China In Combination Research Articles

Functional redundancy across space and time in litter‐degrading fungal communities

AbstractIntroductionMicrobial‐driven litter decomposition contributes significantly to global carbon (C) turnover. Fungi play central roles in the degradation process due to their ability to hydrolyse recalcitrant litter components. The spatiotemporal variations in taxonomic composition of litter‐degrading fungi have been well documented. However, associated variations in litter‐degradation‐related functional composition of fungal communities remain unexplored.Materials and MethodsIn this study, a 16‐week field‐based buried rice straw experiment was conducted at three experimental sites across subtropical China in combination with laboratory 13C‐straw‐based DNA stable‐isotope probing (DNA‐SIP) microcosm experiments. Amplicon sequencing combined with shotgun metagenomic sequencing were the approaches of choice.ResultsThe field experiment showed that the taxonomic composition of the straw‐degrading fungal community was highly variable while the functional composition was rather stable. The higher permutational multivariate analysis of variation F scores (20.904−48.660) and the steeper slopes (1.92 E‐04−4.15E‐04) of the distance decay relationship for taxonomic composition than for function across periods (with lower F scores = 7.047−21.601 and gradual slopes = −1.33 E‐05 to −1.03E‐04) both indicated that the spatiotemporal patterns of functional composition in litter‐degrading fungi community were more conserved. The laboratory DNA‐SIP confirmed the field observations and showed that the conserved functional composition in litter‐degrading fungi was underpinned by a high functional redundancy of Basidiomycota.ConclusionFunction and taxonomy of litter‐degrading fungi were decoupled. The functional composition of the litter‐degrading fungal community was highly conserved in space and time, the taxonomic composition less so. The main drivers behind the observed taxonomic decoupling are probably/most likely functional redundancy and metabolic niche selection resulting in conservation of function, with changing environmental conditions and dispersal limitation drove the observed high taxonomic turnover of the community over the course of the litter degradation progression. Our study provides valuable insights in the ecology of fungi and their roles in in global C sequestration for ecosystem sustainable development.

Comparative Research of Chinese and American Game Mechanism Design

The video game industry is one of the most influential entertainment industries, which has been generating high revenue and developing rapidly in recent years. However, in recent years, social problems caused by video games have emerged in China. This article proposes that game mechanism is an important kernel of game design and has a crucial influence on the social significance of games. By comparing China and the United States, the article analyzes the history of game mechanism design in both sides, draws the reasons for the healthy development of the game industry in America and uncovers the problems of the game industry in China, and proposes optimization strategies for game mechanism design in China in combination with the current situation.

SHR2285, the first selectively oral FXIa inhibitor in China: Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics combined with aspirin, clopidogrel or ticagrelor

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of SHR2285, the first oral coagulation factor XIa (FXIa) inhibitor developed in China in combination with aspirin, clopidogrel or ticagrelor in healthy subjects. Methods: This study was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (only SHR2285) design (NCT04945616). A total of 52 healthy subjects, 29 male and 23 female, were completed in this study. The subjects were divided into three groups: A, B and C, 16 subjects in group A [aspirin + clopidogrel + placebo or SHR2285 200mg bid (1:3, 4 received placebo and 12 received SHR2285)] 16 subjects in group B [aspirin + clopidogrel + placebo or SHR2285 300mg bid (1:3, 3 received placebo and 13 received SHR2285)] and 20 subjects in group C (aspirin + ticagrelor + placebo or SHR2285 300mg bid (2:3, 8 received placebo and 12 received SHR2285)), respectively. All groups were administered orally for six consecutive days. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics parameters were assessed. Results: 1) SHR2285 was well tolerated, and all adverse events were mild. There was no evidence of an increased risk of bleeding. 2) After 6days of twice-daily administration, SHR2285 could reach a steady state. The mean half-life of SHR2285 in group A, group B and group C was 13.9h, 14.5h and 13.8h, respectively. 3) SHR2285 markedly inhibited FXI activity and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). In group A, group B and group C, the mean maximum inhibition rate of FXI activity was 84.8%, 89.3% and 92.2% and the mean maximum prolongation of APTT was 2.08-fold, 2.36-fold and 2.26-fold, respectively. Conclusion: These data suggest that SHR2285, a potential oral FXIa inhibitor, is expected to become a novel, safe and effective anticoagulant when combined with aspirin, clopidogrel or ticagrelor.

