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Private supplementary tutoring, also known as shadow education, has had a profound influence on Chinese education during the past twenty years. The rapid expansion of shadow education has attracted the attention and increased regulation of the Chinese government. In July 2021, the Chinese government adopted one of the most restrictive legislative constraints on shadow education: the so-called 'double reduction' policy. This policy aims to reduce the dual burden for students of on-campus classes and off-campus tutoring. Through analysis of China's central and provincial double reduction policies, this study examines the policy goals, accompanying instruments, and delineated implementation strategies. Interviews with tutors from shadow education institutions in five major cities in China uncover the strategies shadow education tutors have applied to mitigate the policy constraints and offer criticism of the Chinese political system and deficiencies in the neoliberal education system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a principal option for treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) after medication failures. Unfortunately, some patients still have unsatisfactory postoperative recovery. The type of inflammatory cell infiltration in nasal polyp tissue has been reported available for recurrence prediction. As it is invasive and time-consuming, this technique is hard to promote clinically under the existing technical conditions. And during the course of clinical treatment, we have noted that differences in the postoperative recurrence rate of patients present among different traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types. Methods and analysis: This is a non-randomized, single-center, and prospective cohort study started in Chengdu Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China, in January 2021. A total of 200 participants will be recruited from patients who are diagnosed with CRSwNP and prepared for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. We collect preoperative data which includes general information, medical history, TCM syndromes, visual analogue scale (VAS) of subjective symptoms, Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score, and Lund-Mackay score of computed tomography (CT) scanning of sinuses. We acquire the VAS score and Lund-Kennedy score of subjective symptoms through multiple planned follow-up after surgery. After 1 year of follow-up, the recurrence rate will be calculated, and the curative effect will be assessed. Meanwhile, the patients' pathological sections will be sorted out, and inflammatory cell infiltration will be analyzed. Statistical analysis will be carried out to evaluate the correlation among CRSwNP recurrence and TCM syndrome types and tissue inflammatory cell infiltration types. Then we will establish a predictive model for CRSwNP recurrence. Analyses of survey data include descriptive and inferential statistical approaches. Discussion: This is the first prospective cohort study on investigating the correlation of CRSwNP recurrence with TCM syndrome types and tissue inflammatory cell infiltration types. Through this study, we hope to discover a new and simple, effective, and noninvasive way to predict the recurrence rate rapidly after CRSwNP and provide reference for the intervention timing of traditional Chinese medicine application, thereby achieving customized diagnosis and treatment, minimizing risks of surgical events, and delaying postoperative recurrence of CRSwNP. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO ChiCTR2100041646. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dorsal vertebrae of Xinjiangtitan shanshanesis (SSV12001) from the Late Jurassic Qigu Formation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, are redescribed based on the further exposure and preparation of the holotype. As a mamenchisaurid sauropod dinosaur, Xinjiangtitan shanshanesis displays a unique combination of autapomorphic and plesiomorphic features, such as the presences of both lateral spinopostzygapophyseal laminae (L.SPOL) and medial spinopostzygapophyseal lamina (M.SPOL) in dorsal vertebrae and a shallow intralaminar fossa (SPOL-F) between the L.SPOL and M.SPOL; anterior spinodiapophyseal laminae (A.SPDL), posterior spinodiapophyseal laminae (P.SPDL) and middle spinodiapophyseal lamina (M.SPDL) in dorsals 3–5; bifurcated anterior and middle dorsal neural spines with the median tubercle and the triangular lateral processes. Phylogenetic analysis and morphological comparison show that Xinjiangtitan shanshanesis probably shares a close relationship with Hudiesaurus and Mamenchisaurus and provide new information for future taxonomic revision of the mamenchisaurids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006, the Majiayuan Cemetery of the Warring States period (475 BCE to 221 BCE) was discovered in Zhangjiachuan county of Gansu province, northwest China. The thousands of exquisite gold/silver artifacts, bronze wares, potteries, and beads unearthed, and have attracted great interest when investigating the dynamics of exchange, mobility, and transcultural encounters in Eurasian artifacts. During the excavation, plenty of blue and purple faience beads were found arranged around the tomb owner in grave M52. Faience beads of the same style unearthed from other graves of the region indicate their mature production at the time of burials. By adopting scientific methods for the chemical and compositional characterization of the faience beads, this study explained their materials and production techniques and provided new insights into faience production in the late Warring States period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The individual and combined associations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metabolites on liver function during pregnancy are still lacking. We aimed to explore the connection between urinary PAH metabolites and liver function in early pregnant women in southwest China based on the Zunyi birth cohort. Ten urinary PAH metabolites and five liver function parameters during early pregnancy were measured. The associations of single PAHs with parameters of liver function were assessed using multiple linear regression. A Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model was used to evaluate the joint associations of the PAH mixture with outcomes. We found that each 1% increment of urinary 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) was associated with 3.36% (95% CI: 0.40%, 6.40%) higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and 2.22% (95% CI: 0.80%, 3.67%) higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Each 1% increment in 1-hydroxy-phenanthrene (1-OH-PHE) was significantly associated with 7.04% (95% CI: 1.61%, 12.75%) increased total bile acid (TBA). Additionally, there was a significant positive linear trend between 2-OH-PHE and AST and 1-OH-PHE and TBA. BKMR also showed a significant positive association of PAH mixture with AST. Our results indicate that PAH metabolites were associated with increased parameters of liver function among early pregnant women. Early pregnant women should pay more attention to the adverse relationships between PAHs and liver function parameters to prevent environment-related adverse perinatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) versus teniposide (TEN) in patients with newly diagnosed immunocompetent primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs). Methods: The study included immunocompetent, adult patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL at 22 centers in China from 2007 to 2016. The patients received HD-MTX or TEN as first-line induction therapy. The objective response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival were analyzed for each patient cohort. Results: A total of 96 patients were eligible: 62 received HD-MTX, while 34 received teniposide. The overall response rate was 73.2% and 72.7% in the MTX and the TEN cohorts, respectively (P = 0.627). The median progression-free survival was 28.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 13.7–51.2] in the MTX cohort and 24.3 months (95% CI: 16.6–32.1) in the TEN cohort (P = 0.75). The median overall survival was 31 months (95% CI: 26.8–35.2) in the MTX cohort and 32 months (95% CI: 27.6–36.4) in the TEN cohort (P = 0.77). The incidence of any grade of coagulopathy/deep-vein thrombosis and gastrointestinal disorders was significantly higher in the MTX cohort than in the TEN cohort; no significant difference was found in the incidence of other adverse events between the two cohorts. Conclusions: This was the first multicenter study using TEN as the main agent compared with HD-MTX in newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma. The TEN-based regimen was non-inferior to the HD-MTX-based regimen with similar overall responses. Classification of evidence: This study provided Class III evidence that the teniposide-based regimen was non-inferior to high-dose methotrexate − based regimen with similar overall responses and long-time survival in immunocompetent patients with PCNSL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the effect of gambling culture in the province where a firm is located on its bond yield spread. Our findings suggest that a high gambling culture translates into a high bond yield spread. In addition, the impact is more salient for firms with high operating volatility and increased default risk. Overall, the results are consistent with the notion that when firms are located in high gambling culture provinces, they are riskier, and thus bond investors ask for a high bond yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to examine serum leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) levels in osteoporosis subjects to confirm its association with osteoporosis. Methods A total of 204 adult subjects were recruited. Bone mineral densities (BMD) were assessed and blood samples were collected for measurements of biomedical parameters and the bone turnover markers. Serum LECT2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationships between serum LECT2 levels and other parameters were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results Serum LECT2 levels were significantly increased in osteoporosis subjects over controls. We found a significantly negative correlation of serum LECT2 with BMD, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, and creatinine and a significantly positive correlation with C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen and total cholesterol. Conclusion Serum LECT2 levels were significantly upregulated in osteoporosis subjects and correlated with the severity of bone loss. Serum LECT2 could be a potential biomarker to assess the risk of bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the general characteristics, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and medication of patients with rectal cancer in China. Methods: The clinical data of inpatients with rectal cancer from the information system of 17 tertiary A-level traditional Chinese medicine hospitals in China were collected. After data standardization, descriptive analysis was performed on the general information, syndrome distribution and medication characteristics of the included patients, and association rule analysis was performed on the drug usage. Results: A total of 15 424 hospitalized patients with rectal cancer were included. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.6:1, the average age was 60.87 years old, and the age was mainly in the range of 50 to 79 years old. Among the 12 146 patients with rectal cancer, the top 5 TCM syndromes were Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome (25%), phlegm and blood stasis syndrome (19%), spleen deficiency syndrome (14%), Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome (7%) and Qi and blood deficiency syndrome (6%). After excluding the anti-tumor western medicine recommended by the guidelines, adrenal corticosteroids (43.55%), antibiotics (42.94%) and immunomodulatory drugs (42.66%) ranked the top three in the frequency of western medicine use. Dexamethasone (38.15%), metoclopramide tablets (20.51%) and furosemide injection (19.71%) were the three most commonly used western medicines. Among the three western medicines combined, cimetidine, granisetron hydrochloride dextrose injection + dexamethasone were the most common (support 8.23%, confidence 96.4%, and improvement 2.48%). Heat-clearing and detoxifying agents (53.72%), Yiqi-fuzheng agents (49.76%) and blood-activating and stasis-removing agents (15.68%) ranked the top 3 in the frequency of use of traditional Chinese medicine.Shenqi Fuzheng injection, Shenqi Fuzheng injection (21.59%), Compound Kushen injection (17.52%) and Aidi injection (11.96%) were the three most commonly used Chinese patent medicines. Conclusion: The main syndromes of patients with rectal cancer may be Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, phlegm and blood stasis syndrome, and spleen deficiency syndrome, etc. The treatment needs to focus on the supplementation of vital essence, combination of dredging and tonifying method, and the integration of traditional Chinese and western medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the main factors of renal function injury caused by the combination of elemene emulsion injection in the real world. Methods: Based on the hospital information system medical database constructed by the Institute of Clinical Basic Medicine of Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, taking the patient information of elemene emulsion injection used in 21 top three hospitals in China as the research object, the nested case control study method was used to compare the combined medication of patients with renal function injury group and control group, The main factors that may lead to renal function injury were screened by MCP variable selection method, and the above main factors were further analyzed by classical logistic regression and propensity score logistic regression method. Results: The analysis found that the combined use of potassium chloride within 7 d before the use of elemene emulsion injection or the combined use of furosemide during the use of elemene emulsion injection may be the main factor leading to renal function injury. Conclusion: The combination of elemene emulsion injection and the above main factors that may lead to renal injury should be avoided. If it must be used, clinical monitoring should be strengthened, and abnormal reactions should be treated immediately. The results of this study have certain clinical significance, and the clinical mechanism can be further studied and explored in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces the measurement and analysis of the transient electric field (E-field) derived from the switching operation of the modular multilevel converter (MMC) and the high voltage direct current (HVdc) circuit breaker (CB) in a 200 kV converter station constructed in the Zhoushan Islands, China. It is revealed that the switching transient E-field in the converter station is a quasi-static field. Although the switching E-field pulse is a kind of electromagnetic interference to the secondary electronic circuit of the converter station, it can be used to accurately monitor the action moment of the MMC and the CB. The action moment of the MMC and the CB can be measured with an error of less than 0.005 ms based on the steep pulse front of the switching E-field pulse. This result, which is far more accurate compared to the measurement using the voltage recording system that comes with the converter station. This is of significance to the relay protection of the HVdc transmission system whose fault rapidly develops. Additionally, this method has the advantage of being noninvasive, flexible, and low cost. It has potential application value in the condition monitoring of the MMC and the HVdc CB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra-oceanic subduction is a fundamental process on Earth, the study of which can improve the understanding of plate tectonic processes and the history of continental growth. Here, we report on newly recognized trondhjemite in the north of Diyanmiao ophiolite belt in North China. The trondhjemite was found along the Erenhot-Hegenshan suture zone. U-Pb zircon dating revealed that the trondhjemite crystallized at 309 ± 2.1 Ma. The trondhjemite had a high amount of SiO2 (68.94–76.45 wt %), Al2O3 (13.37–15.90 wt %), and Sr (232–601 ppm); and a low amount of K2O (1.57–2.70 wt %), Y (6.91–9.39 ppm), Ni (1.10–4.19 ppm), and Cr (1.55–13.50 ppm). The Na2O/K2O ratios were 1.90–4.37. There was a lack of negative Eu anomalies. It was relatively enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) such as Rb, Ba, K, and Sr; was depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs) such as Nb, Ta, Ti, and P; and had low total rare-earth element (REE) contents (27.73–49.63 ppm) with distinct REE fractionation (chondrite-normalized (La/Yb)N of 5.76–10.52), which was similar to adakitic rocks formed by partial melting of subducted oceanic crust. The trondhjemite, together with Diyanmiao ophiolite (335.6 Ma), may have formed during the stages of intra-oceanic subduction, suggesting that in the Early Carboniferous–Late Carboniferous, the southern Paleo-Asian Ocean was in its subduction stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Panchaetothripinae comprises 42 genera and 146 species of leaf-feeding thrips, some of which are horticultural pests. We examined representatives of the 18 genera that include most of these pests. For species delimitation, we used DNA barcoding to produce171 sequences for 40 morphospecies. Most species were found to be monophyletic, although cryptic diversity was evident in 8 presumptive species. A multilocus molecular phylogenetic assessment was based on one mitochondrial (COI) and three nuclear loci (EF-1α , ITS2, and 28S) from 132 specimens (18 genera and 33 species), representing all genera and ~82% of species in China. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) confirmed monophyly of each genus with strong support. Monophyly of tribes Panchaetothripini and Monilothripini were refuted, but the well supported tribe Tryphactothripini was confirmed. Rhipiphorothrips was recovered as a sister to the remainder of the genera of Panchaetothripinae combined. Both analyses revealed two major clades. Clade A comprised the majority of the genera, including tribe Tryphactothripini. Clade B included only four genera of which two, Helionothrips and Caliothrips , are particularly species rich. The relationships of some genera remain unresolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the efficacy and toxicity profile of first-line asparaginase (ASP)-based versus non-ASP-based regimens in treating early-stage extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) in non-anthracycline therapy era. This multi-center, real-world retrospective study consisted 305 newly diagnosed localized ENKTCL patients who were treated with sequential chemoradiation between 2010 and 2020 in China: 190 cases received ASP-based regimens and 115 cases received non-ASP-based regimens. Propensity score matching and multivariable analyses were used to compare survivals and toxicities between the two treatment groups. Non-ASP-based regimens achieved comparable survivals compared with ASP-based regimens in the entire cohort. The 5-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 84.7% and 73.5% for non-ASP-based regimens, and 87.7% (P=0.464) and 74.6% (P=0.702) for ASP-based regimens. The non-inferior survivals of non-ASP-based regimens were consistent after adjustment using PSM and multivariable analyses. However, survival benefits of ASP varied in different treatment modalities. Among patients receiving sequential chemotherapy and radiation (CT+RT±CT), ASP-based regimens achieved higher complete remission rate (54.3 vs. 34.5%, P=0.047) and more favorable survivals compared with non-ASP-based regimens (5-year OS, 87.0 vs. 69.0%, P=0.028). However, for patients receiving sequential radiation and chemotherapy (RT+CT), non-ASP-based regimens achieved comparable favorable survivals as ASP-based regimens. Besides, liver injury, malnutrition, and coagulative dysfunction were significantly more commonly documented