Zircon U-Pb ages in the Nuratau ophiolitic mélange in the southern Tianshan,Uzbekistan:Implication for the closure of Paleo-Asian Ocean

1.Objective The Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB),which is located between the European craton,Siberian craton,and Tarim-North China craton(Fig.1a),is the largest phanerozoic accretionary orogen in the world.It resulted from the longterm subduction and accretion of the Paleo-Asian Ocean(PAO).The PAO has been in existence since at least the late Mesoproterozoic(about 1020 Ma).However,there has been debate about the closing time of the PAO.

Persistent Variations in the East Asian Trough from March to April and the Possible Mechanism

The East Asian trough(EAT)profoundly influences the East Asian spring climate.In this study,the relationship of the EATs among the three spring months is investigated.Correlation analysis shows that the variation in March EAT is closely related to that of April EAT.Extended empirical orthogonal function(EEOF)analysis also confirms the co-variation of the March and April EATs.The positive/negative EEOF1 features the persistent strengthened/weakened EAT from March to April.Further investigation indicates that the variations in EEOF1 are related to a dipole sea surface temperature(SST)pattern over the North Atlantic and the SST anomaly over the tropical Indian Ocean.The dipole SST pattern over the North Atlantic,with one center east of Newfoundland Island and another east of Bermuda,could trigger a Rossby wave train to influence the EAT in March−April.The SST anomaly over the tropical Indian Ocean can change the Walker circulation and influence the atmospheric circulation over the tropical western Pacific,subsequently impacting the southern part of the EAT in March−April.Besides the SST factors,the Northeast Asian snow cover could change the regional thermal conditions and lead to persistent EAT anomalies from March to April.These three impact factors are generally independent of each other,jointly explaining large variations in the EAT EEOF1.Moreover,the signals of the three factors could be traced back to February,consequently providing a potential prediction source for the EAT variation in March and April.

Provenance of Conglomerate and Sandstone from Early Permian Shoushangou Formation in Xi Ujimqin,Inner Mongolia:Implications for Understanding Paleo-Asian Ocean Subduction

During the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian,a rift was formed by post-collisional extension after ocean closure or an island arc-related basin formed by Paleo-Asian Ocean(PAO)subduction in the Xi Ujimqin area.Nevertheless,the closure time of the PAO is still under debate.Thus,to identify the origin of the PAO,the geochemistry and U-Pb age of zircons were analyzed for the extra-large deep marine,polymict clastic boulders and sandstones in the Shoushangou Formation within the basin.The analyses revealed magmatic activity and tectonic evolution.The conglomerates include megaclasts of granite(298.8±9.1 Ma)and granodiorite porphyry(297.1±3.1 Ma),which were deposited by muddy debris flow.Results of this study demonstrated that the boulders of granitoids have the geochemistry of typical I-type granite,characterized by low Zr+Nb+Ce+Y and low Ga/Al values.The granitoid boulders were formed in island arc setting,indicating the presence of arc magmatism in the area that is composed of the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian subduction-related granitoid in southern Xi Ujimqin.Multiple diagrams for determining sedimentary provenance using major and trace elements indicate that Shoushangou sediments originated from continental island arc-related felsic rocks.Detrital zircon U-Pb age cluster of 330–280 Ma was obtained,indicating input from granite,ophiolite,Xilin Gol complex,and Carboniferous sources to the south.The basin was geographically developed behind the arc during the Early Permian period because the outcropped intrusive rocks in the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian form a volcanic arc.The comprehensive analyses of source areas suggest that Shoushangou sediments developed in a backarc basin in response to the northward subduction of the PAO.The backarc basin and intrusive rocks,in addition to previously published Late Carboniferous to Early Permian magmatic rocks of arc unit in Xilin Gol,confirm the presence of an Early Permian trencharc-basin system in the region,represented by the Baolidao arc and Xi Ujimqin backarc basin.This study highlights the importance and potential of combined geochemical and geochronological studies of conglomerates and sandstone for reconstructing the geodynamic setting of a basin.

