a low dose of simvastatin inhibited Wnt pathway by markedly up-regulating expression of Wnt inhibitors. While the anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress by CDDP were achieved by inhibiting KDM4A expression and activity. In addition, CDDP attenuated simvastatin-induced myolysis in skeletal muscle. Taken together, our study suggests that CDDP or CDDP plus a low dose of simvastatin can be an effective therapy to reduce hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis-induced heart failure. Activated KDM4A in cardiomyocytes induces inflammation and oxidative stress to facilitate heart injury. However, CDDP may potently reduce KDM4A. Combined with inhibition on Wnt pathway, CDDP effectively ameliorates heart failure. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish represent a large part of the taxonomic diversity of vertebrates and are of high commercial value. However, the factors influencing the gut microbiota composition of freshwater fish over large spatial scales remain unclear. Therefore, this study explored gut microbiome diversity in 24 fish species from the Yellow River, which spans over 1500 km across China. The results showed that geographical distance, host phylogeny and diet significantly influenced gut microbial community diversity, whereas sex, body length and body weight had minimal influence. Geographical distance was the primary factor shaping gut microbiota, and dissimilarity in microbial community structure increased with an increase in geographical distance, which was mainly driven by dispersal limitation. The microbial communities were more homogeneous at higher host taxonomic resolutions due to the dominant role of homogeneous selection in community convergence. Phylosymbiosis was observed across all host species, with a stronger pattern in Cypriniformes, which harbour host‐specific microbial taxa. Host diet explained little variation in gut microbiome diversity, although it was significant for all diversity metrics tested. These findings collectively suggest that the geographical and host‐based patterns of fish gut microbiota tend to be shaped by different ecological forces across the Yellow River. The present work provides a robust assessment of multiple factors driving fish gut microbial community assembly and offers insight into the mechanisms underlying shifts in fish gut microbiota in rivers across large spatial scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we present zircon U–Pb–Hf and whole-rock major and trace element studies of eastern Ningzhen W-Mo-ore-related magmatic rocks, Yushan and Longwangshan granitic rocks, to constrain their form timing, magma sources, and tectonic settings. The results showed that the two plutons were formed in the Early Cretaceous with 206Pb/238U ages of 107.8 ± 1.2 and 105.2 ± 1.5 Ma (206Pb/238U), respectively. The trapped/residual zircons are mainly distributed in 2.0–2.5 Ga. The two intrusions are characterized by high silicon (68.60–73.99%), high aluminum (13.56–15.02%), high Mg# (47–55), high Sr, Sr/Y, LaN/YN, and low Yb, falling into high Mg# adakitic rock region. The zircon εHf (t) values of the two intrusions range from −24.8 to −13.2, indicating an ancient continental crust in their magma sources. The average Ti-in-zircon temperature is 689 °C, slightly higher than those of other high-Mg adakitic rocks in the lower Yangtze River belt, but lower than those of high-Mg adakitic rocks in the Southern Tanlu Fault (STLF). Zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ show low oxygen fugacity (LWS-1: 3–400, average 92; sample ZYS-4: 9–382, average 93). These geochemical features indicate a thickened lower continental crust in the Eastern Ningzhen region in a subduction setting. Comparing the geochemical characteristics of the eastern Ningzhen to the western Ningzhen and other areas in the Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt (LYRMB) and the high-Mg ore-barren adakitic rocks of the STLF, we propose that the magmatic rocks from eastern Ningzhen may be mainly from a thickened lower continental crust that hybridized with a very small part of mantle sources, while the west Ningzhen magmatic rocks may have experienced a higher degree of mantle contaminations in their source. The metallogenic differences between the eastern (W–Mo) and western (Cu–Fe–Pb–Zn) parts of Ningzhen also indicate different proportions of crustal materials in their magma source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upper reaches of the Han River are the source region of water for the Middle Route of China's South-to-North Water Diversion Project, mainly for household, industrial, and irrigation purposes. Planktonic bacteria are more sensitive than macroorganisms to water physical and chemical properties and play a critical role in biogeochemical processes in river ecosystems. In November 2017 and April 2018, a systematic and methodical survey was carried out to evaluate the water quality and bacterial communities, on the mainstem of the Han River and its five main tributaries. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology has been employed to investigate the bacterioplankton community composition. The results indicated the following: (1) diversity increased downstream, especially in the upper reaches of the Han River. (2) The relative abundance of Actinobacteria increased with the increase of river length, while that of Bacteroidetes decreased slightly. (3) Five tributaries were found to be importance sources of taxa to the Han River; however, in both months, a large proportion of operational taxonomic units (37.84% and 36.34%, respectively) had unknown sources. (4) Finally, redundancy analysis (RDA) and Bioenv analysis showed that environmental parameters (pH, TN, Cond, NH4+–N, DO, NO2−–N, Chl-a, and T) had a great influence (p ≤ 0.05) on the bacterioplankton community. These research results are beneficial for the managing the ecological system, protecting the tributary biodiversity, and conserving the mainstem and tributaries of the Han River basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp., the causative agent of cryptosporidiosis, can infect a variety of hosts. So far, there has been limited information regarding Cryptosporidium spp. infection in yaks (Bos grunniens). Here, we performed the first systematic review and meta-analysis for Cryptosporidium spp. infection in yaks in China. To perform the meta-analysis, five databases (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Chinese journal database, WanFang Data, PubMed, and ScienceDirect) were employed to search for studies related to the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in yaks in China. The total number of samples was 8,212, and the pooled Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence in yaks was estimated to be 10.52% (1192/8012). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in yaks was 13.54% (1029/5277) and 4.49% (148/2132) in northwestern and southwestern China, respectively. In the sampling year subgroups, the prevalence before 2012 (19.79%; 650/2662) was significantly higher than that after 2012 (6.07%; 437/4476). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in cold seasons (20.55%; 188/794) was higher than that in warm seasons (4.83%; 41/1228). In the age subgroup, the yaks with age < 12 months had a higher prevalence (19.47%; 231/1761) than that in yaks with age ≥12 months (16.63%; 365/2268). Among 12 Cryptosporidium spp. species/genotypes, the C. bovis had the highest prevalence. Moreover, the effects of geography (latitude, longitude, precipitation, temperature, and altitude) and climate on Cryptosporidium spp. infection in yaks were evaluated. Through analyzing the risk factors correlated with the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., we recommend that effective management measures should be formulated according to the differences of different geographical factors, in order to prevent cryptosporidiosis and reduce economic losses in yaks in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little information about biodiversity patterns in high‐elevation aquatic systems has been gathered, even though these patterns are important for understanding the impacts of human activities. The source region of the Yangtze River, a typical alpine zone with vulnerable and sensitive ecosystems, was selected. Phytoplankton, which play a critical functional role as freshwater primary producers, serve as an important ecological indicator of aquatic systems. Here, systematic surveys on the water environment and phytoplankton were carried out to examine how the phytoplankton community varies with elevation based on hypothesized structural equation models (SEMs) in 10 typical rivers of the Yangtze River source region in March and October 2018. In total, 58 species of phytoplankton belonging to 28 genera were identified. The relationship between species abundance and elevation for phytoplankton showed unimodal elevational patterns. The results of the SEMs showed that all studied aspects affecting the phytoplankton community were directly or indirectly associated with elevation. The synergistic effects of human activities and basic environmental factors (terrestrial productivity and slope gradient) were the drivers affecting the phytoplankton community in the Yangtze River source region. Climate, topography, human activities and other factors are significantly different with changes in elevation, resulting in significant differences in the structure of aquatic communities at different elevations. Human activities were the major drivers affecting the phytoplankton community along the elevational gradient. As the elevation decreased, the disturbances to aquatic ecosystems caused by human activities intensified in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blastocystis is a protozoan that parasitizes the intestines. A number of hosts of Blastocystis have been found, including human and animals. However, there has been no research on the prevalence of Blastocystis in Tibetan antelope. Here, a molecular test was performed using 627 Tibetan antelope fecal samples collected on Tibet in China from 2019 to 2020. The result showed that 30 (4.8%) samples were Blastocystis positive. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis was in Shuanghu County (25/209, 12.0%), followed by Shenza County (2/103, 1.9%), Nyima County (3/182, 1.6%), and Baigoin County (0/133, 0.0%). In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that the gender, sampling year, and area of Tibetan antelope were risk factors for Blastocystis prevalence. Three subtypes (ST10, ST13, and ST14) of Blastocystis were found in Tibetan antelope through a subtype sequence analysis, and ST13 was identified to be the dominant subtype. This is the first investigation for the infection of Blastocystis in Tibetan antelope. Collectively, the data in this study have expanded the host range of Blastocystis and provided basic information for the distribution of Blastocystis subtypes, which could support the prevention of Blastocystis infection in wild animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium is an enteric apicomplexan parasite, which can infect multiple mammals including livestock and wildlife. Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) is one of the most famous wildlife species, that belongs to the first class protected wild animals in China. However, it has not been known whether Tibetan Antelope is infected with Cryptosporidium so far. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and characterization of Cryptosporidium species infection in Tibetan Antelope and the corresponding species by using molecular biological method. In the current study, a total of 627 fecal samples were randomly collected from Tibetan Antelope in the Tibet Autonomous Region (2019–2020), and were examined by PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Among 627 samples, 19 (3.03%, 19/627) were examined as Cryptosporidium -positive, with 7 (2.33%, 7/300) in females and 12 (3.67%, 12/327) in males. The analysis of SSU rRNA gene sequence suggested that only two Cryptosporidium species, namely, C. xiaoi and C. ubiquitum , were identified in this study. This is the first evidence for an existence of Cryptosporidium in Tibetan Antelope. These findings extend the host range for Cryptosporidium spp. and also provide important data support for prevention and control of Cryptosporidium infection in Tibetan Antelope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the burden of disease due to foodborne pathogens in China is quite limited. To understand the incidence of foodborne gastroenteritis due to non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, population survey and sentinel hospital surveillance were conducted during July 2010 to June 2011 in Shanghai, east China, and a model for calculating disease burden was established. The multiplier for gastroenteritis caused by these pathogens was estimated at 59 [95% confidence interval (CI) 30–102]. Annual incidence per 100,000 population in Shanghai was estimated as 48 (95% CI 24–83) and 183 (95% CI 93–317) cases for foodborne non-typhoidal salmonellosis and V. parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis, respectively, illustrating that bacterial gastroenteritis due to these two pathogens poses a substantial health burden. There is a significant difference between our simulated incidence and the data actually reported for foodborne diseases, indicating significant underreporting and underdiagnosis of non-typhoidal S. enterica and V. parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis in the surveillance area. The present research demonstrates basic situation of the health burden caused by major foodborne pathogens in the surveillance area. Enhanced laboratory-based sentinel hospital surveillance is one of the effective ways to monitor food safety in east China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substandard drugs are a major public health issue worldwide. Key person such as the Qualified Person in China and Europe is responsible for rejecting substandard drugs during the manufacturing stage. This study applies the Hunt-Vitell ethical decision-making model to study their rejection intentions on substandard drugs. Using the experimental vignette methodology, two scenarios were developed to represent different levels of deviation from regulations in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Responses from 204 Chinese key persons show a decline in deontology, ethical judgment, and rejection intention, and an increase in teleology in the minor deviation scenario, in comparison with the major deviation scenario. The results from the two scenarios show that the Hunt-Vitell ethical decision-making model is well fitted to explain substandard drug rejection intentions. Organizational and occupational commitments have a significant positive impact on deontological evaluation. Whereas, occupational commitments have a significant negative impact on teleological evaluation. This study suggests that strengthening occupational commitment can significantly affect key person's rejection intentions of substandard drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is one of protozoan parasites resulting in zoonosis, which can infect nearly all of warm-blooded hosts, including humans and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides). However, related reports on prevalence and genetic characterization of T. gondii strains in raccoon dogs were few in China. The aim of this study was to survey the prevalence and genetic characterization of T. gondii strains in domestic raccoon dogs from Jilin, Liaoning, and Hebei provinces, northern China. During April 2016 to November 2017, a total of 337 tissue samples collected from domestic raccoon dogs were detected with B1 gene using a nested PCR. And the positive samples were genotyped at 11 genetic markers (SAG1, 5′-and 3′-SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, PK1, c22-8, c29-2, and Apico) using multilocus PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism technology. Sixteen out of 337 sika deer (4.75%) were positive with B1 gene by nest PCR. Furthermore, four positive DNA samples were completely typed through further being genotyped, in which three samples were identified as ToxoDB Genotype #9, and one sample was confirmed as ToxoDB Genotype #10. The results of molecular detection not only revealed the existence of T. gondii in domestic raccoon dogs in Jilin, Liaoning, and Hebei for the first time, but also provided the information of genetic diversity. This study also indicated that ToxoDB Genotype #9 as a kind of potential reservoir for T. gondii transmission, may be main genotype in domestic raccoon dogs in China, posing a risk of infection in human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous molecular characterization of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in China focused only on one or two cities. In this study, we characterized 835 samples from patients suspected to be infected with M. pneumoniae; these samples were collected in 2016 from pediatric patients from different regions of China. Multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), P1-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, and sequencing of the domain V of 23S rRNA were performed to compare genotype distribution across different locations. Two-hundred-and-thirteen samples tested positive for M. pneumoniae by PCR. P1 types were identified in 154 samples: 78.6% were type I and 21.4% were type II. Type I was the most prevalent genotype in five locations, except Nanjing where type II was the most common type (p < 0.01). Five distinct MLVA types were identified in the 172 samples. Genotype M4-5-7-2 was predominant at all locations, except Nanjing where type 3-5-6-2 was the most common (p < 