in ASP-based regimens. These findings suggested that ASP was an effective agent in treating ENKTCL, especially among those receiving induction CT and RT. For patients who received upfront RT, non-ASP-based regimens might be a comparably effective and more tolerable treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the roles of ecological drivers in shaping biodiversity is fundamental for conservation practice. In this study, we explored the effects of elevation, conservation status, primary productivity, habitat diversity and anthropogenic disturbance (represented by human population density and birding history) on taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional avian diversity in a subtropical landscape in southeastern China. We conducted bird surveys using 1‐km transects across a total of 30 sites, of which 10 sites were located within a natural reserve. Metrics of functional diversity were calculated based on six functional traits (body mass, clutch size, dispersal ratio, sociality, diet and foraging stratum). We built simultaneous autoregression models to assess the association between the ecological factors and diversity of the local avian communities. Local avian diversity generally increased with increasing habitat diversity, human population density and primary productivity. We also detected phylogenetic and functional clustering in these communities, suggesting that the avian assemblages were structured mainly by environmental filtering, rather than interspecific competition. Compared with sites outside the natural reserve, sites within the natural reserve had relatively lower avian diversity but a higher level of phylogenetic heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To delineate the onset and recurrence characteristics of noncardiogenic ischemic stroke patients in China. Methods: A prospective, multicenter and registry study was carried out in 2,558 patients at 7 representative clinical sub-centers during November 3, 2016 to February 17, 2019. A questionnaire was used to collect information of patients regarding CM syndromes and constitutions and associated risk factors. Additionally, stroke recurrence was defined as a primary outcome indicator. Results: A total of 327 (12.78 %) patients endured recurrence events, 1,681 (65.72%) were men, and the average age was 63.33 ± 9.45 years. Totally 1,741 (68.06%) patients suffered first-ever ischemic stroke, 1,772 (69.27%) patients reported to have hypertension, and 1,640 (64.11%) of them reported dyslipidemia, 1,595 (62.35%) patients exhibited small-artery occlusion by The Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification. Specifically, 1,271 (49.69%) patients were considered as qi-deficient constitution, and 1,227 (47.97%) patients were determined as stagnant blood constitution. There were 1,303 (50.94%) patients diagnosed as blood stasis syndrome, 1,280 (50.04%) patients exhibited phlegm and dampness syndrome and 1,012 (39.56%) patients demonstrated qi deficiency syndrome. And 1,033 (40.38%) patients declared intracranial artery stenosis, and 478 (18.69%) patients reported carotid artery stenosis. The plaque in 1,508 (41.36%) patients were of mixed. Particularly, 41.09% of them demonstrated abnormal levels of glycated hemoglobin levels. Conclusions: Recurrence in minor and small-artery stroke cannot be ignored. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, abnormal HbA1c, intracranial artery stenosis and carotid plaque were more common in stroke patients. Particularly, phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndromes, as well as qi deficiency and blood stasis constitutions, were still the main manifestations of stroke. (Trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT03174535) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of China's social economy, it is the most important task for the water conservancy industry to make use of the existing water conservancy engineering measures to carry out the research on river basin flood control dispatching. Large-scale joint operation of river basins usually needs to consider meteorological and hydrological conditions, historical flood data, multireservoir engineering conditions, and multiple flood control targets, which is a complex decision-making problem. Therefore, electing the optimal operation model of reservoir flood control optimization is very important. In this paper, Luanhe River Basin is taken as the research area, and three kinds of constraints, namely, water balance constraint, reservoir flood control capacity constraint, and water release decision constraint, are set to construct the flood control optimization model. Taking the minimum square of the sum of reservoir discharge and interval flood discharge as the objective function, genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), Spider swarm optimization (SSO), and grey wolf optimization (GWO) are introduced into flood control optimal operation to seek the minimum value of objective function, and the results are compared and analyzed. Through the analysis of optimization results, the optimization ability and convergence effect of grey wolf optimization algorithm are better than those of genetic algorithm and particle algorithm, and the results are more stable than those of spider swarm algorithm. It has a good model structure and can make full use of the results of three wolf groups for optimization. Through the analysis of scheduling results, the results of genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm are similar, while those of spider swarm optimization algorithm and grey wolf optimization algorithm are similar and slightly better than those of the first two. Moreover, the search range of grey wolf optimization algorithm for solving long sequence problems is wider and the calculation time is shorter. Therefore, the grey wolf optimization algorithm can be applied to solve the flood control operation optimization model of Panjiakou Reservoir Group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) isotopes have shown their power of tracing Hg pollution sources in ecosystems, but their potentials for petrogenetic tracing are yet to be explored. Here we conducted Hg isotope analysis for samples collected from major orebodies of the world‐class Jinchuan Ni‐Cu sulfide deposit, China. These samples show large variations of δ202Hg (−2.65 to +0.19‰) and Δ199Hg (−0.16 to +0.19‰). Some of the Δ199Hg values significantly deviate from current estimates on the primitive mantle (Δ199Hg: 0.0 ± 0.1‰, 2SD). The pronounced Hg mass‐independent fractionation (Hg‐MIF) signals, with significant positive (>0.1‰) and negative (<0.1‰) Δ199Hg values similar to marine sediments and terrestrial soils, respectively, suggests the addition of crustal materials into the Jinchuan deposit, via crustal assimilation during mantle‐derived magma ascending to the crust. These samples show δ34S values (−1.09 to +1.38‰) identical to that of the primitive mantle (0.0 ± 2.0‰), which may indicate a major sulfur source from the mantle. However, δ34S provides poor constraints on the sulfur source, and the early reported anomalous Δ33S values (+0.12 to +2.67‰) in the Jinchuan deposit support the involvement of external sulfur from Archean and Proterozoic sedimentary rocks during the formation of this deposit, similar to the case of Hg. This study shows the powerful use of Hg isotopes as a petrogenic tracer and highlights the importance of interaction between mantle‐derived magmas and crustal materials on the formation of the Jinchuan Cu‐Ni sulfide deposit. Plain Language Summary: Photochemical reactions result in pronounced Hg mass‐independent fractionation (Hg‐MIF) signals (Δ199Hg ≠ 0‰) in marine and terrestrial systems. Recent estimates on 3He‐rich basalts suggest the lack of Hg‐MIF signals in the primitive mantle (Δ199Hg ∼ 0‰). This study observes non‐zero Δ199Hg values (−0.16 to +0.19‰) in the giant Jinchuan Ni‐Cu sulfide deposit, suggesting crustal assimilation during the formation of this deposit. Interaction between mantle‐derived magmas and crustal materials could have played an important role in the formation of the Jinchuan Cu‐Ni sulfide deposit. Hg isotopes have a great potential in understanding crustal‐mantle interactions. Key Points: Significant Hg mass‐independent fractionation signals were observed in the giant Jinchuan Ni‐Cu sulfide depositThe non‐zero Δ199Hg values in the Jinchuan deposit suggest crustal contamination mantle‐derived magma ascendingCrustal materials addition plays an important role in the formation of magmatic sulfide deposits [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A begomovirus isolated from whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and tomato, sweet potato in China was found to be representative of a distinct begomovirus species, for which the name tomato yellow leaf curl Chuxiong virus (TYLCCxV) is proposed. The results of genomic identification and sequence comparison showed that TYLCCxV shares the highest complete nucleotide sequence identity (88.3%) with croton yellow vein mosaic virus (CroYVMV), and may have originated from the recombination between synedrella leaf curl virus (SyLCV) and squash leaf curl Yunnan virus (SLCuYV). Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation showed that TYLCCxV is highly infectious for a range of plant species, producing upward leaf curling, leaf crumpling, chlorosis, distortion, and stunt symptoms in Solanum lycopersicum plants. The results of Southern blot indicated that TYLCCxV is capable of efficiently replicating two heterologous betasatellites. The inoculation of PVX::C4 on Nicotiana benthamiana induced upward leaf curling and stem elongation symptoms, suggesting that TYLCCxV C4 functions as a symptom determinant. TYLCCxV V2 is an important virulence factor that induces downward leaf curling symptoms, elicits systemic necrosis, and suppresses local and systemic GFP silencing in co-agroinfiltrated N. benthamiana and transgenic 16c plants. Considering the multifunctional virulence proteins V2 and C4, the possibility of TYLCCxV causing devastating epidemics on tomato in China is discussed. • A distinct tomato yellow leaf curl Chuxiong virus (TYLCCxV) was isolated from whiteflies and tomato, sweet potato plants in China. • TYLCCxV is highly infectious for a range of plant species, and is capable of efficiently replicating two heterologous betasatellites. • The C4 protein encoded by TYLCCxV functions as a symptom determinant. • V2 is an important virulence factor and suppresses local and systemic GFP silencing in N. benthamiana and transgenic 16c plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria is one of the major diseases affecting global health, while progress in malaria control and elimination has stagnated in some endemic countries. China has been certificated malaria free by World Health Organization in 2021, and will get more involved on global malaria elimination. Further discussion is needed on how to collaborate with the malaria endemic countries and provide effective help. This study was to investigate the perceptions of malaria endemic countries on China's contribution to global malaria elimination and to lay a foundation for further action. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants including national malaria project managers and technicians from malaria endemic countries. Thematic framework approach was used to analyze the data. Results: Malaria endemic countries now face challenges in insufficient funds, technique, products, public health systems and inadequacy of international assistance. They hold a positive attitude towards cooperation with China and identified experience and technique exchange, personnel training, system building and scientific research cooperation as prioritized areas. Conclusions: China could make full use of its own advantages in technique transfer, health system improvement, information system construction, and health human resource training and take an active part in global malaria elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Though the utilization of traditional medicine has been proposed for modern drug research and development (R&D), limited research has discussed its feasible paths. In this commentary, we summarized key factors for new drug R&D under limited resources by reviewing China's discovery of artemisinin, and raised suggestions to utilize traditional medicines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Main text: We suggested that systematic utilization of traditional medicine, outstanding synergy of research units at all levels and timely information-sharing mechanism should be achieved to establish a comprehensive and efficient R&D system, especially under low-resource settings. In the case of artemisinin discovery, Chinese scientists integrated documented traditional medicine experiences and modern approaches to develop drug candidates timely. Due to limited R&D resources, China adopted a collaborative way, motivating nearly all domestic research units at different levels, to develop antimalarial products. Moreover, the excellent synergy among all units through efficient information-sharing mechanisms greatly avoided work repetition and accelerated the R&D process. Conclusion: Traditional medicines inspires drug discoveries in LMICs, while a comprehensive and efficient R&D system could accelerate its R&D process and save investment. The discovery of artemisinin in China gave a reliable pattern to promote sustainable development of traditional medicines and a good example to realize R&D of traditional medicine under low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calculation of geomagnetically induced current (GIC) flowing through power system during the geomagnetic storm has attracted more attention recently. However, for high voltage power systems with transmission lines over hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, the earth model and geomagnetical field generally vary significantly. So, it is essential to take them into consideration using limited earth survey sites and geomagnetic observatories. To address this problem, a Kriging method is introduced in this paper to make earth model and geomagnetical field interpolations. It has the characteristic of spatial autocorrelation by considering not only the distances between predicted points and training points but also the distances between training points themselves. Finally, a case study of the Central China 1000 kV ultra-high voltage (UHV) grid is carried out to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predominant types of high-grade iron deposits in China include skarn, sedimentary metamorphic (banded iron-formation, BIF-type), continental/submarine volcanic-hosted and magmatic Fe-Ti-V oxide deposits. Based on a comprehensive review of current studies on these deposits, this paper suggests that the oxygen concentration in atmosphere played an important role for the formation of BIFs, whereas the tectonic setting and deep magmatic differentiation processes are more important for the other types. Notably, both high temperature and high pressure experiments and melt inclusion studies indicate that during the differentiation, high temperature magmas could develop iron-rich magma via liquid immiscibility but not pure oxide melt ("iron ore magma"). Fe-P melt could be generated directly by liquid immiscibility under hydrous and oxidized condition. The formation of high-grade iron deposits is mostly associated with the processes related to multiple stages of superimposition, e.g., desiliconization and iron enrichment, removal of impurity, and remobilization and re-precipitation of iron. According to the temporal evolution, the high-grade iron deposit could be divided into multi-episode superimposition type (temporally discontinuous mineralization) and multi-stage superimposition type (temporally continuous mineralization). The former is represented by the sedimentary metamorphic iron deposit, and the latter includes those related to magmatic-hydrothermal fluids (e.g., skarn, volcanic-hosted and magmatic types). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

is an important material in the food industry, and XuanMugua is the only one which is allowed to serve as a homology of medicine and food in China. This study was conducted to develop an effective extraction method for XuanMugua by autoclaving treatment hyphenated with reflux. Hyphenated extraction method gave 19% higher extraction efficiency, 5% higher content of polysaccharides, and 29% higher content of triterpenes than single reflux. Furthermore, it improved the antioxidant activities of Mugua by increasing DPPH radical scavenging by 0.80 times and similar ABTS and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In 9‐17‐year‐old Chinese girls, the AS04‐adjuvanted HPV‐16/18 vaccine (AS04‐HPV‐16/18) given as three‐dose schedule induced high antibody levels, which were noninferior 1 month after the third dose to those observed in 18‐25‐year‐old Chinese women in a large efficacy study. We assessed the persistence of antibodies 8‐9 years after vaccination in the same subjects. Methods: This follow‐up phase III, open‐label study (NCT03355820) included subjects who had received three doses of AS04‐HPV‐16/18 in the initial trial (NCT00996125). Serum antibody concentrations were assessed by ELISA and compared to antibody persistence observed in 18‐25‐year‐old Chinese women 6 years after first vaccination in the efficacy study (NCT00779766). Results: Out of the 227 enrolled subjects, 223 were included in the per‐protocol immunogenicity analysis. Mean interval from first AS04‐HPV‐16/18 dose to blood sampling was 101.4 months (8.5 years). For antibodies against HPV‐16 and ‐18, 8.5 years after first vaccine dose all subjects remained seropositive and antibody. Geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) were 1236.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1121.8; 1362.4) and 535.6 (95% CI: 478.6; 599.4) ELISA Units/mL, respectively. These seropositivity rates and antibody GMCs were higher than those observed 6 years after first vaccination of 18‐25‐year‐old women. Conclusion: Sustained anti‐HPV‐16 and ‐18 immune responses were observed 8‐9 years after AS04‐HPV‐16/18 vaccination of 9‐17 year‐old Chinese girls that were higher than the ones observed 6 years after first vaccination in Chinese adult women in whom AS04‐HPV‐16/18 efficacy against cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade ≥2 was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The treatment outcomes and prognosis of lymphoma are affected by various factors such as hospital types. This study was to describe the temporal trend in the survival of lymphoma in an academic center in China. Methods: A total of 3840 consecutive patients with lymphoma diagnosed between 1996 and 2015 were reviewed. Eighty patients were excluded, and finally, 3760 patients were analyzed in this study. The cohort was divided into four groups according to calendar periods at diagnosis: 1996‐2000, 2001‐2005, 2006‐2010, and 2010‐2015. The overall survival (OS) rates among the four groups were compared. Results: The 5‐ and 10‐year OS for the whole cohort were 62% and 52%, respectively. The 5‐year OS of patient with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), mature B‐cell lymphoma (BCL), and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) were 79%, 63%, and 50%, respectively. Among mature BCL, the 5‐year OS was highest in follicular lymphoma (77.8%), followed by Burkitt lymphoma (76.5%), marginal zone lymphoma (74.1%), diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (61.5%), small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (55.1%), and mantle cell lymphoma (44.3%). Among PTCL, the 5‐year OS was highest in ALK+anaplastic large cell lymphoma (79.0%), followed by ALK−anaplastic large cell lymphoma (63.1%), natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (57.7%), angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (34.9%, and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (27.6%). Significant improvement in the survival of lymphoma was observed, with the 5‐year OS increasing from 48% in 1996‐2000 to 65% in 2011‐2015 (P <.001). The 5‐year OS of patients with cHL, mature BCL, and PTCL changed from 55%, 49%, and 41% in 1996‐2000 to 79%, 65%, and 51% in 2011‐2015, respectively (P values were.014,.002, and.592, respectively). Conclusion: The