Impact of VKORC1, CYP2C9, CYP1A2, UGT1A1, and GGCX polymorphisms on warfarin maintenance dose: Exploring a new algorithm in South Chinese patients accept mechanical heart valve replacement.

Background:Warfarin is the most recommended oral anticoagulant after artificial mechanical valve replacement therapy. However, the narrow therapeutic window and varying safety and efficacy in individuals make dose determination difficult. It may cause adverse events such as hemorrhage or thromboembolism. Therefore, advanced algorithms are urgently required for the use of warfarin.Objective:To establish a warfarin dose model for patients after prosthetic mechanical valve replacement in southern China in combination with clinical and genetic variables, and to improve the accuracy and ideal prediction percentage of the model.Methods:Clinical data of 476 patients were tracked and recorded in detail. The gene polymorphisms of VKORC1 (rs9923231, rs9934438, rs7196161, and rs7294), CYP2C9 (rs1057910), CYP1A2 (rs2069514), GGCX (rs699664), and UGT1A1 (rs887829) were determined using Sanger sequencing. Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the gene polymorphisms and the contribution of clinical data variables; the variables that caused multicollinearity were screened stepwise and excluded to establish an algorithm model for predicting the daily maintenance dose of warfarin. The ideal predicted percentage was used to test clinical effectiveness.Results:A total of 395 patients were included. Univariate linear regression analysis suggested that CYP1A2 (rs2069514) and UGT1A1 (rs887829) were not associated with the daily maintenance dose of warfarin. The new algorithm model established based on multiple linear regression was as follows: Y = 1.081 − 0.011 (age) + 1.532 (body surface area)-0.807 (rs9923231 AA) + 1.788 (rs9923231 GG) + 0.530 (rs1057910 AA)-1.061 (rs1057910 AG)-0.321 (rs699664 AA). The model accounted for 61.7% of individualized medication differences, with an ideal prediction percentage of 69%.Conclusion:GGCX (rs699664) may be a potential predictor of warfarin dose, and our newly established model is expected to guide the individualized use of warfarin in clinical practice in southern China.

ANALYSIS ON INFLUENCING FACTORS AND EMOTIONAL REGULATION OF CHINESE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S RETIREMENT DECISION-MAKING