0.01). Macrolide resistance-associated mutations were identified in 186 (76.3%) samples. The resistance rate differed with the location. This study showed that genotypes and macrolide resistance rate differed across China. The most prevalent genotype in China remains M4-5-7-2/P1-1. The resistance rate decreased, along with changes to the M4-5-7-2 genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the English vocabulary development of 43 very young child English as a foreign language (FL) learners (age 3.2-6.2) in China. They were tested twice for vocabulary breadth (reception and production) and semantic depth (paradigmatic and syntagmatic vocabulary knowledge). The development of the English vocabulary knowledge between these two measurements was predicted using a series of internal factors and external factors. An exploratory mixed-effects regression analysis revealed that English use, interacting with age of English onset, significantly predicted such growth. Older children benefitted more from practicing English to enhance their English vocabulary. The amount of English input at school was found to positively impact the development of English syntagmatic knowledge. Chinese paradigmatic knowledge significantly influenced the growth of English paradigmatic and syntagmatic knowledge. These findings indicate that at least at an early stage, external factors play an important role in child FL vocabulary development, particularly in children with a later age of English onset. Furthermore, the transfer of concepts from the first language to the second language (L2) might be more pronounced with respect to L2 semantic depth than L2 vocabulary breadth. This conceptual transfer is relevant to FL learners as young as three years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lower Liaohe plain is one of the most important industrial zones in Liaoning Province, China, and activities here include oil and gas exploration, aquaculture and salt production. Heavy land use may have contributed to the different magnitudes of land deformation in this region, and this has been detrimental to the environment and economic construction projects in this zone. In this paper, we employ the permanent scatterer interferometry (PSI) technique with L-band ALOS/PALSAR imagery data to monitor the annual land subsidence and produce accumulative time-series maps for the years of 2007 to 2011. The unwrapped grid size was tested in order to recover the maximum deformation. InSAR results from two adjacent tracks were merged by considering the offset over the overlapped area. A PS standard deviation of 0.91 cm/year was achieved in the vertical direction, according to calculation from two independent PS results. Three kinds of land subsidence were analyzed quantitatively over the oil fields, coastal zones, and salt production areas. Some severe land subsidence regions were verified by field investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physicians play an important role in clinical trials, but attitudes toward clinical trials among physicians with different levels of experience have seldom been studied. The objective of this study was to assess the different attitudes toward clinical trials among junior, intermediate, and senior physicians. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted between April 1 and May 1, 2015. A total of 217 physicians (66 junior, 86 intermediate, and 65 senior positions) completed and submitted the validated questionnaires. Results: The surveyed physicians responded with a high degree of agreement on the necessity of conducting clinical trials. Senior and intermediate physicians considered most about helping patients with new treatments in conducting a clinical trial. For junior physicians, the opportunity to have access to clinical trial methodology and enhancing their reputation in society or in the hospital were the 2 most significant factors. In addition, physicians with lower titles perceived greater difficulties in conducting clinical trials, especially in communicating with the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) office and the trial sponsor, enrolling trial participants, and obtaining informed consent. Conclusions: Our results revealed that physicians with different positional titles perceived different benefits and difficulties in conducting clinical trials. Junior physicians need more administrative assistance in clinical trials and related training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses the impact of internal and external factors on very young EFL learners in an instructional setting. 71 child English learners in China (onset age: 2;0 - 5;6) were involved: their receptive vocabulary, productive vocabulary and receptive grammar were taken as outcome variables, and age of onset, short-term memory, nonverbal intelligence, English input quantity and quality, English use, and maternal English level were taken as predictive variables. Multiple regression analyses, verified by Bayes factor comparisons, revealed that the total amount of school input and home English media environment were significant predictors for all of three aspects of English proficiency, with each aspect having different additional significant predictors. Both internal factors (e.g., age of onset) and external factors (e.g., English input quantity) played an important role, but in contrast to similar studies (e.g., Paradis, 2011) focusing on a L2 naturalistic setting, external factors explained more variance of English proficiency measures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Plate subduction is the most magnificent process in the Earth. Subduction zones are important sites for proceeding matter- and energy- transports between the Earth's surface and the interior, continental crust growth, and crust-mantle interactions. Besides, a number of geological processes in subduction zones are closely related to human beings' daily life, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, formation of mineral deposits. Subduction process thus has long been the centric topic of Earth sciences. The finding in 1980s that continental crust could be subducted to mantle depths is a revolutionary progress in plate tectonic theory. Compared to oceanic crust, continental crust is colder, drier, lighter, and much more geochemically/isotopically heterogeneous Hence, continental subduction process would affect the structure, compositions and evolutions of the overlying mantle wedge even more. During continental subduction and subsequent exhumation, fluids and melts can be generated in the (de)hydration process and partial melting process, respectively. These melts/fluids play important roles in crust-mantle interactions, elemental migrations, isotopic fractionations, and mantle metasomatism. By summarizing recent research works on subduction zones in this paper, we present a review on the types, physicochemical conditions and compositions of fluids/melts, as well as the migration behaviors of fluid-related characteristic elements (Nb-Ta-V) and the fractionation behaviors of non-traditional stable isotopes (Li-Mg) in subduction zones. The aim of this paper is to provide the readers an update comprehensive overview of the melt/fluid activities in subduction zones and of Li-Mg isotope systematics in subduction-related rocks and minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a retrospective analysis on the use of drugs like clindamycin hydrochloride and clindamycin phostate which is derived from lincomycin and anaeronic gram positive bacteria. Topics include improved safety profile of clindamycin, with no reports of antimicrobial activities, and clindamycin is mostly used for oral consumption.

