As the world’s second most consumed resource, sand is being depleted at an alarming rate. China accounted for nearly half of the world’s sand consumption in 2012. Here we present a material flow... Show moreAs the world’s second most consumed resource, sand is being depleted at an alarming rate. China accounted for nearly half of the world’s sand consumption in 2012. Here we present a material flow analysis of sand from 1995 to 2020 that shows China’s overall sand supply surged by approximately 400% over the study period, yet the proportion of natural sand dropped from ~80% to ~21% due to the increasing use of manufactured sand. From 2010 to 2020, China’s natural sand supply nearly halved due to the strict policies on natural sand mining and the promotion of manufactured sand. This shift demonstrates a possibility for mitigating impacts on natural sand resources during industrialization and urbanization. Show less
Bruin, W.B.; Zhutovsky, P.; Wingen, G.A. van; Bas, J.M.; Groenewold, N.A.; Hilbert, K.; ... ; Aghajani, M. 2024
Neuroanatomical findings on youth anxiety disorders are notoriously difficult to replicate, small in effect size and have limited clinical relevance. These concerns have prompted a paradigm shift... Show moreNeuroanatomical findings on youth anxiety disorders are notoriously difficult to replicate, small in effect size and have limited clinical relevance. These concerns have prompted a paradigm shift toward highly powered (that is, big data) individual-level inferences, which are data driven, transdiagnostic and neurobiologically informed. Here we built and validated supervised neuroanatomical machine learning models for individual-level inferences, using a case–control design and the largest known neuroimaging database on youth anxiety disorders: the ENIGMA-Anxiety Consortium (N = 3,343; age = 10–25 years; global sites = 32). Modest, yet robust, brain-based classifications were achieved for specific anxiety disorders (panic disorder), but also transdiagnostically for all anxiety disorders when patients were subgrouped according to their sex, medication status and symptom severity (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.59–0.63). Classifications were driven by neuroanatomical features (cortical thickness, cortical surface area and subcortical volumes) in fronto-striato-limbic and temporoparietal regions. This benchmark study within a large, heterogeneous and multisite sample of youth with anxiety disorders reveals that only modest classification performances can be realistically achieved with machine learning using neuroanatomical data. Show less
Jiang, M.; Behrens, P.A.; Lyu, L.; Tang, Z.; Chen, D.; Cao, Y.; ... ; Zhu, B. 2023
The UN’s Planetary Pressure-Adjusted Human Development Index (PHDI) incorporates environmental footprints into development indicators. If footprints are high, PHDI is reduced compared to HDI. Many... Show moreThe UN’s Planetary Pressure-Adjusted Human Development Index (PHDI) incorporates environmental footprints into development indicators. If footprints are high, PHDI is reduced compared to HDI. Many nations have seen stagnating HDI and declining PHDI. When using PHDI, >50 countries drop below the very-high development category. China has seen unprecedented development but with large inequalities. We investigate PHDI across provinces and put this in global contexts. While there is a well-known east-west regional divide, we reveal an additional significant north-south divide by PHDI. Environmental inequalities across provinces are larger than development inequalities. China reflects global extremes where under-developed provinces can have continuingly declining PHDI due to extractive activities, similar to oil- or mining-focused nations. Innovation-oriented provinces, such as Guangdong, have high PHDIs similar to European nations. We explore metric choice issues for PHDI and the need for approaches that incorporate the lag between capital stock accumulation and HDI – the stock-development problem. Show less
