ALBERT

Description:    In this study, we analyzed stable calcium isotope results of authigenic carbonates from two cold seep areas of the Dongsha area and the Baiyun Sag in the northern South China Sea. The stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen as well as the mineral composition of authigenic carbonates were used to investigate control calcium isotope fractionation. The δ 44/40 Ca ratios of the southwestern Dongsha area samples ranged from 1.21‰ to 1.52‰ and the ratio of the Baiyun Sag sample was 1.55‰ of the SRM915a isotope standard. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the carbonate samples consisted of dolomite, calcite and aragonite, with small amounts of high-Mg calcite and siderite. The δ 13 C values of the carbonates of the southwestern Dongsha area varied between −49.21‰ and −16.86‰ of the Vienna PeeDee Belemnite (VPDB) standard and the δ 18 O values ranged from 2.25‰ to 3.72‰ VPDB. The δ 13 C value of the Baiyun Sag sample was 2.36‰ VPDB and the δ 18 O value was 0.44‰ VPDB. The δ 13 C values of the carbonates of the southwestern Dongsha area revealed there is methane seeping into this area, with a variable contribution of methane-derived carbon. The sampled carbonates covered a range of δ 13 C values suggesting a dominant methane carbon source for the light samples and mixtures of δ 13 C values for the heavier samples, with possibly an organic or seawater carbon source. The δ 18 O values indicated that there is enrichment in 18 O, which is related to the larger oxygen isotope fractionation in dolomite compared to calcite. The results of the Baiyun Sag sample exhibited normal seawater carbon and oxygen isotopic values, indicating that this sample is not related to methane seepage but instead to precipitation from seawater. The relatively high δ 44/40 Ca values indicated either precipitation at comparatively high rates in pore-water regimes with high alkalinity, or precipitation from an evolved heavy fluid with high degrees of Ca consumption (Raleigh type fractionation). The dolomite samples from the Dongsha area revealed a clear correlation between the carbon and calcium isotope composition, indicating a link between the amount and/or rate of carbonate precipitation and methane contribution to the bicarbonate source. The results of the three stable isotope systems, mineralogy and petrography, show that mineral composition, the geochemical environment of authigenic carbonates and carbon source can control the calcium isotope fractionation. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-4990-9 Authors ShuHong Wang, CAS Key Laboratory of Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301 China Wen Yan, CAS Key Laboratory of Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301 China H. Vitor Magalhães, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Geosciences Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal Zhong Chen, CAS Key Laboratory of Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301 China M. Luis Pinheiro, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Geosciences Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal Nikolaus Gussone, Institut für Mineralogie, Universität Münster, Münster, 48149 Germany Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    The diffusion boundary layer (DBL) significantly limits the exchange between sediment and overlying water and therefore becomes a bottleneck of diffusive vertical flux at the sediment-water interface (SWI). Variable DBL thickness and diffusion flux in response to dynamic forcing may influence replenishment of nutrients and secondary pollution in coastal waters. In situ measurements of velocity in the bottom boundary layer (BBL) and oxygen concentration in the DBL were made over an intertidal mudflat, using an acoustic Doppler current and mini profiler. A linear distributed zone in the oxygen profile, the profile slope discontinuity and variance of concentration can be used to derive accurate DBL thickness. Diffusion fluxes calculated from the water column and sediment are identical, and their bias is less than 6%. A numerical model PROFILE is used to simulate the in situ dissolved oxygen profile, and layered dissolved oxygen consumption rates in the sediment are calculated. The DBL thickness (0.10–0.35 mm) and diffusion flux (15.4–53.6 mmol m −2 d −1 ) vary with a factor of 3.5 during a tidal period. Over an intertidal mudflat, DBL thickness is controlled by flow speed U in the BBL, according to δ DBL =1686.1 DU −1 +0.1 ( D is the molecular diffusion coefficient). That is, the DBL thickness δ DBL increases with decreasing flow speed U . Changes of diffusion flux at the SWI are caused by variations in the water above the sediment and the turbulent mixing intensity. The diffusion flux is positively related to the turbulent dissipation rate, friction velocity and turbulent energy. Under the influence of dynamics in the BBL, DBL thickness and flux vary significantly. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-4988-3 Authors JiaNing Wang, Laboratory of Physical Oceanography, College of Physical and Environmental Oceanography, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100 China Liang Zhao, Laboratory of Physical Oceanography, College of Physical and Environmental Oceanography, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100 China Hao Wei, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    We have examined the Wind data in 1996 and identified 21 small interplanetary magnetic flux ropes (SIMFRs), and all the 21 SIMFRs have boundary layer structures. The durations of the boundary layers varied from several minutes to 30 minutes. These boundary layers also have properties of high proton temperature, density, and plasma beta. These boundary layers are formed by magnetic reconnections. In addition, in three events magnetic reconnections were occurring inside the boundary layers. It indicates that the flux rope structures have propagated for some period of time, and their boundaries were still evolving through interaction with the background solar wind. Namely it is very possible that the SIMFRs came from the solar corona. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4960-7 Authors HengQiang Feng, College of Physics and Electronic Information, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, 471022 China JieMin Wang, College of Physics and Electronic Information, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, 471022 China DeJin Wu, Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Magnetic reconnection is an important universal plasma dissipation process that converts magnetic energy into plasma thermal and kinetic energy, and simultaneously changes the magnetic field topology. In this paper, we report the first observation of energetic electrons associated with asymmetric reconnection in the sheath of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection. The magnetic field shear angle was about 151°, implying guide-field reconnection. The width of the exhaust was about 8×10 4 km. The reconnection rate was estimated as 0.044–0.08, which is consistent with fast reconnection theory and previous observations. We observed flux enhancements of energetic electrons with energy up to 400 keV in this reconnection exhaust. The region where energetic electron fluxes were enhanced is located at one pair of separatrices in the higher density hemisphere. We discuss these observation results, and compare with previous observations and recent kinetic simulations. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-4974-9 Authors ShiYong Huang, School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072 China XiaoHua Deng, School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072 China Meng Zhou, State Key Laboratory of Space Weather, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China ZhiGang Yuan, School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072 China HuiMin Li, School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072 China DeDong Wang, School of Electronic Information, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    This work detects multi-scale, from hour to seconds, pressure-balanced structures (PBSs) in the solar wind based on the anti-correlation between the plasma thermal pressure and the magnetic pressure measured by WIND at 1 AU on April 5th, 2001. In our former research based on Cluster measurements, we showed the anti-correlation between the electron density and the magnetic field strength in multi-scales, and we supposed these structures may be pressure-balanced structures. Thus, in this work we aim to prove our speculation by the direct evidence on pressure measurements. Different from our previous work, we apply the WIND measurements this time, for they have both the magnetic pressure and the plasma pressure which Cluster could not offer. We use the wavelet cross-coherence method to analyze the correlation between the plasma pressure ( P th ) and the magnetic pressure ( P B ), and also the electron density ( N e ) and the magnetic field strength ( B ) on various scales. We observe the anti-correlation between P th and P B distributed at different temporal scales ranging from 1000 s down to 10 s. This result directly indicates the existence of pressure-balanced structures (PBSs) with different sizes in the solar wind. Further, We compare the wavelet cross correlation spectrum of P th - P B and N e - B . We notice that the two spectra are similar in general. Thus this result confirms that the relation between P th - P B and N e - B are consistent with each other in the PBSs we study. Moreover, we compare the power spectrum density (PSD) of relative N e fluctuation with our previous work based on Cluster measurements. The two spectra show similar trend with Komolgorov’s −5/3 as their slopes. This may imply the similarity of the structures observed by both WIND and Cluster spacecrafts. Finally, we discuss the possible formation mechanisms for these multi-scale pressure-balanced structures. Our result is important to support the existence of multi-scale PBSs from one-hour scale down to one-minute, and is helpful to understand the role of compressive fluctuation in the solar wind turbulence dominated by Alfvénic cascading. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4966-1 Authors Shuo Yao, School of Geophysics and Information Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083 China ChuanYi Tu, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China JianSen He, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China WenBo Wei, School of Geophysics and Information Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083 China XiaoHong Meng, School of Geophysics and Information Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    At present it remains to address why the fast solar wind is fast and the slow wind is slow. Recently we have shown that the field line curvature may substantially influence the wind speed v , thereby offering an explanation for the Arge et al. finding that v depends on more than just the flow tube expansion factor. Here we show by extensive numerical examples that the correlation between v and field line curvature is valid for rather general base boundary conditions and for rather general heating functions. Furthermore, the effect of field line curvature is even more pronounced when the proton-alpha particle speed difference is examined. We suggest that any solar wind model has to take into account the field line shape for any quantitative analysis to be made. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4965-2 Authors Bo Li, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy & Solar-Terrestrial Environment, School of Space Science and Physics, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai, 264209 China Yao Chen, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy & Solar-Terrestrial Environment, School of Space Science and Physics, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai, 264209 China LiDong Xia, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy & Solar-Terrestrial Environment, School of Space Science and Physics, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai, 264209 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Surface aerodynamic roughness length is usually taken as a constant. In fact, it displays a remarkable dynamic change over underlying vegetation surfaces, because of the coupling of land surface roughness elements and windflow conditions. Current international research on this dynamic change and associated mechanisms is very limited. Using observations from different underlying surfaces (including forest, farmland and grassland) provided by a northern China coordinated observation test, the variation of aerodynamic roughness length, along with wind speed and friction velocity, is analyzed. We introduce two relationship fits, between aerodynamic roughness length and wind speed u , and dynamic variable u 2 / u * . Results show that aerodynamic roughness length has a clear dynamic change, and has complicated interactions with near-surface windflow. Further, the relationship fits between aerodynamic roughness length, u and u 2 / u * , are not only related to the roughness properties of the underlying vegetation surface (e.g. plant height), but also to plant dynamic response characteristics (e.g. flexibility). Aerodynamic roughness length decreases with increasing wind speed, because near-surface windflow conditions can change both plant roughness properties and airflow. However, the change of aerodynamic roughness length with friction velocity is complicated, and its sensitivities and transition points significantly depend on vegetation type. For underlying surfaces of forest and corn, with relatively substantial vegetative cover, roughness length correlates well with wind speed. For a surface with short vegetative cover, like natural lawn, the correlation is low. However, for all of the three vegetative surfaces, there is a close relation between roughness length and u 2 / u * , and their coefficients of fit from testing essentially represent the plant height and flexibility of different vegetation types. The test results also indicate that the parameterized relationships of roughness length over the underlying vegetation surface hold prospects for application. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5000-y Authors Qiang Zhang, Institute of Arid Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration (CMA); Key Laboratory of Arid Climatic Change and Disaster Reduction of Gansu Province, Key Open Laboratory of Arid Climatic Change and Disaster Reduction of CMA, Lanzhou, 730020 China Jian Zeng, Institute of Arid Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration (CMA); Key Laboratory of Arid Climatic Change and Disaster Reduction of Gansu Province, Key Open Laboratory of Arid Climatic Change and Disaster Reduction of CMA, Lanzhou, 730020 China Tong Yao, Institute of Arid Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration (CMA); Key Laboratory of Arid Climatic Change and Disaster Reduction of Gansu Province, Key Open Laboratory of Arid Climatic Change and Disaster Reduction of CMA, Lanzhou, 730020 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Paricalcitol, an analog of vitamin D, is used as a drug for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. In this paper, a new strategy for the synthesis of paricalcitol is described. This approach includes three main improvements: one-pot regioselective ozonization cleavage of the side-chain and methylene at C-19, free-radical reduction removal of the OH group formed at C-19, and side-chain assembly using a Wittig reaction. These are all new strategies for the synthesis of 19-nor-vitamin D 2 compounds. Content Type Journal Article Category Letter Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4915-z Authors LiQi Li, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China LiRong Yue, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China JiJun Xue, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China ZhiXiang Xie, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Ying Li, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    A tidal bore is a unique Earth surface process, characterized by its highly destructive energy, predictable periodicities and magnitudes, and the production of characteristic sedimentary features. Tidal bores and associated rapid flood flows are highly turbulent flows of the upper-flow regime with a velocity over several meters per second. Reynolds ( R e ) and Froude ( F r ) numbers, respectively, are larger than 10 4 and 1.0, making them significantly different from regular tidal flows but analogous to turbidity currents. Until now, understanding of tidal-bore depositional processes and products has been limited because of the difficulty and hazards involved with gauging tidal bores directly. The Qiantang bore is known as the largest breaking bore in the world. Field surveys were carried out in May 2010, along the north bank of the Qiantang Estuary to observe the occurrence of peak bores, including regular observations of current, water level and turbidity at the main channel. Several short cores were sampled on the intertidal flats to study the characteristic sedimentary features of tidal bores. Hydrodynamic and sedimentological studies show that the processes of sediment resuspension, transport and deposition are controlled primarily by the tidal bores, and the subsequent abruptly accelerated and decelerated flood flows, which only account for one tenth of each semidiurnal tidal cycle in the estuary. Tidal-bore deposits are generally poorly sorted because of rapid sedimentation after highly mixed suspension by intense turbulence. This behavior is characteristic of the absence of tractive-current depositional components in a C-M diagram. It also goes along with well-developed massive bedding, graded bedding, basal erosion structures, convolute bedding and dewatering structures. Together, these sedimentary features can constitute fingerprinting of turbidites, widely distributed in the deep-water environment. However, a tidal bore is triggered by intensely deformed tidal waves propagating into a shallow-water environment, which returns to regular tidal flows rapidly after the passage of the bore head. The tidal-bore deposits are usually bounded by the intertidal-flat deposits with typical tidal beddings at the top and on both flanks. The difference between tidal-bore deposits (TBD) and tidal sandy/muddy deposits (TSD/TMD) is evident not only in sedimentary structures, but also in the grain-size composition. They can be clearly distinguished in grain-size bivariate plots, typically the plot of mean grain size vs. standard deviation (or sorting). Some trend variations generally exist in mean grain size with TBD〉TSD〉TMD, sorting with TMD〉TBD〉TSD (larger value indicating poorer sorting), and both skewness and kurtosis with TSD〉TBD〉TMD. These findings will undoubtedly shed new light on our understanding of tidal-bore sedimentology, ancient tidal-bore sedimentary facies and environments, and related oil-and-gas field prospecting. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-4993-6 Authors DaiDu Fan, State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China GuoFu Cai, State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Shuai Shang, State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China YiJing Wu, State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China YanWei Zhang, State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Lei Gao, State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Previous studies have documented a weakening tendency of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) since the end of the 1970s. In this study, we report that the EASM has been recovering since the early 1990s, although its strength is still less than in previous decades (averaged over the period 1965–1980). Following the recovery of the EASM, there has been a tendency in the last decade toward northward-moving rainbands and excessive rainfall in the Huaihe River valley (110°–120°E, 30°–35°N). There is evidence suggesting that the strengthening EASM since the early 1990s is linked to interdecadal change of land-sea thermal contrast. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-4991-8 Authors HaiWen Liu, Plateau Atmosphere and Environment Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Atmospheric Sciences, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, 610225 China TianJun Zhou, State Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Atmospheric Sciences and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 China YuXiang Zhu, China Meteorological Administration Training Centre, Beijing, 100081 China YiHua Lin, State Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Atmospheric Sciences and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Quinolones are the subject of much research as antibacterial compounds and as a new class of antitumor agents. The protonation (P) and deprotonation (D) sites and conformations of quinolone were investigated. The proton affinity (PA) on each of the possible sites in 4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline has been calculated by the restricted Hartree-Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) methods with the basis set 6-311G**. The O-site of protonation was found to be strongly favored over the N-site for the studied compound in the gas phase. Deprotonation takes place in quinolone by detachment of the N-H and COOH protons. The PA of the simple quinolone molecule was used to characterize quinolone reactivity with DNA binding sites. The relative stabilities of the syn and anti conformations were investigated at the B3LYP/6-311G** level of theory; the syn form was shown to be slightly more stable. Its conformation seems to be intrastabilized by hydrogen-bonds consisting of a hydroxyl proton with the O10 atom as the acceptor. We computed and discussed the charge-density distribution and electrostatic potential to explain the reactivity of quinolone. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4922-0 Authors A. K. Elroby Shabaan, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia A. Ewais Hassan, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia G. Aziz Saadullah, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    The thermal stability and glass forming ability (GFA) of Zr 35− x Ti 30 Cu 7.5 Be 27.5 Ag x ( x = 0–10) alloys were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ultrasonic techniques. We found that the addition of 1 at.% Ag can considerably enhance the GFA as indicated by an increase in the critical glass dimension from 15 mm in the Zr 35 Ti 30 Cu 7.5 Be 27.5 alloy to 20 mm in the Zr 34 Ti 30 Cu 7.5 Be 27.5 Ag 1 alloy. However, with the addition of more Ag the supercooled liquid region (Δ T x ) and γ parameter (defined as T x /( T g + T l )) drastically decreased from 155 K and 0.436 to 76 K and 0.363, respectively, resulting in a decrease in the GFA. Additionally, the elastic constant (the ratio of shear modulus to bulk modulus or Poisson’s ratio) was also used as a gauge to evaluate the GFA in Zr 35− x Ti 30 Cu 7.5 Be 27.5 Ag x alloys. Content Type Journal Article Category Letter Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-4987-4 Authors HaiTao Zong, State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004 China XinYu Zhang, State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004 China LiXin Li, College of Physics and Chemistry, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000 China LinYan Bian, College of Physics and Chemistry, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000 China ShunXing Liang, State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004 China ChunLin Tan, State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    To interpret density holes in the solar wind, which are nonlinear structures observed by Cluster and Double Star, we propose an electrostatic ion fluid model. We derive the Sagdeev potential from the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations and study the characteristics of nonlinear structures in our model. The results show that density depletions (or holes) can develop from linear ion acoustic waves or ion cyclotron waves in space plasmas when parameters such as Mach number, initial electric field and ratio of ion to electron temperature satisfy certain conditions. In our model, the relative density depletion (or density holes) is from 0 to 1, and the time duration of density holes is from 2 s to more than 98 s. These are in good agreement with the observations by Cluster and Double Star in the solar wind. Our model also shows that the density holes should be accompanied by bipolar electric field solitary structures, which have also been observed by Cluster in the solar wind. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4913-1 Authors M. N. S. Qureshi, State Key Laboratory of Space Weather, Center for Space Science and Applied Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China JianKui Shi, State Key Laboratory of Space Weather, Center for Space Science and Applied Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China ZhengWei Cheng, State Key Laboratory of Space Weather, Center for Space Science and Applied Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China ZhengXing Liu, State Key Laboratory of Space Weather, Center for Space Science and Applied Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    An efficient method was developed for the synthesis of arylidene heterobicyclic 3-cyano-2-pyridones via ytterbium chloride catalyzed tandem condensation of aromatic aldehydes, cyclic ketones, and cyanoacetamide. The conditions and scope of the reaction were investigated and a reaction mechanism was proposed. Content Type Journal Article Category Letter Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4744-0 Authors QianNan Wang, Key Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China ZhiGang Yao, Key Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China Fan Xu, Key Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China Qi Shen, Key Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Based upon the observational data of the fast magnetic reconnection in the nearly collisionless magnetotail and the particle in cell (PIC) simulations on the electron acceleration in the reconnecting current sheet with guide magnetic field, we self consistently solved one dimension Vlasov equation with the magnetotail parameters and realistic mass ratio to explore the relationship between the anomalous resistivity and the induced electric field. As compared with theoretic formula for the current driven ion-acoustic and Buneman anomalous resistivity, the anomalous resistivity may result from the ion acoustic instability for small reconnecting electric field and the Buneman instability for large reconnecting electric field. The discrepancy between the theoretic results and numerical simulations may be caused by the high frequency instability that results from the deviation of electron distribution from Maxwellian one. These results are consistent with the early experimental results and favorable for the fast reconnection to take place. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4902-4 Authors GuiPing Wu, Department of Physics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189 China DaoYu Zhang, Department of Physics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    1,3-Bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolium chloride, [DIPrim]Cl, was used to produce a novel iron(III)-containing imidazolium salt [DIPrim][FeCl 4 ], which included a N,N -diarylimidazolium cation (R = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl), [DIPrim] + , and tetrachloroferrate(III) anion, [FeCl 4 ] − . This compound was an effective and easy-to-use catalyst for the cross-coupling of aryl Grignard reagents with primary and secondary alkyl halides bearing β -hydrogens. After simply decanting the cross-coupling product in the ether layer, [DIPrim][FeCl 4 ] could be reused in at least four successive runs without significant loss of catalytic activity. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4660-3 Authors ChunHui Yan, The Key Laboratory of Organic Synthesis of Jiangsu Province, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China LinLin Wang, The Key Laboratory of Organic Synthesis of Jiangsu Province, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China HuanHuan Gao, The Key Laboratory of Organic Synthesis of Jiangsu Province, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China HongMei Sun, The Key Laboratory of Organic Synthesis of Jiangsu Province, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China Qi Shen, The Key Laboratory of Organic Synthesis of Jiangsu Province, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Single nucleotide polymorphism is an interesting problem that can alter gene expression, recode amino acids and affect protein function. Protein structural changes have generally been attributed to amino acid replacements, and only a few research efforts have examined the effects of mRNA structural changes to the conformation of the corresponding protein coded by the mRNA. In the present study, the human β-globin HBB gene and four variants were examined. The mRNA secondary structures were constructed using the dynamic extended folding method and the encoded protein secondary structures were obtained from related databases. Comparisons were performed between these structures before and after mutations were introduced into the mature mRNAs and the proteins. We focused on the structural changes from mRNA to protein and found that regular protein conformations tend to match stable mRNA regions, whereas irregular protein conformations, such as β/γ turns and random coils, often match unstable mRNA regions. Mutations within unstable regions can alter the mRNA secondary structure and leave footprints in the protein structure. Comparison of the mRNA-protein secondary structure relationships represents a potential strategy to explore protein functional changes. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-4996-3 Authors YanFei Li, Modern Biological Research Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091 China DongHai Ye, Modern Biological Research Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091 China Wen Zhang, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650031 China ChuanMing Wang, Modern Biological Research Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091 China CiQuan Liu, Modern Biological Research Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091 China Huai Cao, Modern Biological Research Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Satellite derived NO 2 column data have been used to study Chinese national fossil fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. Based on NO 2 retrievals from two satellites (GOME and SCIAMACHY) for 1996–2010, we analyzed the characteristics and evolution of regional pollution related to NO x emissions in China. Satellite observations indicated that the highly polluted regions were expanding. Anthropogenic emission dominated areas have expanded from the east to central and western China, and new highly polluted regions have formed throughout the nation. Bottom-up emission estimates suggested a 133% increase in anthropogenic NO x emissions in East Central China during 1996 to 2010, which was lower than the 184% increase of the NO 2 columns measured by the satellites. We found that growth rates of NO x emissions have slowed in Chinese megacities over recent years, in contrast to which, the NO x emissions were soaring in medium-sized cities, indicating that strict controls of NO x emissions from coal-fired facilities are required in China. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5015-4 Authors Qiang Zhang, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, and Center for Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 China GuanNan Geng, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, and Center for Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 China SiWen Wang, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 China Andreas Richter, Institute of Environmental Physics, University of Bremen, Bremen, 28359 Germany KeBin He, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina is an economically-important disease in wheat worldwide. A combination of different types of resistance genes may significantly enhance rust resistance under rust-favorable conditions. To investigate the interactions between the rust resistance gene Lr34 and the lesion mimic gene lm on 1BL in Ning 7840, a segregating F8–10 population of 180 recombinant inbred lines was developed from Ning 7840/Chokwang and evaluated for both lesion mimic expression and leaf rust response at the adult plant stage in a greenhouse. A major quantitative trait locus (QTL), derived from Sumai 3, was co-localized with Lr34 on chromosome 7D and explained 41.5% of phenotypic variations for rust severity and 22.1% for leaf tip necrosis (LTN). The presence of Lr34 was confirmed by Lr34 -specific markers cssfr1 and cssfr2 in Ning 7840 and Sumai 3. Unlike Lr34 , lm conditioned a spontaneous lesion mimic phenotype and had a significant effect on reducing uredinial size, and a smaller effect on severity. Additive effects were observed between lm and Lr34 for severity and LTN, and an epistatic effect was observed for infection type. Single marker analysis also identified several other QTL with minor effects on severity, infection type, or LTN. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5001-x Authors Tao Li, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology; Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 China GuiHua Bai, USDA-ARS Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research Unit, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA ShiLiang Gu, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology; Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Based on co-seismic displacements recorded by terrestrial GPS stations and seafloor GPS/acoustic stations, the static slip model of the 2011 M w 9.0 Tohoku earthquake was determined by inverting the data using a layered earth model. According to a priori information, the rupture surface was modeled with a geometry that is close to the actual rupture, in which the fault dip angle increases with depth and the fault strike varies with the trend of the trench. As shown by the results inferred from the joint inversion, the “geodetic” moment is 3.68 × 10 22 N m, corresponding to M w 9.01, and the maximum slip is positioned at a depth of 13.5 km with a slip magnitude of 45.8 m. Rupture asperities with slip exceeding 10 m are mainly distributed from 39.6 to 36.97°N, over a length of almost 240 km along the trench. The slip was mostly concentrated at depths shallower than 40 km, up-dip of the hypocenter. “Checkerboard” tests reveal that a joint inversion of multiple datasets can resolve the slip distribution better than an inversion with terrestrial GPS data only—especially when aiming to resolve slip at shallow depths. Thus, the joint inversion results obtained by this work may provide a more reliable slip model than the results of other studies that are only derived from terrestrial GPS data or seismic waveform data. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5014-5 Authors FaQi Diao, State Key Laboratory of Geodesy and Earth’s Dyanmics, Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430077 China Xiong Xiong, State Key Laboratory of Geodesy and Earth’s Dyanmics, Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430077 China Yong Zheng, State Key Laboratory of Geodesy and Earth’s Dyanmics, Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430077 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Since Westman (1977) and Ehrlich (1982) put forward the concepts of “the service of nature” and “ecosystem service functions”, respectively, methods for conducting value accounting for them, and their practical application have become the subjects of intense study. Based on an overview of available research findings, we discuss three scientific hypotheses. First, the terrestrial ecosystem offers both positive and negative service functions. Second, changes in terrestrial ecosystem service functions lie not only in the number of ecosystem types and the coverage area of each type, but also in their quality. Third, the value of terrestrial ecosystem service functions should be assessed both in terms of the value stocked and the value added. We collected land use data from China during the period 1999–2008, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index data based on remote sensing images from the Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies for the same period. We then calculated and analyzed spatial and temporal changes in China’s terrestrial ecosystem service values over the 10-year period. Considering temporal change, the total value (stocked) of China’s terrestrial ecosystem service functions decreased from 6.82 trillion Yuan RMB in 1999 to 6.57 trillion Yuan RMB in 2008. During that period, the positive value decreased by 240.17 billion Yuan RMB and the negative value increased by 8.85 billion Yuan RMB. The decrease in total value lies mainly in the humidity control, soil formation, and waste recycling functions. The total value (added) of China’s terrestrial ecosystem service functions increased by 4.31 billion Yuan RMB in 2000, but decreased by 0.13 billion Yuan RMB in 2008 (based on the constant price of China in 1999). The value (added) was a negative figure. From the perspective of spatial change, we can see that the supply of China’s terrestrial ecosystem service functions fell slightly over the past 10 years, mainly in Northeast and Southern China. As a result of human activities on ecosystems, the loss of ecosystem service functions’ value was relatively prominent in Shanxi and Gansu provinces, compared with an increase in value in Shaanxi Province. Terrestrial ecosystem service functions’ value per unit area was relatively high in mid- and East China, showing a prominent spatial change over the 10-year period, but low in Western China. Some conclusions are drawn after an in-depth analysis of the factors causing the spatial and temporal changes in China’s terrestrial ecosystem service functions, in the hope that our suggestions will be helpful for the management of China’s terrestrial ecosystems. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-4978-5 Authors Yao Shi, State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China RuSong Wang, State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China JinLou Huang, State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China WenRui Yang, Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning and Design, Beijing, 100045 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    High quality cubic diamond crystals were grown using the temperature gradient method at high pressure and high temperature (HPHT), in a new FeNi alloy as solvent. The crystals were grown at relatively low temperatures suitable for the growth of {100} faces. An increase in the radial growth rate, and inhibition of the axial growth caused the growth of large, high quality cubic diamond single crystals at high growth rates. For example, over 33 h, the radial growth rate was 0.22 mm/h, while the axial growth rate was only 0.08 mm/h; the growth rate by weight was also increased to 7.3 mg/h. The yellow color of our crystal samples was more uniform than samples from Sumitomo Corporation of Japan and Element Six Corp. The Raman FWHW of the 1332 cm −1 peak in our diamond sample was smaller than the Element Six Corp. sample, but larger than that of the Sumitomo Corp. sample. The nitrogen content of our diamond samples was 240 ppm, which was much higher than the Sumitomo and Element Six samples because of the higher growth rate of our diamond samples. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5023-4 Authors ChuanYi Zang, School of Physics and Chemistry, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000 China Ming Li, School of Physics and Chemistry, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000 China LunJian Chen, Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    A novel Co(phen) 2 /C catalyst was prepared by coating cobalt(II) phenanthroline (phen) chelate on BP2000 carbon black and then heat treating in an inert atmosphere. The obtained Co(phen) 2 /C product with 1.0 wt% cobalt loading exhibits similar morphology and porosity characteristics to those of the bare BP2000. X-ray diffraction measurements demonstrate a face-centered cubic (fcc) α -Co phase embedded in the carbon support after pyrolysis. Charge/discharge tests of the lithium-oxygen cells using the prepared Co(phen) 2 /C catalyst show high discharge capacities of 4870 mAh g −1 (0.05 mA cm −2 ), 3353 mAh g −1 (0.1 mA cm −2 ) and 3220 mAh g −1 (0.15 mA cm −2 ), respectively. The Co(phen) 2 /C cathode exhibits reasonable reversibility with capacity retention of 1401 mAh g −1 (0.1 mA cm −2 ) after 10 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance of the prepared Co(phen) 2 /C catalyst and low cost of the phenanthroline chelating agent indicate that Co(phen) 2 /C is a promising cheap catalyst for lithium-air batteries. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4944-7 Authors Hong Wang, Institute of Electrochemical and Energy Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China XiaoZhen Liao, Institute of Electrochemical and Energy Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China QiZhong Jiang, Institute of Electrochemical and Energy Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China XiaoWei Yang, Institute of Electrochemical and Energy Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China YuShi He, Institute of Electrochemical and Energy Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China ZiFeng Ma, Institute of Electrochemical and Energy Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Forest ecosystems play an important role in the global carbon cycle. The implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol has made the study of forest ecosystem carbon cycling a hot topic of scientific research globally. This paper utilized Chinese national forest inventory data sets (for the periods 1984–1988 and 1999–2003), the vegetation map of China (1:1000000), and the spatially explicit net primary productivity (NPP) data sets derived with the remote sensing-based light use efficiency model (CASA model). We quantitatively estimated the spatial distribution of carbon sinks and sources of forest vegetation (with a resolution of 1 km) using the spatial downscaling technique. During the period 1984 to 2003 the forest vegetation in China represented a carbon sink. The total storage of carbon increased by 0.77 PgC, with a mean of 51.0 TgC a −1 . The total carbon sink was 0.88 PgC and carbon source was 0.11 PgC during the study period. The carbon sink and carbon source of forest vegetation in China showed a clear spatial distribution pattern. Carbon sinks were mainly located in subtropical and temperate regions, with the highest values in Hainan Province, Hengduan mountain ranges, Changbai mountain ranges in Jilin, and south and northwest of the Da Hinggan Mountains; carbon sources were mainly distributed from the northeast to southwestern areas in China, with the highest values mainly concentrated in southern Yunnan Province, central Sichuan Basin, and northern Da Hinggan Mountains. Increase in NPP was strongly correlated with carbon sink strength. The regression model showed that more than 80% of the variation in the modeled carbon sinks in Northeast, Northern, Northwest and Southern China were explained by the variation in NPP increase. There was a strong relationship between carbon sink strength and forest stand age. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-4998-1 Authors ShuangNa Liu, State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China Tao Zhou, State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China LinYan Wei, State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China Yang Shu, Academy of Disaster Reduction and Emergency Management, Ministry of Civil Affairs and Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100875 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    The type III secretion system (T3SS) plays important roles in Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenicity. Previously, we reported that the uncharacterized protein PmpR could regulate pqsR , an important regulator in the quorum-sensing system, by directly binding to its promoter region. As the T3SS is controlled by the quorum-sensing system, here, we investigated the relationship between PmpR and the T3SS. Our data showed that expression of the T3SS genes exoS, exoY, exoT , and exsD was dramatically increased in a pmpR -deletion mutant compared with that in the wild-type P. aeruginosa strain PAO1. Data from DNA mobility assays indicated that PmpR affects the T3SS indirectly. It is unlikely that PmpR controls the T3SS via the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) because the PQS negatively regulates the T3SS, while pmpR negatively regulates the PQS. The effect of PmpR on the T3SS seems to be independent of the PQS; further investigation is required to uncover the underlying regulatory pathways. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4941-x Authors HaiHua Liang, Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710069 China WeiNa Kong, Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710069 China Tuo Shen, Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710069 China JiaLi Duan, Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710069 China KangMin Duan, Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710069 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Orb-weaving spiders construct webs with adhesive silk but are not trapped by it. Previous studies have attributed this defense to an oily coating on their legs that protects against adhesion or, more recently, to behavioral avoidance of sticky lines. The old evidence is very weak, however, and the behavioral avoidance explanation is inadequate because orb-weavers push with their hind legs against sticky lines hundreds or thousands of times during construction of each orb and are not trapped. Video analyses of behavior and experimental observations of isolated legs pulling away from contact with sticky lines showed that the spider uses three anti-adhesion traits: dense arrays of branched setae on the legs that reduce the area of contact with adhesive material; careful engagement and withdrawal movements of its legs that minimize contact with the adhesive and that avoid pulling against the line itself; and a chemical coating or surface layer that reduces adhesion. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0901-9 Authors R. D. Briceño, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Ciudad Universitaria, San Pedro, Costa Rica W. G. Eberhard, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Ciudad Universitaria, San Pedro, Costa Rica Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Among social insects, maintaining a distinct colony profile allows individuals to distinguish easily between nest mates and non-nest mates. In ants, colony-specific profiles can be encoded within their cuticular hydrocarbons, and these are influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Using nine monogynous Formica exsecta ant colonies, we studied the stability of their colony-specific profiles at eight time points over a 4-year period. We found no significant directional change in any colony profile, suggesting that genetic factors are maintaining this stability. However, there were significant short-term effects of season that affected all colony profiles in the same direction. Despite these temporal changes, no significant change in the profile variation within colonies was detected: each colony’s profile responded in similar manner between seasons, with nest mates maintaining closely similar profiles, distinct from other colonies. These findings imply that genetic factors may help maintain the long-term stability of colony profile, but environmental factors can influence the profiles over shorter time periods. However, environmental factors do not contribute significantly to the maintenance of diversity among colonies, since all colonies were affected in a similar way. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0898-0 Authors S. J. Martin, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN UK S. Shemilt, Chemical Ecology Group, School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, Keele University, Keele, ST5 5BG UK F. P. Drijfhout, Chemical Ecology Group, School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, Keele University, Keele, ST5 5BG UK Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Based on the high flux synchrotron X-ray of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF), high precision 3D digital models of diesel nozzle tips have been established by X-ray micro-tomography technology, which reveal the internal surfaces and structures of orifices. To analyze the machining precision and characteristics of orifice processing methods, an approach is presented based on the parameters of the internal structures of nozzle orifices, including the nozzle diameter, the orifice inner surface waviness, the eccentricity distance and the angle between orifices. Using this approach, two kinds of nozzle orifice processing methods, computerized numerical control drilling and electric discharge machining, have been studied and compared. The results show that this approach enables a simple, direct, and comprehensive contrastive analysis of nozzle orifice processing methods. When processing a single orifice, the electric discharge machining method has obvious advantages. However, when there are multiple orifices, the error levels of the two methods are similar in relation to the symmetry of distribution of the orifices. Content Type Journal Article Pages 182-188 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100252 Authors Zhi-jun Wu, School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201019 China Zhi-long Li, School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201019 China Wei-di Huang, School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201019 China Hui-feng Gong, School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201019 China Ya Gao, School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201019 China Jun Deng, School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201019 China Zong-jie Hu, School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201019 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 3