BackgroundThe gender division of labor in the traditional family structure is still a common phenomenon, that is, women bear most of the burden of family work. The coexistence of work pressure and family pressure makes this burden heavy. This paper aims to explore which factors and to what extent affect the retirement decision-making and psychological problems of contemporary Chinese professional women.Research Objects and MethodsThis paper takes female workers as the research sample and obtains 1383 effective cases. This paper uses SPSS 17 0 multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted on the survey data to analyze the variables affecting the retirement intention of female employees. In order to study the impact of emotional regulation on female employees' retirement decision-making, this study also conducted a questionnaire survey on the sample. ① Personal basic information questionnaire: the contents mainly include the gender, email, mobile phone number, age, history of epilepsy or epilepsy, previous mindfulness practice experience and major events in recent life. It is mainly used for screening of subjects. ② Emotion regulation self-efficacy scale: the third version of the scale revised by Caprara in 2008 is usually used internationally. However, in the process of domestic testing, although the scale has good applicability, there are also some problems due to different cultural backgrounds. Based on this situation, Tian Xueying (2012) and others revised and tested the 2008 version of the scale in China in combination with China's social and cultural background. The results show that the revised scale has good applicability. This study will use Tian Xueying's revised scale for testing. ③ Happiness index scale: the happiness index scale compiled by Campell, including two questionnaires of overall emotion index and life satisfaction, has 9 items, including 8 pairs of emotional words and one life satisfaction question. The scale adopts 7-level scoring. The higher the score, the higher the happiness of the subjects.ResultsIn terms of education level, respondents with high school education or below were less likely to retire early than those with bachelor's degree or above. From a health perspective, the worse the indicated health level, the more respondents tend to retire early. Taking into account family factors, the more dependants and independent sources of income, the more likely these women are to choose early retirement. With regard to work factors, women working in public institutions and enterprises are more likely to delay retirement than women in other occupations. People with low work intensity are more likely to delay retirement than those with high work intensity. Dissatisfied women are less likely to delay retirement than women who are generally satisfied with their job happiness. In terms of retirement expectation, women who choose to take care of their families or participate in recreational activities are more likely to retire than women who choose to continue working after retirement.ConclusionUnder the influence of the conflict between the pressure of traditional gender roles and the transformation of modern society, Chinese women must balance the labor constraints in the family, social field and workplace. The results of this study show that the decision to participate more in family work will eventually reduce these women's participation in social work and lead them to retire earlier than men. The study suggests that we should fully understand the important position of women's emotional factors in retirement decision-making, actively promote the transformation of women's life role after retirement, pay special attention to their own life attitude and healthy behavior, and be a healthy self-manager, coordinator and collaborator. According to the psychological characteristics of these groups, the social stratum should actively and flexibly organize rich and colorful activities, strive to create a relaxed and harmonious living atmosphere, create friendly and mutually beneficial emotional family relations, encourage and guide these groups, make their psychology in the best state, and promote the healthy development of their good cognition and retirement life.AcknowledgementsSupported by a project grant from Ministry of Education in China (Grant No.14JZD026).

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING MODEL COMBINING RESEARCH PROJECTS, SUBJECT COMPETITIONS, PAPERS AND EMOTIONAL BEHAVIOR CHANGE EDUCATION: A MULTI CASE STUDY

BackgroundScientific research projects and discipline competitions play a vital role in cultivating postgraduates' innovation ability and engineering practice ability. Thesis writing is an important part of postgraduate training. Mental health education is an important part of graduate education. It is of great theoretical and practical significance to construct the postgraduate training mode combining the above four elements to realize efficient and high-quality education. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of the model in promoting the changes of students' emotional behavior.Topics and MethodsUsing the text survey method, this paper analyzes the award-winning projects of graduate innovation fund project undertaken by graduate students of Xijing University, Chinese graduate innovation practice series, Chinese “Internet” student innovation and entrepreneurship competition and other disciplines. Competition and papers. At the same time, the study investigated the students' emotional behavior towards the training mode. This study adopts (1) positive emotion scale. Panas emotion scale developed by Watson et al. It is widely used to measure emotions. The scale includes two dimensions: positive emotion and negative emotion. Assessing regulatory emotional self-efficacy in three countries (RES) was compiled by Caprara in 2008 and applied by many scholars to measure emotional regulatory self-efficacy. Considering the cultural differences, Tian Xueying revised the scale in China in combination with the current social situation in China. The total score of the test result scale is consistent with Cronbach's of all dimensions α the coefficients are > 0.7, with good acceptability and high reliability. The scale has a total of 12 items, including four dimensions: expressing positive emotional self-efficacy (POS), regulating positive emotional self-efficacy (MPOs), regulating depression / pain emotional self-efficacy (DES) and regulating anger or anger emotional self-efficacy (ANG). Using the five-level scale method, the scores correspond to 1 ~ 5 points respectively. The correlation between each dimension is low and has a certain independence, but it is closely related to the total score, which reflects the good structural validity of the scale.ResultsFrom 2012 to 2019, mechanical graduate students applied for the establishment of 77 graduate innovation fund projects, and 92.8% of the students received the support of innovation fund. From 2014 to 2021, a total of 122 discipline competition teams for postgraduates majoring in machinery were established. A total of 76 awards were won in the series of Chinese graduate innovation practice competitions, accounting for 62% of the total awards. Based on the analysis of the papers of graduates from 2015 to 2020, 34.3% of the papers were funded by the innovation fund and participated in the discipline competition with the results of the fund. It can be seen from table 1 that the average score of the total score of emotional regulation self-efficacy is (42.31 ± 7.59) (the score range is 16 ~ 60), indicating that the emotional regulation self-efficacy of college students is higher than the midline level, the score of POS dimension is (12.14 ± 2.39) (the score range is 3 ~ 15), the score of MPOs dimension is (10.94 ± 2.45) (the score range is 3 ~ 15), and the score of Des dimension is (9.50 ± 2.98) (the score range is 3 ~ 15), The score of ang dimension is (9.72 ± 2.63) (the score range is 3 ~ 15), indicating that there is a certain structural imbalance in the process of dealing with emotions.ConclusionXijing University has explored and constructed an efficient and high-quality professional postgraduate training mode from the four dimensions of scientific research projects, discipline competitions, dissertations and mental health education, so as to make graduate education pay more attention to the cultivation of innovation and engineering. Practice provides a useful reference for the cultivation of high-level applied technology talents.AcknowledgementsSupported by a project grant from the Research and Practice Project of Comprehensive Reform of Graduate Education in Shaanxi Province (YJSZG2020095), and the Education Science Planning Project of Shaanxi Province during the 13th Five-Year Planning period (SGH18H578).