A harmonisation approach to traditional Chinese medicine registration in Asian countries

The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)industry is critical to not only for public health but also for economic growth.According to the European Union(EU)directives,under the EU framework for(traditional)herbal medicinal products,herbal medicines with long history of use can be registered in EU.However,there is a condition in this directive in which only those that have at least 10e15 years in the EU market are accepted for registration and/or marketing authorization.In author opinion,the condition of 10-15 years of use in EU countries set within the EU regulatory framework is with consideration of the genetic differences which can result in variation in adverse drug responses among different world populations.With this concept in mind,it is reasonable to project the principal of the EU directive to the Asian countries where TCM is originated.Countries like China,Singapore,Japan and South Korea that have well established drug registration framework are in best position in executing the best practice and facilitate harmonization of registration for TCM within the region.Furthermore,the registration process itself allows more safety and efficacy data to be collected systemically before and after product registration/marketing authorization.These are valuable information for future drug development.The therapeutic value of TCM is limitless,it has been left out in the EU regulatory framework,and the opportunity for it to be expanded and carried forward in modern medicines is shadowed by the limited number of TCM that are qualified to be registered under the EU regulatory framework.An early establishment of a harmonized risk-based registration process for TCM in Asian countries is important.This will strengthen the database to substantiate the history of safe use and further preserving and expanding the therapeutic values of TCM within and beyond the Asian region.

KCNQ1 rs2237895 gene polymorphism increases susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in Asian populations

BACKGROUND The association of single nucleotide polymorphism of KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is currently controversial.It is unknown whether this association can be gene realized across different populations.AIM To determine the association of KCNQ1 rs2237895 with T2DM and provide reliable evidence for genetic susceptibility to T2DM.METHODS We searched PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Medline,Baidu Academic,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,China Biomedical Literature Database,and Wanfang to investigate the association between KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 and the risk of T2DM up to January 12,2022.Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyze the association of the KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 polymorphism with T2DM and to evaluate the publication bias of the selected literature.RESULTS Twelve case–control studies(including 11273 cases and 11654 controls)met our inclusion criteria.In the full population,allelic model[odds ratio(OR):1.19;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.09–1.29;P<0.0001],recessive model(OR:1.20;95%CI:1.11–1.29;P<0.0001),dominant model(OR:1.27.95%CI:1.14–1.42;P<0.0001),and codominant model(OR:1.36;95%CI:1.15–1.60;P=0.0003)(OR:1.22;95%CI:1.10–1.36;P=0.0002)indicated that the KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 polymorphism was significantly correlated with susceptibility to T2DM.In stratified analysis,this association was confirmed in Asian populations:allelic model(OR:1.25;95%CI:1.13–1.37;P<0.0001),recessive model(OR:1.29;95%CI:1.11–1.49;P=0.0007),dominant model(OR:1.35;95%CI:1.20–1.52;P<0.0001),codominant model(OR:1.49;95%CI:1.22–1.81;P<0.0001)(OR:1.26;95%CI:1.16–1.36;P<0.0001).In non-Asian populations,this association was not significant:Allelic model(OR:1.06,95%CI:0.98–1.14;P=0.12),recessive model(OR:1.04;95%CI:0.75–1.42;P=0.83),dominant model(OR:1.06;95%CI:0.98–1.15;P=0.15),codominant model(OR:1.08;95%CI:0.82–1.42;P=0.60.OR:1.15;95%CI:0.95–1.39;P=0.14).CONCLUSION KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 was significantly associated with susceptibility to T2DM in an Asian population.Carriers of the C allele had a higher risk of T2DM.This association was not significant in non-Asian populations.

