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The increasingly frequent storms pose significant threats to the sustainable development of coastal regions, particularly in densely populated and economically vibrant areas. Comprehending the dynamics and intricate mechanisms underlying runoff generation is crucial in the context of climate change and anthropogenic interference. Based on hydro-meteorological and land-use data from 1980 to 2018, this study investigates the runoff variation and its driving factors in the Coastal Chinese Mainland (CCM). The aims of this study are to reveal the temporal and spatial trends of runoff yield, to clarify the sensitivity of runoff in coastal cities to the integrated and individual parameters of climate change and anthropogenic interference, including precipitation (P), potential evapotranspiration (E0), and land cover factor (n), and to support the establishment of spatially tailored adaptation strategies. The results show that: (1) runoff has generally increased over the study period, particularly in regions such as the Yangtze River Delta, Shandong, and Guangxi, while it has decreased in western Liaoning and eastern Guangdong; (2) in the northern CCM with larger aridity index, the land cover factor plays a dominant role in runoff production, while in the wetter southern CCM, precipitation is more influential, and potential evapotranspiration mainly hinders runoff generation all over CCM; (3) urban expansion tends to negatively impact n, while the loss of grasslands and shrinkage of croplands tend to undermine the value of n. To facilitate the achievement of sustainable development goals in the CCM, it is imperative to introduce a more comprehensive and theoretical framework that encompasses the natural, technical, and social dimensions of human-water systems into traditional flood regulation and water resource management. This framework should promote interdisciplinary collaboration from an integrated perspective, to bridge the administrative and watershed boundaries, to effectively address the complex challenges posed by climate change and anthropogenic activities on runoff and water resources in coastal regions, and to enhance the realization of local sustainable development goals (UN SDGs).

Abstract Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is diagnosed relatively late and has a poor prognosis, requiring early detection to reduce the disease burden. This diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis evaluated the serological diagnostic value of nine EBV-related IgA antibody panels (EBNA1-IgA, VCA-IgA, EA-IgA, Zta-IgA, EBNA1-IgA + VCA-IgA, VCA-IgA + EA-IgA, VCA-IgA + Rta-IgG, EBNA1-IgA + VCA-IgA + Zta-IgA and VCA-IgA + EA-IgA + Rta-IgG), aiming to identify suitable serological detection biomarkers for NPC screening. Methods PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database were searched from January 1st, 2000 to September 30th, 2023, with keywords nasopharyngeal carcinoma, IgA, screening, early detection, early diagnosis, sensitivity and specificity. Articles on the diagnostic value of serum EBV-related IgA antibody panels for NPC were included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by two researchers, and a third researcher was consulted in the case of disagreement. Bivariate models were used for statistical analysis. The quality of included studies was evaluated through Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool (QUADAS-2). Results A total of 70 articles were included, involving 11 863 NPC cases and 34 995 controls. Among the nine EBV-related IgA antibody panels, EBNA1-IgA + VCA-IgA [0.928 (0.898, 0.950)], VCA-IgA + Rta-IgG [0.925 (0.890, 0.949)], EBNA1-IgA + VCA-IgA + Zta-IgA [0.962 (0.909, 0.985)] and VCA-IgA + EA-IgA + Rta-IgG [0.945 (0.918, 0.964)] demonstrated higher pooled sensitivity (95%CI). In terms of diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) (95%CI), EBNA1-IgA + VCA-IgA [107.647 (61.173, 189.430)], VCA-IgA + Rta-IgG [105.988 (60.118, 186.857)] and EBNA1-IgA + VCA-IgA + Zta-IgA [344.450 (136.351, 870.153)] showed superior performance. Additionally, the SROC curves for EBNA1-IgA + VCA-IgA and VCA-IgA + Rta-IgG were more favorable. However, publication bias was detected for VCA-IgA (P = 0.005) and EBNA1-IgA + VCA-IgA (P = 0.042). Conclusions In general, parallel detection of serum EBNA1-IgA, VCA-IgA and Zta-IgA antibodies using ELISA demonstrates better pooled sensitivity and DOR among the studied panels. In the cases where fewer indicators are used, serum VCA-IgA and EBNA1-IgA/Rta-IgG antibody panel exhibits a comparable performance. Trial registration The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews registration number: CRD42023426984, registered on May 28, 2023.