survival of most types of lymphoma such as cHL and mature BCL, rather than PTCL, was improved significantly during the past two decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromite is one of the earliest crystallized minerals from mafic melts and has been used as an important "petrogenetic indicator." Its composition may be modified by interaction with intercumulate melt and adjacent minerals. Thus, chromite in mafic-ultramafic rocks contains clues to the geochemical affinity, evolution, and mantle source of its parent magmas. The Devonian Xiarihamu intrusion, located in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt in the northern Tibet Plateau, China, hosts a very large disseminated Ni-Co sulfide deposit. This study focuses on geochemistry of the chromite enclosed in olivine of ultramafic rocks of the intrusion. Enrichments in Mg and Al in the rim of the chromite indicate only minor effects of alteration on the compositions of the chromite. The chromites enclosed in the olivines with forsterite percentage (Fo) lower than 87 are characterized by large variations in major and trace elements, such as large ranges of Cr·100/(Cr+Al) (Cr# = 15-47), Mg·100/(Mg+Fe2+) (Mg# = 41-65), and Al2O3 (= 26-53 wt%) as well as 380-3100 ppm V, 70-380 ppm Ga, and 1100-16300 ppm Zn. The chromites display positive correlations between Cr/(Cr+Al) and Ti, Mn, V, Ga, and Sc, inconsistent with fractional crystallization but indicative of an interaction between the chromites, intercumulate melts and hosting minerals. In contrast, chromites hosted in olivine with Fo > 87 in harzburgite have small variations in Cr# (ranging from 37 to 41), Mg# (48 to 51), and Al2O3 (30 to 35 wt%) as well as restricted variation in trace elements, indicating relatively weak interaction with trapped liquid and adjacent phases; these compositions are close to those of the most primitive, earliest crystallized chromites. The most primitive chromite has similarities with chromite in mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) in TiO2 and Al2O3 contents (0.19-0.32 and 27.9-36.3 wt%, respectively) and depletion of Sc and enrichment of Ga and Zn relative to MORB chromite. The geochemistry of the chromite indicates a partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle that was modified by melts derived from the subduction slab at garnet-stable pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the outcomes of refractory/relapsed cHL patients after high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in Beijing Cancer hospital and to identify the prognostic risk factors. We retrospectively analyzed 115 relapsed/refractory cHL patients who accepted HDCT and ASCT in our cancer center and had complete follow-up data from April 2000 to May 2017. Ages of these 115 patients at ASCT ranged from 14 to 63 (median age 28). Forty-four (38.3%) patients achieved CR and 50 (43.5%) patients achieved PR before ASCT. Thirty-seven (48.7%) patients of those 76 patients who did PET-CT before ASCT had negative PET-CT scans. The median follow-up time was 72 months. A total of 23 patients died in our study. The 5-year OS and PFS rates of all patients after ASCT were 78.7% and 53%, respectively. The 5-year OS rates after ASCT of patients who were in CR or PR or less than PR status before ASCT were 92.8%, 68.2%, and 76.2%, respectively (log-rank = 2.913, p = 0.233). And their 5-year PFS rates after ASCT were 69.2%, 54.2%, and 18.5%, respectively (log-rank = 13.615, p = 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that ECOG (p = 0.010; hazard ratio = 1.578), disease status before ASCT (CR: p = 0.001; hazard ratio = 0.227) and after ASCT (CR: p < 0.001; hazard ratio = 0.154), and PET-CT results after ASCT (p = 0.023; hazard ratio = 0.438) significantly impact patients' PFS while number of pretransplant salvage chemotherapy (p = 0.037; hazard ratio = 2.521), radiotherapy (p = 0.046; hazard ratio = 0.423), and disease status after ASCT (CR: p = 0.010; hazard ratio = 0.197) significantly affected patients' OS. Multivariate analysis shown only disease status before ASCT (p = 0.002) had significant impact on PFS and disease status after ASCT (p = 0.021) had significant impact on OS. R/R HL patients can still obtain long-term PFS after HDCT and ASCT and disease status before ASCT was the most significant prognostic factor for PFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to Permian magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits in the eastern part of the Northern Tianshan, such as Huangshan and Huangshandong, those in the western part (e.g., Baixintan and Lubei) are poorly documented. Zircon ID-TIMS U-Pb age data (279.7 ± 0.2 Ma) of lherzolite and LA-ICPMS U-Pb age data (277.8 ± 3.4 Ma) of a hornblende gabbro suggest the Lubei intrusion was emplaced in the Early Permian. The Baixintan and Lubei mafic-ultramafic intrusive rocks are characterized by enrichments of large ion lithophile elements and Th and U relative to the high field strength elements, as well as depletion of Nb and Ta relative to mid-ocean ridge basalt. The (87Sr/86Sr)t (0.70354–0.70713), εNd(t) (2.80 to + 7.05), and εHf(t) (2.50–18.4) values for the intrusions indicate that they have assimilated Tianshan basement rocks, whereas the Se/S ratios (181 × 10−6–418 × 10−6) and δ34SCDT values (− 0.13‰ to 0.90‰) of the sulfides suggest that crustal sulfur has not been incorporated into the magma. The decrease in Pd/Zr with increasing (Th/Nb)PM indicates that sulfide saturation accompanied crustal contamination. The olivine compositions and whole-rock chalcophile elements of the Baixintan and Lubei intrusions imply that the parental magma of the intrusive rocks in the west contains higher chalcophile elements than those in the east, which suggests that the mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the western part of the Northern Tianshan should be regarded as favorable Ni-Cu sulfide exploration targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of platinum-group elements (PGE) and semimetal elements (As, Sb, Se, Te and Bi) in the base metal sulfides from the Yangliuping deposit were determined using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). Mass balance calculation reveals that the base metal sulfides only contain <40 wt% Os, <15 wt% Ir, <25 wt% Pd and negligible Pt, Rh and As, as solid solution. Such PGE percentages in the base-metal sulfides as solid solution are evidently lower than in the sulfides from the Jinchuan, Noril'sk and Sudbury Ni Cu-(PGE) sulfide deposits. Euhedral shape and similar chemical composition of the nanometer-size PGE-arsenides and sulfarsenides in the base-metal sulfides suggest that they crystallized from the sulfide melt before the crystallization of monosulfide solid solution (MSS) and intermediate solid solution (ISS). It is proposed that the nanometer-size PGE-arsenides and sulfarsenides formed from PGE-As molecular or polymolecular clusters in the sulfide liquid at high temperature. The PGE-As molecular or polymolecular clusters prevent As and PGE from partitioning into the base metal sulfide lattice and tend to form discrete nanometer-size PGE-arsenides and sulfarsenides. Thus, semimetal elements, particularly As, play an important role on behaviour of PGE during solidification of magmatic sulfide liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platinum-group minerals (PGM) are important host phases for platinum-group elements (PGE) in magmatic sulfide deposits. Recent studies have demonstrated that some PGM, such as sperrylite, can crystallize early from sulfide liquids. It is important to determine whether and how these PGM particles affect the enrichment and differentiation of PGE in Cu-Ni-PGE deposits. The magmatic sulfide deposits in the Yangliuping area (mainly consisting of the Yangliuping deposit and Zhengziyanwo deposit) are the largest Cu-Ni-PGE deposits in the Emeishan large igneous province, SW China. Primitive-mantle normalized PGE patterns and fractional crystallization modelling show that massive ores in the Yangliuping deposit are enriched in Pd and Pt. In contrast, massive ores, breccia ores and Cu-rich ores in the Zhengziyanwo deposit are depleted in Pt. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), focused ion beam (FIB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to constrain the occurrence of PGE in the massive ores from the two deposits. Mass balance calculation shows that <7% of Ir, Rh and Pt occur in base metal sulfides (BMS, mainly pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite) as solid solution in both the Yangliuping and Zhengziyanwo massive ores. 17% and 91% Pd are present in solid solution within BMS in the Yangliuping and Zhengziyanwo massive ores, respectively. In the Yangliuping massive ores, PtAs 2 and Pd-PGM particles were commonly found within BMS crystals, and Ir-Rh-(Pt) sulfarsenides enclosed in cobaltite-gersdorffite solid solution (CGSS) are enriched in Pt. In contrast, in the Zhengziyanwo massive ores, no PtAs 2 particles and fewer Pd-PGM particles were found, and Ir-Rh-(Pt)AsS particles enclosed in CGSS are poor in Pt. The distribution, mineralogy and microstructures of Ir-Rh-(Pt)AsS, PtAs 2 and Pd-PGM particles in both the Yangliuping and Zhengziyanwo deposits suggest that they mainly crystallized from sulfide liquids or formed from Pd-Pt-semimetal-rich droplets. We suggest that the incorporation of Pd-PGM and PtAs 2 particles into MSS cumulates led to the enrichment of Pd and Pt in the Yangliuping massive ores. In the Zhengziyanwo deposit, early fractional crystallization of PtAs 2 reduced the Pt content in sulfide liquids and resulted in the formation of Pt-depleted sulfide ores and low-Pt Ir-Rh-(Pt)AsS particles, but no Pt-rich sulfide ores have been found to date. As a result, the role of PGM particles should be considered when using PGE to trace the formation process of Cu-Ni-PGE deposits. This study also provides additional evidence that the behavior of Pt in sulfide liquids is influenced by thermodynamic conditions and As, and suggests a potential for Pt-rich sulfide ores exploration in the Zhengziyanwo deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-induced environmental and climate change are widely blamed for