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Marine plastic pollution poses a potential threat to the ecosystem, but the sources and their magnitudes remain largely unclear. Existing bottom-up emission inventories vary among studies for two to three orders of magnitudes (OMs). Here, we adopt a top-down approach that uses observed dataset of sea surface plastic concentrations and an ensemble of ocean transport models to reduce the uncertainty of global plastic discharge. The optimal estimation of plastic emissions in this study varies about 1.5 OMs: 0.70 (0.13-3.8 as a 95% confidence interval) million metric tons yr-1 at the present day. We find that the variability of surface plastic abundance caused by different emission inventories is higher than that caused by model parameters. We suggest that more accurate emission inventories, more data for the abundance in the seawater and other compartments, and more accurate model parameters are required to further reduce the uncertainty of our estimate.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of subgingival delivery of progranulin (PGRN)/gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) complex as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on an experimental periodontitis dog model with Class II furcation involvement (FI). Materials and Methods: A Class II FI model was established, and the defects were divided into four treatment groups: (a) no treatment (control); (b) SRP; (c) SRP + GelMA; (d) SRP + PGRN/GelMA. Eight weeks after treatment, periodontal parameters were recorded, gingival crevicular fluid and gingival tissue were collected for ELISA and RT‐qPCR, respectively, and mandibular tissue blocks were collected for micro computed tomography (micro‐CT) scanning and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results: The SRP + PGRN/GelMA group showed significant improvement in all periodontal parameters compared with those in the other groups. The expression of markers related to M1 macrophage and Th17 cell significantly decreased, and the expression of markers related to M2 macrophage and Treg cell significantly increased in the SRP + PGRN/GelMA group compared with those in the other groups. The volume, quality and area of new bone and the length of new cementum in the root furcation defects of the PGRN/GelMA group were significantly increased compared to those in the other groups. Conclusions: Subgingival delivery of the PGRN/GelMA complex could be a promising non‐surgical adjunctive therapy for anti‐inflammation, immunomodulation and periodontal regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet the needs of the development of low-rise assembly structure in rural areas, a fabricated light-weight steel frame-composite light wall structure is proposed in this paper. The light-weight steel frames are used to bear the vertical loads. The single-row-reinforced recycled concrete wall-boards are used as lateral members to resist most of the horizontal earthquake loads. The wall-board, EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) insulation modules,and fly ash blocks form the thermally insulated wall. Four fabricated lightweight steel frame-composite light wall structures and one light-weight steel frame(FRA)structure were tested under the low cyclic loads. The influence of wall reinforcement spacing and structural form (be it fly ash block or not) on the seismic performance of this new structure was analysed and the damage process of the specimen was simulated using the ABAQUS®software. The results show that the light steel frames and the single-row-reinforced recycled concrete wall-board can work well together. Furthermore, the structure has two clear seismic lines. Due to the use of EPS insulation modules and fly ash blocks, thestructure has good anti-seismic and thermal insulation abilities. Reducing the spacing of bars or compositing fly ash blocks can significantly improve the seismic performance of the structure. The finite element method (FEM) calculations agreed well with the experimental results, which validates the proposed model

Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are emitted significantly by economic sectors, are closely related to the global incidence of human cancer. When assessing temporal changes in PAH emissions in a country that is vast in area, such as China, it is crucial to consider socioeconomic differences across geological regions. In this study, we developed PAH emission factors at the provincial level and used them to compile a Chinese PAH emission inventory. Subsequently, we estimated trade‐driven PAH emissions at the provincial level in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2017, and examined the critical supply chain paths. The updated inventory reveals a distinct temporal trend in trade‐driven PAH emissions, although they remain at an order of magnitude similar to previous estimates. National total production‐, consumption‐, and income‐based PAH emissions, despite a rebound in 2012, exhibit a general decline from 59.3, 43.3, and 48.8 kt in 2007 to 52.1, 43.9, and 47.0 kt in 2017, respectively. These declines align with economic adjustments and emissions mitigation legislation. Spatial hotspots were concentrated in the most affluent Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and Jing‐Jin‐Ji provinces on the demand side and in the northern coal resource‐rich provinces on the supply side. They primarily drive PAH emissions from the heavy industrial sectors of northern coal resource‐rich provinces. Fewer affluent provinces have experienced a rapid increase in trade‐driven PAH emissions after 2012, emphasizing the need for synergistic reduction measures to combat PAH pollution. Plain Language Summary: The significant contribution of annual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions from various economic sectors has markedly contributed to the lung cancer burden in China. Understanding the mechanism and extent of these emissions as well as their transfer through the domestic supply chain is crucial for reducing such contribution. Nevertheless, notable differences in energy consumption patterns and technological advancements exist across Chinese provinces. These differences introduce considerable uncertainty in the assessment of emissions and their related impacts. In this study, we developed an emission factor model that incorporates the Human Development Index (HDI) as a proxy. This model, combined with updated activity rate data, was used to calculate provincial PAH emissions in China. We utilized this provincial emission inventory to estimate PAH emissions embodied in trade activities between provinces and economic sectors within China, as well as to identify key supply chain pathways from both demand and supply perspectives. This study provides vital data for a comprehensive understanding of the emission responsibilities of each province and for assessing potential human health risks. Key Points: An accounting scheme was built to characterize provincial polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions via China's supply chainThe affluent Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and Jing‐Jin‐Ji provinces drive PAH emissions from northern coal‐rich provincesFewer affluent provinces increased embodied PAH emissions, particularly in the wholesale and catering and other services sectors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the construction of column-to-beam joints and to understand the effect of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and cross-section of beams and columns on the seismic performance of recycled aggregate concrete-filled light steel tubular frame structure, four new types of assembly joints were proposed in this paper. A low cyclic loading test of six frame specimens was carried out. The failure characteristic, load bearing capacity, hysteresis property, ductility, strength and stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation were analysed. The damage process of the specimen was simulated using the ABAQUS software, and the results agreed well with those obtained from the experiments. The results showed that the construction pathway of the joints exhibited significant influence on the seismic performance of the frame. The proposed reinforced joint (using angle steel and stiffeners) significantly improved the bearing capacity, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity of the recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tube frame. The seismic performance of the steel frame was improved, while the energy dissipation capacity increased by 635.7% using RAC filled in the steel tubes. Finally, by appropriately increasing the size of cross-section on the beams and columns can improve the bearing capacity, stiffness and ductility of the structure.

ABSTRACT In Qinghai Province, the Brassica campestris L. pollen preparation Qianlie Kang Pule'an Tablet (QKPT) is traditionally used for BPH therapy. However, in QKPT the content of supposedly active phytosterols [...]