Potential Impacts of Aerosol on Diurnal Variation of Precipitation in Autumn Over the Sichuan Basin, China

AbstractThis study investigates the autumn precipitation in Sichuan Basin (SB), China in combination with reanalysis data sets of aerosol and meteorological fields from 2008 to 2018. To identify the aerosol impacts on precipitation, we carefully selected and divided the data into multiple groups according to vorticity, precipitation amount category, aerosol pollution level, and the geopotential height (GH) in the upper troposphere. Our data show that the precipitation in SB are generally reduced and weakened in afternoon to evening, but enhanced and intensified after midnight under the aerosol polluted condition. By analyzing data contrasts between different groups, we find that aerosol pollution in SB reduces shortwave heating near surface, which enhances the tropospheric stability and inhibits the vertical motion and rainfall in the afternoon to early evening. As the stability reduces within the basin, the vertical motions are invigorated to enhance and intensify the rain after midnight. Therefore, we conclude that the aerosol pollution in SB and the rapid adjustment of aerosol‐radiation interaction amplify the diurnal features of precipitation in autumn.

Characteristics of spatio-temporal distribution of frost/snow disasters in North China during 1644–1911

This paper presents an analysis based on the use of historical data of frost/snow disasters in North China in combination with ArcGIS and other technical applications. Specifically, the frequency and intensity of frost/snow disasters in North China during the study period, 1644–1911 from the perspective of time and space, were analyzed. We applied the moving average, polynomial fitting, and CEEMD methods. The study yielded the following results: Frost/snow disasters occurred 1982 times during this period. Season wise classification revealed that fall recorded the highest frequency. Based on their annual frequency, the study period was divided into four stages. The CEEMD decomposition of annual frequency sequence revealed a cycle of 2.8 years and 5.3 years on the inter-annual time scale, and 119.4 years on the century-scale. Furthermore, an analysis of spatial distribution of the disasters depicted an uneven frequency distribution; however, an absolute degree of spatial consistency was observed between their grade and the frequency distribution. In Hebei and Henan areas, disasters were lower in frequency and were mainly classified under as mild or moderate grades; however, in Shanxi area, disasters were higher in frequency and corresponded mainly to the severe grade.