causing rapid global biodiversity loss, but direct estimation of the proportion of biodiversity lost at local or regional scales are still infrequent. This prevents us from quantifying the main and interactive effects of anthropogenic environmental and climate change on species loss. Here, we demonstrate that the estimated proportion of species loss of 252 key protected vertebrate species at a county level of China during the past half century was 27.2% for all taxa, 47.7% for mammals, 28.8% for amphibians and reptiles and 19.8% for birds. Both human population increase and species richness showed significant positive correlations with species loss of all taxa combined, mammals, birds, and amphibians and reptiles. Temperature increase was positively correlated with all-taxa and bird species loss. Precipitation increase was negatively correlated with species loss of birds. Human population change and species richness showed more significant interactions with the other correlates of species loss. High species richness regions had higher species loss under the drivers of human environmental and climate change than low-richness regions. Consequently, ongoing human environmental and climate changes are expected to perpetuate more negative effects on the survival of key vertebrate species, particularly in high-biodiversity regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ni-Cu sulfide deposits along the Huangshan-Jingerquan metallogenic belt in the southernmost Central Asian Orogenic Belt contain ∼1.0 million tonnes Ni metal with average grades of 0.4–0.5 wt%. Published data on siderophile and chalcophile elements of sulfide ores and sulfide-poor rocks of the deposit hosting complexes are integrated to address the processes affecting compositions of the sulfide ores, such as sulfide segregation, differentiation and mixing. The sulfide-poor rocks are low in platinum-group elements (PGE), e.g. Ir <0.23 ppb and Pd <2.3 ppb, even containing minute amount of sulfides. These data indicated that the basaltic magmas were primarily depleted in PGE due to sulfide retention in the mantle sources or in the lower crust. Abundances and variation of PGE of the sulfide-poor rocks indicate that fractional crystallization of olivine, pyroxene and chromite lead to fractionation of Ir and Ru from Pt and Pd in the basaltic magmas ascending in the crust. The disseminated sulfide ores with S < 3.0 wt% from the deposits have restricted PGE tenors (0.5–45 ppb Ir, 10–900 ppb Pt and 10–780 ppb Pd) and Pd/Ir values (3.0–250), whereas the net-textured/massive ores have relatively large variations in PGE tenors (0.05–55 ppb Ir, 0.4–2900 ppb Pt and 4.0–2560 ppb Pd) and Pd/Ir values (0.3–4000). Large compositional variations of the net-textured/massive ores demonstrate differentiation and mixing of the sulfide liquids carried by different batches of magma along the magma plumbing system. The sulfides settled down in widen parts of magma conduits forming sulfide mineralized mafic–ultramafic dykes. Downward percolation of differentiated sulfide liquids could form Fe-rich and Cu-rich massive ore veins adjacent to dyke-like orebody. More sulfides were deposited in shallow large complexes along the magma plumbing system. [Display omitted] • Parental magmas of Huangshan-Jingerquan metallogenic belt are originally PGE-depleted. • Ore compositions vary via differentiation and mixing of sulfide liquids and upgrading. • Sulfides settled down from rising basaltic magma in mafic–ultramafic dyke or complex. The Ni-Cu sulfide deposits along the Huangshan-Jingerquan metallogenic belt in the southernmost Central Asian Orogenic Belt contain ∼ 1.0 million tonnes Ni metal with average grades of 0.4–0.5 wt%. Published data on siderophile and chalcophile elements of sulfide ores and sulfide-poor rocks of the deposit hosting complexes are integrated to address the processes affecting compositions of the sulfide ores, such as sulfide segregation, differentiation and mixing. The sulfide-poor rocks are low in platinum-group elements (PGE), e.g. Ir < 0.23 ppb and Pd < 2.3 ppb, even containing minute amount of sulfides. These data indicated that the basaltic magmas were primarily depleted in PGE due to sulfide retention in the mantle sources or in the lower crust. Abundances and variation of PGE of the sulfide-poor rocks indicate that fractional crystallization of olivine, pyroxene and chromite lead to fractionation of Ir and Ru from Pt and Pd in the basaltic magmas ascending in the crust. The disseminated sulfide ores with S < 3.0 wt% from the deposits have restricted PGE tenors (0.5–45 ppb Ir, 10–900 ppb Pt and 10–780 ppb Pd) and Pd/Ir values (3.0–250), whereas the net-textured/massive ores have relatively large variations in PGE tenors (0.05–55 ppb Ir, 0.4–2900 ppb Pt and 4.0–2560 ppb Pd) and Pd/Ir values (0.3–4000). Large compositional variations of the net-textured/massive ores demonstrate differentiation and mixing of the sulfide liquids carried by different batches of magma along the magma plumbing system. The sulfides settled down in widen parts of magma conduits forming sulfide mineralized mafic–ultramafic dykes. Downward percolation of differentiated sulfide liquids could form Fe-rich and Cu-rich massive ore veins adjacent to dyke-like orebody. More sulfides were carried by ascending magmas and deposited in shallow large complexes along the magma plumbing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of safety evaluation on postmarketing Chinese medicines has become a hot topic in mainland China recently. Researchers and decision-makers can obtain a variety of evidence resources about safety in order to evaluate the safety profile for postmarketing Chinese medicines. A registry study on ten Chinese medicine injections for postmarketing surveillance has come to the end. From such a study observing more than 300,000 patients for more than 4 years, a theoretical research question emerges, that is, how to identify and evaluate safety evidence systematically. We put forward a brand new research paradigm on the theory level, which is to establish a body of evidence on safety evaluation for postmarketing Chinese medicine. Therefore, multiple information sources were explored and extracted from preclinical experiments for toxicity, postmarketing clinical trials for effificacy and safety evaluation, registry study for surveillance, retrospective data analysis from hospital information system and spontaneous response system, and case reports and systematic review from literature. Greater efforts for this idea and cooperation with experts in this fifield both in China and abroad are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little information exists on whether gender or asthma status modifies the effects of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on lung function. Objective: To evaluate whether gender or asthma status modifies the association of SHS exposure with lung function. Methods: A total of 6,740 children (average 11.6 years) were recruited from 24 districts of 7 cities in northeast China in 2012. SHS exposure included exposure to environmental and maternal smoking both in utero and during early childhood (postnatal). Lung function was measured using electronic spirometers. Two-step regressions were used to analyze the association between SHS and lung function. Results: In utero and postnatal exposure to SHS was independently associated with decreased lung function in both genders; however, this association was greater among males. For example, when exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, household coal burning accounts for a large proportion of primary fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. Previous field investigations generally measured short-term emissions from heating coal stoves, which did not provide a full characterization of the actual conditions in most cases, or resulted in large uncertainties in the calculated emission factors (EFs). In this study, we propose a sampling design using a chimney partial-capture dilution system in the field measurement of household coal-fired heating stoves emissions during selected periods within the different burn phases and then using the carbon balance method (CBM) based on fuel-weighted average concentrations (FWAC) from the different burn phases to quantify emissions. We evaluated this proposed methodology by comparing the results with a laboratory total-capture dilution-tunnel system. Statistical analysis indicated that emissions measured during the selected burn cycle periods using the dilution sampling system can generally represent emissions at different burn phases; however, different dilution ratios can affect EFs for PM 2.5 and OC. EFs of air pollutants derived by CBM with FWAC are more representative of the actual emissions than simple average concentration (SAC) and time-weighted average concentrations (TWAC). In the field application, to quantify FWAC, it is suggested to determine the ratio of power in the j th burn phase (P j) to that in the high power phase (P H) of the stove, i.e., P j /P H values with the calorimeter. If measured P j /P H values are not available, the recommended value in this study is also suggested. [Display omitted] • Improved carbon balance method is proposed to estimating EF from heating coal stove. • Emission factors derived by proposed method are representative of actual emissions. • Suggestions for application of this method in the field measurement was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taihe intrusion is one of the layered intrusions situated in the central zone of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP), SW China. The cyclic units in the Middle Zone of the intrusion are composed of apatite-magnetite clinopyroxenite at the base and gabbro at the top. The apatite-rich oxide ores contain 6–12 modal% apatite and 20–50 modal% Fe-Ti oxides evidently distinguished from the coeval intrusions in which apatite-rich rocks are poor in Fe-Ti oxides. Most of apatites of the Taihe Middle and Upper Zones are fluorapatite, although four samples show slightly high Cl content in apatite suggesting that they crystallize from a hydrous parental magma. Compared to the apatite from the gabbro of the Panzhihua