To better understand the origin, migration, and evolution of melts in the lithospheric mantle and their roles on the destruction of the North China Craton (NCC), we conducted a petrological and geochemical study on a quartz-bearing orthopyroxene-rich websterite xenolith from Hannuoba, the NCC, and its hosted melt and fluid inclusions. Both clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene in the xenolith contain lots of primary and secondary inclusions. High-temperature microthermometry of melt inclusions combined with Raman spectroscopy analyses of coexisting fluid inclusions shows that the entrapment temperature of the densest inclusions was ~1215°C and the pressure ~11.47 kbar, corresponding to a depth of ~38 km, i.e. within the stability of the spinel lherzolite. Intermediate pressure inclusions probably reflect progressive fluid entrapment over a range of depths during ascent, whereas the low-pressure inclusions (P < 2 kbar) may represent decrepitated primary inclusions.Insitulaser-ablation ICP-MS analyses of major and trace elements on individual melt inclusions show that the compositions of these silicate melt inclusions in clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene are rich in SiO2, Al2O3, and alkalis but poor in TiO2and strongly enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), with negative anomalies of high-field strength elements (HFSEs). These characteristics suggest that the silica-rich melts could be derived from the partial melting of subducted oceanic slab. Therefore, this kind of quartz-bearing orthopyroxene-rich websterite may be produced by interaction between the slab-derived melts with the mantle peridotite. This study provides direct evidence for the origin, migration, and evolution of melts in the lithospheric mantle, which may play an important role in the destruction of the NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel structure of scientific higher-order thinking was proposed, which includes creative thinking, critical thinking, metacognition, science self-efficacy, and scientific reasoning. • The results showed that the average score of male students was significantly higher than that of female students in creative thinking. • The correlations between the five competencies in the structure were analysed. • The effect of science self-efficacy on critical thinking was stronger than that on creative thinking. Science education research has long focused on scientific higher-order thinking (S-HOT) and observed that students' HOT plays an important role in the science learning process. However, the existing research has tended to overlook the Comprehensive nature of scientific higher-order thinking (S-HOT) and stopped short of defining its unique features. In response, this study presents a novel model for S-HOT that synthesises five competencies. To confirm the structure of S-HOT, the study developed a new questionnaire to measure students' S-HOT. The study's participants included 1,153 students from 15 junior high schools in China. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the developed S-HOT survey had satisfactory validity and reliability. Structural equation modelling was used to confirm the cause-and-effect relationships between creative thinking, critical thinking, metacognition, science self-efficacy, and scientific reasoning in the S-HOT structure. The results showed that the average score of male students was significantly higher than that of female students in creative thinking. It was also revealed that there was a correlation between the five competencies: metacognition had a significant path to scientific reasoning, science self-efficacy had a significant path to critical and creative thinking, and scientific reasoning directly affected science self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xiadong mafic–ultramafic complex lies in the central part of the Middle Tianshan Massif (MTM), along the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). This complex is composed of dunite, hornblende (Hbl) clinopyroxenite, hornblendite, and Hbl gabbro. These rocks are characterized by adcumulated textures and variable alteration. Orthopyroxene is an extremely rare mineral in all rock units and plagioclase is absent in dunite and Hbl clinopyroxenite. Hbl, Fe-chromite, and Cr-magnetite are common phases. Olivines have forsterite (Fo) contents ranging from 92.3 to 96.6. Clinopyroxenes are Ca-rich, Ti-poor diopsides, and mostly altered to tremolites or actinolites. Chromites display low TiO2 and Al2O3 contents and high Cr# and Fe2+/(Fe2+ + Mg) values. Primary and secondary Hbls show wide compositional variations. These petrological and mineralogical features as well as mineral chemistry are comparable to typical Alaskan-type complexes worldwide, which are widely considered to have formed above subduction zones. The chemistry of clinopyroxene and chromite supports an arc plate-tectonic origin for the Xiadong complex. Its confirmation as an Alaskan-type complex implies that the MTM, with Precambrian basement, was probably a continental arc during oceanic plate underflow and further supports the hypothesis of southward subduction of the Palaeozoic Junggar Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Hongshishan mafic–ultramafic intrusion (SIMS zircon U–Pb age 286.4 ± 2.8 Ma) consists of dunite, clinopyroxene peridotite, troctolite, and gabbro. Major elements display systematic correlations. Trace elements have identical distribution patterns, including flat rare-earth element (REE) patterns with positive Eu anomalies and enrichments in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) but depletions in Nb and Ta, indicating fractional crystallization as a key factor in magmatic evolution. Petrologic and geochemical variations in drill core samples demonstrate that minor assimilation and progressive magma injections were closely associated with Ni–Cu mineralization. Mass balance estimates and Sr–Nd isotopes reveal that the Hongshishan parental magmas were high-Mg and low-Ti tholeiitic basalts and were derived from a lithospheric mantle source that had been modified by subducted slab metasomatism before partial melting. Southward subduction of the Palaeo-Tianshan–Junggar Ocean is further constrained by a compilation of inferred, subduction-induced modifications of mantle sources in mafic–ultramafic intrusions distributed in the eastern Tianshan–Beishan area. Integrating the regional positive ϵNd(t) granites, high-Mg and low-Ti basaltic magmas (mafic–ultramafic intrusions), and slightly later high-Ti basalts in NW China suggests that their petrogenesis could be attributed to Permian mantle plume activities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Early Permian mafic-ultramafic complexes in eastern Xinjiang (新疆) are mainly distributed in the Beishan (北山) area, Mid-Tianshan (天山) massif and Jueluotage (觉罗塔格) belt. Systematic compositional mapping of olivines from these Early Permian mafic-ultramafic complexes demonstrates that an apparently spatial distribution and heterogeneous partial melting in the mantle source exists from the Beishan area, across the Mid-Tianshan massif, to the Jueluotage belt from the south to the north. This is probably consistent with the spatial evolutional differences and tectonic features of these three belts. The decreasing degree of partial melting, as revealed by decreasing Fo contents of olivines, from south to north and from east to west reflects the southward subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and the south location of the indistinct mantle plume in the Permian. Simultaneously, NiO and Fo-mapping in olivine also indicates that sulfide segregation before olivine crystallization played an important role in Ni-Cu mineralization in the mafic-ultramafic complexes. Olivines with the compositional range of Fo (77-86) and NiO (less than 0.22 wt.%) are more favorable for Ni-Cu sulfide mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The late Qing Dynasty witnessed a thriving of printed series of ci-poetry, and the total number is over 20, occupying half of the works of the same type in the whole Qing Dynasty. The works of the Song and Yuan dynasties are included in the series, which are characterized by their wide coverage and better editing and annotation. In this regard, they set good examples for later scholars in this field. And among them, Wang Pengyun's Ci-poetry Collections Printed by Siyinzha (…) was the first to usher in a new chapter of collating, works of ci-poetry. Collections such as Wang Xianqian's Six Writer's Ci-poetry Anthology (…) gathered works of ci-poetry of his contemporary poets from different regions just in order to document the creation of ci-poetry in different parts of the country. And others compiled in the similar style include Peng Luan's Responsorial Ci-poems Written by Central Government Officers (…). All these collections have much value in the collation of ci-poetry and have influenced the development of ci-poetry, thus contributing a lot to the ci-poetry history. The diversity and abundance of the printed series of ci-poetry in the late Qing Dynasty speaks clearly for the prosperity of the ci-poetry in that period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores higher education reforms in China in the 1990s. Confronted with the furious conflicts and mismatch between the market economy and the highly state-controlled socialist educational system, educational reforms in China are extremely complex and difficult. The authors present a case study here telling the tragedy of a university president's reforms in China. They have unfolded how the macro system changes impacted on the micro system reforms. They point out that multilayers exist within an organizational culture. Although understanding organizational culture does not guarantee successful reform, however, a thorough understanding of the fabric of an organizational culture may become an effective lever to initiate or implement the context-fitted reforms. The authors try to describe informatively what dilemmas the Chinese IHE leaders were faced with in the 1990s. Seeking new means for school reforms in a time of turbulent