Description:    A type of hollow cylinder joints connected with H-shaped beams is proposed for spatial structures. Based on von Mises yield criterion and perfect elasto-plasticity model, a series of finite element models of the joints is established, in which the effect of geometric nonlinearity is taken into account. Then mechanical behavior and load-carrying capacity of the joints were investigated, which were subjected to axial load, in- and out-plane bending moments, and their combinations. The results show that the ultimate loads of the joints are determined by the maximum displacement. Furthermore, the case of one joint connected with multiple beams was discussed. Experiments on a set of typical full-scale joints were conducted to understand the structural behavior and the failure mechanism of joint, and also to validate the finite element models. Finally, the practical calculation method was established through finite elements analysis (FEA) results and numerical fitting. The results show that the joints are more ductile and materially economical than welded hollow spherical joints, and the practical calculation method can provide a reference for direct design and the revision of relevant design codes. Content Type Journal Article Pages 174-181 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100128 Authors Hui Wu, Finance and Economics of Zhejiang College, Hangzhou, 310018 China Bo-qing Gao, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Qiang Chen, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 3

Description:    Moisture adsorption-desorption tests (MATs) were conducted on simulated mural plaster specimens under different air temperatures (ATs) and relative humidity (RH) to investigate the possible effect of seasonal alteration and visitors’ breath on the deterioration of Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang, China. Saturated salt solutions were used to maintain a constant RH, and plant growth cabinets were used to maintain a constant or varying temperature in the simulation test. The weight of specimen was periodically measured to determine the adsorbed or desorbed moisture. Test data illustrate that the desorption process is far quicker than the adsorption one, indicating that it is possible to inhibit the disadvantage effect from visitors, such as shortening the staying time in caves. In case of high humidity, an accumulated moisture adsorption was found to correspond to the varying temperature. On the other hand, in case of low humidity, accumulated moisture desorption corresponded. Test data imply that opening caves more often to visitors in humid seasons should be avoided so as to prevent continuous wetting of wall paintings. Content Type Journal Article Pages 208-218 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100204 Authors Hu-yuan Zhang, MOE Key Laboratory of Mechanics on Disaster and Environment in Western China, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Geng-sheng Yan, MOE Key Laboratory of Mechanics on Disaster and Environment in Western China, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000 China Xu-dong Wang, National Engineering Research Center of Ancient Mural Protection, Dunhuang, 736200 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 3

Description:    This study presents and verifies a new idea for constructing a rotary traveling wave ultrasonic motor (USM) that uses the radial bending mode of a ring. In the new design, 20 trapezoid cross section slots are cut symmetrically in the outer surface of a thick duralumin alloy ring, where 20 PZT stacks are nested. In each slot, two wedging blocks are set between the PZT stack and the two sides of the slot respectively to apply preloading on the PZT ceramics. Two radial bending modes of the stator that have a phase difference of a quarter wavelength on space are generated by using the d33 operating mode of the PZT elements, and then a flexural traveling wave is formed by the superimposing of two standing waves whose amplitudes are equal and phases are different by 90° temporally. Two conical rotors are pressed to each end of the ring type stator by a coiled spring. The finite element method (FEM) simulation is developed to validate the feasibility of the proposed motor. The maximal speed and torque of the prototype are tested to be 126 r/min and 0.8 N·m, respectively. Content Type Journal Article Pages 189-196 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100225 Authors Ying-xiang Liu, State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001 China Jun-kao Liu, State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001 China Wei-shan Chen, State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001 China Xiao-hui Yang, State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 3

Description:    In order to investigate the wind characteristics of coastal areas of China, a long-term field measurement of natural wind was carried out. Based on the field measurement results, this paper presents the natural wind characteristics of typhoons and strong monsoons at the site of Xi-hou-men Bridge, including mean wind speed, mean wind direction, mean wind elevation angle, turbulent intensity, gust factor, turbulence integral length scales, power spectrum of wind speed and spatial correlation of gusty wind, the profiles of mean wind speed and turbulent intensity, etc. The correlation among wind characteristics is analyzed in detail, and the similarities and differences of wind characteristics between typhoons and monsoons are analyzed. These results can provide detailed wind characteristics of coastal areas of China. Content Type Journal Article Pages 197-207 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100178 Authors Ming Liu, Research Center for Wind Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 China Hai-li Liao, Research Center for Wind Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 China Ming-shui Li, Research Center for Wind Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 China Cun-ming Ma, Research Center for Wind Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 China Mei Yu, Research Center for Wind Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 3

Description:    Hollow core slabs are becoming of increasing interest as the construction industry attempts to minimise the impact of its activities on the environment. By forming voids in the interior of a concrete slab, the amount of concrete used can be reduced without significantly altering the capacity of the structure. In this study, we examined the inner force transfer mechanism of a column-supported cast-in-situ hollow core slab using finite element analysis. Both a hollow core slab and the corresponding solid slab were analysed using ANSYS and the results were compared. The orientation of the tube fillers causes the stiffness of the hollow slab to be orthotropic, potentially changing the distribution of load carried in the two orthogonal directions. Both the cross-section’s moments in the column strip and near the columns in the hollow core slab become larger than that in the solid floor. As well, the cross-section’s stiffness along the tube arrangement direction is larger than that of the radial cross-section, which causes the direction along the hole of the hollow core slab to carry more moment than the radial direction. The conversion factors of the two directions are proposed from the comparison for four typical areas of the hollow core slab, as are the moment distribution coefficients. Content Type Journal Article Pages 165-173 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100170 Authors Hai-tao Li, Department of Building Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China Andrew John Deeks, Department of Building Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China Li-xin Liu, Department of Civil Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002 China Dong-sheng Huang, Department of Building Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China Xiao-zu Su, Department of Building Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 3

Description:    The large southern Zhuguangshan granitic batholith composite consists of granites with ages varying from the Caledonian through Indosinian to Yanshanian. Based on K-Ar dating data, the ages of the major parts of this composite were previously regarded as Yanshanian. In this study, the SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating method has been adopted for six plutons, Ledong, Longhuashan, Dawozi, Zhaidi, Baiyun and Jiangnan, in the southern Zhuguangshan composite, in which the four plutons other than Baiyun and Jiangnan were previously regarded as Yanshanian granites. Magmatic zircons from these six plutons, dated by this study, have yielded ages of 239±5 Ma (MSWD = 2.5), 239±5 Ma (MSWD = 2.5), 239±2 Ma (MSWD = 1.7), 239±4 Ma (MSWD = 3.2), 231±2 Ma (MSWD = 0.81) and 231±3 Ma (MSWD = 1.8), respectively. The results indicate that these plutons were formed by early Indosinian magmatism. Geochemical characteristics suggest that these granites were formed in an extensional tectonic environment. Therefore, the Indosinian period granites in the southern Zhuguangshan composite were formed by partial melting of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic crustal components during the collapse of thickened lithosphere after the collision between the South China and Indosinian plates. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4951-8 Authors Ping Deng, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, 100037 China JiShun Ren, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, 100037 China HongFei Ling, State Key Laboratory for Mineral Deposits Research, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China WeiZhou Shen, State Key Laboratory for Mineral Deposits Research, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China LiQiang Sun, State Key Laboratory for Mineral Deposits Research, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China Ba Zhu, Research Institute No. 290, China National Nuclear Corporation, Shaoguan, 512026 China ZhengZhong Tan, Research Institute No. 290, China National Nuclear Corporation, Shaoguan, 512026 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    U-bearing sandstones from the Dongsheng deposit in Ordos Basin contain abundant C 15 –C 18 fatty acids. The fatty acids may have been derived from modern and ancient organisms including organisms from the intervals of U mineralization. A certain amount of i15:0, a15:0, a17:0 fatty acids coexist with small amounts of i17:1ω7c and 10me16:0, characteristic biomarkers of Desulfovibrio and Desulfobacter sp., respectively. This indicates the existence of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the sandstones. The presence of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), such as Beggiatoa and Thioploca , is indicated by significant amounts of 16:1ω7c and 18:1ω7c fatty acids. The existence of the SRB in the deposit, as inferred from the fatty acids, is consistent with results from fossilized microorganisms and isotopic compositions of ore-stage pyrite. This suggests that the environment may have been favorable for the SRB to grow since ore formation (9.8–22 Ma). The bacteria may have degraded hydrocarbons directly, or indirectly utilized hydrocarbons degraded by oxic microbes in the deposits. This process may have produced 12 C-rich calcite and prominent baseline humps of unresolved complex mixtures (UCM), and 25-demethylated hopanes and tricyclic terpanes. The existence of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria in the deposit may have resulted in bacterial sulfate reduction to sulfide, re-oxidization of the sulfide to sulfate and subsequent reduction of the sulfate to sulfide. This assertion is supported by ore-stage pyrite with δ 34 S values as low as −39.2‰, and the lightest sulfate (about 11‰) measured during the Phanerozoic, a difference of more than 46‰. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4955-4 Authors Lei Jiang, Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 China ChunFang Cai, Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 China YongDong Zhang, State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 China ShengYi Mao, State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 China YongGe Sun, State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 China KaiKai Li, Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 China Lei Xiang, Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 China ChunMing Zhang, Department of Geochemistry, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434023 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Population exposure to pollutants is important for studies on the exposure-response relationship. However, it is difficult to evaluate population exposure to non-conventional pollutants due to limited data on concentration levels and the movement patterns of inhabitants. In this study, an air dispersion model was used to simulate N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) concentrations, as a proxy to monitoring concentrations. A total of 1289 randomly selected household representatives were surveyed to obtain information on movement characteristics. Subsequently, population movement patterns were combined with DMF concentration levels on maps of 100 m×100 m resolution to calculate population exposure. During 2008, the estimated population exposure to DMF ranged from 0.002 to 0.64 mg/m 3 . The highest level of population exposure to DMF was found in the north and northwest sub-districts of the study area, ranging from 0.42 to 0.64 mg/m 3 . The population exposure to DMF for different occupational groups indicated that retired people and farmers were vulnerable subpopulations among people highly exposed to DMF. This was mainly because they spent most time at home where the DMF concentration was high. As pollutant concentrations were divided into small grids, we found that exposure levels were substantially impacted by population movement characteristics. Content Type Journal Article Pages 794-806 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A11b0381 Authors Yu-mei Wei, Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Wei-li Tian, Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Qing-yu Zhang, Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Ying-yue Zheng, Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Yi-ke Yang, Management Office of the New Rural Cooperative Medical Service, Longwan District Health Bureau, Wenzhou, 325011 China Zu-cheng Wu, Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Qi Zhu, Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Lei Zhou, Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Si-mai Fang, Department of Information Management, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing, 100029 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 12 Journal Issue Volume 12, Number 10