This dissertation aimed to examine the ethnic socialization context in the upbringing of Chinese-Dutch children, specifically three social-contextual factors: parents, children’s books, and the... Show moreThis dissertation aimed to examine the ethnic socialization context in the upbringing of Chinese-Dutch children, specifically three social-contextual factors: parents, children’s books, and the COVID pandemic. Results reveal that Chinese-Dutch children evaluate their ingroup and the White outgroup most positively, followed by the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) outgroup, and the Black outgroup least positively. Stronger maternal endorsement of multiculturalism is associated with lower child ethnic prejudice (in terms of less ingroup preference). In addition, results demonstrate maternal self-report ethnic-racial socialization strategies and the observed behaviors that reflect color-evasiveness and white normativity. Furthermore, results show an overrepresentation of White authors, illustrators, and characters, and a preference for light skin color in East Asian characters in illustrations in Chinese children’s books, suggesting a form of current postcolonial influences on Chinese children’s literature. Furthermore, results indicate ethnicity-related attitude differences among mothers participating after than before the COVID outbreak, with higher perceived discrimination and stronger ethnic identity. A lower ingroup rejection among Chinese-Dutch children was found in the post-COVID-outbreak group than in the pre-COVID-outbreak group. This dissertation can foster a better understanding of the interethnic relations in the underrepresented Chinese group and elucidate the ethnicity-related consequences of the pandemic in this group. Show less
Increasing knowledge of the impacts of pesticides on soil ecological communities is fundamental to a comprehensive understanding of the functional changes in the global agroecosystem industry. In... Show moreIncreasing knowledge of the impacts of pesticides on soil ecological communities is fundamental to a comprehensive understanding of the functional changes in the global agroecosystem industry. In this study, we examined microbial community shifts in the gut of the soil-dwelling organism Enchytraeus crypticus and functional shifts in the soil microbiome (bacteria and viruses) after 21 d of exposure to difenoconazole, one of the main fungicides in intensified agriculture. Our results demonstrated reduced body weight and increased oxidative stress levels of E. crypticus under difenoconazole treatment. Meanwhile, difenoconazole not only altered the composition and structure of the gut microbial community, but also interfered with the soil-soil fauna microecology stability by impairing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Using soil metagenomics, we revealed that bacterial genes encoding detoxification and viruses encoding carbon cycle genes exhibited a dependent enrichment in the toxicity of pesticides via metabolism. Taken together, these findings advance the understanding of the ecotoxicological impact of residual difenoconazole on the soil-soil fauna micro-ecology, and the ecological importance of virus-encoded auxiliary metabolic genes under pesticide stress. Show less
BACKGROUND\nMETHODS\nRESULTS\nCONCLUSIONS\nABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1) mediates cholesterol efflux to apo AI to maintain cellular cholesterol homeostasis. The current study aims to... Show moreBACKGROUND\nMETHODS\nRESULTS\nCONCLUSIONS\nABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1) mediates cholesterol efflux to apo AI to maintain cellular cholesterol homeostasis. The current study aims to investigate whether T-cell-specific deletion of ABCA1 modulates the phenotype/function of T cells and the development of atherosclerosis.\nMice with T-cell-specific deletion of ABCA1 on low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (Ldlr-/-) background (Abca1CD4-/CD4-Ldlr-/-) were generated by multiple steps of (cross)-breedings among Abca1flox/flox, CD4-Cre, and Ldlr-/- mice.\nDeletions of ABCA1 greatly suppressed cholesterol efflux to apo AI but slightly reduced membrane lipid rafts on T cells probably due to the upregulation of ABCG1. Moreover, ABCA1 deficiency impaired TCR (T-cell receptor) signaling and inhibited the survival and proliferation of T cells as well as the formation of effector memory T cells. Despite the comparable levels of plasma total cholesterol after Western-type diet feeding, Abca1CD4-/CD4-Ldlr-/- mice showed significantly attenuated arterial accumulations of T cells and smaller atherosclerotic lesions than Abca1+/+Ldlr-/-controls, which were associated with reduced surface CCR5 (CC motif chemokine receptor 5) and CXCR3 (CXC motif chemokine receptor 3), decreased antiapoptotic Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) and Bcl-xL (B-cell lymphoma extra-large), and hampered abilities to produce IL (interleukin)-2 and IFN (interferon)-γ by ABCA1-deficient T cells.\nABCA1 is essential for T-cell cholesterol homeostasis. Deletion of ABCA1 in T cells impairs TCR signaling, suppresses the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and function of T cells, thereby providing atheroprotection in vivo. Show less