policy environment, in a testing period with sharp contradictory forces, school leaders should have not only sharp eyes, clear thinking, and independence but also creativity, endurance, and persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Seasonal variations in bacterial community were more obvious than spatial variations. • Planktonic bacterial communities had stronger distance-decay patterns in spring. • Network of the mainstem had the lowest modularity. • Bacterial community was strongly affected by deterministic processes between seasons. • Stochastic processes dominated the bacterial community structure within seasons. The incoming water area of the Central Line Project of the South-to-North Water Diversion comprises the upper reaches of the Han River in China. Bacterioplankton are important members of river ecosystems. However, the mechanisms (deterministic or stochastic processes) regulating planktonic bacterial community structure in the upper Han River are not well understood. Herein, we documented the spatiotemporal patterns, assembly processes, and co-occurrence relationships of the planktonic bacterial communities in the Han River and its tributaries. Seasonal variations in bacterioplankton communities were clearly observed and were more obvious than spatial differences. The planktonic bacterial community showed a significant distance (dendritic distance) decay pattern during the two sampling periods, and the distance decay pattern was stronger in spring than in the other season. Network analysis showed that bacterial community networks displayed non-random co-occurrence patterns, and significant differences in the topological properties of empirical and random networks (average clustering coefficient, average path length, and average degree) were found. Compared to those of the tributaries, the network of the mainstem had the lowest modularity; this may be caused by the significant difference in biodiversity between the mainstem and the tributaries. Redundancy analysis revealed that pH exhibited significant effects on the planktonic bacterial community in both seasons. However, variation partitioning analysis showed that spatial factors (stochastic processes) contributed more to explaining community assembly than environmental factors during the two seasons. In addition, the neutral community model can also explain a large part of the community variation observed during the autumn and spring (R2 = 0.817 and 0.808, respectively). This study shows that seasonal variation in the bacterial community is greatly influenced by seasonal environmental variation. However, stochastic processes dominantly affect the structure of the bacterioplankton community within seasons. In order to effectively manage and protect microbial diversity, managers consider not only local species diversity, but also the effect of regional species dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallow water carbonates are extensively utilized as archives for reconstructing past seawater chemistry and understanding global geochemical cycles. However, their reliability is often compromised by diagenetic alteration, obscuring primary environmental signals. Molar-tooth carbonate (MTC) exhibits exceptional resistance to diagenesis compared to other carbonate minerals, making it a promising candidate for reliably reconstructing ancient seawater chemistry. This study investigates the preservation of primary lithium isotopic composition in Neoproterozoic (Tonian) MTC and its host carbonate from the Dalian area, northeastern China (ca. 980 Ma – 920 Ma). We assess the reliability of MTC in reconstructing paleo-seawater δ7Li evolution and provide a reconstruction of Tonian seawater δ7Li. Geochemical filter tests indicate that both MTC and host carbonate remain largely unaltered by meteoric and burial diagenesis. Carbonate δ7Li values exhibit a consistent decrease with stratigraphic height, with MTC displaying a narrower range of variation (4–12‰) compared to its host carbonate (1–15‰). Numerical modeling of early marine carbonate diagenesis suggests minimal impact on MTC δ7Li values, while host carbonates show varying degrees of diagenetic alteration. Based on the consistent Li isotopic offset observed between 'fluid-buffered' diagenetic host carbonate and MTC in our data, we deduce a fractionation factor of 4.8 ± 1.2‰ for seawater-MTC Li isotopic exchange. Reconstructed paleoseawater δ7Li values reveal a progressive decrease from 16.9 ± 1.2‰ to 8.8 ± 1.2‰ during the early Tonian period. This change is likely linked to the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent and emplacement of large igneous province (LIP). Furthermore, mass balance modeling and Monte Carlo simulations suggest that this decline in seawater δ7Li can be attributed to the transition towards more congruent weathering during the early Tonian, facilitated by the assembly of Rodinia and associated large igneous province events. Overall, our findings underscore the potential of MTC as a reliable proxy for elucidating Precambrian seawater Li isotopic composition and understanding associated paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Extensive late Paleozoic mafic–ultramafic complexes in the Eastern Tianshan and Beishan regions in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) represent an ideal opportunity to assess the characteristics of the mantle in this area. Whole-rock Nd–Sr and zircon Hf–O isotopic data from the mafic–ultramafic complexes of the Jueluotage Belt, Middle Tianshan Massif and Beishan Rift were compiled for isotopic mapping. εNd(t) and (87Sr/86Sr)i values range from +5.5 to +9.5 and 0.702 to 0.706 respectively in the Jueluotage Belt, and from −2 to +11 and 0.703 to 0.710 respectively in the Middle Tianshan and Beishan. Zircon εHf (t) and δ18O values are in the range of +6.0–+17.0 and 4.14‰–8.00‰ respectively in the Jueluotage Belt, +1–+8 and 5.17‰–6.30‰ respectively in the Middle Tianshan, and show large variations of −1–+17 and 4‰–12‰ respectively in the Beishan. Spatially, the (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of mafic–ultramafic complexes increase from the Jueluotage Belt and Beishan to the Middle Tianshan, while the εNd(t) values show an opposite trend and reflect a mixing character between depleted mantle and EM-II reservoirs. Zircon εHf (t) and δ18O values exhibit an apparent southward decreasing and increasing trends respectively, from the Jueluotage Belt, through Middle Tianshan, to Beishan Rift. Their corresponding Hf model ages increase continuously from north to south. These observations demonstrate that the mantle sources beneath the Eastern Tianshan and Beishan are compositionally heterogeneous, which presumably result from significant and variable degrees of subduction-related modification. We therefore suggest that the late Paleozoic subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the Jueluotage Belt was modified by slab-derived melts and fluids during the subduction of the Junggar Ocean, whereas the mantle beneath the Beishan Rift was influenced mainly by slab-derived fluids during the subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean. The unique similarities of the Middle Tianshan mafic–ultramafic complexes reflect a two-stage modification of their mantle source, namely the sequential subduction of the early South Tianshan Ocean, followed by subduction of the Junggar Ocean. Thus, the subduction-induced mantle heterogeneity beneath the CAOB is probably regional in scope. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • δ7Li values the Carboniferous seawater are reported for the first time. • Carboniferous continental silicate weathering changed from congruent to incongruent. • Hercynian orogeny and radiation of tropical forests are key drivers for the LPIA. The reasons for decreasing atmospheric CO 2 concentration in the Carboniferous and initiation of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA) are still in debate. To assess the contributions of continental silicate weathering, we obtain lithium isotope composition (δ7Li) of the Carboniferous seawater based on the East Fenghuangshan carbonate section in South China. Original seawater records are recognized after systematic evaluation of diagenetic impacts, showing that seawater δ7Li declined from ∼ 20 ‰ before the late Visean to ∼ 12 ‰ around the Visean-Serpukhovian boundary followed by a gradual rise to ∼ 21 ‰ until the Moscovian. Combined Li-Sr isotopic modeling indicates that decline of seawater δ7Li requires decrease of riverine δ7Li and twofold increase of riverine Li flux, suggesting a transition to more congruent continental silicate weathering regime that likely results from uplift of the Hercynian orogen. High relief due to the Hercynian orogeny exposes fresh rocks for weathering by physical denudation of the thick soil and saprolite cover, which is beneficial for rapid CO 2 consumption and probably initiates the LPIA. By