Description:    The pressure increasing process within a twin screw multiphase pump, under the condition of high gas volume fractions (GVFs), induces large temperature and pressure changes that cause the rotors to deform. Rotor deformations heavily influence the backflow of the multiphase fluid through clearances within the twin screw multiphase pump and these deformations may even lead to pump failures. An accurate temperature and pressure distribution on the screw rotors need be obtained before the deformation analysis can be carried out. By means of small temperature and pressure sensors embedded into the groove at the root of the rotors, the temperatures of 12 points on the rotors and the pressure distributions of a twin screw multiphase pump under high GVFs conditions were recorded. Temperature test results were adopted to perform a heat transfer analysis for determining the temperature distribution on the screw rotors. Then deformation analyses, including thermal deformation, force deformation, and total deformation, were conducted according to the pressure and temperature distributions. Deformation analysis for different materials was also conducted under the same boundary conditions. A material was suggested for the manufacturing of rotors in a twin screw multiphase pump under the condition of high gas volume fractions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 720-730 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1000485 Authors Tie-yu Gao, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 China Dong-fang Yang, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 China Feng Cao, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 China Jin-cheng Jiao, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 12 Journal Issue Volume 12, Number 9

Description:    A preloading frame is firstly designed to accurately apply external flexural stress to concrete specimens. Then a method is developed to measure one and two dimensional (1D and 2D) chloride ion concentrations at different distances from the surface of concrete under flexural stress. Using this method and the preloading frame, 1D and 2D stress-diffusion is systematically investigated for fly ash concretes made with different fly ash contents (0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60%), and water to binder ratios (0.3, 0.35, and 0.4). The stress accelerating effect on 1D and 2D chloride ion diffusion is also quantitatively analyzed through a comparison between stress-diffusion and nonstress-diffusion. A diffusion accelerating effect caused by external flexural stress can clearly be observed through the comparison. In order to quantify the stress accelerating effect, a stress accelerating factor is proposed in this paper. The relationship between stress accelerating factor and external stress-to-ultimate stress ratio is given as an exponential function. Finally, the process of the initiation, prorogation, and distribution of microcracks on the tensile face of specimen is observed in-situ by using a small-sized loading frame and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The above research provides an insight into chloride attack on the edge reinforcing bars of concrete structures under flexural stress, such as large-span beam and board in the field of civil engineering. Content Type Journal Article Pages 692-701 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100006 Authors Yun-sheng Zhang, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Construction Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189 China Wei Sun, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Construction Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189 China Zhi-yong Liu, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Construction Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189 China Shu-dong Chen, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Construction Materials, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 12 Journal Issue Volume 12, Number 9

Description:    Simulation models of traction driver systems were established using SIMULINK, according to the actual structure and parameters of China Railway High-Speed 2 (CRH2) and China Railway High-Speed 3 (CRH3) trains. In these models, the traction motor adopts transient current control and an indirect rotor magnetic field orientation vector control strategy, and the traction converter uses sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) and space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) methods. After these models are transformed in VC++ program, and a friendly interface and data processing system are constructed, simulation software is obtained for CRH2 and CRH3 traction driver systems. On this basis, the operational performance of a traction converter was simulated and analyzed at different train speeds and in different conditions. The simulation results can provide a reference for the actual design and production of a traction converter. Content Type Journal Article Pages 945-949 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A11GT006 Authors Qin-fen Lu, College of Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Bin Wang, College of Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Xiao-yan Huang, College of Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Ji-en Ma, College of Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China You-tong Fang, College of Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Jin Yu, National Engineering Laboratory for System Integration of High-Speed Train (South), CSR Qingdao Sifang Co., Ltd., Qingdao, 266111 China Wen-ping Cao, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Type, NE1 7RU UK Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 12 Journal Issue Volume 12, Number 12

Description:    It is essential to manage customers’ diverse desires and to keep manufacturing costs as low as possible for survival in competition and eventually in production. Sharing resources in manufacturing for different products is a vital method of accomplishing this goal. The advantages of using a common process in production are stated in the literature. However, the mathematical models as well as simulation or conceptual models are not sufficient. The main objective of this paper is to develop mathematical models for multiproduct and multistage production under quality and breakdown uncertainties. The idea of the process commonality is incorporated in the proposed models. The models are validated by primary data collected from a Malaysian company and comparison of the timely requirement schedules of earlier MRP II and the proposed models under stable and perfect production environments. An appreciable convergence of the outcomes is observed. However, the proposed models are carrying additional information about the available locations of the parts in a time frame. After validation, the effects of process commonality on cost, capacity and the requirement schedule under uncertainties are examined. It is observed that the use of common processes in manufacturing is always better than the non-commonality scenario in terms of production cost. However, the increase in capacity requirement for commonality designs is higher for an ideal system, while it is less when the system suffers from breakdowns and a quality problem. Content Type Journal Article Pages 837-848 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1000477 Authors Mohammed Abdul Wazed, Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603 Malaysia Shamsuddin Ahmed, Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603 Malaysia Yusoff Bin Nukman, Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603 Malaysia Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 12 Journal Issue Volume 12, Number 11

Description:    Steel structures are widely used in railway infrastructures. Their stress state is the most important determinant of the safety of these structures. The elasto-magnetic (EM) sensor is the most promising for stress monitoring of in-service steel structures. Nevertheless, the necessity of magnetic excitation to saturation due to the use of a secondary coil for signal detection, keeps from its engineering application. In this paper, a smart elasto-magneto-electric (EME) sensor using magneto-electric (ME) sensing units to take the place of the secondary coil has been exploited for the first time. The ME sensing unit is made of ME laminated composites, which has an ultrahigh ME voltage coefficient and can measure the magnetic induction simply and precisely. Theoretical analysis and characterization experiments firstly conducted on the ME laminated composites showed that the ME sensing units can be applied in the EM sensor for improved performance in stress monitoring. A tension test of a steel bar was carried out to characterize our smart EME sensor and the results showed high accuracy and sensitivity. The present smart EME sensor is a promising tool for stress monitoring of steel structures in railway and other civil infrastructures. Content Type Journal Article Pages 895-901 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A11GT007 Authors Yuan-feng Duan, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Ru Zhang, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Yang Zhao, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Siu-wing Or, Department of Electrical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China Ke-qing Fan, School of Information Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020 China Zhi-feng Tang, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 12 Journal Issue Volume 12, Number 12

Description:    As a new kind of technology in retaining structures, the characteristics of double-row piles are significantly affected by spatial effects. In this paper, double-row piles as a retaining structure are simulated numerically in three-dimension by finite element software PLAXIS 3D FOUNDATION. The behavior differences of piles in different positions around the foundation pit are analyzed. By changing the parameters, including the length-width ratio, the excavation depth, the distance between rows and the diameter of piles, the variations of the lateral deformation, the bending moment and the earth pressure around the piles are determined. The reasonable values of parameters and some suggestions with consideration of earth pressure are proposed for the design of double-row piles as a retaining structure. The results show that the lateral deformation and bending moment are the largest in the middle of long side of the foundation pit, which is identified as the most unfavorable position. It is indicated that the earth pressure between rows above pit bottom is close to active earth pressure, while the earth pressure between rows under pit bottom is close to static earth pressure. It is suggested that 1/2–2/3 of pile length, 0.6–1.2 m, 3 d –6 d , and 2 d –2.5 d be chosen as embedded depth of piles, diameter of piles, distance between rows, and distance between piles, respectively, where d is the pile diameter. Content Type Journal Article Pages 758-770 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100067 Authors Zi-han Wang, Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Jian Zhou, Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 12 Journal Issue Volume 12, Number 10

Description:    Energy crisis make the effective use of low grade energy more and more urgent. It is still a worldwide difficult conundrum. To efficiently recover low grade heat, this paper deals with a theoretical analysis of a new power generation method driven by a low grade heat source. When the temperature of the low grade heat source exceeds the saturated temperature, it can heat the liquid into steam. If the steam is sealed and cooled in a container, it will lead to a negative pressure condition. The proposed power generation method utilizes the negative pressure condition in the sealed container, called as a condensator. When the condensator is connected to a liquid pool, the liquid will be pumped into it by the negative pressure condition. After the condensator is filled by liquid, the liquid flows back into the pool and drives the turbine to generate electricity. According to our analysis, for water, the head pressure of water pumped into the condensator could reach 9.5 m when the temperature of water in the pool is 25 °C, and the steam temperature is 105 °C. Theoretical thermal efficiency of this power generation system could reach 3.2% to 5.8% varying with the altitude of the condensator to the water level, ignoring steam leakage loss. Content Type Journal Article Category Energy and Power Engineering Pages 140-145 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100152 Authors Wei-feng Wu, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 China Xin-ping Long, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072 China Xiao-ling Yu, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 China Quan-ke Feng, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 2

Description:    The effect of weld reinforcement on axial plastic buckling of welded steel cylindrical shells is investigated through experimental and numerical buckling analysis using six welded steel cylindrical shell specimens. The relationship between the amplitude of weld reinforcement and the axial plastic buckling critical load is explored. The effect of the material yield strength and the number of circumferential welds on the axial plastic buckling is studied. Results show that circumferential weld reinforcement represents a severe imperfect form of axially compressed welded steel cylindrical shells and the axial plastic buckling critical load decreases with the increment of the mean amplitude of circumferential weld reinforcement. The material yield strength and the number of circumferential welds are found to have no significant effect on buckling waveforms; however, the axial plastic buckling critical load can be decreased to some extent with the increase of the number of circumferential welds. Content Type Journal Article Category Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering Pages 79-90 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100196 Authors Chu-lin Yu, Institute of Process Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Zhi-ping Chen, Institute of Process Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Ji Wang, Institute of Process Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Shun-juan Yan, Institute of Process Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Li-cai Yang, Institute of Process Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 2

Description:    Time domain analysis is an essential implement to study the buffeting behavior of long-span bridges for it can consider the non-linear effect which is significant in long-span bridges. The prerequisite of time domain analysis is the accurate description of 3D turbulence winds. In this paper, some hypotheses for simplifying the 3D turbulence simulation of long-span cable-stayed bridges are conducted, considering the structural characteristics. The turbulence wind which is a 3D multivariate stochastic vector process is converted into four independent 1D univariate stochastic processes. Based on recorded wind data from structural health monitoring system (SHMS) of the Sutong Bridge, China, the measured spectra expressions are then presented using the nonlinear least-squares fitting method. Turbulence winds at the Sutong Bridge site are simulated based on the spectral representation method and the Fast Fourier transform (FFT) technique, and the relevant results derived from target spectra including measured spectra and recommended spectra are compared. The reliability and accuracy of the presented turbulence simulation method are validated through comparisons between simulated and target spectra (measured and recommended spectra). The obtained turbulence simulations can not only serve further analysis of the buffeting behavior of the Sutong Bridge, but references for structural anti-wind design in adjacent regions. Content Type Journal Article Category Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering Pages 91-104 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100177 Authors Hao Wang, Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 China Zhou-hong Zong, Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 China Ai-qun Li, Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 China Teng Tong, Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 China Jie Niu, Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 China Wen-ping Deng, Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 2

Description:    A coupled discrete-continuum simulation incorporating a 3D aspect and non-circular particles was performed to analyze soil-pile interactions during pile penetration in sand. A self-developed non-circular particle numerical simulation program was used which considered sand near the pile as interacted particles using a discrete element method; the sand away from the pile was simulated as a continuous medium exhibiting linear elastic behaviors. The domain analyzed was divided into two zones. Contact forces at the interface between the two zones were obtained from a discrete zone and applied to the continuum boundaries as nodal forces, while the interface velocities were obtained from the continuum zone and applied to the discrete boundaries. We show that the coupled discrete-continuum simulation can give a microscopic description of the pile penetration process without losing the discrete nature of the zone concerned, and may significantly improve computational efficiency. Content Type Journal Article Pages 44-55 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100172 Authors Jian Zhou, Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Qi-wei Jian, Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Jiao Zhang, School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, Shanghai Technical College of Urban Management, Shanghai, 200432 China Jian-jun Guo, Sichuan Provincial Chuanjian Investigation and Design Institute, Chengdu, 610017 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 1

Description:    In the structural design of tall buildings, peak factors have been widely used to predict mean extreme responses of tall buildings under wind excitations. Vanmarcke’s peak factor is directly related to an explicit measure of structural reliability against a Gaussian response process. We review the use of this factor for time-variant reliability design by comparing it to the conventional Davenport’s peak factor. Based on the asymptotic theory of statistical extremes, a new closed-form peak factor, the so-called Gamma peak factor, can be obtained for a non-Gaussian resultant response characterized by a Rayleigh distribution process. Using the Gamma peak factor, a combined peak factor method was developed for predicting the expected maximum resultant responses of a building undergoing lateral-torsional vibration. The effects of the standard deviation ratio of two sway components and the inter-component correlation on the evaluation of peak resultant response were also investigated. Utilizing wind tunnel data derived from synchronous multi-pressure measurements, we carried out a wind-induced time history response analysis of the Commonwealth Advisory Aeronautical Research Council (CAARC) standard tall building to validate the applicability of the Gamma peak factor to the prediction of the peak resultant acceleration. Results from the building example indicated that the use of the Gamma peak factor enables accurate predictions to be made of the mean extreme resultant acceleration responses for dynamic serviceability performance design of modern tall buildings. Content Type Journal Article Pages 18-32 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1100136 Authors Ming-feng Huang, Institute of Structural Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Chun-man Chan, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China Wen-juan Lou, Institute of Structural Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Kenny Chung-Siu Kwok, School of Engineering, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 1

Description:    With the development of high-speed railways in China, more than 2000 high-speed trains will be put into use. Safety and efficiency of railway transportation is increasingly important. We have designed a high availability quadruple vital computer (HAQVC) system based on the analysis of the architecture of the traditional double 2-out-of-2 system and 2-out-of-3 system. The HAQVC system is a system with high availability and safety, with prominent characteristics such as fire-new internal architecture, high efficiency, reliable data interaction mechanism, and operation state change mechanism. The hardware of the vital CPU is based on ARM7 with the real-time embedded safe operation system (ES-OS). The Markov modeling method is designed to evaluate the reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety (RAMS) of the system. In this paper, we demonstrate that the HAQVC system is more reliable than the all voting triple modular redundancy (AVTMR) system and double 2-out-of-2 system. Thus, the design can be used for a specific application system, such as an airplane or high-speed railway system. Content Type Journal Article Pages 926-935 DOI 10.1631/jzus.A11GT003 Authors Ping Tan, State Key Laboratory of Industrial Control Technology & Institute of Cyber-Systems and Control, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Wei-ting He, State Key Laboratory of Industrial Control Technology & Institute of Cyber-Systems and Control, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Jia Lin, State Key Laboratory of Industrial Control Technology & Institute of Cyber-Systems and Control, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Hong-ming Zhao, Zhejiang Insigma-Supcon Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310013 China Jian Chu, State Key Laboratory of Industrial Control Technology & Institute of Cyber-Systems and Control, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Journal Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A Online ISSN 1862-1775 Print ISSN 1673-565X Journal Volume Volume 12 Journal Issue Volume 12, Number 12