Community-Based Hepatitis B Campaign in Asian Americans

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) disproportionately affects minority groups in the US, particularly Asian Americans, with numerous factors contributing to this disparity. Of the 2.4 million people living with chronic HBV in the US, 60% are Asian American. Many are unaware of their status and lack access to proper clinical care, with less than ten percent receiving necessary antiviral treatment. Barriers to screening and care include lack of disease awareness, language and cultural barriers, and financial constraints. Additionally, healthcare providers and systems in the US often overlook the importance of CHB, leading to inadequate care. In response, the Center for Viral Hepatitis (CVH) has implemented a community-based outreach program over the past sixteen years, employing a multifaceted approach involving all sectors of society and various organizations to combat health disparities in CHB. This grassroots campaign has proven highly effective, leveraging CVH’s leadership in spearheading numerous collaborative activities with community members, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. We have summarized the key points of CVH's efforts and their significance in combating CHB-related health disparities. The CHB Screening and Awareness Campaign, tailored to the Asian American community, serves as a successful model for increasing CHB screening, linkage-to-care, and addressing socio-cultural barriers and health literacy. Insights from these outreach programs have guided the development of culturally relevant resources and education initiatives. These findings suggest that such community-driven approaches are essential for addressing health disparities. The strategies and outcomes of CVH’s efforts can inform future health initiatives for other minority communities in the US and globally.

About Asian Agricultural Research

Asian Agricultural Research(ISSN 1943-9903),founded in 2009,is a monthly comprehensive agricultural academic journal published and approved by the Library of Congress of the United States of America.

Research on groundwater ecological environment mapping based on ecological service function:A case study of five Central Asian countries and neighboring regions of China

The groundwater system is a unique ecosystem that serves both resource and ecological functions.Hydrogeologists have conducted extensive theoretical research and practical work on groundwater ecological mapping.This paper,based on the study of groundwater resources and surface ecology in the five Central Asian countries and adjacent areas of China,introduces the concept of ecosystem service functions.It establishes a groundwater ecological zoning index system and conducts research of ecological mapping using the five Central Asian countries and adjacent areas of China as examples.Through this process,the ecosystem service functions of groundwater can be more comprehensively reflected,which can better guide regional geological environment protection and industrial planning.This approach helps coordinate the relationship between socio-economic development and water resource protection,maintain the health of the groundwater ecological environment,enhance the value of groundwater ecological services,and promote the sustainable development of regional economies and societies.

Research Suggests New Toolmaking Timeline for East Asian Hominins

Anew study from the Nihewan basin of China has revealed that hominins who possessed advanced knapping abilities equivalent to Mode 2 technological features occupied East Asia as early as 1.1 million years ago(Ma),which is 0.3 Ma earlier than the date associated with the first handaxes found in East Asia.This suggests that Mode 2 hominins dispersed into East Asia much earlier than previously thought.

Study on the Promotion of Digital Trade to Northeast Asian Regional Economy

Society is currently transitioning from the era of informatization and digitization to the era of intelligence.Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence,the Internet of Things,and big data are permeating every aspect of production and life.This penetration presents a rare opportunity for the development of digital trade and catalyzes innovation in traditional trade patterns.This paper first analyzes the inevitability of digital trade development in Northeast Asia.Secondly,it delves into the challenges faced by digital trade development and explores in-depth the promotion strategy for digital trade’s impact on the economic development of the Northeast Asia region,providing insights from various perspectives for reference.

Discourse Analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative From the Perspective of Central Asian Countries: A Case Study of the Republic of Kazakhstan

This study employs Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis(CDA)three-dimensional model,using the Republic of Kazakhstan as a case study,to delve into the discourse construction of China’s Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)in Central Asian countries.Through detailed analysis of policy documents,media reports,and public discussions in Central Asian countries,this paper reveals how the BRI constructs specific social practices,discourse events,and textual meanings within these nations.The findings indicate that through this global development strategy,China has not only strengthened its economic ties with Central Asian countries but has also exerted profound influences on political,cultural,and social levels.