BackgroundClozapine is widely regarded as a highly efficacious psychotropic drug that is largely underused worldwide. Recent disproportionality analyses and nationwide case-control studies suggested a potential association between clozapine use and hematological malignancy (HM). Nevertheless, the absolute rate difference is not well-established due to the absence of analytic cohort studies. The clinical significance of such a potential risk remains unclear.Methods and findingsWe extracted data from a territory-wide public healthcare database from January 2001 to August 2022 in Hong Kong to conduct a retrospective cohort study of anonymized patients aged 18+ years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia who used clozapine or olanzapine (drug comparator with highly similar chemical structure and pharmacological mechanisms) for 90+ days, with at least 2 prior other antipsychotic use records within both groups. Weighted by inverse probability of treatment (IPTW) based on propensity scores, Poisson regression was used to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of HM between clozapine and olanzapine users. The absolute rate difference was also estimated. In total, 9,965 patients with a median follow-up period of 6.99 years (25th to 75th percentile: 4.45 to 10.32 years) were included, among which 834 were clozapine users. After IPTW, the demographic and clinical characteristics of clozapine users were comparable to those of olanzapine users. Clozapine users had a significant weighted IRR of 2.22 (95% confidence interval (CI) [1.52, 3.34]; p < 0.001) for HM compared to olanzapine users. The absolute rate difference was estimated at 57.40 (95% CI [33.24, 81.55]) per 100,000 person-years. Findings were consistent across subgroups by age and sex. Sensitivity analyses all supported the robustness of the results and showed good specificity to HM but no other cancers. The main limitation of this observational study is the potential residual confounding effects that could have arisen from the lack of randomization in clozapine or olanzapine use.ConclusionsAbsolute rate difference in HM incidence associated with clozapine is small despite a 2-fold elevated rate. Given the rarity of HM and existing blood monitoring requirements, more restrictive indication for clozapine or special warnings may not be necessary.

Warming of lakes' surface water leads to accelerated loss of biodiversity and eco-environmental collapse of aquatic systems. Changes in lack surface water temperature (LSWT) are a crucial indicator of lake warming. LSWT growth potentially leads to a higher greenhouse gas emissions and deterioration of the ecological environment within lake systems. However, the magnitude of these changes remains uncertain due to data limitations, particularly for small lakes (1–5 km2). Small lakes will experience increasing perturbation with accelerating climate change and our methods demonstrate how the impacts of changes in lakes can be accurately measured and monitored. Our study assessed the spatial and temporal patterns of LSWT in China from 2001 to 2021. We utilized Google Earth Engine (GEE) and the Harmonic Analysis of Time Series (HANTS) algorithm to reconstruct LSWT series and detect spatiotemporal dynamics. The innovative connection of GEE and HANTS provides powerful tool for LSWT analysis. Our results show LSWT increased at a rate of 0.24 °C per decade, albeit with notable spatial and temporal variations. The nighttime rate of increase was greater than the daytime rate of increase. However, there was an abrupt change in daytime LSWT in approximately 2010 and this occurred earlier than an abrupt change in nighttime LSWT. Geographically, the lakes in the Eastern Plain zone exhibited the most significant LSWT warming trend. The majority of lakes warmed more rapidly between 2011 and 2021 as compared to 2001 to 2010. We found a concurrent and pronounced increase in the frequency of algal bloom occurrences after 2010. Our results demonstrate how GEE and HANTS can deliver the continued monitoring and assessment of LSWT trends needed to inform management strategies aimed at mitigating potential negative impacts of climate change on lake ecosystems, both locally and globally. Building on this method, future research should explore the underlying mechanisms driving LSWT trends and their long-term impacts on lake health.

ABSTRACT Objective This study explored the distributions of gastric mucosal status and their links to gastric cancer within urban high‐risk individuals in China. Methods From 2014 to 2015, a questionnaire survey was administered among individuals aged 40 to 69 years, residing for over 3 years in seven selected cities across China. Utilizing the questionnaire data, high‐risk individuals for gastric cancer were screened. These identified high‐risk individuals were invited to undergo endoscopy, followed by pathological examinations conducted for those with suspicious lesions. Prior cancer patients and those newly diagnosed with gastric cancer were excluded, and the remaining endoscopic participants were prospectively followed up until December 2021. Results The prospective study followed 8911 individuals at high risk of gastric cancer for a median duration of 6.77 years. The incidence density of gastric cancer was 58.55 per 100,000 person‐years. At baseline, the distributions of subjects across normal gastric mucosa, gastritis/ulcer/polyp, atrophic gastritis/intestinal metaplasia, and intraepithelial neoplasia groups were 47.09%, 36.27%, 9.57%, and 7.07%, respectively. Compared with normal gastric mucosa, the hazard ratios (HRs) for gastric cancer in the other groups were 0.89 [95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.38–2.08], 1.52 (95%CI: 0.50–4.66), and 4.63 (95%CI: 1.98–10.82). When using the 40–54 age group as the reference, the HR for 55–69 age group was 3.49 (95%CI: 1.52–7.98). Conclusion Among high‐risk individuals with gastric cancer, the proportions of individuals exhibiting different gastric mucosal status inversely correlated with the severity of mucosal lesions, whereas the risk of gastric cancer progressively escalated with the increasing severity of mucosal lesions and advancing age.