Description:    This paper reviews the dynamics of breaking or oscillating axisymmetric liquid bridges, and estimates of the energy which is needed to break a liquid bridge. We consider a liquid bridge spanning two coaxial equal disks with sharp edges and held by surface-tension forces. The liquid volume is assumed to be conserved under perturbations, and the contact lines are pinned to the disk edges. The perturbations are finite and axisymmetric. An analysis is based on the one-dimensional models previously used in capillary jet theory and last several decades for study a liquid bridge dynamics. According to the scientific project JEREMI (Japanese and European Research Experiment on Marangoni Instabilities), the first stage of the space experiment on ISS will involve an isothermal liquid bridge with a gas blowing parallel to the axial direction of the bridge. The geometry corresponds to a cylindrical volume liquid bridge coaxially placed into an outer cylinder with solid walls. The gas enters the annular duct bounded by the outer cylinder and the internal system consisting of supporting vertical rods and the liquid bridge. Considering that the bridge is small (the rod’s radii are 3 mm) and the gas velocity is typically (0.25 ÷ 0.37) m/s, the perturbations cannot be considered small. Thus, one may assume that the amplitude of the liquid bridge perturbations is sufficiently large that departures from linearity must be considered. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s12217-011-9290-5 Authors Lev A. Slobozhanin, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA Valentina M. Shevtsova, Service de Chimie Physique EP, Université libre de Bruxelles, CP165-62 Brussels, Belgium J. Iwan D. Alexander, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA José Meseguer, IDR/UPM, E.T.S.I. Aeronáuticos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain José M. Montanero, Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Energética y de los Materiales, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain Journal Microgravity Science and Technology Online ISSN 1875-0494 Print ISSN 0938-0108

Description:    Dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of toxic and persistent chemicals that are often found in the environment. The determination of dioxin-like PCBs in Fildes Peninsula, Antarctica, is reported in this paper. Dioxin-like PCBs were widely distributed in Antarctic soil and moss with concentration of 2.23–27.2 pg/g in soil and 10.4–812 pg/g in moss. The highest concentrations were found in the Ardley Island area and the lowest concentrations on the west coast. The contribution of PCB-118 to the Σ 12 PCBs ranged from 36.0% to 69.6% in soil, and 17.2% to 43.4% in moss. The congener specific patterns in soil and moss were similar. Long-range atmospheric transport is thought to be the main source of PCBs detected on King George Island. The Σ 12 PCBs toxic equivalent (TEQ) in soil was 0.400×10 −3 to 516×10 −3 pg (TEQ)/g with a mean value of 147×10 −3 pg (TEQ)/g. PCB-126 had the largest contribution (81.1%) to the Σ 12 PCBs TEQ in soil. The Σ 12 PCBs TEQ in moss ranged from 2.90×10 −3 to 1.19 pg/g with a mean value of 0.482 pg/g. PCB-126 was also the largest contributor (91.4%) to the Σ 12 PCBs TEQ in moss. The mean TEQ in moss was about 40 times that in soil. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4969-y Authors Qiang Wang, State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation & Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China YeHong Shi, State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation & Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China JianXin Hu, State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation & Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China ZiWei Yao, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Centre, Dalian, 116023 China XueKun Fang, State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation & Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China YiAn Dong, State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation & Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Fibrates are widely used for the treatment of dyslipidemia. However, the contributions of the phase I and phase II metabolic pathways to the clearance of fibrates are unclear. In this study, we investigated the metabolism of gemfibrozil (Gem), clofibric acid (CA), fenofibric acid (FA) and bezafibrate (Beza) by cytochrome P450s (P450s) and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) using a substrate depletion approach. We also compared the metabolic characteristics of rat liver microsomes (RLM) and human liver microsomes (HLM). The intrinsic clearance rates mediated by P450s, UGTs and both were 172 ± 22, 643 ± 26, 798 ± 103 μL min −1 mg −1 , respectively, for Gem and 43 ± 11, 88 ± 12, 119 ± 15 μL min −1 mg −1 , respectively, for CA in RLM. The fractions metabolized by P450s and UGTs in RLM were 22% and 81% for Gem, 36% and 74% for CA. The P450- and UGT-mediated depletion rates for Gem were 303 and 1607 nmol min −1 mg −1 in RLM versus 86 and 243 nmol min −1 mg −1 in HLM. The corresponding rates for CA were 1.1 and 1.7 nmol min-1 mg-1 in RLM versus 0.025 and 0.038 nmol min-1 mg-1 in HLM. Accordingly, both P450s and UGTs substantially contribute to the clearance of Gem and CA, with UGTs playing a greater role. To avoid under-estimating the impact of these pathways, it is necessary to measure NADPH- and UDPGA-dependent metabolism. Although the fractions of these two pathways in RLM and HLM were similar, the depletion rate of Gem and CA in RLM was higher than that in HLM. The metabolism of FA and Beza by P450s and UGTs was too low to calculate intrinsic clearance in both RLM and HLM. These results indicate that fibrates are metabolized via similar pathways in rats and humans, and it is applicable to use RLM to predict the clearance of fibrates in human. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11434-011-4958-1 Authors YanMi Zhou, School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006 China AiMing Liu, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211 China Hui Xie, Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530 China Gary Q. Cheng, South China Center for Innovative Pharmaceuticals, Guangzhou, 510006 China RenKe Dai, School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is crucial for the innate immune response, cell growth, proliferation, signal transduction and apoptosis. The activation process of PKR has been studied for many years and is still under debate. To obtain new insight into the mechanism of PKR activation, we solved the crystal structure of a latent mutant of the PKR kinase domain (PKR-KD) in the apo form at a resolution of 2.9 Å. The overall structure of PKR-KD is similar to previously reported structures. Structural analysis revealed a classical back-to-back dimer and a newly defined face-to-face dimer. Analytical ultracentrifugation experiments, electrostatic surface maps and the model of PKR-KD in complex with the eIF2α substrate all support that the face-to-face dimer is more reflective of PKR in solution. Our results provide new information on PKR dimerization and its activation mechanism. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5461-z Authors FengZhi Li, Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065 China SiWei Li, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China Zheng Wang, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China YueQuan Shen, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China TongCun Zhang, Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065 China Xue Yang, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum ) is one of the most economically important nonfood crops, and flue-cured tobacco accounts for approximately 80% of world tobacco production. An extremely narrow genetic diversity in the tobacco pool has led to a low efficiency of PCR-based molecular markers (such as AFLP and SSR). Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) is a high-throughput hybridisation-based marker system that has been developed in many plants including wheat, which, like tobacco, has a complex genome. In this study, we developed a tobacco DArT chip that included 7680 representative sequence tags based on typical tobacco accessions. The 1076 DArT markers of flue-cured tobacco were identified and most (82.1%) of their polymorphism information contents (PICs) were greater than 0.4. An integrated linkage map that included 851 markers (238 DArT and 613 SSR), which is the highest density map of flue-cured tobacco to date, was constructed. This chip-based DArT system provides an alternative in high-throughput marker genotyping for tobacco. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5453-z Authors XiuPing Lu, Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China YiJie Gui, Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China BingGuang Xiao, Yunnan Academy of Tobacco Agricultural Sciences and China Tobacco Breeding Research Center at Yunnan, Yuxi, 653100 China YongPing Li, Yunnan Academy of Tobacco Agricultural Sciences and China Tobacco Breeding Research Center at Yunnan, Yuxi, 653100 China ZhiJun Tong, Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Yun Liu, Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China XueFei Bai, Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China WeiRen Wu, Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Ling Xia, DArT P/L, PO Box 7141, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia Eric Huttner, DArT P/L, PO Box 7141, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia Adrzej Kilian, DArT P/L, PO Box 7141, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia LongJiang Fan, Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Climate change is expected to cause the alteration of litter production in forests, which may result in substantial changes in soil CO 2 efflux (FCO 2 ) process as litter represents a major pathway of carbon from vegetation to the soils. In this study, we conducted an aboveground litter manipulation experiment to examine the influence of litter addition and exclusion on soil FCO 2 in Camphor tree, Masson pine, and mixed Camphor tree and Masson pine forests in central south China. Litter input manipulation included three treatments: non-litter input (litter exclusion), double litter input (litter addition), and natural litter input (control). On average, litter exclusion significantly reduced soil FCO 2 rate by approximately 39%, 24% and 22% in Camphor tree forests, the Mixed forests, and Masson pine forests, respectively. On a yearly basis, double litter addition significantly increased soil CO 2 by 12% in the Mixed forests ( P =0.02) but not in both Camphor tree and Masson pine forests ( P 〉0.05), when compared with their corresponding control treatments. However, litter addition increased soil FCO 2 rates in the months of June-August in Camphor tree and Masson pine forests, coinciding with high soil temperature of summer conditions. Litter exclusion reduced soil FCO 2 more than litter addition increased it in the study sites. Responses of soil respiration to litter input treatments varied with forest types. Litter input treatments did not alter the seasonal patterns of soil temperature and soil water content. Our results indicated that changes in aboveground litter as a result of global climate change and/or forest management have a great potential to alter soil respiration and soil carbon balance in forest ecosystems. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5474-7 Authors WenDe Yan, National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha, 410004 China XiaoYong Chen, National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha, 410004 China DaLun Tian, National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha, 410004 China YuanYing Peng, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004 China GuangJun Wang, National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha, 410004 China Wei Zheng, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Urban forest has undergone rapid development in China over the last three decades because of the acceleration of urbanization. Urban forest thus plays an increasingly important role in carbon sequestration at a regional and national scale. As one of the most urbanized cities in China, Shanghai showed an increase of forest coverage from 3% in the 1990s to 13% in 2009. Based on CITY-green model and the second soil survey of Shanghai, the forest biomass carbon (FBC) was estimated to be 0.48 Tg in the urban area and, forest soil organic carbon (SOC) (0–100 cm soil depth) is 2.48 Tg in the urban and suburban areas, respectively. These values are relatively within the median and lower level compared with other Chinese megacities, with the FBC of 0.02 Tg in Harbin to 47.29 Tg in Chongqing and the forest SOC of 1.74 Tg in Nanjing to 418.67 Tg in Chongqing. For the different land-use types in Shanghai, the SOC density ranges from 13.8 (tidal field) to 38.6 t ha −1 (agricultural land). On average, the forest SOC density (31.5 t ha −1 ) in Shanghai is lower than that in agricultural lands (38.6 t ha −1 ) and higher than that in lawns (26.5 t ha −1 ) and gardens (21.3 t ha −1 ). In Shanghai, the SOC density in newly established urban parks is generally lower than that in older parks. In the northern and southeastern suburban areas (e.g., Baoshan, Yangpu, and Nanhui districts), greenspace SOC density is higher than that in the central commercial areas (Hongkou, Putuo, Changning, and Zhabei districts) and in newly developed district (Pudong District). Uncertainties still exist in the estimation of urban forest carbon in Shanghai, as well as in other Chinese cities. Thus, future research directions are also discussed in this paper. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5443-1 Authors Zhe Wang, School of Agriculture and Biology and Research Center for Low Carbon Agriculture, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China Xuan Cui, Department of Art Design, Shanghai Jian Qiao College, Shanghai, 201319 China Shan Yin, School of Agriculture and Biology and Research Center for Low Carbon Agriculture, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China GuangRong Shen, School of Agriculture and Biology and Research Center for Low Carbon Agriculture, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China YuJie Han, Shanghai Forestry Station, Shanghai, 200072 China ChunJiang Liu, School of Agriculture and Biology and Research Center for Low Carbon Agriculture, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    The main utilization of biological resources from coastal wetlands in China and the major limiting factors on sustainable utilization of these resources are reviewed. Strategies for the sustainable utilization of coastal wetlands are proposed. These include further studies on saline agriculture and wetland ecosystems, optimizing methods for maximizing metabolic production from organisms, developing microbial resources and efficient utilization of biological genetic resources, and exploiting bioenergy from coastal wetlands. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5354-1 Authors BoPing Tang, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224002 China DaiZheng Zhang, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224002 China BaoMing Ge, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224002 China HuaBin Zhang, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Wetland Bioresources and Environmental Protection, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224002 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    In Northeast China during the winter, severe snowstorms can occur resulting in both societal and economic damage. In this paper, we explore an effective technique for the seasonal prediction of heavy snow activity, where previous synoptic studies have failed. We employ a year-to-year increment approach and ultimately identify four predictors, x 1 to x 4 . x 1 is the area-averaged soil moisture over the northern part of Northeast China in the preceding month of September and represents the role of land processes. x 2 represents the role of sea-air interactions in winter, x 3 the preceding summer Mascarene High related to the winter SST over the tropical western Pacific, and x 4 is the low-level the thermal condition over Northeast China from the previous year that oppose current year. Cross-validation tests for both 1963–2011 and independent hindcasts between 1983–2010 are performed to validate the prediction ability of our technique. The cross validation test results for 1963–2011 reveal a high correlation coefficient of 0.86 (0.77) between the predicted and observed year-to-year increment of the number of snow days. The model also predicts well the independent hindcast for the years 1983–2011. Therefore, this study provides an effective climate prediction model for Northeast China’s heavy snow activities and thus requires preliminary application in operational settings. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5502-7 Authors Ke Fan, Nansen-Zhu International Research Center, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 China BaoQiang Tian, Nansen-Zhu International Research Center, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    The influences of tropospheric blocking high on the stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) and the SSW-induced feedback on the lower atmosphere are analyzed with NCEP (National Center for Environmental Prediction) 2 reanalysis data. Daily mean data from 1979 to 2010 are used to perform statistical and dynamical analyses. According to different distribution features of polar vortex, which can be ascribed to different activities of blocking highs, we have obtained two warming patterns in vortex splitting and displacement patterns. For vortex splitting events, in the Eurasian-North American (ENA) paratype, with disturbances of Atlantic and Aleutian blocking highs, polar vortex is split into two parts that locate at Eurasian and North American continents respectively, while in the Atlantic-East Asian (AEA) paratype, two low-pressure centers derived from the split vortex are situated in the Atlantic and East Asian regions, and two blocking systems occurring in the Urals and North American areas precede these splitting processes. For vortex displacement events, in the Aleutian-Intrusion (AI) paratype, the polar vortex is displaced to the west European and Atlantic areas by the intrusive Aleutian high and this pattern always corresponds to the blocking events occurring in the Pacific basin only. Similarly, the vortex is pushed to the west Eurasian continent by the intrusive North American high-pressure system in the North American-Intrusion (NAI) paratype, which is closely related to the blocking over these areas. The second subject of the research is that whether the anomalous stratospheric signals can be propagated to the lower atmosphere, which is depended on the intensity, duration and position of the disturbed vortex. According to our case studies, geopotential height anomalies can be propagated to the troposphere in strong SSW years, taking about 10–15 d for the decrease from 10 to 500 hPa, leading to apparent variations in the geopotential height and temperature fields. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5505-4 Authors ChunHui Lu, National Climate Center, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, 100081 China YiHui Ding, National Climate Center, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, 100081 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Pure Ca- α -SiAlON:Eu 2+ was synthesized by microwave sintering method at a relatively low temperature of 1550°C. Photoluminescence intensity of the resultant phosphor was higher than those of the samples synthesized by conventional gas-pressure sintering technique at 1750°C. When it was excited at 450 nm, the as-prepared yellow Ca- α -SiAlON:Eu 2+ sample had an external quantum efficiency of 42%, comparable to the sample synthesized at 1750°C under 0.5 MPa N 2 gas pressure by the GPS method reported in reference. The experimental results demonstrated that the microwave sintering method was also an interesting approach for synthesizing nitride phosphors, which promises lower firing temperature than those by carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CRN) methods, higher heating rate and shorter duration time compared with those by gas-pressure sintering. Content Type Journal Article Category Invited Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5528-x Authors LiHong Liu, Structural and Functional Integration of Ceramics Group, the Division of Functional Materials and Nanodevices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201 China XiaoBing Zhou, Structural and Functional Integration of Ceramics Group, the Division of Functional Materials and Nanodevices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201 China Rong-Jun Xie, Sialon Group, Sialon Unit, National Institute for Materials Science, Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044 Japan Qing Huang, Structural and Functional Integration of Ceramics Group, the Division of Functional Materials and Nanodevices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Microgravity-induced muscle atrophy is a problem of utmost importance for the impact it may have on the health and performance of astronauts. Therefore, appropriate countermeasures are needed to prevent disuse atrophy and favour muscle recovery. Muscle atrophy is characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength, and a shift in substrate utilization from fat to glucose, that leads to a reduced metabolic efficiency and enhanced fatigability. Laser therapy is already used in physical medicine and rehabilitation to accelerate muscle recovery and in sports medicine to prevent damages produced by metabolic disturbances and inflammatory reactions after heavy exercise. The aim of the research we present was to get insights on possible benefits deriving from the application of an advanced infrared laser system to counteract deficits of muscle energy metabolism and stimulate the recovery of the hypotrophic tissue. The source used was a Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser, which combines continuous and pulsed emissions at 808 nm and 905 nm, respectively. We studied the effect of MLS treatment on morphology and energy metabolism of C2C12 cells, a widely accepted myoblast model, previously exposed to microgravity conditions modelled by a Random Positioning Machine. The MLS laser treatment was able to restore basal levels of serine/threonine protein phosphatase activity and to counteract cytoskeletal alterations and increase in glycolytic enzymes activity that occurred following the exposure to modelled microgravity. In conclusion, the results provide interesting insights for the application of infrared laser in the treatment of muscle atrophy. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s12217-012-9329-2 Authors Monica Monici, ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Research Division, ASA- Department Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy Francesca Cialdai, ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Research Division, ASA- Department Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy Giovanni Romano, ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Research Division, ASA- Department Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy Paola Antonia Corsetto, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy Angela Maria Rizzo, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy Anna Caselli, Department Biochemical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy Francesco Ranaldi, Department Biochemical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy Journal Microgravity Science and Technology Online ISSN 1875-0494 Print ISSN 0938-0108