Environmental effects of China's coal ban policy: Results from in situ observations and model analysis in a typical rural area of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China

Coal-to-clean energy programs (coal bans) can improve air quality and public health and welfare. However, the field measurements taken in rural areas are still insufficient to evaluate the efficacy of coal bans in China. In this study, more than three years of observations were made on organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC, also called black carbon, BC) and PM2.5 at a rural site (Xianghe) in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region (BTH) of China in combination with auxiliary measurements in urban areas (Beijing, Tianjin, Langfang, Baoding and Shijiazhuang). As a result of the coal ban, the annual average PM2.5 concentrations decreased in rural areas. Accordingly, the annual average concentrations of OC declined from 19.1 to 12.3 μg/m3, while those of EC declined from 4.7 to 3.0 μg/m3. The amplitudes of the decrease of total carbon (the sum of OC and EC) and PM2.5 in the areas with implementation of coal ban were greater than those in the non-coal banned areas. Based on the simulation performed using the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem), the quantitative contributions ascribed to coal ban policy and meteorology are discussed. In contrast to those observed in the winter of 2016/2017, the declines in the observed EC concentration could be attributed to meteorological impact (45% and 15%), changes in other emissions (29% and 40%) and coal bans (26% and 45%) for the winter of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, respectively. Besides, in primary OC and PM2.5 concentrations, 50% and 33% of fractional changes respectively were resulted from the reduced residential emissions associated with coal ban in the winter of 2017/2018; and more surprisingly, they rose to 66% and 57% in the winter of 2018/2019, respectively. In summary, coal ban policy had worked effectively in the BTH of China and should be widely implemented in this region if the supply of natural gas and electricity is sufficient and affordable to the local residents.

An open-label phase 1b/2 study of surufatinib in combination with tislelizumab in subjects with advanced solid tumors.

TPS2677 Background: Surufatinib (S) is an inhibitor of VEGFR1, 2, & 3; FGFR1; and CSF-1R. In two phase 3 randomized trials (SANET-ep; NCT02588170 & SANET-p; NCT02589821) S demonstrated a manageable safety profile and statistically significant efficacy. Patients (pts) with extrapancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (epNETs) achieved a median progression free survival (PFS) of 9.2 v 3.8 months (mo) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.334; p<0.0001), and pts with pancreatic NETs (pNETs) achieved a median PFS of 10.9 v 3.7 mo (HR 0.491; p=0.0011), with S v placebo, respectively. S was recently approved for the treatment of pts with epNET in China. Tislelizumab (T) is a humanized immunoglobulin G4 anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody engineered to minimize binding to Fc-gamma-receptor on macrophages. T is approved in China in combination with chemotherapy for squamous non-small cell lung cancer and has conditional approval for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma with PD-L1 high expression. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combination therapy with S and T, which may have synergistic effects, where inhibition of angiogenesis along with stimulation of an immune response may enhance the overall antitumor activity. Methods: This study (NCT04579757) will include pts, ≥18 years of age, with advanced metastatic solid tumors, who have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 and have progressed on or are intolerant to standard therapies. The primary objective of part 1 (dose escalation) will be to evaluate the safety and tolerability of S and T to determine the recommended phase 2 dose of the combination. The starting dose in part 1 will be 250 mg of S, orally, daily, and 200mg of T, intravenously, every 3 weeks. The dose of S will be escalated during part 1, while the dose of T will remain fixed. Endpoints include dose limiting toxicities, treatment emergent adverse events, serious adverse events, adverse events leading to discontinuation, electrocardiograms, clinical laboratory abnormalities and vital signs. Antitumor activity will be evaluated as a secondary objective. Six to 12 pts will be enrolled. The primary objective of part 2 (dose expansion) will be to evaluate the objective response rate (ORR) of S in combination with T per RECIST v1.1. The endpoint will be ORR at 12 weeks. Key secondary endpoints include PFS, disease control rate, duration of response, safety endpoints, and PK parameters. Approximately 95 pts with indications of interest will be enrolled: colorectal cancer, neuroendocrine tumors (thoracic and gastroenteropancreatic), small-cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma (undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and alveolar soft part sarcoma). Enrollment in the United States is open and ongoing, and enrollment in Europe is planned for fourth quarter 2021. Clinical trial information: NCT04579757.