Maize is one of the most successful crops in utilizing heterosis which significantly improves maize stresses resistance and yield. Drought is a destructive abiotic stress that significantly reduces crop yield, particularly in maize. Drought stress and re-watering frequently occur during the growth and development of maize; however, the molecular mechanisms of heterosis under drought stress and re-watering have rarely been systematically investigated. Zhengdan7137 and Zhengdan7153 are two maize hybrid varieties with robust heterosis, and separately belongs to the SS×NSS and Reid×Tangsipingtou heterotic groups. 54 transcriptomes of these two hybrids and their parental inbred lines were analyzed under well-watering (WW), water-deficit (WD), and re-watering (RW) conditions using RNA-Seq. In this study, we identified 3,411 conserved drought response genes (CDRGs) and 3,133 conserved re-watering response genes (CRRGs) between Zhengdan7137 and Zhengdan7153. When comparing CDRGs and CRRGs to overdominance and underdominance genes, we identified 303 and 252 conservative drought response overdominance genes (DODGs) and underdominance genes (DUDGs), respectively, and 165 and 267 conservative re-watering response overdominance genes (RODGs) and underdominance genes (RUDGs), respectively. DODGs are involved in stress response-related processes, such as L-phenylalanine metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and heat response, whereas DUDGs are associated with glucose metabolism, pentose-phosphate shunt, and starch metabolism. RODGs and RUDGs contribute to the recovery of hybrids from drought stress by upregulating cell propagation and photosynthesis processes, and repressing stress response processes, respectively. It indicated overdominant and underdominant genes conservatively contributed to hybrid heterosis under drought stress. These results deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of drought resistance, uncover conservative molecular mechanisms of heterosis under drought stress and re-watering, and provide potential targets for improving drought resistance in maize.

Abstract Background Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a mental disorder that can cause severe disability, including impairment of social cognition, which is considered a core feature of SCZ, and the Theory of Mind (ToM) is a core component of social cognition. Although many studies have confirmed the presence of ToM impairment in patients with SCZ, its characteristics in terms of different orders (first-order and second-order) and components remain unclear, and no studies have investigated the independent correlations between such impairment and clinical symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the characteristics of ToM impairment in patients with SCZ. Methods This study included 30 patients with SCZ and 30 healthy controls who were matched for age, sex, and level of education. The clinical symptoms of the patients with SCZ were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), and the neurocognitive ability of the subjects was evaluated using the Trail Making Test, Symbol Coding Test, and Digit Span Test. The degree of ToM impairment of the subjects at different stages (first- and second-order) and for individual components was evaluated using the Yoni task. Latent profile analysis and network analysis were conducted to identify and analyze the potential ToM performance types, and independent correlations were assessed between ToM impairment and clinical symptoms. Results The patients with SCZ exhibited significant first-order and second-order impairment (P

Taking Guotun Coal Mine -670 auxiliary horizontal track roadway as the engineering background, the stress change of roadway surrounding rock is analyzed through the mechanical model of bearing circle, and the stress change of roadway surrounding rock under different driving distances, lateral pressure coefficients and vertical stresses is studied by FLAC3D software. The resales show that as the roadway expands to the deep, the bearing ring also shifts to the deep and the thickness increases, the stress of the roof and floor of the roadway changes greatly than that of the two sides, and the shape of the bearing ring changes from circle to ellipse; the control effect of bolts and anchor cables with different lengths on the bearing ring is analyzed; the bolts mainly control the inner boundary of the bearing ring to reduce the damage of the shallow part of the roadway surrounding rock, and the anchor cables mainly control the outer boundary of the bearing ring and affect the stress distribution of roadway surrounding rock. According to the bearing ring theory and the control effect of bolt and anchor cable on the bearing ring, the combined support scheme of “bolt net shotcrete + bolt + anchor cable” is proposed. The application show that the combined support technology of “bolt net shotcrete + bolt + anchor cable” has great technical advantages for the control of surrounding rock in deep roadway.