intrusion, situated 100 km to the south of the Taihe intrusion, the apatite of the Taihe rocks is richer in Sr and depleted in HREE relative to LREE. The calculated magma in equilibrium with apatite of the Taihe Middle and Upper Zones also shows weakly negative Sr anomalies in primitive mantle normalized trace element diagrams. These features indicate that the apatite of the Taihe Middle and Upper Zones crystallizes after clinopyroxene and before plagioclase. The apatite of the Taihe Middle and Upper Zones shows weakly negative Eu anomalies suggesting a high oxygen fugacity condition. The high iron and titanium contents in the oxidizing magma result in crystallization of Fe-Ti oxides. Crystallization of abundant Fe-Ti oxides and clinopyroxenes lowers the solubility of phosphorus and elevates SiO 2 concentration in the magma triggering the saturation of apatite. The positive correlations of Sr, V, total REE contents and Ce/Yb ratio in apatite with cumulus clinopyroxene demonstrate approximately compositional equilibrium between these phases suggesting they crystallized from the same ferrobasaltic magma. Early crystallization and accumulation of Fe-Ti oxide together with apatite produced the apatite-rich oxide ores at the base of the cyclic units of the Taihe Middle Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The positive correlations between whole-rock concentrations of Cr and Os, Ir and Ru (referred to collectively as iridium-like platinum-group elements, IPGE) in both sulphide-poor plutonic and volcanic rocks suggest that chromite contributes to the collection of these elements during the early stages of sulphide-undersaturated magma differentiation. However, it is not clear whether these correlations are the result of IPGE partitioning into chromite or whether other minerals are involved. Positive correlations between MgO and IPGE have been observed, suggesting that these elements could be incorporated into olivine as well as into chromite. Alternatively, given the siderophile nature of IPGE, they may crystallize as discrete minerals together with chromite, as suggested by the presence of platinum-group minerals in chromite-rich rocks such as mantle podiform and crustal stratiform chromitites. To investigate the effect of chromite crystallization on the distribution of IPGE and Rh in picritic magmas, we have determined the content of these elements in chromites from the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (southwestern China) by in situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The time-resolved analysis signals are generally uniform, indicating that the IPGE and Rh are homogeneously distributed within the chromite crystals. The median concentrations are 30 ppb Os, 23 ppb Ir, 248 ppb Ru and 21 ppb Rh. The incorporation of Rh in chromites appears to be influenced by the oxidation state of the magma from which they crystallize because there is a positive correlation between the degree of inversion of the chromite structure [expressed by Fe3+/(Cr + Al + Fe3+)] and the Rh content of the analyzed crystals. In contrast, the enrichments of Os, Ir and Ru in chromites appear to be controlled by other parameters such as temperature or the S content of the magma. Based on empirical calculations, we determined that partition coefficients between chromite and melt are higher for Ru (127) than for Os (23), Ir (27) and Rh (32). Despite these high partition coefficients, mass-balance calculations show that chromite does not account for all the IPGE and Rh concentrations in the rocks, with chromite accounting for maxima of 84, 49, 22 and 20% of the whole-rock Ru, Rh, Ir and Os budgets, respectively. In situ LA-ICP-MS and scanning electron microscopy analyses reveal the presence of micrometric-sized PGE-rich minerals, including laurite (RuS2), Os-Ir 6 Ru alloys, sperrylite (PtAs2) and Pt-Fe (6 IPGE and Rh) alloys, in association with chromite crystals. The presence of these minerals may account for the balance of IPGE and Rh. Alternatively, if IPGE and Rh are compatible with olivine, the balance may be accounted for by the large amount of olivine crystals found in the Emeishan picrites. Based on numerical modelling, we conclude that chromite, olivine and platinum-group minerals all contribute to the collection of IPGE and Rh during the early stages of picritic magma differentiation. Also, we establish that the preferential incorporation of Ru into chromite is responsible for the negative Ru anomalies observed in the PGE patterns of the Emeishan flood basalts. On the other hand, the relative importance of olivine and platinum-group minerals in controlling IPGE and Rh remains uncertain and is a key subject for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine how taxonomic level and spatial scale affect the phylogenetic structure of species assemblages across four classes of terrestrial vertebrates. Location Mainland China. Methods Using species distribution data from Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia and Amphibia, including 2153 species from 2105 counties and 1632 species from 295 nature reserves across mainland China, we analysed the phylogenetic structure of co-occurring species at multiple taxonomic levels (class, order, family and genus) and spatial scales. Results We found that phylogenetic clustering and unstructured patterns were more frequent than phylogenetic overdispersion in all groups. There was a higher frequency of phylogenetic clustering within classes and orders than within families and genera, while spatial scale had little effect on the frequency of phylogenetic clustering. Birds and mammals showed less frequent clustering patterns than amphibians and reptiles. Main conclusions Phylogenetic clustering in terrestrial vertebrates was predominant over overdispersion at regional scales and higher taxonomic levels. Our results suggest that regional ecological and evolutionary factors, such as environmental filtering and speciation relative to extinction or colonization rates, are important in determining species assemblages of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ LA–ICP–MS trace elemental analysis has been applied to magnetite and ilmenite of the Taihe layered intrusion, Emeishan large igneous province, SW China, in order to understand better fractionation processes of magma and origin of Fe–Ti–V oxide ore deposits. The periodic reversals in Mg, Ti, Mn in magnetite and Mg, Sc in ilmenite are found in the Middle Zone of the intrusion and agree with fractionation trends as recorded by olivine (Fo), plagioclase (An) and clinopyroxene (Mg#) compositions. These suggest the Taihe intrusion formed from open magma chamber processes in a magma conduit with multiple replenishments of more primitive magmas. The V and Cr of magnetite are well correlated with V and Cr of clinopyroxene indicating that they became liquidus phases almost simultaneously at an early stage of magma evolution. Ilmenite from the Middle and Upper Zones shows variable Cr, Ni, V, Mg, Nb, Ta and Sc contents indicating that ilmenite at some stratigraphic levels crystallized slightly earlier than magnetite and clinopyroxene. The early crystallization of magnetite and ilmenite is the result of the high FeO t and TiO 2 contents in the parental magma. The ilmenite crystallization before magnetite in the Middle and Upper Zones can be attributed to higher TiO 2 content of the magma due to the remelting of pre-existing ilmenite in a middle-level magma chamber. Compared to the coeval high-Ti basalts, the relatively low Zr, Hf, Nb and Ta contents in both magnetite and ilmenite throughout the Taihe intrusion indicate that they crystallized from Fe–Ti–(P)-rich silicate magmas. Positive correlations of Ti with Mg, Mn, Sc and Zr of magnetite, and Zr with Sc, Hf and Nb of ilmenite also suggest that magnetite and ilmenite crystallized continuously from the homogeneous silicate magma rather than an immiscible Fe-rich melt. Therefore, frequent replenishments of Fe–Ti–(P)-rich silicate magma and gravitational sorting and settling are crucial for the formation the massive and apatite-rich disseminated ores in the Lower and Middle Zones of the Taihe intrusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No effective treatment has been identified for patients of liver cirrhosis (LC) associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and severe thrombocytopenia. We aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of low-dose prednisone or cyclosporine A (CsA) combined with nucleoside analog (NA) in patients with severe thrombocytopenia associated with HBV-related LC. We included 145 consecutive compensated HBV-associated LC patients with severe thrombocytopenia between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2013. We divided the patients into three groups by treatment strategy, including NA only (n = 57), NA plus prednisone (n = 46), and NA plus CsA (n = 42). We analyzed the platelet counts, bleeding events, liver function, replication of HBV, and outcomes in each group. At all time points during this observation, the platelet counts in prednisone or CsA group were higher than those in the NA only group. There are significant differences in the cumulative rates of bleeding events among the three groups. The platelet counts and treatment were factors associated with bleeding events in multivariate analysis. The differences in HBV-DNA negative rates, HBV-DNA elevated rates, normal serum alanine transaminase rates, serum alanine transaminase elevated more than two times the baseline rates, and HBeAg seropositive conversion ratio among the groups did not reach statistical significance. The adverse events in our study were, in general, mild and balanced among the three treatment groups. Treatment with low-dose prednisone or CsA plus NA could elevate the platelet counts and reduce the risk of bleeding events in HBV LC with severe thrombocytopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study advances research on innovation by unfolding a particular innovation type, indigenous innovation, into three patterns (i.e., original innovation, integrative innovation and re-innovation). We examine how social network ties (business and institutional) influence indigenous innovation