Recent Advances in Understanding Multi-scale Climate Variability of the Asian Monsoon

Studies of the multi-scale climate variability of the Asian monsoon are essential to an advanced understanding of the physical processes of the global climate system.In this paper,the progress achieved in this field is systematically reviewed,with a focus on the past several years.The achievements are summarized into the following topics:(1)the onset of the South China Sea summer monsoon;(2)the East Asian summer monsoon;(3)the East Asian winter monsoon;and(4)the Indian summer monsoon.Specifically,new results are highlighted,including the advanced or delayed local monsoon onset tending to be synchronized over the Arabian Sea,Bay of Bengal,Indochina Peninsula,and South China Sea;the basic features of the record-breaking mei-yu in 2020,which have been extensively investigated with an emphasis on the role of multi-scale processes;the recovery of the East Asian winter monsoon intensity after the early 2000s in the presence of continuing greenhouse gas emissions,which is believed to have been dominated by internal climate variability(mostly the Arctic Oscillation);and the accelerated warming over South Asia,which exceeded the tropical Indian Ocean warming,is considered to be the main driver of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall recovery since 1999.A brief summary is provided in the final section along with some further discussion on future research directions regarding our understanding of the Asian monsoon variability.

Revisiting East Asian monsoon change during the Last Glacial Maximum using PMIP4 simulations

利用PMIP4多模式试验数据,本文重新检查了末次冰盛期(距今约21000年)东亚季风变化.结果表明:相对于工业革命前期,所有5个模式一致模拟显示末次冰盛期东亚季风减弱,冬季和夏季减幅分别为1%-18%和2-32%;不同模式中东亚季风环流变化的空间分布存在差异,这主要源于该时期大尺度变冷和海平面气压梯度变化的空间分布不同;由于模式之间的差异和重建记录之间的不确定性,未来有待开展更多模拟和重建工作以更好地理解冰期东亚季风变化.

Future Changes in the Relationship Between the South and East Asian Summer Monsoons in CMIP6 Models

The future changes in the relationship between the South Asian summer monsoon(SASM)and the East Asian summer monsoon(EASM)are investigated by using the high-emissions Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 5-8.5(SSP5-8.5)experiments from 26 coupled models that participated in the phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project(CMIP6).Six models,selected based on their best performance in simulating the upper-and lower-level pathways related to the SASM-EASM teleconnection in the historical run,can capture the positive relationship between the SASM and the rainfall over northern China.In the future scenario,the upper-level teleconnection wave pattern connecting the SASM and the EASM exhibits a significant weakening trend,due to the rainfall anomalies decrease over the northern Indian Peninsula in the future.At the lower level,the western North Pacific anticyclone is projected to strengthen in the warming climate.The positive(negative)rainfall anomalies associated with positive(negative)SASM rainfall anomalies are anticipated to extend southward from northern China to the Yangtze-Huai River valley,the Korea Peninsula,and southern Japan.The connection in the lower-level pathway may be strengthened in the future.

Intermediate hyperglycemia in early pregnancy:A South Asian perspective

“Intermediate hyperglycemia in early pregnancy(IHEP)”refers to mild hyperglycemia detected before 24 gestational weeks(GW),satisfying the criteria for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus.Many professional bodies recommend routine screening for“overt diabetes”in early pregnancy,which identifies a significant number of women with mild hyperglycemia of undetermined significance.A literature search revealed that one-third of GDM women in South Asian countries are diagnosed before the conventional screening period of 24 GW to 28 GW;hence,they belong in the IHEP category.Most hospitals in this region diagnose IHEP by oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)using the same criteria used for GDM diagnosis after 24 GW.There is some evidence to suggest that South Asian women with IHEP are more prone to adverse pregnancy events than women with a diagnosis of GDM after 24 GW,but this observation needs to be proven by randomized control trials.Fasting plasma glucose is a reliable screening test for GDM that can obviate the need for OGTT for GDM diagnosis among 50%of South Asian pregnant women.HbA1c in the first trimester predicts GDM in later pregnancy,but it is not a reliable test for IHEP diagnosis.There is evidence to suggest that HbA1c in the first trimester is an independent risk factor for several adverse pregnancy events.Further research to identify the pathogenetic mechanisms behind the fetal and maternal effects of IHEP is strongly recommended.