The distribution of surface water is highly dynamic both spatially and temporally, and very sensitive to climate change and anthropogenic interference, especially in highly urbanized regions. The abundance of surface water and its spatiotemporal distribution indicate the availability of water resources and the difficulty of water development and utilization. Consequently, it is essential to perform reconstruction and trend prediction of surface water body changes with high accuracy in time and space for scientific research as well as for practical purposes such as flood prevention, sustainable development of water resource systems, and regional ecological management. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is highly developed economically and societally and is characterized by a subtropical humid monsoon climate with an extensive distribution of surface water bodies. Under the integrated pressure of continuous natural environmental change and intense human activity, concerns regarding both the water environment and water security in this area is increasing at an unprecedented rate. In this study, we collected water distribution information from 2001 to 2020 at 5-year intervals, as well as annual and monthly water extent dynamics data for the GBA from the Global Land Analysis & Discovery database. Subsequently, the spatial and temporal changes in water extent, frequency, and distribution characteristics in the last two decades were investigated using remote sensing and geographic information system methods. Finally, elastic analysis was conducted to identify the sensitivity of water body changes to changing environmental parameters, including precipitation, temperature, and urbanization. Focusing on the national and regional strategic needs of GBA, the research objectives of this study were to explore the mechanism of temporal and spatial dynamics of the water extent and frequency, trace the volatile areas of regional water changes, clarify the driving factors of water distribution changes, and provide a basis and guidance for comprehensive management of water resources, flood disaster prevention, and control in areas with high human activity. The first result shows that in the last two decades, the water extent and frequency of the GBA are on a decreasing trend, with an average decreasing rate of 50, 31, and 11 km2/a for maximum, annual, and permanent water extent, respectively, while a large proportion of seasonal water bodies changed into permanent and flood-prone bodies during the same period. Second, although the water frequency showed distinct spatial and urban/rural heterogeneity, it was on a decreasing trend in most of the GBA, except in the eastern region. A steeper decline was observed in urban areas, especially the emerging urban regions. Third, the dike-pond system decreased both in water extent and frequency, while the large and medium-sized lakes and reservoirs in the upper catchment increased in extent. Finally, elastic analysis suggests the dominant driving factor of regional water body change is land use change, which contributed more than 80% to the decrease in water extent, and the reservoir increase is mainly due to precipitation change. The results of this research provide scientific guidance for regional water resource guarantee, water environment optimization, and sustainable development promotion. In addition, this research can serve as a decision-making reference for the development of the "One Belt One Road" national strategy and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Summary: Background: Smoking, alcohol consumption and overweight/obesity are key cancer risk factors contributing to the cancer burden in China. We aimed to quantify the cancer burden in China associated with smoking, alcohol consumption and overweight/obesity, and estimate the potential effect for cancer prevention interventions under different scenarios. Methods: We used a macro-simulation approach called Prevent Model to estimate for a 30-year study period (2021–2050) numbers and proportions of future avoidable cancer cases under different scenarios of reducing the prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption and overweight/obesity in Chinese adults. Cancer incidence was predicted under three scenarios: elimination, ambitious target (between elimination and manageable target) and manageable target (from national policy or global action plan). Risk factor prevalence was obtained from China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance, and cancer incidence data were derived from the China Cancer Registry Annual Report. Relative risks were obtained from several recent large-scale studies or high-quality meta-analysis. Population data were extracted from the China Population & Employment Statistical Yearbook, China Health Statistical Yearbook and World Population Prospects. Findings: Estimates of the avoidable cancer burden varied with different scenarios. In the theoretical maximum intervention scenario, where the prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption and overweight/obesity would be eliminated, 9.17% (males: 13.50%; females: 1.47%) of smoking-related cancer cases, 7.06% (males: 11.49%; females: 1.00%) of cancer cases related to alcohol consumption and 8.22% (males: 7.91%; females: 8.52%) of overweight/obesity-related cancer cases were estimated to be avoidable during 2021–2050. Other scenarios, with more moderate goals in the exposure prevalence of smoking, alcohol use and overweight/obesity were also found to be associated with substantial reductions in the future cancer burden. Interpretation: Our results suggested that a substantial number of future cancer cases could be avoided in Chinese adults by reducing the prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption and overweight/obesity. Funding: National Science & Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program of China; Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen.

Objective To explore the expression and significance of serum DKK1 in patients with gastric cancer. Methods We selected 170 gastric cancer patients (gastric cancer group) and 170 subjects with non-gastric cancer during the same period (control group). ELISA was used to detect the DKK1 level. The ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance, and we analyzed the relation between DKK1 level and age, gender, family history of gastric cancer, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, tumor size, TNM stage, infiltration depth, lymph node metastasis, liver metastasis, vascular invasion, perineural invasion. Results The serum DDK1 level in GC patients was higher than that in control group (P < 0.0001). ROC curve showed that the possible optimal cut-off value of DKK1 for gastric cancer patients was 167.8 pg/ml, AUC was 0.908, sensitivity was 80.59%, and specificity was 84.71%. There was no significant relation between the serum DKK1 level and age, gender, family history of gastric cancer, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, tumor size, liver metastasis, vascular invasion or distant metastasis (all P > 0.05). However, DKK1 level was significantly related with TNM stage, infiltration depth, lymph node metastasis and perineural invasion (all P < 0.05). Conclusion Serum DKK1 level is higher in gastric cancer patients than that of control group and related with the severity of lesions, which indicates that serum DKK1 may be a potential biomarker for gastric cancer screening.

The characterization of scanning tip morphology is crucial for accurate linewidth measurements. Conventional rectangular characterizers are affected by lateral distortion caused by the nonlinearities in AFM scanning, leading to errors between the actual characterization results and the true values. In this study, we innovatively developed self-traceable two-dimensional nano-gratings using chromium atomic deposition technology and extreme ultraviolet interference lithography. We used this structure as a characterizer for conducting scanning tip characterizations.This paper analyzed the periodic stability of the grating sample during scanning and corrected the lateral distortion of atomic force microscopy (AFM) at scan scales of 0.5 µm and 1 µm based on its self-traceable characteristics. Additionally, we extracted the angle information of the scanning tip in the X direction and Y direction within a scan scale of 0.5 µm. The results demonstrate that the two-dimensional grating sample exhibited excellent periodic stability during scanning. The characterization errors for the tip’s X direction and Y direction angles are within ±2°, showing high consistency. This study highlights that self-traceable two-dimensional grating samples have the capability for in situ bidirectional characterization of tip information, providing a creative solution for the development of new-style tip characterizers.

ObjectivesAs a closed gathering place, prison is the cradle of tuberculosis (TB) outbreak. Therefore, the analysis of the prevalence rate and risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in prison will be a necessary measure to intervene in the spread of tuberculosis.MethodsIn this study, we consecutively recruited 506 adult prisoners in Qingdao to carry out this cross-sectional study. TB and LTBI were screened by IGRA, X-ray, X-pert, sputum smear and culture.ResultsA total of 17 TB, 101 LTBI and 388 HC were identified, with an infection rate of 23.32% (118/506) and a TB incidence rate of 3282/100,000 population. Age, malnutrition and inmates living with TB prisoners were risk factors for LTBI. Additionally, most TB cases (70.59%, 12/17) were subclinical tuberculosis (STB), contributing significantly to TB transmission.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that the transmission efficiency of asymptomatic patients is not essentially different from that of symptomatic patients, indicating that TB transmission occurs during the subclinical period. Our findings highlight the need to strengthen active case-finding strategies to increase TB case detection in this population.