Contribution of the Northeast Cold Vortex Index and Multiscale Synergistic Indices to Extreme Precipitation Over Northeast China

AbstractThe northeast cold vortex (NECV) is one of the major synoptic systems affecting Northeast China. The activity of NECV is an important reason for severe convective storms. However, research on extreme precipitation over Northeast China and their associations with the northeast cold vortex index (NECVI) is limited. Based on nonstationary generalized extreme value models, we analyze and quantify the contribution of the NECVI and the multiscale synergistic indices. Then, we verify the necessity of the NECVI by the likelihood ratio test and the blank control experiment, and further verify the impact of the NECVI on the extreme precipitation over Northeast China in combination with the climate index atmospheric circulation analysis. Results suggest that the models established with East Asian summer monsoon index, Southern Oscillation Index, and NINO3.4 index as covariates the most common. The NECVI and the synergies also make significant contribution and have passed the likelihood ratio test at 80% confidence. Especially in late summer, accounting for 18.69% of the 10 selected best models and 29.41% of the nine selected best nonstationary models. Based on the blank experiments, the models with the NECVI have a maximum reduction of 4.72% than those without the NECVI in the Akaike information criterion values in late summer. In early summer and late summer, the center of the high values of the water vapor anomaly is mainly located in southwestern in the strong NECVI years. These findings help to understand the genetic mechanism of extreme precipitation over Northeast China and provide reference for risk management.

Analysis and identification of the parent coal sources of fulvic acid according to convention, spectroscopy and chemometrics.

Fulvic acid (FA) is a kind of organic and complex water-soluble components mainly extracted from low rank coals with small molecular weight, active physical properties (such as cation exchange capacity, pH-buffering alkalinity) and positive biological functions. However, the performance of FA varies greatly, mainly induced by its different sources of raw coals. Thus, classifying the fulvic acid obtained from different coal samples is required. According to their chemical differences, two methods are developed in this paper to distinguish the origin of coal in China in combination with chemometric tools. First, the ash content, elemental composition, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and fluorescence spectra of sixteen fulvic acid samples from peat, lignite and weathered coal are measured and fifteen parameters are obtained from each sample. In the first Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) strategy, Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) and stepwise LDA are employed to reduce variables. A discriminant function (DF) constructed only by EEt/Bz and FI is obtained, with its accuracy verified by clustering and leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) with an accuracy of 87.5%. In another machine learning tactics, Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) reduce the dimensions of all variables. In the end, all sixteen samples are divided into three groups by support vector machine (SVM), with an accuracy of 100%. In conclusion, based on the differences in the chemical composition of FA from different sources, the method for combining UV-Vis and fluorescence with LDA or SVM can effectively classify the coal sources of FA.

Research on Enterprise Logistics Management Innovation Based on Supply Chain Management Environment

In order to promote the innovation of logistics management in China’s enterprises, this paper analyzes the logistics industry in China in combination with the supply chain management environment, points out the current situation of logistics management in China, analyzes the existing problems, and puts forward the measures and development direction of logistics management innovation.

Comparison of standardized meteorological indices for drought monitoring at northern part of Cyprus

Drought monitoring and assessment are essential for sustainable and effective planning and management of scarce resources under changing environment. Large number of indices are developed that can be utilized to characterize drought events. This study aims to compare and evaluate the performance of standardized precipitation index (SPI), reconnaissance drought index (RDI), statistical Z-Score, China Z-Index (CZI), Supply and Demand Drought Index (SDDI) and combined China Z and Supply and Demand Drought Index (CZSDDI) for their suitability, effectiveness and dependability and for monitoring the impact of drought on agriculture and groundwater. The study revealed that all the drought indices are highly and significantly correlated with each other (minimum 0.982 and maximum 0.998). In capturing the impact of drought on yield of wheat and barley, all the indices were equally satisfactory while SDDI performed comparatively better. On the other hand, none of the indices were representative on analysing drought impact on groundwater sources. In addition, using non-parametric Mann–Kendall trend test the temporal evolution of drought indices disclosed statistically insignificant trends. Finally, the relationship between drought and Southern Oscillation (La Nino/El Nino episodes) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) events have been scrutinised and found that there exists no clear evidence on these teleconnection patterns to have any influence on the occurrence of drought in the study area.