Analysis of sex pheromone production and field trapping of the Asian corn borer(Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée)in Xinjiang,China

Identifying the sex pheromone systems of local pest populations facilitates their management,especially for moth species that show significant geographic variation in sex pheromone communication.We investigated the pheromone production and behavioral responses of the Asian corn borer(Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée;ACB)in Xinjiang,China.The ACB produces three compounds:(Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetate(Z12-14:Ac)and(E)-12-tetradecenyl acetate(E12-14:Ac)which are two sex pheromone compounds,and n-tetradecyl acetate(14:Ac)which has variable roles in mediating behavioral responses.The ratios of these three compounds produced in female gland are geographically distinct among different populations.Quantitative analysis of pheromone production showed that the proportions of Z12-14:Ac in the E/Z isomers(i.e.,Z and E12-14:Ac)and the proportions of 14:Ac in the ternary blend respectively averaged 60.46%(SD=5.26)and 25.00%(SD=7.37),with their probabilities normally or near-normally distributed.Trapping experiments in a cornfield indicated that deploying the E/Z isomers and the three compounds in rubber septa close to their gland ratios yielded the most captured males,while other ratios that deviated from the gland ratios showed reduced field captures.The ternary blend was significantly more attractive to males than the E/Z isomers in the field,indicating a functional role of 14:Ac as the third pheromone component used by the local population.Additionally,the dose-response test demonstrated that the application of the three compounds at dosages between 200 and 350μg attracted significantly more males compared to other dosages.Therefore,the characterization of this local ACB pheromone system provides additional information about its geographic variation and serves as a basis for optimizing the pheromone-mediated control of this pest in Xinjiang.

Efficacy and safety of atropine at different concentrations in prevention of myopia progression in Asian children: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

AIM:To assess the efficacy versus the adverse effects of various concentrations of atropine in the prevention of myopia in Asian children.METHODS:Databases(PubMed,EMBASE,the Cochrane Library and Web of science)were comprehensively searched from inception to April 2022.Types of studies included were randomized clinical trials(RCTs).The published languages were limited to English.Two researchers assessed the quality of included studies independently using Cochrane risk of bias tool based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used for detection of publication bias.Meta-analyses were conducted using STATA(version 15.0;StataCorp).RESULTS:A total of 15 RCTs involving 2268 patients were included in the study.In the atropine group,spherical equivalent progressed at a significantly lower rate[weighted mean difference(WMD)=0.39,95%confidence interval(CI):0.23,0.54]than in the control group.A WMD of 0.15 mm was associated with less axial elongation(95%CI-0.19,-0.10).Different doses showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05)and an improved effect could result from a higher concentration.Changes in photopic pupil size and mesopic pupil size in atropine group is 0.70 mm(95%CI:0.33,1.06)and 0.38 mm(95%CI:0.22,0.54)more than the control group.In the present Meta-analysis,no changes in accommodative amplitude(AA)were associated with atropine administration.Atropine administration increased the risk of adverse effects by 1.37 times.CONCLUSION:Concentrations of less than 1%atropine are able to effectively retard diopter and axis growth of myopia in Asian children in a dose-dependent manner.Meanwhile,it caused pupil enlargement,but induced no change in the AA within this range.Further study is required to determine the dosage needed to achieve maximum efficacy and minimal side effects.

Genetic diversity and inferred ancestry of Asian lotus(Nelumbo nucifera) germplasms in Thailand and Vietnam