Abstract Background Cotton is an important cash crop. The fiber length has always been a hot spot, but multi-factor control of fiber quality makes it complex to understand its genetic basis. Previous reports suggested that OsGASR9 promotes germination, width, and thickness by GAs in rice, while the overexpression of AtGASA10 leads to reduced silique length, which is likely to reduce cell wall expansion. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the function of GhGASA10 in cotton fibers development. Results To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying fiber elongation regulation concerning GhGASA10–1, we revealed an evolutionary basis, gene structure, and expression. Our results emphasized the conservative nature of GASA family with its origin in lower fern plants S. moellendorffii. GhGASA10–1 was localized in the cell membrane, which may synthesize and transport secreted proteins to the cell wall. Besides, GhGASA10–1 promoted seedling germination and root extension in transgenic Arabidopsis, indicating that GhGASA10–1 promotes cell elongation. Interestingly, GhGASA10–1 was upregulated by IAA at fiber elongation stages. Conclusion We propose that GhGASA10–1 may promote fiber elongation by regulating the synthesis of cellulose induced by IAA, to lay the foundation for future research on the regulation networks of GASA10–1 in cotton fiber development.

In order to predict the settlement of self-compacting solidified soil in foundation pit backfilling, finite element software is used to study the influence of soil properties and the surrounding structural properties of the foundation pit on the settlement of backfilled self-compacting solidified soil based on a foundation pit project in the city of Nanjing. The degree of influence of various factors influencing settlement is considered, a grey relational grade analysis is conducted, and input layer parameters of the neural network are determined based on the results of the grey relational grade analysis. Based on the GA-BP neural network model, the settlement of soil is predicted using numerical simulation results. The results reveal that the settlement and structural disturbance of self-compacting solidified soil after backfilling are smaller than those of fine silty sand; self-compacting solidified soil significantly improves the engineering performance of excavated soil. In the grey relational grade analysis, the six influencing factors that have high correlation with soil settlement can be used as input layer parameters for the neural network model. Among them, the correlation degree between elastic modulus and soil settlement is the highest, reaching 0.8402. The correlation degrees of the remaining five influencing factors are above 0.5, and the values are close. The GA-BP neural network can improve the overfitting situation of a BP neural network trapped in local optima, with R2 reaching 0.9999 and RMSE only 0.0018 mm, achieving high-precision prediction of settlement of self-compacting solidified soil.

Visible-light-based transmission application plays an important role in various types of sensor services for the Internet of Things (IoTs). However, in big data scenarios, current visible-light-based systems cannot achieve concurrent high-speed communication, low-speed communication, and positioning. Therefore, in this article, we propose a smart visible-light-based fusion applications system, named Fasys, to solve the above problem for the big data traffic with heterogeneity. Specifically, for low-speed data services, we propose a novel linear block coding and bit interleaving mechanism, which enhances the LED positioning accuracy and recovers the lost data bits in the interframe gap (IFG). For high-speed data services with traffic possessing burstiness, an elegant statistical reliability analysis framework in regard to latency is proposed based on martingale theory. The backlog martingale process is constructed. Leveraging stopping time theory, a tight upper bound of unreliability is obtained. An arrival abstraction and traffic allocation scheme is designed, which contributes to decouple the reliability requirement as the maximum supportable arrival load. Finally, we implement our Fasys system, and extensive experimental results show that our system can achieve consistent high-precision positioning and low-BER data communication for low-speed data services. And the proposed martingale-based traffic allocation scheme can achieve the provisioning of reliability in regard to the latency for high-speed data services.

Abstract Objective To explore the effects of the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) on the psychological cravings and anxiety of women compulsorily isolated for detoxification. Method Around 122 women were recruited in a female drug detoxification center. Except for the 12‐week training of ASMR, the experimental conditions of the experimental group (n = 60) were the same as those of the control group (n = 62). The addiction Stroop task was used to assess the level of psychological cravings and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to assess the level of anxiety. Results After the training, the decrease in state anxiety of the experimental group was larger than that of the control group, and the reaction time of the experimental group in the Stroop was also significantly lower than before the training. Conclusions ASMR could thus reduce to a certain extent the state anxiety and attentional bias for drug‐related clues under signaling psychological cravings among women compulsorily isolated for detoxification. HIGHLIGHTS Intervention effects on psychological cravings and anxiety of women isolated for detoxification Basis for role of ASMR in regulating psychological cravings and anxiety in forced abstainers ASMR intervention reduced forced abstainers’ attentional bias to drug‐related clues

Organohalides are widely used as synthetic precursors and target products, but for various halogenation reactions there is a need for effective catalysts to activate commercially available haleniums. Here, the authors report that TEMPO and its derivatives are active catalysts for electrophilic halogenation of olefins, alkynes and aromatics, under mild reaction conditions and with good functional group tolerance.