contrast, radiation of tropical forests is responsible for the subsequent increase of seawater δ7Li. It turns the weathering regime to a more incongruent one by promoting clay mineral formation. The colonization of plants with deep roots also accelerates the continental weathering, which together with intense photosynthesis, should contribute significantly to keeping low atmospheric CO 2 concentration and maintaining the prolonged LPIA. Therefore, we suggest that uplift of the Hercynian orogen and radiation of tropical forests are the key drivers for initiating and maintaining the LPIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subduction zones are important in materials' cycling between Earth's surface and mantle. As Li isotopic compositions of sedimentary carbonates (δ7Li = 5.2‰–31‰) differing markedly from those of the mantle (2.0‰–5.7‰), it is important to know if Li isotopic compositions of carbonates could be used to tracing deep carbon cycling. Here we report that meta -sedimentary carbonates could preserve their original heavy Li isotopic signatures (with δ7Li values up to 21.5‰) when subducted from surface to the mantle depths (the yellow arrow) and that the related carbonatitic or carbonate-rich silicate melts may retain various degrees of heavy Li isotopic signatures locally in the mantle (the yellow arrow). We infer that some mantle-derived magmas may have recorded the elevated δ7Li signatures induced by recycled carbonates (the yellow arrow) and thus Li isotopic geochemistry could be useful in tracing deep carbon cycling. • We firstly investigated the Li isotopic compositions of UHP marbles. • The δ7Li of UHP marbles is heavier than that of the upper mantle. • UHP marbles could form heavy Li isotopic heterogeneity in local mantle. • Li isotopes of UHP marbles are potential tools for tracing subduction and material-cycling. Subduction zones are important in materials' cycling between Earth's surface and mantle. We report lithium (Li) contents and isotopic compositions (δ7Li) of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) marbles of the Dabie-Sulu orogen, with the aim of elucidating the geochemical behavior of Li isotopes during deep subduction of surficial carbonates and exploring the application of Li isotopes in tracing subduction and material-cycling. Pure UHP marbles (with δ7Li values up to 21.5‰) show significantly heavier isotopic compositions than those of the mantle (2.0‰–5.7‰; average 3.7‰), while impure marbles containing some silicates have δ7Li values as low as 1.3‰. Weathering, fluid infiltration, and isotopic fractionation have negligible effects on the Li isotopic compositions of UHP marbles. Exhumed UHP marbles might be good samples to study those residual carbonates entering into the deep mantle. When subducted carbonates transport heavy Li isotopic signatures to mantle depths, they may result in local Li isotopic heterogeneity. As Li is a trace element and UHP marbles have significantly different δ7Li signatures to the mantle, Li isotopic geochemistry might be useful in tracing deep carbon cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium (Li) isotopes are potential tracers of processes related to crust–mantle interaction and recycled crustal materials. Previous studies have reported that Li isotopic compositions of island arc lavas are similar to those of fresh mid-ocean-ridge basalts (MORBs), although the former are expected to record high slab-derived δ7Li values caused by fluid metasomatism. However, it is unclear whether Li isotopic signatures of subducted continental crust were transported to mantle depths and preserved there. For clarification, we determined whole-rock major and trace element, and Li isotopic compositions of post-collisional mafic–ultramafic rocks from northern Dabieshan, China. The analyzed samples have high MgO (up to 20.67 wt%) and low SiO 2 (41.06–56.20 wt%) contents, and arc-like trace element distribution patterns, suggesting derivation by partial melting of fertile mantle sources. The samples have δ7Li values of −2.9 to +7.2‰ (average = +2.7‰, n = 42) and Li concentrations of 2.50 to 28.1 μg/g (average = 9.20 μg/g), both of which are beyond the relatively limited ranges of mantle values (δ7Li = +2.9 to +4.3‰, average = +3.5 ± 1.0‰, and Li = 1.20 ± 0.10 μg/g). Excluding possible effects of wall-rock assimilation and contamination, magmatic crystallization, and Li isotopic fractionation during subduction–exhumation processes, the observed Li isotopic heterogeneity is most likely related to the recycling of crustal materials. Based on a comparison with Li isotopic compositions of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks from the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt and terrestrial sediments, we suggest that the recycled continental crustal materials likely comprised gneisses, sediments, eclogites, and/or minor carbonate rocks (i.e., marbles). Our study demonstrates that Li isotopes may provide a novel means of tracing deeply subducted continental materials. • Post-collisional mafic rocks have a significant variation in δ7Li values. • Mantle Li isotope heterogeneity was resulted from recycled continental materials. • Recycled continental materials comprise gneiss, sediments and eclogite. • Li isotopes fractionate insignificantly during continental crust subduction. • Li isotopes provide a promising tool for tracing recycled continental materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in wild birds pose a pandemic threat to humans and to the poultry industry. To assess AIV and AIV antibody prevalence in wild birds in China, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trial, VIP, CNKI, and WANFANG for published papers related to the prevalence of AIVs and their associated antibodies in wild birds in China from Mar. 10, 2005 to Sept. 20, 2018. Repeat studies, reviews, and other host studies were excluded, as well as those with inconsistent data, incomplete information, or only prevalence data or data from outside of mainland China. In total, data from 28 publications were compiled and analyzed. Based on out meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of AIVs in wild birds in China was found to be 2.5% (571/23,024), and the pooled prevalence of AIV antibodies was 26.5% (1,210/4,566). The pooled prevalence of AIVs was significantly higher in wild birds from Central China (5.5%, 271/4, 955) compared to all other regions and the pooled prevalence of AIV antibodies was significantly in wild birds from South China (56.8%, 92/162) in comparison to all other regions. The prevalence of both AIVs and AIV antibodies in Anseriformes were higher compared to non-Anseriformes. In addition, the largest number of studies found in this review were on the HA subtypes of AIVs (H5, H7, and H9) and their associated antibodies. In summary, our findings suggest that the prevalence of AIVs and their antibodies in wild birds vary among regions and species of wild bird. Thus, further monitoring of the prevalence of AIVs and their antibodies in wild birds in China is necessary and should be used for guiding powerful and effective regulatory measures that will prevent the spread of AIVs across species. • This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of AIVs and its antibodies among wild birds in mainland China. • The data of 28 articles met the selection criteria, and the prevalence of AIVs was 2.5%, and the prevalence of AIVs antibodies was 26.5%. • The prevalence of AIVs and its antibodies among wild birds in different regions, species of wild birds, varied considerably. • Continuous monitoring AIVs and its antibodies among wild birds in China is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The syenite of the Yangyugou was formed in the early Silurian (438.9 ± 3.3 Ma). • Barytocalcite is the main carrier of REE and Ba at the Yangyugou REE deposit. • The Yangyugou complex may have originated from Ba-rich fluid metasomatic lithospheric mantle. The Qinling Orogenic Belt (Central China) is a world-class rare earth element (REE) metallogenic belt in which REE deposits are mainly hosted by alkaline rocks and/or carbonatites. The newly discovered Yangyugou REE deposit, hosted by alkaline complexes in this belt, is unusual because the REE mineralization mainly takes the form of Ba- and REE-bearing minerals, such as barytocalcite. In this study, we present whole-rock major and trace elements, zircon geochronology, Hf isotopes, and mineral geochemistry to investigate the enrichment of REE and Ba and origin of this deposit. The REE-bearing alkaline complex at the Yangyugou deposit consists of syenite and carbonatite. Carbonatite exhibits higher concentrations of REE and Ba compared to syenite. The concentrations of REE and BaO in the carbonatite can be up to 6214 ppm and 22.4 wt%, respectively, and exhibit a positive correlation. The carbonatite contains numerous Ba-rich minerals, primarily comprising barytocalcite and a smaller amount