Why are both A-1${\mathbf{A}}<^>{-1}$ and (I-A)-1${(\mathbf{I}-\mathbf{A})}<^>{-1}$ used in life cycle assessment (LCA) matrix computations? This is a question that, in our experience... Show moreWhy are both A-1${\mathbf{A}}<^>{-1}$ and (I-A)-1${(\mathbf{I}-\mathbf{A})}<^>{-1}$ used in life cycle assessment (LCA) matrix computations? This is a question that, in our experience of teaching LCA, students often wonder about and struggle with. A brief survey of the literature suggests that the question can also confuse experienced LCA practitioners. Here, we seek to unify the computational structures of the two LCA approaches to achieve greater clarity and consistency, especially to make them easier to teach. We first show how small but crucial differences in the set-up of the two approaches lead to the use of A$\mathbf{A}$ versus I-A$\mathbf{I}-\mathbf{A}$. Then, we discuss the options to unify the presentations in a coherent way. We do not prescribe one way or the other. A larger point we hope to stress is the importance of unification, which may have both pedagogical and methodological benefits. Show less
Harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs) caused by Microcystis aeruginosa are of great concern as they negatively affect the aquatic environment and human health. Chemical methods could rapidly... Show moreHarmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs) caused by Microcystis aeruginosa are of great concern as they negatively affect the aquatic environment and human health. Chemical methods could rapidly eradicate HCBs and have been used for many decades. However, many chemical reagents are not recommended to eliminate HCBs in the long term, given the possible destructive and toxic effects of the chemicals employed on non-target aquatic organisms. We developed a new algaecide, 2-((1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio)-N-(4-chlorophenyl) acetamide (Q2), to control harmful cyanobacteria while being environmentally friendly and selective. In our study, Q2 effectively inhibited cyanobacterial growth, especially of M. aeruginosa, but did not affect eukaryotic algae in test concentrations. A critical mechanism was revealed by transcriptome and metagenomic results showing that Q2 affects multiple cellular targets of cyanobacteria for HCB control, including the destruction of organelles, damage in the photosynthesis center, as well as inhibition of gas vesicle growth, and these changes can be highly relevant to the decrease of quorum-sensing functional KEGG pathways. Furthermore, Q2 did not affect the microbial composition and could recover the disrupted aquatic functional pathways in a short period. This is different from the impact on ecosystem functioning of the traditionally used harmful algaecide diuron. All these results verified that Q2 could be friendly to the aquatic environment, providing a new directional choice in managing HCBs in the future. Show less
The environmental benefits of low-carbon technologies, such as photovoltaic modules, have been under debate because their large-scale deployment will require a drastic increase in metal production.... Show moreThe environmental benefits of low-carbon technologies, such as photovoltaic modules, have been under debate because their large-scale deployment will require a drastic increase in metal production. This is of concern because higher metal demand may induce ore grade decline and can thereby further intensify the environmental footprint of metal supply. To account for this interlinkage known as the "energy-resource nexus", energy and metal supply scenarios need to be assessed in conjunction. We investigate the trends of future impacts of metal supplies and low-carbon technologies, considering both metal and electricity supply scenarios. We develop metal supply scenarios for copper, nickel, zinc, and lead, extending previous work. Our scenarios consider developments such as ore grade decline, energy-efficiency improvements, and secondary production shares. We also include two future electricity supply scenarios from the IMAGE model using a recently published methodology. Both scenarios are incorporated into the background database of ecoinvent to realize an integrated modeling approach, that is, future metal supply chains make use of future electricity and vice versa. We find that impacts of the modeled metal supplies and low-carbon technologies may decrease in the future. Key drivers for impact reductions are the electricity transition and increasing secondary production shares. Considering both metal and electricity scenarios has proven valuable because they drive impact reductions in different categories, namely human toxicity (up to -43%) and climate change (up to -63%), respectively. Thus, compensating for lower ore grades and reducing impacts beyond climate change requires both greener electricity and also sustainable metal supply. This article met the requirements for a Gold-Gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges Show less