Tropical lotus(Nelumbo) is an important and unique ecological type of lotus germplasm.Understanding the genetic relationship and diversity of the tropical lotus is necessary for its sustainable conservation and utilization.Using 42 EST-SSR(expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeats) and 30 SRAP(sequence-related amplified polymorphism) markers,we assessed the genetic diversity and inferred the ancestry of representative tropical lotus from Thailand and Vietnam.In total,164 and 41 polymorphic bands were detected in 69 accessions by 36 EST-SSR and seven SRAP makers,respectively.Higher genetic diversity was revealed in Thai lotus than in Vietnamese lotus.A Neighbor-Joining tree of five main clusters was constructed using combined EST-SSR and SRAP markers.Cluster Ⅰ included 17 accessions of Thai lotus;cluster Ⅱ contained three Thai accessions and 11 accessions from southern Vietnam;and cluster Ⅲ was constituted by 13 accessions of seed lotus.Consistent with the results from the NeighborJoining tree,the genetic structure analysis showed that the genetic background of most Thai and Vietnamese lotus was pure,as artificial breeding has been rare in both countries.Furthermore,these analyses indicate that Thai and Vietnamese lotus germplasms belong to two different gene pools or populations.Most lotus accessions are genetically related to geographical distribution patterns in Thailand or Vietnam.Our findings showed that the origin or genetic relationships of some unidentified lotus sources can be evaluated by comparing morphological characteristics and the data of molecular markers.In addition,these findings provide reliable information for the targeted conservation of tropical lotus and parent selection in breeding novel cultivars of lotus.

Evaluation of trap effi ciency for the Asian longhorned beetle,Anoplophora glabripennis

The Asian longhorned beetle(ALB),Anoplophora glabripennis,is a well-known stem borer with high polyphagous properties causing frequent outbreaks in northeast China.An attractant-based trap is needed to improve the sensitivity,reliability,and effi ciency for detection of the beetle.In this study,the eff ects of attractants,trap types and color synergy of a trapping system were evaluated.Attractant blends comprised of the male-produced,two-component pheromone plus plant volatiles were used in the fi eld in Hengshui city.Plant volatiles(e.g.,1-pentanol,and 2-pentanol)in combination with male pheromones increased the mean number of trapped ALB compared to the pheromone alone.Males responded better than females to traps baited with plant volatiles alone,whereas traps emitting plant volatiles plus pheromone,regardless of trap type,captured more females than males.The ALB-trapping effi ciency of a modifi ed fl ight intercept panel trap was more than ten times as high as a woodborer panel trap and 1.2 times a fl ight intercept panel trap.The 1-pentanol and 2-pentanol attractants alone or in combination with male-produced pheromone were more eff ective for monitoring ALB than common lures.In laboratory Y-tube olfactometer experiments,the color brown was better at increasing attraction of both males and females to 1-pentanol,2-pentanol,1-pentanol+pheromone,and 2-pentanol+pheromone compared to the clear-glass control arm.The fi ndings provide a reliable and eff ective trap system to monitor ALB infestations.

Variaiton in the composition of small molecule compounds in the egg yolks of Asian Short-toed Larks between early and late broods

The egg yolks of birds contain most of the maternally derived materials required for embryo development and are an important factor influencing embryo development and offspring viability.Individual variation in egg-laying date frequently occurs in passerines inhabiting highly seasonal environments.Females laying in early and late stages of the breeding season encounter different environment temperatures and food conditions,which can affect the levels of metabolities in their bodies,thereby altering the transmission of these materials to the eggs.We test a hypothesis that yolk small molecule compounds of Asian Short-toed Lark(Alaudala cheleensis)could vary between early(mid-May)and late(mid-June)broods.Using the UHPLC-MS/MS method,683 compounds belonging to 21 compound groups are detected in the yolks.The contents of 18 compounds are significantly different between early and late broods.Ten differential compounds are significantly higher in the early laid eggs,among whichγ-aminobutyric acid,creatine,prostaglandins,palmitoleic acid,linoleic acid,and trans linoleic acid are related to low environment temperature response.The eggs laid in late stage exhibit significantly higher levels of 5-L-glutamyl-L-alanine andγ-glutamate-leucine,1,3-dimethyluric acid and mannose,which may be attributed to females in the late group consuming more insects.We suggest conducting a comprehensive investigation to reveal the yolk small molecule compounds mediated maternal effects on offspring phenotypes under varying ecological conditions.