Description:    Gigantic jet (GJ) is a type of large-scaled transient discharge which occurs above thunderstorms. It connects the thunderstorms and ionosphere directly. Compared with the other transient luminous events (TLEs), gigantic jet is very difficult to be seen from the ground. We report a GJ event that was clearly recorded in eastern China (storm center located at 35.6°N,119.8°E, near the Huanghai Sea) at 20:16:22 (local time) on 12 August, 2010. It is by far the furthest from the equator ground-based GJ recorded over summer thunderstorm. The top altitude of this GJ was estimated to be about 89 km. The GJ-producing storm was a multi-cell thunderstorm and the GJ event occurred in the storm developing stage, with the lowest cloud-top brightness temperature about ∼73°C and the maximum radar echo top around 17 km. Altitudes with reflectivity of 45 dBZ were estimated to reach 12–14 km. Different from results from other countries that positive CGs (Cloud-to-ground lightnings) dominated during a time period centered at GJ, our study shows that negative CGs dominated during a time period centered at the GJ event and during most of the storm lifetime in this study, indicating a diversity of the lightning activity in the GJ-producing storms. It is interesting that two different storms produced two types of TLEs, that is, the GJ-producing storm only produced one GJ event during its lifetime and five sprites were produced over another storm, different from the other study that sprites and GJs were usually produced by the same storm, enriched the knowledge of GJ-producing storms. In addition, the GJ event in this study is located beyond the effective coverage area (30°S-30°N) of the ISUAL instruments onboard the FORMOSAT II satellite, and results of this study could be useful for GJ studies in the future. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5486-3 Authors Jing Yang, Key Laboratory of Middle Atmosphere and Global Environment Observation (LAGEO), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 China GuiLi Feng, Shandong Research Institute of Meteorology, Jinan, 250031 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    The glacier ELA is one of the important parameters reflecting climate change. Based on observations of the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) of Urumqi Glacier No.1 in the Tianshan Mountains, we established a statistical model between ELA and its major influencing factors, warm season air temperature (air temperature averages for May, June, July and August) and annual precipitation. Result showed that, warm season air temperature was the leading climatic factor influencing ELA variations. The glacier ELA ascends (descends) 61.7 m when warm season air temperature increases (decreases) by 1°C, and ascends (descends) 13.1 m when cold season precipitation decreases (increases) by 10%. In the period 1959–2008, the glacier ELA showed a general increasing trend, ascending108 m and reaching its highest altitude in 2008 at 4168 m a.s.l., close to the glacier summit. If future climate is similar to that in the past 50 years, the ELA of Urumqi Glacier No.1 will still ascend with a speed of 2.16 m/a. However, If future climate is similar to that in the period 2000–2008, the ELA will still ascend with a speed of 6.5 m/a before it is stable. As a result of ELA variation, the accumulation area ratio (AAR) of the glacier showed a decreasing trend during the past 50 years. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5524-1 Authors ZhiWen Dong, State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 China DaHe Qin, State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 China JiaWen Ren, State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 China KaiMing Li, State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 China ZhongQin Li, State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Dromiciops gliroides is an arboreal marsupial found in the temperate forests of South America (36–43 °S). This species is the sole extant representative of the order Microbiotheria, and is a key seed disperser of many native plant species, including the keystone mistletoe Tristerix corymbosus . Here, we synthesized the current knowledge on the ecological aspects of this species, and compared the available information from Argentina and Chile. Population density (23 ± 2 (mean ± SE) individual/ha) and home range (1.6 ± 0.6 ha) appear to be relatively similar across a marked ecological gradient in the mainland, but lower densities (7 ± 2 individual/ha) and smaller home ranges (0.26 ± 0.04 ha) were detected at island sites. We detected regional variation in body condition in Chile, but there were no significant differences across a wider E-W gradient. Movement patterns fit a random walk model; such behavior might have important consequences in shaping plant’s spatial patterns. Although our data suggest that D. gliroides is more tolerant to habitat disturbance than previously thought, its incapability to disperse across non-forested areas suggests that the rapid rate of habitat loss and fragmentation that characterizes southern temperate forests likely poses a serious threat to this species. These ecological similarities are surprising given that forests studied receive dramatically different rainfall and correspond to distinct forest types. The evidence synthetized here dispels some of the myths about this species but also stresses the need for more comprehensive ecological studies across its distribution range. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0969-2 Authors Francisco E. Fontúrbel, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, 7800024 Santiago, Chile Marcela Franco, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla Teja, Valdivia, Chile Mariano A. Rodríguez-Cabal, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA M. Daniela Rivarola, INIBIOMA, CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina Guillermo C. Amico, INIBIOMA, CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    This article portrays a concise review on an extensive range of state-of-art advancement in methodologies and applications for Digital China, which includes models, algorithms, theory framework, engineering technology, science methodology, practice applications, etc. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 3761-3768 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5446-y Authors JingNong Weng, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China Irfan Rafique, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China Maissom Qanber Abbasi, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Numbers 28-29

Description:    A multi-quantum barrier structure is employed as the electron blocking layer of light-emitting diodes to enhance their performance. Using the non-isothermal multi-physics-field coupling model, the internal quantum efficiency, internal heat source characteristics, spectrum characteristics, and photoelectric conversion efficiency of light-emitting diodes are analyzed systematically. The simulation results show that: introducing multi-quantum barrier electron blocking layer structure significantly increases the internal quantum efficiency and photoelectric conversion efficiency of light-emitting diodes and the intensity of spectrum, and strongly ensures the thermal and light output stability of light-emitting diodes. These results are attributed to the modified energy band diagrams of the electron blocking layer which are responsible for the decreased electron leakage and enhanced carrier concentration in the active region. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 3937-3942 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5389-3 Authors TianHu Wang, Beijing Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206 China JinLiang Xu, Beijing Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow and Heat Transfer for Low Grade Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206 China XiaoDong Wang, Beijing Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow and Heat Transfer for Low Grade Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Number 30

Description:    Urbanisation critically threatens biodiversity because of habitat destruction and novel selection pressures. Some animals can respond to these challenges by modifying their behaviour, particularly anti-predator behaviour, allowing them to persist in heavily transformed urban areas. We investigated whether the anti-predator behaviour of the Cape ground squirrel Xerus inauris differed in three localities that differed in their level of urbanisation. According to the habituation hypothesis, we predicted that ground squirrels in urban areas would: (a) be less vigilant and forage more; (b) trade-off flight/vigilance in favour of foraging; and (c) have shorter flight initiation distances (FID) when approached by a human observer. Observations were made in winter and summer at each locality. As expected, ground squirrels in urbanised areas were less vigilant and had shorter FIDs but did not trade-off between foraging and vigilance. In contrast, a population in a non-urbanised locality showed greater levels of vigilance, FID and traded-off vigilance and foraging. A population in a peri-urban locality showed mixed responses. Our results indicate that Cape ground squirrels reduce their anti-predator behaviour in urban areas and demonstrate a flexible behavioural response to urbanisation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0971-8 Authors Tarryn Chapman, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Witwatersrand, 2050 South Africa Tasmin Rymer, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Witwatersrand, 2050 South Africa Neville Pillay, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Witwatersrand, 2050 South Africa Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is responsible for executive functions, including planning, goal setting, problem solving, inhibitory control, monitoring, and action adjusting. Executive functions also include selective attention and the flexibility or switching of attention; therefore, attention is an executive function in which the PFC participates. Working memory (WM), which is the temporary maintenance and processing of particular information, is usually considered to be a basic neural mechanism underlying the executive functions. This review systematically discusses the relationship between the prefrontal WM and attention and emphasizes two forms of prefrontal attention. The first form occurs in the dlPFC, which encodes the location of objects with respect to the position of the head, thereby providing a frame of reference from which the focus of attention can be centered. The second occurs in the inferior convexity of the prefrontal cortex (IFC), which encodes the different attributes (shape, texture, color) of objects to enable the ability to focus on one or to switch attention between sensory attributes of objects. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5462-y Authors LiChuan Yang, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223 China MingHong Li, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223 China Fraser A Wilson, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223 China XinTian Hu, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223 China YuanYe Ma, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Mercury is one of the primary contaminants of global concern. As anthropogenic emissions of mercury are gradually placed under control, evidence is emerging that biotic mercury levels in many aquatic ecosystems are increasingly driven by internal biogeochemical processes, especially in ecosystems that have been undergoing dramatic environmental changes. Here we review the unique properties of mercury that are responsible for the exceptional sensitivity of its biogeochemical cycles to changes in climatic, geochemical, biological and ecological processes. We show that, due to rapid climate warming, a shift from sources-driven to processes-driven mercury bioaccumulation is already happening in the Arctic marine ecosystem. We further suggest that such a shift might also be operating in the Three Gorges Reservoir due to changes in these biogeochemical processes induced by the damming. As a result, the effectiveness of mercury emission control is expected to be followed by long delays before ensuing reduction is seen in food-web levels, making it all the more pressing to control and reduce mercury emissions to the reservoir. Long-term monitoring and targeted studies are urgently needed to understand how biotic mercury levels in the reservoir are responding to changes in mercury emissions and in biogeochemical processes. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5490-7 Authors Feiyue Wang, Center for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, and Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada JinZhong Zhang, Key Laboratory of Eco-Environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Xinjiang, the most northwest provincial administrative area of China, was the area where the oriental people met the occidental. The populations in Xinjiang exhibit very high genetic diversity. Previous study revealed that the eastern Xinjiang populations of the Bronze Age were mixed by the Eastern and the Western Eurasians. However, few studies have been performed to reveal when the population admixture started and how far to the west it reached. In this paper, we studied 148 craniofacial traits of 18 skulls from the Bronze Age Liushui graveyard in Khotan (Keriya County) in the southwest of Xinjiang. Seventeen craniometrical parameters of the Khotan samples were then compared with those of other ancient samples from around Xinjiang using dendrogram cluster analysis, principal components analysis, and multidimensional scaling. The results indicated that population sample of Liushui graveyard was mixed by the Western and Eastern Eurasians with about 79% contribution from the east. Therefore, we demonstrated that population admixture between east and west Eurasia can be traced back to as early as 1000 BC in southwest Xinjiang. Content Type Journal Article Category Invited Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5459-6 Authors JingZe Tan, Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China LiMing Li, Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China JianBo Zhang, Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China WenQing Fu, Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China HaiJuan Guan, Shanghai Society of Anthropology, Shanghai, 200433 China Xue Ao, Shanghai Society of Anthropology, Shanghai, 200433 China LinGe Wang, Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China XinHua Wu, Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, 100710 China KangXin Han, Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, 100710 China Li Jin, Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China Hui Li, Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Guizhou Province is known as a heavily Hg-polluted area in China due to its special geochemical background and complicated Hg emission sources. In this study, we investigated the Hg isotope compositions of surface soil samples in the Hg mining area, zinc smelting area, coal combustion area, which are known to be the typical pollution regions of Hg in this province. We also compared the Hg isotopic fingerprints of primary Hg sources, such as hydrothermal Hg-bearing ores, coals and atmospheric Hg samples. According to our study, Hg stored in surface soils in different pollution regions in Guizhou Province displays a wide range of both mass dependent fractionation (MDF, δ 202 Hg) and mass independent fractionation (MIF, Δ 199 Hg). δ 202 Hg varies by 2.0‰ and δ 199 Hg varies by 0.25‰ in the investigated surface soils. This study demonstrated that using a “MDF-MIF” two dimensional Hg isotope system could be particularly useful in discriminating Hg sources in soils. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5488-1 Authors XinBin Feng, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002 China RunSheng Yin, State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002 China Ben Yu, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002 China BuYun Du, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Energy allocation is determined by resource availability and trade-offs among traits, and so organisms have to give some traits priority over others to maximize their fitness according to their environment. In this study, we investigated the geographic variations in life history traits and potential trade-offs in populations of the parasitoid Leptopilina heterotoma (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) originating from the north and the south of the Rhône–Saône valley (over a gradient of 300 km, South-East France). We measured a set of traits related to reproduction, maintenance, and mobility using several estimators of each of these main functions determined at different times. We did not find any clear differences between populations from contrasting areas, whereas the southern populations, which were all assumed to be exposed to similar environmental conditions, displayed contrasting patterns of energy allocation. Thus, the most likely explanation seems to be that the evolution of the life history of L. heterotoma is probably shaped by local selective pressures, such as microclimate, microhabitats, or intensity of competition, rather than by regional ecological conditions. Using our study as an example, we discuss the interest of considering several traits and using different ways of measuring them, concluding that multiple measurements should be performed in future studies to ensure the robustness of the results. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0972-7 Authors Pauline Vuarin, UMR CNRS 6553, Equipe PaysaClim, Université de Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France Roland Allemand, UMR CNRS 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France Joffrey Moiroux, UMR CNRS 6553, Equipe PaysaClim, Université de Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France Joan van Baaren, UMR CNRS 6553, Equipe PaysaClim, Université de Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France Patricia Gibert, UMR CNRS 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    This paper presents a novel method that integrates the Algebraic Connectivity Strength of Point (ACSP) and Scoring Criteria to identify genes associated with tumor type. First, for each gene, the ACSP is used to identify reliable expression levels of the gene in all the samples. The informative genes are then selected using Scoring Criteria based on these reliable expression levels. Finally, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier is used to classify the two datasets of gene expression profiling. The results show that the informative genes selected by the proposed method have higher credibility than those selected by Scoring Criteria alone. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5421-7 Authors Nian Wang, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing & Signal Processing, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, 230039 China LiangLiang Su, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing & Signal Processing, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, 230039 China Jun Tang, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing & Signal Processing, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, 230039 China AiXia Ye, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing & Signal Processing, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, 230039 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Knowledge of the evolution of pedogenic processes in the carbonate area is important to understand the dynamics of rock desertification. A precisely-dated stalagmite δ 13 C record between 61.3 and 50.5 ka BP from southwestern China, potentially related to soil biogenic CO 2 production, shifts within a narrow range between −9‰ and −7‰, and exhibits a prominent cycle of 350–470 a, independent of the Asian monsoon changes. This indicates that a threshold effect might control the amplitude of calcite δ 13 C variability, likely associated with the vertical soil loss in the carbonate area. The periodic δ 13 C changes reflect that the loss/recovery of soil cover can operate on centennial scale. Thus, the rock desertification in southwestern China might at least initiate 60 ka ago and should be of natural origin. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5472-9 Authors DianBing Liu, College of Geography Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046 China YongJin Wang, College of Geography Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210046 China Hai Cheng, Institute of Global Environmental Change, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 China R. L. Edwards, Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Dissolved organic matters (DOM) have important influence on the environmental behavior and fate of organic pollutants, therefore rationalization of interaction mechanisms between pollutants and DOM has become a hot topic in the field of environmental studies. In this paper, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), widely detected pollutants, were chosen as target compounds. The effects of substituent position on the interaction between PBDEs/PCBs and DOM were explored. Equilibrium dialysis technique combined with quantum chemistry and molecular docking calculations were employed to reveal the interaction mechanism from the view of charge distribution and molecular conformation. It is shown that non- ortho -substituted isomers have larger volumes and stronger hydrophobicity than those of ortho -substituted, therefore non- ortho -substituted isomers bind more favorably with DOM by hydrophobic partition. By calculating the atomic charge distribution of target chemicals and Leonardite humic acid (LHA) molecular model, π-π interactions between the aromatic rings of target chemicals with LHA are proposed and further proved in molecular docking calculations. There were 10, 8, 6 docking conformations demonstrating π-π interaction with LHA for CB-77, BDE-77 and BDE-47, respectively, but none was found for CB-47. By comparing the change of dihedral angle of the aromatic rings and energy barrier, non- ortho -substituted PBDEs/PCBs have larger dihedral angle adjustment space and flexibility, which results in stronger interaction and binding capability with DOM than ortho -substituted isomers. This paper shed some lights on the effect of substituent position on the environmental behaviors of PBDEs and PCBs. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5464-9 Authors AiLiJiang Nuerla, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering of Ministry of Chemistry, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China XianLiang Qiao, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering of Ministry of Chemistry, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China Jing Li, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering of Ministry of Chemistry, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China DongMei Zhao, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering of Ministry of Chemistry, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China XianHai Yang, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering of Ministry of Chemistry, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China Qing Xie, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering of Ministry of Chemistry, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China JingWen Chen, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering of Ministry of Chemistry, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    C-di-GMP is a ubiquitous bacterial second messenger that regulates a wide range of bacterial physiological processes including biofilm formation, virulence, motility and cell differentiation. Here, we have summarized our current knowledge on the upstream signaling factors and downstream effectors of c-di-GMP in addition to the interaction between c-di-GMP and eukaryotic organisms. New discoveries in these areas have enriched our understanding of the diversity of c-di-GMP signaling pathways and provide important clues for us to explore the roles of c-di-GMP signaling in human pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5298-5 Authors Tao Cui, National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Center for Proteomics Research, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ZhengGuo He, National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Center for Proteomics Research, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    The ability to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics is important for many animals, especially territorial species since it allows them to avoid unnecessary interactions with individuals that pose little threat. There are very few studies, however, that identify the proximate cues that facilitate such recognition in visual systems. Here, we show that in tawny dragons ( Ctenophorus decresii ), males can recognize familiar and unfamiliar conspecific males based on morphological features alone, without the aid of chemical or behavioural cues. We further show that it is the colour pattern of the throat patches (gular) that facilitates this recognition. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 869-872 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0968-3 Authors Louise Osborne, Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 0200, Australia Kate D. L. Umbers, Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 0200, Australia Patricia R. Y. Backwell, Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 0200, Australia J. Scott Keogh, Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 0200, Australia Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042 Journal Volume Volume 99 Journal Issue Volume 99, Number 10