Background The T-1 Mapping and Extracellular volume (ECV) Standardization (T1MES) program explored T-1 mapping quality assurance using a purpose-developed phantom with Food and Drug Administration ... Show moreBackground The T-1 Mapping and Extracellular volume (ECV) Standardization (T1MES) program explored T-1 mapping quality assurance using a purpose-developed phantom with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Conformite Europeenne (CE) regulatory clearance. We report T-1 measurement repeatability across centers describing sequence, magnet, and vendor performance. Methods Phantoms batch-manufactured in August 2015 underwent 2 years of structural imaging, B-0 and B-1, and "reference" slow T-1 testing. Temperature dependency was evaluated by the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology and by the German Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. Center-specific T-1 mapping repeatability (maximum one scan per week to minimum one per quarter year) was assessed over mean 358 (maximum 1161) days on 34 1.5 T and 22 3 T magnets using multiple T-1 mapping sequences. Image and temperature data were analyzed semi-automatically. Repeatability of serial T-1 was evaluated in terms of coefficient of variation (CoV), and linear mixed models were constructed to study the interplay of some of the known sources of T-1 variation. Results Over 2 years, phantom gel integrity remained intact (no rips/tears), B-0 and B-1 homogenous, and "reference" T-1 stable compared to baseline (% change at 1.5 T, 1.95 +/- 1.39%; 3 T, 2.22 +/- 1.44%). Per degrees Celsius, 1.5 T, T-1 (MOLLI 5s(3s)3s) increased by 11.4 ms in long native blood tubes and decreased by 1.2 ms in short post-contrast myocardium tubes. Agreement of estimated T-1 times with "reference" T-1 was similar across Siemens and Philips CMR systems at both field strengths (adjusted R-2 ranges for both field strengths, 0.99-1.00). Over 1 year, many 1.5 T and 3 T sequences/magnets were repeatable with mean CoVs < 1 and 2% respectively. Repeatability was narrower for 1.5 T over 3 T. Within T1MES repeatability for native T-1 was narrow for several sequences, for example, at 1.5 T, Siemens MOLLI 5s(3s)3s prototype number 448B (mean CoV = 0.27%) and Philips modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) 3s(3s)5s (CoV 0.54%), and at 3 T, Philips MOLLI 3b(3s)5b (CoV 0.33%) and Siemens shortened MOLLI (ShMOLLI) prototype 780C (CoV 0.69%). After adjusting for temperature and field strength, it was found that the T-1 mapping sequence and scanner software version (both P < 0.001 at 1.5 T and 3 T), and to a lesser extent the scanner model (P = 0.011, 1.5 T only), had the greatest influence on T-1 across multiple centers. Conclusion The T1MES CE/FDA approved phantom is a robust quality assurance device. In a multi-center setting, T-1 mapping had performance differences between field strengths, sequences, scanner software versions, and manufacturers. However, several specific combinations of field strength, sequence, and scanner are highly repeatable, and thus, have potential to provide standardized assessment of T-1 times for clinical use, although temperature correction is required for native T-1 tubes at least. Show less
In the central plain of China, grinding tools are a common category of artefacts at sites attributed to the Peiligang Culture (c. 9000-7000 BP). This paper focuses on the grinding tool assemblage... Show moreIn the central plain of China, grinding tools are a common category of artefacts at sites attributed to the Peiligang Culture (c. 9000-7000 BP). This paper focuses on the grinding tool assemblage from the site of Tanghu, the largest Peiligang Culture settlement yet discovered. The results from the microwear and residue analyses both suggest that cereals were the primary plant material processed with the grinding tools. Other plants, including acorns and underground storage organs, were also processed, but probably to a smaller extent. Furthermore, microwear analysis suggests that the dry-grinding technique was adopted for cereal processing, and a piece of hide or animal skin was placed underneath the grinding slabs to gather the processed plant material. Apart from plant food processing, one of the grinding tools was also involved in processing bone. These data put more insights into the Neolithic culinary practices and different uses of grinding tools in this region. Show less