Predicament of Chinese legislation on genetically modified food (GMF) labeling management and solutions - from the perspective of the new food safety law.

This paper considers the background of Article 69 of the newly revised Food Safety Law in China in combination with the current situation of Chinese legislation on GMF labeling management, compared with a foreign genetically modified food labeling management system, revealing deficiencies in the Chinese legislation with respect to GMF labeling management, and noting that institutions should properly consider the GMF labeling management system in China. China adheres to the principle of mandatory labeling based on both product and processes in relation to GMFs and implements a system of process-centered mandatory labeling under a negotiation-construction form. However, China has not finally defined the supervision mode of mandatory labeling of GMFs through laws, and this remains a challenge for GMF labeling management when two mandatory labeling modes coexist. Since April 2015 and October 1, 2015 when the Food Safety Law was revised and formally implemented respectively, the applicable judicial interpretations and enforcement regulations have not made applicable revisions and only principle-based terms have been included in the Food Safety Law, it is still theoretically and practically difficult for mandatory labeling of GMFs in juridical practices and conflicts between the principle of GMF labeling and the purpose that safeguards consumers' right to know remain. The GMF labeling system should be legislatively and practically improved to an extent that protects consumers' right to know. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Spatiotemporal regression Kriging to predict precipitation using time-series MODIS data

Accurate prediction of the spatiotemporal distribution of precipitation is an important guide for more efficient agricultural production. However in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, it is difficult to ensure accuracy due to sparse and unevenly distributed precipitation monitoring stations. The precipitation on raster grids must be predicted from point data. The combined China monthly mean meteorological data sets were used to build spatiotemporal geostatistical models to predict mean monthly precipitation in Xinjiang. Predictions in space and time were made for precipitation using spatiotemporal regression Kriging with some covariates. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer 1-month images time series, topographic layers representing the normalized difference vegetation index and digital elevation model, and a temporal index to adjust for yearly periodic were used as covariates. The optimal covariates were selected by the all subset regression method to determine which predictor variables to be included in the multiple regression models. The accuracy of our mean monthly precipitation predictions was assessed by leave-one-out cross-validation. The prediction accuracy of the proposed spatiotemporal regression Kriging approach was compared with spatiotemporal multi-linear regression and spatiotemporal Kriging. These experimental results show that the normalized difference vegetation index, latitude, longitude, elevation, and time periodicity index are the optimal covariates for mean monthly precipitation prediction. The spatiotemporal distribution of precipitation in Xinjiang exhibits a distinctive pattern; in the north and west, there is more precipitation than in the south and east, respectively and more precipitation in the mountains than on the plains. Precipitation is closely related to topography. Annually, summer precipitation is the highest, followed by, spring and autumn, with winter the driest season in Xinjiang. Considering regression residuals the product---sum model was found to be suitable to fit the spatiotemporal variogram at higher accuracy. Precipitation maps generated by spatiotemporal regression Kriging were more accurate than those produced by the other tested methods, with lower MAE, RMSE, and BIAS values, and higher COR values for validation sampling sites. Spatiotemporal regression Kriging is an efficient method for accurate spatiotemporal prediction of precipitation in Xinjiang.