and the moderating effects of learning intent. Results from 270 Chinese firms indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between business network ties and each pattern of indigenous innovation. In contrast, institutional network ties affect original innovation in the shape of an inverted U, while they facilitate integrative innovation and re-innovation in a linear manner. Learning intent shows significant moderating effects on these main relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The impact of evidence-based medicine and clinical epidemiology on clinical research has contributed to the development of Chinese medicine in modern times over the past two decades. Many concepts and methods of modern science and technology are emerging in Chinese medicine research, resulting in constant progress. Systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials and other advanced mathematic approaches and statistical analysis methods have brought reform to Chinese medicine. In this new era, Chinese medicine researchers have many opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, Chinese medicine researchers need to dedicate themselves to providing enough evidence to the world through rigorous studies, whilst on the other hand, they also need to keep up with the speed of modern medicine research. For example, recently, real world study, comparative effectiveness research, propensity score techniques and registry study have emerged. This article aims to inspire Chinese medicine researchers to explore new areas by introducing these new ideas and new techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Devonian subduction-related Heishan mafic-ultramafic intrusion hosting a magmatic Ni-Cu-(PGE) deposit is situated at the southern margin of the Central Asian orogenic belt. The outcrop of the intrusion is ~800 m long and ~470 m wide and dips to the southwest to depths up to 1,300 m. The Heishan intrusion is emplaced in Neoproterozoic dolomitic marble and siliceous slate and dominantly comprises of harzburgite and lherzolite. The stratigraphic reversals of Fo and Ni contents of olivine within the lerzolite and harzburgite indicate injections of several pulses of magmas. The two orebodies (Nos. 1 and 4) within the harzburgite and lherzolite at the lower part of the intrusion host ~35 million metric tons (Mt) of disseminated sulfide mineralization with average grades of 0.6 wt % Ni and 0.3 wt % Cu. The sulfides of the No. 4 orebody are lower in PGE contents on the basis of 100% sulfide (580-1,860 ppb Pt, 720-1,450 ppb Pd, 50-120 ppb Ir) and higher in Cu/ Pd ratios (48,000-75,000) relative to the sulfides of the No. 1 orebody and mineralized harzburgites, which have 2,350 to 4,110 ppb Pt, 3,460 to 5,840 ppb Pd, 130 to 160 ppb Ir and Cu/Pd ratios of 16,000 to 26,000. Additionally, the olivines in the No. 1 orebody and mineralized harzburgites have higher forsterite (Fo) and Ni contents than those in the No. 4 orebody. We propose that the sulfide segregation of the No. 4 orebody was associated with extensive introduction of crustal sulfur, which is indicated by high δ34S values (1.9-6.1‰) and low Se/S ratios (230-390 x 10-6). Reworking of early fractionated massive or net-textured sulfides by the new wave of magma containing unfractionated sulfide droplets resulted in the positive con-elation between Pd/Ir and Ni/ Ir for the disseminated sulfides of the No. 4 orebody. In contrast, low δ34S values (0.43-1.01‰) and restricted range of Pd/Ir ratios indicate that the high PGE contents of the sulfides in the No. 1 orebody and mineralized harzburgites resulted from reaction between the sulfides and new pulses of S-undersaturated magmas. The low PGE grades of the Heishan sulfides indicate that the sulfides were segregated from PGE-depleted parental magmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the development and management of various protected areas (PAs) in China. Topics discussed include the history of the development of a legislative framework for PAs in China in 1950s as well as the development of PA legislation and the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation in China. Other topics include the approval of the Forest Law by the National People's Congress in 1984 and the biodiversity conservation policy in China.

Frequent occurrence of land expropriation disputes in rural areas of China has attracted attention of scholars to study causes. Most existing studies discuss causes from "structure-institution" level. In other words, land expropriation disputes are caused by existing imperfect institutions, regulations, and policies. Such analysis model points institutional causes, but pays little attention to policy implementation process, especially the subjective initiative of parties concerned. This paper described a decade-long land expropriation dispute case in detail. Through description of event and process and survey of reasons of actors, it revealed factors resulting in occurrence and upgrade of dispute, and analyzed factors and their interactions with the aid of Smith Process Model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland managements can affect carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage in grassland ecosystems with consequent feedbacks to climate change. We investigated the impacts of compound fertilization and clipping on grass biomass, plant and soil (0–20 cm depth) C, N storage, plant and soil C: N ratios, soil microbial activity and diversity, and C, N sequestration rates in grassland in situ in the National Dalaoling Forest Park of China beginning July, 2011. In July, 2012, the fertilization increased total biomass by 30.1%, plant C by 34.5%, plant N by 79.8%, soil C by 18.8% and soil N by 23.8% compared with the control, respectively. Whereas the clipping decreased total biomass, plant C and N, soil C and N by 24.9%, 30.3%, 39.3%, 18.5%, and 19.4%, respectively, when compared to the control. The plant C: N ratio was lower for the fertilization than for the control and the clipping treatments. The soil microbial activity and diversity indices were higher for the fertilization than for the control. The clipping generally exhibited a lower level of soil microbial activity and diversity compared to the control. The principal component analysis indicated that the soil microbial communities of the control, fertilization and clipping treatments formed three distinct groups. The plant C and N sequestration rates of the fertilization were significantly higher than the clipping treatment. Our results suggest that fertilization is an efficient management practice in improving the C and N storage of the grassland ecosystem via increasing the grass biomass and soil microbial activity and diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evidence about how political ties affect new product development in Chinese firms remains inconclusive. This article joins this debate by integrating innovation generation and appropriation into a unifying framework, and empirically examining the relationships among political ties, new product innovation advantage, and new product performance. Survey results from 272 Chinese firms show that in the innovation-generation stage, political ties affect new product innovation advantage through acquisitive and experimental learning benefits. Differently, in the innovation-appropriation stage, political ties function as a social appropriability regime that enhances the effect of new product innovation advantage on new product performance. Therefore, political ties play dual roles in Chinese firms' new product development. We also suggest notable cautions regarding their possible dark side effects. Implications and future research directions are provided in the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Hongge layered intrusion hosts the largest Fe–Ti–V oxide ore deposit in the central part of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province, SW China. It is divided into Lower Zone (LZ), Middle Zone (MZ) and Upper Zone (UZ) from the bottom to the top. For the LZ, relatively higher Cr (250–3000ppm) and Ni (50–200ppm) contents of clinopyroxene, lower εNd259Ma and higher (87Sr/86Sr)259Ma values (−2.82 to −0.07 and 0.7057–0.7076, respectively) and plenty of hornblende demonstrate a more primitive parental hydrous magma. In contrast, relatively low Cr (<150ppm) and Ni (<100ppm) of the clinopyroxene, high εNd259Ma and low (87Sr/86Sr)259Ma values (−0.32 to 0.49 and 0.7058 to 0.7063, respectively) suggest that the MZ rocks were formed from more evolved, Fe–Ti enriched, and weakly contaminated magmas. MELTS calculation indicates that H2O played a key role in the early crystallization of magnetite and occurrence of abundance of hornblende in the LZ. Whereas, the critical factor for the formation of the massive Fe–Ti oxide layers at the bases of the cyclic units in the MZ is coupling of early crystallization of Fe–Ti oxides from the Fe–Ti highly enriched magma and gravitational resorting and settling of the Fe–Ti oxides. Such magmas were produced by fractional crystallization of olivine and pyroxene in deep-seated magma chamber, and compositional reversals of the cyclic units show repeatedly replenishment of such magmas from deep level. Extensively fractionation during the formation of the LZ and MZ resulted in phosphorus saturation and the formation of the apatite magnetite gabbros in the UZ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dörnyei (2005) proposed the second language (L2) motivational self system in response to the need to develop the socioeducational model. This motivational theory has not been examined in language learners other than those studying English. This study, through investigating Chinese heritage and nonheritage language learners, found that the theory can be extended to motivation studies of Chinese learners and suggests the application to other language students. The findings demonstrate that the perspective of L2 self provides new insights into the motivation of foreign language learners and the heritage and nonheritage learner comparison. Finally, the study provides pedagogical implications corresponding to the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]