of bazirite. The REE concentrations of barytocalcite range from 3059 to 10032 ppm, and the Ba concentration can be as high as 37.4 wt%. The barytocalcite is the primary carrier of REE and Ba in the Yangyugou carbonatite. Zircons from the syenite have a 206Pb/238U weighted mean age of 438.9 ± 3.3 Ma (MSWD = 1.08). The ε Hf(t) values of these zircons range from −8.28 to −3.17, with two-stage Hf model ages of 1.61–1.93 Ga. Apatite from the syenite has initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70906 to 0.70984. Our study indicates that syenite-carbonatite complex was probably derived from the enriched mantle that has been metasomatized by a Ba-rich fluid, and that the early Silurian alkaline magmatism may be related to the opening of the Erlangping back-arc basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present comprehensive Li-C-Sr isotopic studies on two classic marine carbonate sections (Yangdi and Dongcun) transecting the Late Devonian Frasnian-Famennian (F F) boundary from South China to constrain the causes of the F F mass extinction. Both sections show positive Li and C isotopic excursions in carbonate and unchanged conodont 87Sr/86Sr ratios across the F F boundary. Low Li/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios, but heavy Li isotope composition (δ7Li) of the Dongcun section indicate possible diagenetic alteration on carbonate Li isotopic records. By contrast, the Yangdi section records more primary seawater δ7Li signal, showing a ∼ 2 ‰ positive excursion before the F F boundary, although reconstructed paleo-seawater δ7Li values (from 11.8 ± 1.4‰ to 13.8 ± 1.4‰) are lower than modern times. Combined box model with Monte Carlo simulation demonstrates that low seawater δ7Li requires low riverine δ7Li and small effective Li isotopic fractionation by marine sinks (Δ7Li sw-ms). The latter is likely due to high silicon concentration in the paleo-seawater and rapid formation of clay minerals. Positive δ7Li excursion but invariant 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the seawater are related to attenuated continental weathering (reduced riverine fluxes but increased riverine δ7Li), and enlarged effective Δ7Li sw-ms. Based on the present data we suggest that rapid climate cooling is responsible for the weathering transition and must have exerted significant influence on the marine environment. Global climate cooling weakens seawater stratification while intensifying oceanic circulation and upwelling, resulting in enhanced primary productivity, precipitation of the Kellwasser black shales and a remarkable positive C isotopic excursion in carbonate. Additionally, rapid climate cooling around the F F boundary has significantly threatened the ecological system and finally triggered mass extinction especially for the faunas adapted to warm temperatures. • Positive carbonate Li C isotopic excursions are observed around the F F boundary. • Conodont 87Sr/86Sr ratios are unchanged. • Modeling results indicate attenuated continental weathering. • Rapid climate cooling triggered the F F mass extinction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract This review article mainly focuses on the mechanism of action (MoA) of Dantonic® for the treatment of chronic stable angina, which includes the promotion of coronary microcirculation, the optimization of myocardial energy metabolism and the inhibition of platelet aggregation. Highlights • Dantonic® is a currently used medicine for chronic stable angina (CSA) in China. • The mechanism of action (MoA) of Dantonic® for CSA mainly includes three aspects. • The MoA of Dantonic® for CSA includes promoting coronary microcirculation. • The MoA of Dantonic® for CSA includes optimizing myocardial energy metabolism. • The MoA of Dantonic® for CSA includes inhibiting platelet aggregation. Abstract Chronic stable angina (CSA) presents as a complication of coronary heart disease, leading to a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide. Dantonic® or Compound Danshen Dripping Pills (CDDP) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of myocardial ischemic diseases, such as angina pectoris (AP), myocardial infarction, and sudden death. Dantonic® has been extensively utilized in clinical practice in China for more than 14 years and has proved to be an effective therapy for the treatment of many myocardial ischemic diseases since its approval by CFDA in 1994. Clinical studies in China have shown that Dantonic® is an effective and safe drug for the treatment of angina pectoris manifested with ameliorating anginal symptoms and showing few adverse effects. Nevertheless, the mechanism of Dantonic® for the treatment of angina has been underestimated. Therefore, in this review, we mainly focus on discussing the pharmacological mechanism of action (MoA) of Dantonic® for the treatment of CSA, including the promotion of coronary microcirculation, the optimization of myocardial energy metabolism, and the inhibition of platelet aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing the signal of recycled carbonate in the deep mantle and associated basalts is crucial for depicting deep carbon cycling. It has long been recognized that marine sedimentary carbonates have much heavier lithium isotope compositions (δ7Li) than the depleted mantle. However, Li isotope systematics are rarely employed to trace recycled carbonate. To investigate basalt Li isotopic response to recycled carbonate, we carried out whole-rock geochemical and Li isotopic studies on a series of the Cenozoic continental intraplate basalts from eastern China that sample a typical carbonated mantle. The basalts have been reported to have light magnesium (Mg) isotope compositions, but their δ7Li values vary in a limited range (0.9–5.7‰) around the depleted mantle (∼3.8 ± 1.4‰). The decoupled Li Mg isotopic records are closely related to recycled Mg-rich carbonates (dolomite) that have lighter Mg isotope compositions than the depleted mantle but show mantle-like δ7Li values. After modeling the Li isotopic effects of carbonate sediment, silicate sediment and altered oceanic crust (AOC) recycling, we find that even calcium-rich carbonate recycling is inadequate to shift basalt Li isotope composition. Collectively, Li isotopic responses of intraplate basalts to all types of recycled sedimentary carbonates are more sluggish than expected. Our modeling also suggests that recycling of AOC and silicate sediments is likely responsible for the basalts with δ7Li values higher and lower than the depleted mantle, respectively. In addition, seawater δ7Li values probably exert a first-order role in the Li isotopic response. Low δ7Li values of paleo-seawater (< 20‰) for most of the Earth's history have generated AOC with δ7Li values indistinguishable from the depleted mantle, which goes against the emergence of high δ7Li values for intraplate basalts. Although some limitations exist in Li isotopic applications, we propose that a combination of Li isotopic data and whole-rock element ratios is effective in tracing recycled crustal materials hidden in the intraplate basalts. • The Cenozoic intraplate basalts in eastern China show mantle-like δ7Li values. • Different recycled carbonate species result in decoupled Li Mg isotopic records. • Li isotopic response of intraplate basalt to all sedimentary carbonate is sluggish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allanite is a common accessory mineral phase, representing an important carrier of rare earth elements, Th, U, Sr and other trace elements in most continental rocks. As Th and U can be incorporated into the allanite lattice, the mineral is a good geochronological tool for constraining geological events. Moreover, the trace element features δEu, Th/U ratio and common lead content of allanite are indicators of the forming conditions. Allanite and coexisting epidote-group minerals are abundant in ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks from the Dabie-Sulu orogen in central East China. However, if these minerals formed in the Neoproterozoic as magmatic phases, or in the Triassic as metamorphic phases is a matter of long-standing controversy. We report major and trace element analyses of whole rocks, allanite and coexisting epidote-group minerals, together with U-Th-Pb isotopic compositions of allanite in UHP gneiss from the Dabie-Sulu orogen, and allanite in the adjacent Jingshan granite. The granite is emplaced along the southeastern margin of the North China Craton and considered a product of partial melting of the subducted Dabie-Sulu gneiss. Trace elements (low Th/U and La/Sm, high δEu and high Sr) and high common lead concentrations indicate a metamorphic origin of allanite-epidote in the UHP gneiss. On the other hand, coarse-grained allanite from the Jingshan granite shows a corrosion core and a magmatic rim with common 208 Pb up to 70% in the core and less than 30% in the rim. The allanite cores are of peritectic and the rims of