Seed dormancy of cultivated rice was largely weakened during the progress of domestication. Correct timing and uniformity of seed germination are important for rapid seedling establishment and high-yield production. In the present study, we found that the heading-date gene Ghd7 acted as a negative regulator of germination. A mutant of ghd7 showed low sensitivity to exogenous ABA treatment during seed germination. Further investigation revealed reduced accumulation of ABA in mature ghd7 seeds as a consequence of dampened expression of OsNCED genes. Moreover, elevated GA3 level was detected in seeds of ghd7 mutant during imbibition course, which was attributed to the induction of genes responsible for the synthesis pathways of bioactive GAs. Thus, Ghd7 inhibits seed germination by increasing the ABA/GA3 ratio. Besides revealing pleiotropic effects of Ghd7, our results indicate its role in linking seed germination to growth-phase transition in rice, which would enrich the theoretical basis for future breeding practices.

Chemical production of amino acids from renewable carbon sources in an energy-saving manner is highly desirable. Here, the authors report visible-light-driven, CdS nanosheets-promoted synthesis of amino acids from biomass-based feedstock and NH3 under mild reaction conditions.

Purpose To assess the oncologic outcomes of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in challenging locations (CLs) underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (US-PMWA) and the efficacy and safety of the advanced assistive technology (AAT). Materials and methods Data for 489 treatment-naïve patients with HCC who met Milan criteria and subsequently underwent US-PMWA were reviewed from March 2012 to November 2016. According to the distance (

In this study, we examined the temporal and spatial trends of water utilization efficiency in the highly developed Guangdong Province based on a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model and Malmquist index, trying to evaluate and predict the water utilization status in prefecture-level cities from the input–output perspective. The results showed that the water utilization efficiency in Guangdong Province in 2012–2018 was on a fluctuating upward trend, although the utilization efficiency had not reached the DEA efficiency; spatially, the water utilization efficiency in Guangdong Province was relatively high in the Pearl River Delta and the surrounding cities, but low in the Western Guangdong region; in the perspective of efficiency decomposition factors, technological change was the most pervasive driving force of the water utilization efficiency. Pearl River Delta and Northern Guangdong made progress in productivity due to the advantages of scale expansion benefit. Eastern Guangdong achieved improvement in all-over parameters and made the largest growth in water utilization efficiency, while Western Guangdong basically profited from organizational management during the study period; the prediction analysis revealed a continuous increase in the water utilization efficiency in Guangdong Province during 2019–2025 with an average annual growth rate of about 0.6%, benefiting mainly from the technological innovation and secondly from management renewal, while scale expansion benefit tended to decline. Furthermore, spatial heterogeneity exhibited a decreasing tendency in the future owing to the rapid water utilization efficiency increase in the Western and Eastern Guangdong. It is suggested that the technological innovation and the integrated management capability in water use should be paid more attention to enhance the water utilization efficiency in Guangdong Province. Achieving a balance between economic growth and water resource protection, and promoting the sustainable development of the nature-economy-society compound system is of the utmost priority in Guangdong.

Planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling regulates several polarization events during development of ommatidia in the Drosophila eye, including directing chirality by polarizing a cell fate choice and determining the direction and extent of ommatidial rotation. The pksple isoform of the PCP protein Prickle is known to participate in the R3/R4 cell fate decision, but the control of other polarization events and the potential contributions of the three Pk isoforms have not been clarified. Here, by characterizing expression and subcellular localization of individual isoforms together with re-analyzing isoform specific phenotypes, we show that the R3/R4 fate decision, its coordination with rotation direction, and completion of rotation to a final ±90° rotation angle are separable polarization decisions with distinct Pk isoform requirements and contributions. Both pksple and pkpk can enforce robust R3/R4 fate decisions, but only pksple can correctly orient them along the dorsal-ventral axis. In contrast, pksple and pkpk can fully and interchangeably sustain coordination of rotation direction and rotation to completion. We propose that expression dynamics and competitive interactions determine isoform participation in these processes. We propose that the selective requirement for pksple to orient the R3/R4 decision and their interchangeability for coordination and completion of rotation reflects their previously described differential interaction with the Fat/Dachsous system which is known to be required for orientation of R3/R4 decisions but not for coordination or completion of rotation.

Dendrite microtubules are polarized with minus-end-out orientation in Drosophila neurons. Nucleation sites concentrate at dendrite branch points, but how they localize is not known. Using Drosophila, we found that canonical Wnt signaling proteins regulate localization of the core nucleation protein γTubulin (γTub). Reduction of frizzleds (fz), arrow (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein [LRP] 5/6), dishevelled (dsh), casein kinase Iγ, G proteins, and Axin reduced γTub-green fluorescent protein (GFP) at branch points, and two functional readouts of dendritic nucleation confirmed a role for Wnt signaling proteins. Both dsh and Axin localized to branch points, with dsh upstream of Axin. Moreover, tethering Axin to mitochondria was sufficient to recruit ectopic γTub-GFP and increase microtubule dynamics in dendrites. At dendrite branch points, Axin and dsh colocalized with early endosomal marker Rab5, and new microtubule growth initiated at puncta marked with fz, dsh, Axin, and Rab5. We propose that in dendrites, canonical Wnt signaling proteins are housed on early endosomes and recruit nucleation sites to branch points.