Ligustrazine corrects Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 imbalance in a mouse asthma model

Asthma is an inflammatory disease closely associated with activated T cells in the lung. Imbalances in Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 have been found in asthmatic patients. Ligustrazine from the Chinese herb chuanxiong has been used in China in combination with glucocorticoids to treat asthma. Previous studies have proved that ligustrazine can modulate the expression of transcription factors for Th1 (T-bet) and Th2 (Gata-3) in asthma. In the present study, ligustrazine alleviated allergic airway inflammation in a mouse asthmatic model by reducing the influx of eosinophils and neutrophils, which was mediated, at least in part, by the regulation of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 via the re-balance of cytokine profiles and of ratios of transcription factors, T-bet/Gata-3 and Foxp3/RORγt, thus providing new insights into the mechanisms of action for asthma treatment with ligustrazine.

Dust events in Beijing, China (2004–2006): comparison of ground-based measurements with columnar integrated observations

Abstract. Ambient particle number size distributions spanning three years were used to characterize the frequency and intensity of atmospheric dust events in the urban areas of Beijing, China in combination with AERONET sun/sky radiometer data. Dust events were classified into two types based on the differences in particle number and volume size distributions and local weather conditions. This categorization was confirmed by aerosol index images, columnar aerosol optical properties, and vertical potential temperature profiles. During the type-1 events, dust particles dominated the total particle volume concentration (<10 μm), with a relative share over 70%. Anthropogenic particles in the Aitken and accumulation mode played a subordinate role here because of high wind speeds (>4 m s−1). The type-2 events occurred in rather stagnant air masses and were characterized by a lower volume fraction of coarse mode particles (on average, 55%). Columnar optical properties showed that the superposition of dust and anthropogenic aerosols in type-2 events resulted in a much higher AOD (average: 1.51) than for the rather pure dust aerosols in type-1 events (average AOD: 0.36). A discrepancy was found between the ground-based and column integrated particle volume size distributions, especially for the coarse mode particles. This discrepancy likely originates from both the limited comparability of particle volume size distributions derived from Sun photometer and in situ number size distributions, and the inhomogeneous vertical distribution of particles during dust events.

Characterization of Rice Blast Resistance Genes in the Pik Cluster and Fine Mapping of the Pik-p Locus

Pik-p is carried by cv. K60, which is one of the Japanese differentials widely used in both Japan and China since the 1980s. Its utility and specificity was evaluated with a total of 612 isolates of Magnaporthe oryzae collected from various regions in China in combination with 16 main resistance genes being used in the breeding programs. Pik-p is an independently and dominantly acting gene in the Pik cluster, which conditions differential reactions against many isolates and contains higher resistance in Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Sichuan provinces, China, indicating that this gene could be still used in these regions. A high-resolution genetic map of Pik-p was constructed using genomic position-ready markers. A set of 47 recombinants out of 681 F(2) plants derived from the crosses cv. K60 (resistant) x cv. AS20-1 (susceptible) and x cv. Kasalath (susceptible) was identified in the genetic interval defined by the markers RM5926 and K37 which flank the Pik gene cluster. This set was then genotyped with seven markers known to reside within the interval. The closest markers to Pik-p were K28 (approximately 0.60 centimorgans [cM]) and K39 (approximately 0.07 cM). A further four markers in the K28-K39 interval were developed from an in silico analysis based on the cv. Nipponbare genome sequence, and these all co-segregated with Pik-p. This 0.67-cM region is equivalent to a physical separation in cv. Nipponbare of approximately 126 kb, plus an as-yet-unfilled genomic gap of unknown length. Four nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat-type resistance genes are present in this interval, and these represent good candidates for Pik-p.

Methods for Approximating the Shadow Price of Water in China

Using the input–output tables for water conservancy for the nine major river basins in China in combination with linear programming techniques, we calculate the shadow prices of industrial water and productive water in the nine river basins. After the results are subjected to factor analysis, the shadow prices of industrial water and productive water are obtained for each Chinese province in 1999. Then, nonlinear models for calculating the shadow price of water in specific counties are given. They appear to be valuable tools for setting reasonable water prices and establishing a market for water in China.