magmatic origin with ages of ∼160 Ma, consistent with the granite crystallization age. In combination with previous studies, we conclude that the allanite of the Jingshan granite has form from the subducted and remolten Dabie-Sulu gneiss. Allanite records Triassic UHP metamorphic ages as well as Jurassic peritectic-magmatic ages as a part of the evolution of the Dabie-Sulu orogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Xiadong mafic–ultramafic complex is located in the Central Tianshan Terrane, the southern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. It is composed of dunite, hornblende clinopyroxenite, hornblendite and hornblende gabbro. Several dykes of hornblendite, hornblende gabbro and gabbroic diorite cut the main body. These rocks are characterized by adcumulate textures. The dunites contain high-Fo (92.3–96.6) olivines with rare orthopyroxene and plagioclase. Hornblende, chromite, and magnetite are common phases in all of the rock types. Geochemically, the rocks of the Xiadong complex display high MgO contents and extremely low trace element abundances. Although the rocks of the main body show higher MgO contents and lower trace element abundance compared to the dykes, both are characterized by flat REE patterns and enrichment of LILE relative to HSFE. These petrological, mineralogical and geochemical features indicate that the Xiadong complex is a typical Ural–Alaskan type complex. The cross-cutting and intrusive relationships of the rock units and their distinct geochemical features suggest that the main body represents a different pulse from the intrusive dyke. The positive whole-rock εNd(t) values, together with variable (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios, show a depleted mantle source metasomatized by subduction-related material. Zircon U–Pb dating on one hornblende gabbro from the main body of the complex yields a U–Pb 206Pb/238U age of 479Ma, and zircons from three samples of the dykes yield ages of 477, 379 and 313Ma. All the zircons have positive εHf(t) and slightly higher δ18O than normal mantle, and their Hf–O isotopic values are correlated to their ages. The older samples are comparable to those from the Permian mafic–ultramafic complexes in the Beishan Terrane, which were derived from a mantle source metasomatized by subduction of the South Tianshan ocean, while the younger samples are similar to those from the Paleozoic complexes in the Eastern Tianshan, which record the subduction features of the Junggar ocean. These results suggest that the Central Tianshan was a continental arc from at least the Ordovician to the Carboniferous. The lithospheric mantle beneath the Central Tianshan was depleted in Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions and was metasomatized by melts and/or fluids from the subduction of the South Tianshan and Junggar oceans in Paleozoic. The formation of the Xiadong Ural–Alaskan type complex was the product of arc magmatism via high-degree melting of the lithospheric mantle beneath the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mafic–ultramafic intrusions hosting magmatic Ni–Cu sulfide ore deposits, usually present within the Precambrian cratons and on their margin, have been extensively studied, whereas those occurring within the Phanerozoic orogenic belts have received little attention. The southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt is a region of late Paleozoic mafic–ultramafic intrusions emplaced during post-orogenic stage. In order to recognize the mineralization features, this study compares barren or weakly mineralized mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the Beishan with those hosting Ni–Cu sulfide ore deposit in the Altay and Eastern Tianshan in petrology, mineralogy and geochemistry aspects. Several mineralization features can be recognized with respects to petrology, mineralogy and geochemistry from comprehensive comparisons. Among the mineralization indicators, we highlight strong alteration accompanying sulfide emplacement, post-erosion exposure of magma conduit, abundant primary hydrous minerals and potential transportation mechanism of ore-forming elements. Other indicators are the presence of orthopyroxene and pyroxenite for potential sulfide formation through crystal fractionation, restricted Fo and Ni ranges in olivines for sulfide segregation, and some other special geochemical characteristics related to crustal contamination. The variation in mineralization could be ascribed to different degrees of partial melting, crustal assimilation and subduction-related modification of a mantle source. We suggest that the Ni–Cu sulfide mineralization of mafic–ultramafic intrusions within orogenic belts is remarkably different from that of cratonic and continental marginal settings in respects of petrogenesis and mineralizing mechanism. Magmatic conduit-type Ni–Cu sulfide ore deposit is a target for future prospecting and exploration for mafic–ultramafic intrusions in the orogenic belts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of the Early Permian mafic–ultramafic complexes in the Beishan Terrane, NW China have important bearing on the prospects of Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide and Ti–Fe oxide deposits, as well as in understanding the history of evolution of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Here we present results from a detailed study on a representative suit of a mafic–ultramafic rocks from the Bijiashan complex in the Beishan Terrane. The complex is composed of dunite, troctolite, olivine gabbro and gabbro without clinopyroxenite or hornblendite. In addition to olivine and clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene and plagioclase are also present in all these rock types, in the absence of chromite or primary hornblende. The minerals display marked compositional variations with the Fo content in olivines ranging from 66 to 83 and the clinopyroxenes ranging from diopside to augite. The whole-rock geochemistry shows good correlations among the major elements, and the trace elements are characterized by flat REE patterns with Eu positive anomalies, and HFSE depletion relative to LILE. These features are comparable to other mafic–ultramafic complexes in the Beishan and Eastern Tianshan terranes, but obviously deviate from the typical features of Alaskan-type intrusives. The present study suggests that the Beishan complexes were formed in a post-orogenic extensional environment with potential for Ni–Cu mineralization, rather than in arc-related setting with Alaskan-type PGE mineralization. Our study confirms that the Beishan area does not conform to an arc-related setting, but was located within a rift setting in Permian probably related to Permian mantle plume event, suggesting that the subduction of the Paleo-Asian ocean had culminated by this time, and the southern CAOB witnessed a post-orogenic extensional regime in late Paleozoic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Hereditary spastic paraplegia with thin corpus callosum (HSP–TCC) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder with genetic linkage to multi-loci. Recently pathogenic mutations in the KIAA1840 (now named SPG11) for SPG11, the major HSP–TCC locus, were identified; at least 42 different mutations have been detected. Objective: To study the clinical features and identify the SPG11 gene mutations in Chinese patients with HSP–TCC. Methods: Three kindreds with an autosomal recessive HSP–TCC and 5 cases with sporadic HSP–TCC in Chinese Hans were recruited. Detailed clinical history, neurological examination, MRI, electromyography, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale (SPRS) were presented. DNA samples of the 8 families were collected and mutation analysis of SPG11 gene was carried out by direct DNA sequencing. Results: Except for one patient whose age at onset was 3 years old, 10 patients manifested a relatively similar combination of adolescence-onset cognitive decline and spastic paraparesis with TCC on brain MRI. We identified 10 novel and one known mutations in our 8 HSP–TCC families, which were two nonsense mutations (c.5977C>T/p.Q1993X, c.4668T>A/p.Y1556X), three small deletions (c.6898_6899delCT/p.L2300AfsX2338, c.3719_3720delTA/p.I1240VfsX263, c.733_734delAT/p.M245VfsX246), four small insertions (c.7088_7089insATTA/p.Y2363X, c.2163_2164insT/p.I722YfsX731, c.7101_7102insT/p.K2368X, c.6790_6791insC/p.L2264PfsX2339), one deletion/insertion (c.654_655delinsG/p.S218RfsX219), and one splice mutation (c.7151+4_7151+7delAGTA/p.K2384fsX2386). Each family has a different mutation and all the mutations are predicted to cause early protein truncation. Conclusion: This study widens the mutation spectrum of the SPG11 gene and the mutations in the SPG11 gene are also the major causative gene for HSP–TCC in the Chinese Hans. Screening of the whole gene is recommended in clinical practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]