Description:    In the study of plant defense evolution, invasive plant species can be very insightful because they are often introduced without their enemies, and traits linked to defense can be released from selective pressures and evolve. Further, studying plant defense evolution in invasive species is important for biological control and use of these species. In this study, we investigated the evolution of the defensive chemicals quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) in the invasive species gorse, Ulex europaeus . Using a common garden experiment, our goals were to characterize the role of QAs relative to specialist enemies of gorse and to investigate if QA concentration evolved in invaded regions, where gorse was introduced without these enemies. Our results showed that pod infestation rate by the seed predator Exapion ulicis and infestation by the rust pathogen Uromyces genistae-tinctoriae were negatively correlated to concentration of the QA lupanine. Quinolizidine alkaloid concentration was very variable between individuals, both within and among populations, but it was not different between native and invaded regions, suggesting that no evolution of decreased resistance occurred after gorse lost its enemies. Our study also suggests that QA concentrations are traits integrated into seed predation avoidance strategies of gorse, with plants that mass-fruit in spring but do not escape pod infestation in time being richer in QAs. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-012-0970-9 Authors Benjamin Hornoy, ECOBIO, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Anne Atlan, ECOBIO, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Michèle Tarayre, ECOBIO, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Sébastien Dugravot, BIO3P, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Michael Wink, Institut für Pharmazie und Molekulare Biotechnologie, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042

Description:    Mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) are ubiquitous in the environment and exist in a variety of species, which have great influence on their transport, bioaccumulation and toxicity. This review presents the recent research progress in speciation analysis of Hg, As, and Se, with emphasis on enhanced cold vapor generation as interface for liquid chromatography and atomic spectrometry, speciation of volatile species in gas phase, and isotope dilution technique to improve the precision and accuracy of speciation. Hyphenated techniques to characterize the complexes of Hg and As with phytochelatins and chromatographic separation coupled with multi-collector-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to measure species-specific isotopic ratios, are also briefly discussed. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5497-0 Authors YongGuang Yin, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China JingFu Liu, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China GuiBin Jiang, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Hydrogels resulting from the self-assembly of small peptides are smart nanobiomaterials as their nanostructuring can be readily tuned by environmental stimuli such as pH, ionic strength and temperature, thereby favoring their practical applications. This work reports experimental observations of formation of peptide hydrogels in response to the redox environment. Ac-I 3 K-NH 2 is a short peptide amphiphile that readily self-assembles into long nanofibers and its gel formation occurs at concentrations of about 10 mmol/L. Introduction of a Cys residue into the hydrophilic region leads to a new molecule, Ac-I 3 CGK-NH 2 , that enables the formation of disulfide bonds between self-assembled nanofibers, thus favoring cross-linking and promoting hydrogel formation. Under oxidative environment, Ac-I 3 CGK-NH 2 formed hydrogels at much lower concentrations (even at 0.5 mmol/L). Furthermore, the strength of the hydrogels could be easily tuned by switching between oxidative and reductive conditions and time. However, AFM, TEM, and CD measurements revealed little morphological and structural changes at molecular and nano dimensions, showing no apparent influence arising from the disulfide bond formation. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5487-2 Authors ChangHai Cao, The Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580 China MeiWen Cao, The Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580 China HaiMing Fan, The Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580 China DaoHong Xia, The Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580 China Hai Xu, The Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580 China Jian R. Lu, Biological Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9JP UK Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Mercury (II) is an important factor in hepatotoxicity that can enter the body through marine diets and amalgams. In the present study, the protective effect of the Eriobotrya japonica flower extract (EJFE) on HgCl 2 -induced hepatotoxicity was investigated. Five mg/kg of mercuric chloride in drinking water was given to rats either with saline or EJFE (100 and 200 mg/kg as intraperitoneal (IP)) for 30 d. The mercury levels in different groups of liver tissues of the rats were measured with flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy (F-AAS). Also, mercury accumulation in the liver of the rats was modeled by using a parallel chemical kinetic model. The results showed that HgCl 2 -induced oxidative damage led to a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, and to a significant increase in lipid peroxidation level. Accumulated mercury was 14.47% more in the livers of the stress groups than in those of the control groups ( P 〈0.001), whereas the amount of Hg was adjusted to 13.49% and 13.93% in groups treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg of EJFE respectively, as compared with stress groups ( P 〈0.001). HPLC analysis of EJFE revealed that hesperetin and gallic acid are the major antioxidants in EJFE. Results demonstrate that flowers of the Eriobotrya japonica cause a significant protection against HgCl 2 induced hepatotoxicity in all diagnostic parameters by strengthening the antioxidant defense mechanisms and they may have a therapeutic function in free radical mediated diseases. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 3891-3897 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5429-z Authors Amir Hossein Esmaeili, Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Box 14515-775, Tehran, Iran Ramazan Ali Khavari-Nejad, Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Box 14515-775, Tehran, Iran Akbar Hajizadeh Moghaddam, Faculty of Basic Science, University of Mazandaran, Box 47416-95448, Babolsar, Iran Mohammad Javad Chaichi, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Mazandaran, Box 47416-95447, Babolsar, Iran Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48189 Iran Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Number 30

Description:    As one of the key characteristics in cognitive wireless networks (CWNs), network environment awareness techniques have received much attention recently. Instead of traditional spectrum sensing technology that suffers from problems of miss detection, false alarm, hidden node, and inefficiency, cognitive pilot channel (CPC) technology has been proposed as one of the candidate solutions for an efficient and accurate network information delivery scheme to user equipment (UE). The aim of the CPC technology is to provide the necessary information for the reconfiguration of the UE using the public signaling channel. To ensure the efficient information delivery, the whole geographical area covered by the CPC is divided into square meshes of the same size. Moreover, two typical network information transmission modes for CPC deployment are also proposed: broadcast CPC mode and on-demand CPC mode. To further improve the efficiency of network information delivery, an efficient dynamic mesh grouping scheme has been designed which is based on the fractal theory for the broadcast CPC mode, where adaptive rectangular sized meshes are used to approximately cover the whole area. Compared to the traditional fixed size mesh division strategy, results show that the proposed dynamic mesh grouping scheme significantly reduces the number of meshes by grouping similar meshes together, and the average delay of receiving CPC information on the UE side is therefore reduced. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 3684-3690 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5369-7 Authors ZhiYong Feng, Wireless Technology Innovation Institute (WTI), Key Laboratory of Universal Wireless Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876 China ZhiQing Wei, Wireless Technology Innovation Institute (WTI), Key Laboratory of Universal Wireless Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876 China QiXun Zhang, Wireless Technology Innovation Institute (WTI), Key Laboratory of Universal Wireless Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876 China Ping Zhang, Wireless Technology Innovation Institute (WTI), Key Laboratory of Universal Wireless Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Numbers 28-29

Description: In the development of wireless cognitive science Content Type Journal Article Category Editorial Pages 3661-3661 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-9909-y Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Numbers 28-29

Description:    Local cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (LCMRGlc) is an important index for the description of neural function. Dynamic 18 F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) has been used for quantitative imaging of LCMRGlc in humans, but is seldom used routinely because of the difficulty in obtaining the input function noninvasively. A reference tissue-based Patlak plot model (rPatlak) was proposed to generate parametric images of LCMRGlc in a quantitative dynamic FDG-PET study without requiring blood sampling. Dynamic emission scans (4×0.5, 4×2 and 10×5 min) were acquired simultaneously with an IV bolus injection of 155 MBq of FDG. Arterial blood samples were collected during the scans via a catheter placed in the radial artery. Simulation data were also generated using the same scan sequence. The last ten scan data sets were used in a graphical analysis using the Patlak plot. The ratio of LCMRGlc estimated from the original Patlak (oPatlak, using plasma input) was used as the gold standard, and the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) was also calculated for comparison. Eight different tissues including white matter, gray matter, and whole brain were chosen as reference tissues for evaluation. Regardless of the reference region used, the slopes in the linear regression between oPatlak and rPatlak were closer to unity than the regression slopes between oPatlak and SUVR. The intercepts for the former were also closer to 0 than those for the latter case. The squared correlation coefficients were close to 1.0 for both cases. This showed that the results of rPatlak were in good agreement with those of oPatlak, however, SUVR exhibited more deviation. The simulation study also showed that the relative variance and bias for rPatlak were less than those for SUVR. The images obtained with rPatlak were very similar to those obtained with oPatlak, while there were differences in the relative spatial distribution between the images of SUVR and oPatlak. This study validates that the rPatlak method is better than the SUVR method and is a good approximation to the oPatlak method. The new method is suitable for generating LCMRGlc parametric images noninvasively. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 3811-3818 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5401-y Authors YiGen Wu, School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044 China Yun Zhou, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA ShangLian Bao, Beijing City Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China SungCheng Huang, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA XiaoHu Zhao, Imaging Department of Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065 China Jun LI, Beijing City Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Numbers 28-29

Description:    Facing the challenges on how to improve spectrum efficiency and how to realize heterogeneous network convergence in future wireless networks, a cognitive radio network (CRN) is proposed as one of the solutions. This has become a major research topic in recent years and it is timely to give an overview of the development of CRN and to summarize key issues and technologies. The fundamental concepts of CRN, including the cognitive cycle model, the network architecture, and the cognitive ability and intelligent decision functions, are introduced in detail based on recent advances. Key issues for each topic, followed with recent research on theory and method, are then classified and the industrialization developments of CRN testbeds based on TD-LTE cellular system and standards are briefly presented. Finally, conclusions are reached on the perspectives and directions of future development. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 3662-3676 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5334-5 Authors Ping Zhang, Wireless Technology Innovation Institute (WTI), Key Laboratory of Universal Wireless Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876 China Yang Liu, Wireless Technology Innovation Institute (WTI), Key Laboratory of Universal Wireless Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876 China ZhiYong Feng, Wireless Technology Innovation Institute (WTI), Key Laboratory of Universal Wireless Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876 China QiXun Zhang, Wireless Technology Innovation Institute (WTI), Key Laboratory of Universal Wireless Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876 China Qian Li, Wireless Technology Innovation Institute (WTI), Key Laboratory of Universal Wireless Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876 China Ding Xu, Wireless Technology Innovation Institute (WTI), Key Laboratory of Universal Wireless Communications, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Numbers 28-29

Description:    In order to evaluate the impact of the Fukushima nuclear accident on the China Seas, seawater samples from the South China Sea (SCS), the East China Sea (ECS) and the Yellow Sea (YS) were collected in April–June 2011, and their 137 Cs activities were measured using low-background γ-spectrometry. 137 Cs activities in the study area ranged from 0.75±0.07 to 1.43±0.08 Bq m −3 with an average of 1.12±0.08 Bq m −3 . 137 Cs activities initially increased from the nearshore to the inner shelf, and subsequently decreased from the inner shelf to the outer shelf. Vertical profiles showed higher 137 Cs activities at the surface but lower activities at depth in the ECS, suggesting atmospheric input of 137 Cs. As such, the distribution pattern of 137 Cs in the region was presumably determined by a combination of atmospheric deposition and subsequent mixing between different water masses including the coastal currents, the Yangtze River plume and the Taiwan Warm Currents. Based on the inventory of 93 Bq m −2 and the atmospheric deposition flux of 137 Cs in the ECS of 32.2 mBq m −2 d −1 (5.4–42.9 mBq m −2 d −1 ) which we estimated, we derived the residence time of 137 Cs in the upper water column to be 66 d (45–95 d). We concluded that in terms of 137 Cs, the ECS was less impacted by the Fukushima accident as compared to the Chernobyl accident. The released amount of 137 Cs into the ECS from the Fukushima accident was minute. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5426-2 Authors JunWen Wu, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 China KuanBo Zhou, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 China MinHan Dai, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Diatom frustules, considered as novel bio-functional materials, display a diversity of patterns and unique micro- and nanostructures which may be useful in many areas of application. Existing devices directly use the original structure of the biosilica frustules, limiting their function and structural scale. Current research into the shapes, materials and structural properties of frustules are considered; a series of frustule processing methods including structure processing, material modification, bonding and assembly techniques are reviewed and discussed. The aim is to improve the function of diatom frustules allowing them to meet the design requirements of different types of micro devices. In addition, the importance of the comprehensive use of diatom processing methods in device research is discussed using biosensors and solar cells as examples, and the potential of bio-manufacturing technology based on diatom frustules is examined. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 3836-3849 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5410-x Authors DeYuan Zhang, Bionics and Biologic Micro/nano-bio-manufacturing Research Center, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China Yu Wang, Bionics and Biologic Micro/nano-bio-manufacturing Research Center, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China Jun Cai, Bionics and Biologic Micro/nano-bio-manufacturing Research Center, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China JunFeng Pan, Bionics and Biologic Micro/nano-bio-manufacturing Research Center, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China XingGang Jiang, Bionics and Biologic Micro/nano-bio-manufacturing Research Center, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China YongGang Jiang, Bionics and Biologic Micro/nano-bio-manufacturing Research Center, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Number 30