Intertidal wetland, located at the interface of the continent and ocean, provides significant support to human society. With China being the largest developing country and the second-biggest economy in the world, the intertidal wetland along its coast has been exposed to climate change and over-exploitation for decades. Despite its ecological and economic significance, the distribution and variation of the intertidal wetland remains unknown. In this study, based on a multi-temporal remote sensing archive accumulated since the 1970s, we detected the dynamics of the intertidal wetland along China’s coast, at a spatial resolution of 30 m and a time interval of 20 years, over the course of four decades (1970s–2015). The main objectives of this study lie in (1) examining the distribution of and variation in intertidal wetland extent in temporal and spatial aspects; (2) identifying the main driving force of the intertidal wetland dynamics; and (3) making suggestions for future research and management. The results suggest that the extent of intertidal wetland declined substantially during the last four decades, from 7848 km2 in the 1970s, to 6017 km2 in 1995, and finally to 4895 km2 in 2015. On average, the intertidal wetland was 0.22 km in width along the coast, and about 40% of the extent of intertidal wetland was located along the Jiangsu and Shandong coast in 2015. Width shrinkage was detected to be primarily due to seaward migration of the intertidal wetland as a result of intensive land reclamation for tourism, communication, and transportation, as well as the fishery industry. This study improved our understanding of the vulnerable but valuable transition zone covered by intertidal wetland. A high priority should be given to intertidal wetland conservation and habitat reconstruction with a view to a sustainable future.

Subcellular asymmetry directed by the planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway orients numerous morphogenetic events in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Here, we describe a morphogenetic movement in which the intertwined socket and shaft cells of the Drosophila anterior wing margin mechanosensory bristles undergo PCP-directed apical rotation, inducing twisting that results in a helical structure of defined chirality. We show that the Frizzled/Vang PCP signaling module coordinates polarity among and between bristles and surrounding cells to direct this rotation. Furthermore, we show that dynamic interplay between two isoforms of the Prickle protein determines right- or left-handed bristle morphogenesis. We provide evidence that, Frizzled/Vang signaling couples to the Fat/Dachsous PCP directional signal in opposite directions depending on whether Pkpk or Pksple predominates. Dynamic interplay between Pk isoforms is likely to be an important determinant of PCP outcomes in diverse contexts. Similar mechanisms may orient other lateralizing morphogenetic processes.

The regional climatic comfort index (CCI) deteriorated significantly due to climate change and anthropogenic interference. Knowledge, regarding the long-term temporal dynamics of the CCI in typical regions, should be strengthened. In this study, we analyze the temporal and spatial evolution of CCI from 1969 to 2018 in Guangdong Province, based on a number of meteorological indicators. Additionally, the population exposure to climate unconformity was examined since 1990 with the help of population data. Our study found that: (1) the warming and humidifying of the summer climate served as the main driving force for the continuous deterioration of the CCI, with comfortable days decreased by 1.06 day/10 year and the extremely muggy days increased by 2.83 day/10 year; (2) spatially, the lowest climate comfortability concentrated in southwestern Guangdong with more than 50 uncomfortable days each year, while the climate comfortability in northeastern Guangdong tends to deteriorate with a higher rate, which can reach as high as 6 day/10 year; (3) in summer, the population exposure to uncomfortable climate highly centralized in the Pearl River Delta, Shantou, Jieyang, and the surrounding areas, and both area and population exposure showed increasing trends. Particularly, Shenzhen held the highest growth rate of population exposure with an increased rate of 2.94 million/10 year; (4) although the discomfort distribution and deterioration rate vary across the province, the spatial heterogeneity of comfortability is diminishing in Guangdong Province. This study will provide a scientific reference in areas of regional urban planning, thermal environment improvement, local resident health risk analysis, and key strategy implementation.

China’s power sector, as the major CO _2 emitter, has experienced significant restructuring that has had profound impacts on employment in both power and its upstream sectors. Combining input–output and structural path analysis, we quantified the direct and indirect impacts of power transformation on employment in China between 2012 and 2017. Direct employment in the power generation sector witnessed a net growth of 0.12 million, while over 10 times that number of jobs (1.40 million) have been lost in the upstream sectors, mainly in coal mining and washing, finance, oil and gas extraction and transportation. Among the top 10 critical paths, the share of employment driven by solar and wind power increased to 12.31% in 2017, more than nine times that in 2012. Furthermore, three scenarios have been set up to evaluate the employment patterns in 2030 and 2050. Under the 1.5 °C scenario, projection shows that the power sector could support over 5 million jobs in 2050, with more than 80% of these being related to renewable energy. Policy suggestions for a just transition, such as resettlement of laid-off workers and job transfer in upstream industries, are comprehensively discussed.

A W-band low-sidelobe series-fed microstrip antenna array is proposed here. Impedance matching section weighting method is used in element series-fed weighting. This feeding method can effectively realise the desired amplitude distribution and sidelobe level of −30.1 dB is obtained in this design. The designed low-sidelobe antenna has great practical value in antenna of W-band portable radar.

Direction of arrival estimation is one of the key technologies in automotive radar system. The angular resolution is an important indicator for evaluating the radar performance. Here, an optimisation method of linear antenna array configuration used for automotive radar system is presented. The array is composed of three transmitters and four receiver (3T4R). By minimising the strong correlation region of the ambiguity function using genetic algorithm. A desired angular resolution is achieved under several certain constraints. Simulation results demonstrate the validity of proposed method.

Nitrogen pollution has caused severe ecological and environmental crisis, especially in densely populated coastal regions. Using a mathematical model based on statistical data series from industry, agriculture, environmental protection, and population in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015, this paper aims to estimate the nitrogen income and expenditure of coastal Eastern Guangdong, to reveal the temporal variation of the nitrogen budget in the coastal region with high agriculture intensity, and to suggest a management strategy for the local nitrogen control. The results show that: coastal Eastern Guangdong is a nitrogen surplus region, with nitrogen load and nitrogen flux varying in the range 276.01–299.60 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and 221.26–239.06 kg N ha−1 yr−1, respectively, during the period 2000–2015; from 2000 to 2015, the overall nitrogen surplus and the nitrogen surplus unit area showed an obvious upward trend, indicating that nitrogen pollution in the area was deteriorating; agricultural used fertilizer serves as the main contributor to nitrogen input, while water nitrogen accounts for the highest portion of nitrogen output; despite the fluctuation of nitrogen input and output, water nitrogen output steadily increased, suggesting a stronger water environment management requirement. This research provides reference for researchers and decision-makers in the ecological and environmental domains.

Emerging Microbes & Infections (2017)6, e93; doi:10.1038/emi.2017.80; published online 1 November 2017

Plant-hormone-initiated signaling pathways are extremely vital for plant growth, differentiation, development, and adaptation to environmental stresses. Hormonal perception by receptors induces downstream signal transduction mechanisms that lead to plant responses. However, conventional techniques—such as genetics, biochemistry, and physiology methods—that are applied to elucidate these signaling pathways can only provide qualitative or ensemble-averaged quantitative results, and the intrinsic molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The present study developed novel methodologies based on in vitro single-molecule fluorescence assays to elucidate the complete and detailed mechanisms of plant hormone signal transduction pathways. The proposed methods are based on multicolor total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and a flow cell model for gas environment control. The methods validate the effectiveness of single-molecule approaches for the extraction of abundant information, including oligomerization, specific gas dependence, and the interaction kinetics of different components.

Extensive lowland floodplains cover substantial parts of the glacially formed landscape of Northern Germany. Stream power is recognized as a force of formation and development of the river morphology and an interaction system between channel and floodplain. In order to understand the effects of the river power and flood power, HEC-RAS models were set up for ten river sections in the Upper Stör catchment, based on a 1 m digital elevation model and field data, sampled during a moderate water level period (September, 2011), flood season (January, 2012) and dry season (April, 2012). The models were proven to be highly efficient and accurate through the seasonal roughness modification. The coefficients of determination (R2) of the calibrated models were 0.90, 0.90, 0.93 and 0.95 respectively. Combined with the continuous and long-term data support from SWAT model, the stream power both in-channel and on the floodplain was analysed. Results show that the 10-year-averaged discharge and unit stream power were around 1/3 of bankfull discharge and unit power, and the 10-year-peak discharge and unit stream power were nearly 1.6 times the bankfull conditions. Unit stream power was proportional to the increase of stream discharge, while the increase rate of unit in-channel stream power was 3 times higher than that of unit stream power on the floodplain. Finally, the distribution of the hydraulic parameters under 10-years-peak discharge conditions was shown, indicating that only 1-10% of flow stream was generated by floodplain flow, but 40-75% volume of water was located on the floodplain. The variation of the increasing rate of the stream power was dominated by the local roughness height, while the stream power distributed on the floodplain mainly depended on the local slope of the sub-catchment.

This study will explore the relationships among strengths self-efficacy, resourcefulness, stigma experience and mental health recovery in community-dwelling adults with serious mental illnesses. Mental health practices have focued on psychopathphysiology. Stigma heavily plagued clients with mental illnesses and is one of the greatest barriers to mental health recovery. Personal strengths like strengths self-efficacy, people’s confidence in using their personal strengths, and resourcefulness, the ability to carry out daily activities, have been linked to positive mental health. However, the linkage between strengths self-efficacy, resourcefulness and mental health recovery remains uncharted. A cross-sectional, descriptive, mixed methods study will be conducted. A funded study by the Sigma Theta Tau, Upsilon Eta Chapter, August 2013, involving a convenience sample of 100 participants is planned. Included are community dwelling adults between 21 to 65 years old having been diagnosed with serious mental illnesses. Clients with current co-occurring substance abuse will be excluded. Participants complete questionnaires and undergo an interview. Correlations among the study variables will be examined. Regression analysis will determine if recovery can be predicted by strengths self-efficacy, resourcefulness and stigma experience. Interview data will be transcribed and analyzed by thematic analysis. This study will look beyond clients’ disability to focus on their recovery and healing capacities such as strengths self-efficacy and resourcefulness. Findings will expand our knowledge about mental health recovery. Knowledge gained from this study may pave the way for future nursing strategies to aid recovery and inform the development of positive, strengths-based interventions.