Description:    Metals and metalloids play distinct roles in human health, either beneficial or toxic, depending on their concentrations and species. There is an increasing interest in metals uptake, trafficking, function, and exertion in microorganisms to maintain and advance human health. Metallomics, an emerging research area, focuses on elucidation of metals/metalloids location, distribution, speciation, and behavior in living organisms. This paper briefly summarized the recent progress on the methodology development of metallomics including various techniques, i.e. multiple dimensional liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICPMS), gel electrophoresis-laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (GE-LA-ICPMS), synchrotron X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy (XFS), and the applications of metallomics in environmental and health care. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5496-1 Authors LiGang Hu, Department of Chemistry, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China Bin He, Department of Chemistry, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China YuChuan Wang, Department of Chemistry, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China GuiBin Jiang, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China HongZhe Sun, Department of Chemistry, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Many QTL mapping methods have been developed in the past two decades. Statistically, the best method should have a high detection power but a low false discovery rate (FDR). Power and FDR cannot be derived theoretically for most QTL mapping methods, but they can be properly evaluated using computer simulations. In this paper, we used four genetic models (two for independent loci and two for linked loci) to illustrate power and FDR estimation for interval mapping (IM) and inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM). For each model, we simulated 1000 populations each of 200 doubled haploids. A support interval (SI) was first defined to indicate to which predefined QTL the significant QTL belonged. Power was calculated by counting the number of simulation runs with significant peaks higher than the logarithm of odds (LOD) threshold in the SI. Quantitative trait loci not identified in any SIs were viewed as false positives. The FDR is the rate at which QTLs are identified as significant when they are actually non-significant. Simulation results allowed us to estimate power and FDR of IM and ICIM for two independent and two linkage genetic models. Our estimates allowed us to readily compare the efficiencies of different statistical methods for QTL mapping, including the ability to separate linkage, under a wide range of genetic models. We used IM and ICIM as examples of how to estimate power and FDR, but the principles shown in this paper can be used for power analysis and comparison of any other QTL mapping methods, especially those based on interval tests. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 2701-2710 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5239-3 Authors HuiHui Li, Institute of Crop Sciences, The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, and CIMMYT China, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081 China LuYan Zhang, Institute of Crop Sciences, The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, and CIMMYT China, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081 China JianKang Wang, Institute of Crop Sciences, The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, and CIMMYT China, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Number 21

Description:    Residual feed intake (RFI) and carcass merit (CM) are both complex traits emerging as critical targets for beef genetic improvement. RFI and CM traits are difficult and expensive to measure and genetic improvement for these traits through traditional selection methods is not very effective. Therefore, genome-wide selection using DNA markers may be a potential alternative for genetic improvement of these traits. In this study, the efficiency of a genome-wide selection model for genetic improvement of RFI and CM was assessed. The Illumina Bovine50K bead chip was used to genotype 922 beef cattle from the Kinsella Beef Research Ranch of the University of Alberta. A Bayes model and multiple marker regression using a stepwise method were used to conduct the association test. The number of significant SNP markers for carcass weight (CWT), carcass back fat (BF), carcass rib eye area (REA), carcass grade fat (GDF), lean meat yield (LMY), and residual feed intake (RFI) were 75, 54, 67, 57, 44 and 50, respectively. Bi-variate analysis of marker scores and phenotypes for all traits were made using DMU Software. The genetic parameter for each trait was estimated. The genetic correlations of marker score and phenotype for CWT, BF, REA, GDF, LMY and RFI were 0.75, 0.69, 0.87, 0.77, 0.78, and 0.85, respectively. The average prediction accuracies of phenotypic EBV for the six traits were increased by 0.05, 0.16, 0.24, 0.23, 0.17 and 0.19, respectively. The results of this study indicated that the two-trait marker-assisted evaluation model used was a suitable alternative of genetic evaluation for these traits in beef cattle. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 2741-2746 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5325-6 Authors ZhiYao Zeng, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan, 625014 China GuoQing Tang, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan, 625014 China JiDeng Ma, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan, 625014 China Graham Plastow, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8, Canada Stephen Moore, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8, Canada SongJia Lai, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan, 625014 China XueWei Li, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan, 625014 China ZhiQuan Wang, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8, Canada Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Number 21

Description: Modern quantitative genetics: Dissecting complex polygenic systems into individual genetic factors Content Type Journal Article Category Editorial Pages 2635-2636 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-9915-0 Authors WeiRen Wu, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Number 21

Description:    Most important agronomic and quality traits of crops are quantitative in nature. The genetic variations in such traits are usually controlled by sets of genes called quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and the interactions between QTLs and the environment. It is crucial to understand the genetic architecture of complex traits to design efficient strategies for plant breeding. In the present study, a new experimental design and the corresponding statistical method are presented for QTL mapping. The proposed mapping population is composed of double backcross populations derived from backcrossing both homozygous parents to DH (double haploid) or RI (recombinant inbreeding) lines separately. Such an immortal mapping population allows for across-environment replications, and can be used to estimate dominance effects, epistatic effects, and QTL-environment interactions, remedying the drawbacks of a single backcross population. In this method, the mixed linear model approach is used to estimate the positions of QTLs and their various effects including the QTL additive, dominance, and epistatic effects, and QTL-environment interaction effects (QE). Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to investigate the performance of the proposed method and to assess the accuracy and efficiency of its estimations. The results showed that the proposed method could estimate the positions and the genetic effects of QTLs with high efficiency. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 2645-2654 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5279-8 Authors ZhiHong Zhu, Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Yousaf Hayart, Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, NWFP Agricultural University Peshawar, Peshawar, 25130 Pakistan Jian Yang, Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China LiYong Cao, China National Rice Research Institute, National Center for Rice Improvement, State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Hangzhou, 310006 China XiangYang Lou, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA HaiMing Xu, Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Number 21

Description:    The phytochrome gene from Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB-912, isolated from algal blooms in Taihu Lake in China, was sequenced and found to code for a wavelength transition light receptor protein. The gene was composed of five distinct domains: a PAS fold domain, a GAF domain, a phytochrome domain, a His Kinase A (phosphoacceptor) domain, and a histidine kinase domain. Red-absorbing phytochrome, far-red-absorbing phytochrome, and photoconversion kinetics were monitored via the spectral characteristics of the protein. To detect positive selection, homologous sequences from cyanobacterium phytochrome genes were obtained from GenBank. Potential selective pressure was identified by phylogenetic analysis with maximum likelihood analyses. The frequency of the phytochrome gene being subjected to selective constraints suggests that positive selection is a potentially important mechanism that promotes the evolution of the cyanobacteria phytochrome gene. The sites identified in this study provide targets for further research on the structural-functional role of these residues, and on the correlation with the mechanism of algal blooms. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5238-4 Authors Fei Shi, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003 China Nan Li, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003 China ShaoFang Liu, Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China Song Qin, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    General pedigrees are very common in farm animals, and the recent availability of large panels of SNPs in domestic species has given new momentum to the search for the mutations underlying variation in quantitative traits. In this paper, we proposed a new transmission disequilibrium test approach, called the pedigree transmission disequilibrium test, which deals with general pedigrees and quantitative traits in farm animals. Compared with the existing pedigree disequilibrium test (PDT) and general linear model-based method QTDT, our approach performed better with higher power and lower type I error, especially in scenarios where the quantitative trait locus (QTL) effect was small. We also investigated the application of our approach in selective genotyping design. Our simulation studies indicated that it was plausible to implement a selective genotyping strategy in the proposed pedigree transmission disequilibrium test. We found that our approach performed equally well or better when only some proportion of the individuals in the two tails were genotyped compared with its performance when all the individuals in the pedigree were genotyped. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 2688-2694 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5218-8 Authors XiangDong Ding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China ChongLong Wang, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China Qin Zhang, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Number 21

Description:    The Alxa Block is considered part of the North China Craton, but the unambiguous Archean basement has not been reported. In this study, we present the first evidence of the Neoarchean rocks in the Beidashan area of the western Alxa Block. The petrographic and geochemical data show that these rocks are granodiorite with TTG (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite) characteristics. Zircon U-Pb dating gave an age of 2522±30 Ma for the magmatic core and 2496±11 Ma for the metamorphic recrystallized rim. The near-identical age between the Latest Neoarchean magmatism and the high-grade metamorphism shows that these features were related to the same Latest Neoarchean-Earliest Paleoproterozoic tectonothermal event. The age-corrected ɛ Hf ( t ) value is mainly between 0.4 and 4.9. The two-stage zircon Hf model age ranges from 2.7 to 3.0 Ga, suggesting that the Mesoarchean-Neoarchean (2.7–3.0 Ga) juvenile crust was reworked at the end of the Neoarchean in the western Alxa Block. These data suggest that the western Alxa Block experienced a Mesoarchean-Neoarchean crust growth and Latest Neoarchean-Earliest Paleoproterozoic tectonothermal event similar to the North China Craton. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5315-8 Authors JiangHua Gong, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, 100037 China JianXin Zhang, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, 100037 China ShengYao Yu, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, 100037 China HuaiKun Li, Tianjin Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, China Geological Survey, Tianjin, 300170 China KeJun Hou, Institute of Mineral Resources, China Academy of Geological Science, Beijing, 100037 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    We discuss stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) under the convective instability condition with a one-dimensional three-wave interaction (3WI) model. Using linear theory, we deduce the temporal growth rate, gain exponent, and reflectivity of the backward scattered wave in a finite interaction region. We find that the growth rate is not only determined by the laser intensity and plasma density and temperature, but also related to the spatial gain. The length of the interaction region is important to the gain exponent and backscattering level. We simulate the developments and evolutions of SRS and SBS based on the 3WI equations. Our numerical results consist with the linear theory. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 2747-2751 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5243-7 Authors Liang Hao, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing, 100094 China ZhanJu Liu, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing, 100094 China ChunYang Zheng, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing, 100094 China Jiang Xiang, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing, 100094 China Wu Feng, Graduate School of China Academy of Engineering Physics, Beijing, 100088 China XiaoYan Hu, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing, 100094 China Bin Li, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing, 100094 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Number 21

Description:    To detect genes underlying anxiety-related traits in mice, we performed univariate and multivariate QTL mapping analyses of phenotypes obtained from 71 mice of the BXD recombinant inbred (RI) strains ( n =528 mice) and their parental strains (C57BL/6J and DBA/2J). Separate and joint mapping analyses were carried out using a linkage map composed of 506 simple sequence repeats (SSRs). The main QTL effects, interactions between pairs of QTLs (epistasis), and their environmental interactions were estimated. The results showed that anxiety-related traits were influenced by multiple QTLs (five main effect QTLs and three epistatic QTLs). Ten potential anxiety-related candidate genes within the QTL intervals on chromosomes 5, 13 and 15 were identified. Some of these genes have been reported previously to be associated with the anxiety response. Based on our results, it is suggested that the multivariate QTL mapping approach improves the statistical power for detecting QTL and the precision of parameter estimation. Moreover, multivariate mapping can also detect pleiotropic QTL effects. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 2727-2732 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5240-x Authors ZhiHong Zhu, ZJU-IBM Biocomputation Laboratory, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China ChenHao Zhang, ZJU-IBM Biocomputation Laboratory, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China XuSheng Wang, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Healthy Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA Melloni N. Cook, Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA Robert Williams, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Healthy Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA Lu Lu, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 China Jun Zhu, ZJU-IBM Biocomputation Laboratory, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538 Journal Volume Volume 57 Journal Issue Volume 57, Number 21

Description:    To biosynthesize fluorescent Spirulina platensis ( Sp ) β-phycocyanin (PC) in Escherichia coli , a BLASTP search for homologs of the cpeS gene, a chromophore lyase, was performed against the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 ( S6 ) proteome. A highly homologous gene, slr2049 , was obtained from the S6 genome. Sites 82 and 153 in β-phycocyanin of Sp were modified by site-directed mutagenesis. Two recombinant expression vectors were constructed and transformed into E. coli BL21: (i) pCDF- cpcB (C153A)- slr2049-sll0583-ho1-pcyA ; and (ii) pCDF- cpcB (C82I)- slr2049-sll0583-ho1-pcyA . Lyases encoded by the genes slr2049 and sll0583 catalyzed the linking of Sp 82β-PC to phycocyanobilin (PCB), and fluorescent CpcB (C153A)-PCB was generated. We present a strategy for the co-expression of multiple genes in a single expression vector to identify the function of an unknown gene. Recombinant phycobiliproteins produced on a large scale are promising fluorescent tags for diagnostics and pharmacology. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5264-2 Authors XiangYu Guan, School of Ocean Sciences, China University of Geoscience, Beijing, 100083 China WeiJie Zhang, Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071 China XiaoYuan Chi, Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071 China HanZhi Lin, Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071 China JinFeng Wang, Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071 China Song Qin, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    Taking into account the fact of global economic integration, this paper improves the RICE model and the MRICES model, and establishes a new integrated assessment model MRICES-2012, which takes Ramsey utility as the standard of fairness. Based on the model, schemes which meet the global emission mitigation targets as well as the interests of developing countries are simulated to assess the international fairness of emission reduction. Therefore, a new feasible scheme is proposed, which can not only reach the Copenhagen Consensus but also ensure interests of every country. Specifically speaking, the US and Japan cut emissions 80% and 70% respectively by 2050 relative to the 1990 level; the EU and other developed countries cut 80% by 2050 relative to 1990 level; high human development countries cut 50% by 2050 relative to 1990 level; all above-mentioned countries start emission reduction from 2020 and keep emission on 2050 level by 2100; China begins emission reduction from 2030 and cuts emission 15% by 2050 and 25% by 2100 relative to 2005 level; medium human development countries keep emission on 2020 level by 2100; low human development countries do not take part in reduction on emission intensity and global emission. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5272-2 Authors Zheng Wang, Institute of Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China Shuai Zhang, Institute of Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China Jing Wu, Institute of Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538

Description:    This study examines the effects of hydrologic sorting and mixing of sources on the Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of suspended sediments at different water depths. The samples were collected from three layers (surface, middle and bottom) at Datong hydrological station of Yangtze River during the flood season of 2010. Our results show that, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr values decrease from surface to bottom, ranging from 0.730332 to 0.720857. ɛ Nd (0) values range from −14.75 to −10.09, with surface sediments being the most negative. The isotope composition at the middle layer can best represent the mean isotopic composition of the total suspended sediments transported by a river. It is believed that the stratification of Sr-Nd isotope is attributable to mixing of sediments from different sources due to hydrological sorting. Sediments from the upper stream are found to be coarser, and tend to contribute more to the lower water column. Although Sr-Nd isotope is a well acknowledged tool to trace sediment provenance, the current study suggests that the grain size of the samples and the sampling locations should be taken into consideration when applying this method to provenance study. Content Type Journal Article Category Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11434-012-5311-z Authors Chao Luo, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China HongBo Zheng, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China WeiHua Wu, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China Ping Wang, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China YuLiang Chen, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China XiaoChun Wei, Key Laboratory of Surficial Geochemistry, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China Journal Chinese Science Bulletin Online ISSN 1861-9541 Print ISSN 1001-6538