Statistic characteristics and weather significance of infrared TBB during May―August in Beijing and its vicinity

In order to meet the demand of nowcasting convective storms in Beijing, the climatological characteristics of convective storms in Beijing and its vicinity were analyzed based on the infrared （IR） temperature of black body （TBB） data during May--August of 1997--2004. The climatological probabilities, the diurnal cycle and the spatial distribution of convective storms are given respectively in this paper. The results show that the climatological characteristics of convective storms denoted by TBB≤-52℃ are consistent with those statistic studies based on the surface and lightning observations. Furthermore, the climatological characteristics of May and June are very different from those of July and August, showing that there are two types of convective storms in this region. One occurs in the transient polar air mass on the midlatitude continent during the late spring and early summer. This type of convection arises with thunder, strong wind gust and hail over the mountainous area in the northern part of this region from afternoon to nightfall, the other occurs with heavy rainfall in the warm and moist air mass over the North China Plain and vicinity of Bohai Sea. This study also shows that the long-term data of IR TBB observed by geostationary satellite can complement the temporal and spatial limitation of the weather radar and surface observations.     

Ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography with femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser and photonic crystal fiber

Optical coherence tomography （OCT） with ultrahigh axial resolution was achieved by the super-continuum generated by coupling femtosecond pulses from a commercial Ti：sapphire laser into an air-silica microstructure fiber. The visible spectrum of the super-continuum from 450 to 700 nm centered at 540 nm can be generated. A free-space axial OCT resolution of 0.64 pm was achieved. The sensitivity of OCT system was 108 dB with incident light power 3 mW at sample, only 7dB below the theoretical limit. Subcellular OCT imaging was also demonstrated, showing great potential for biomedical application.     

Improving analytic hierarchy process applied to fire risk analysis of public building

The structure importance in Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) reflects how important Basic Events are to Top Event. Attribute at alternative level in Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) also reflect its importance to general goal. Based on the coherence of these two methods, an improved AHP is put forward. Using this improved method, how important the attribute is to the fire safety of public building can be analyzed more credibly because of the reduction of subjective judgment. Olympic venues are very important public buildings in China. The fire safety evaluation of them will be a big issue to engineers. Improved AHP is a useful tool to the safety evaluation to these Olympic venues, and it will guide the evaluation in other areas. Support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50536030), National Project of Scientific and Technical Supporting Programs funded by Ministry of Science & Technology of China (Grant No. 2006BAK06B02) and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 20070410220)     

Detection of infrared photons with a superconductor

A superconductor single photon detector based on NbN nanowire was fabricated using electron beam lithography （EBL） and reactive ion etching （RIE） for infrared photon detection. When biased well below its critical current at 4.2 K, NbN nanowire is very sensitive to the incident photons. Typical telecommunication photons with a wavelength of 1550 nm were detected by this detector. Data analysis indicates the repeating rate of the device with 200 nm NbN nanowire may be up to 100 MHz, and the quantum efficiency is about 0,01% when biased at 0.95/c.     

Mineral magnetic properties of surface sediments at Bei’anhe, Beijing, and its environmental significance

A multiparameter investigation of surface sediments from the Bei＇anhe section （Beijing） has been conducted using environmental magnetic approaches. The studied sedimentary sequence consists of pluvial and lacustrine silts and clay of the Holocene age. Magnetite, hematite and pyrrhotite were identiffed as the dominant magnetic minerals. The mineral magnetic characteristics are considered to reflect the Holocene paleoenvironmental processes of the studied area, which are different from the mineral magnetic properties of typical polluted sections reported in the Beijing area. The low-field magnetic susceptibility and saturated isothermal remanence magnetization of the section decrease gradually with increasing depth. This indicates that the concentration of magnetic minerals in the strata decreases down the section. Values of interparametric ratios, such as ARM/SIRM, XARM/Xand SIRM/X, gradually increase with increasing depth, which indicates a down-section decreasing trend in the magnetic grain size of the sediments. Pyrrhotite occurs below the depth of 22 cm, suggesting the existence of redox interface. The magnetic variations of the Bei＇anhe surface sediments might be controlled by two geological processes： reductive diagenesis and pedogenesis. Our findings may have provided a reference point for magnetic investigation of polluted surface sediments in the Beijing area.     

Precise orbit determination for Jason-1 satellite using on-board GPS data with cm-level accuracy

The joint US/French Jason-1 satellite altimeter mission, launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base on December 7, 2001, continues the time series of centimeter-level ocean topography observations as the follow-on to the highly successful T/P radar altimeter satellite. Orbit error especially the radial orbit error is a major component in the overall budget of all altimeter satellite missions, in order to continue the T/P standard of observations. Jason-1 has a radial orbit error budget requirement of 2.5 cm. In this work, two cycles (December 19, 2002 to January 7, 2003) of the Jason-1 on-board GPS data were processed using the zero-difference (ZD) dynamic precise orbit determination (POD) technique. The resulting Jason-1 orbit accuracy was assessed by comparison with the precise orbit ephemeris (POE) produced by JPL, orbit overlaps and SLR residuals. These evaluations indicate that the RMS radial accuracy is in the range of 1－2 cm.     

New research advancement in electrical engineering field of China-Reviews on special issue of Science in China Series E: Technological Sciences

Based on, but not limited to the research results of electrical engineering published in the special issue of Science in China Series E, June 2008, this essay gives a brief review on a wide range of state-of-art advancement in electrical engineering field of China, which includes power system modeling, analysis and control, risk assessments in power system, etc. Supported by the National Science Fundation of China (Grant No. 50525721, 50595411), and the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2004CB217900)     

Study on the photosynthetic performances of Enteromorpha prolifera collected from the surface and bottom of the sea of Qingdao sea area

In this work, the photosynthetic performances of Enteromorpha prolifera thalli collected from the surface and bottom of the sea of Qingdao sea area were studied with chlorophyll fluorescence and oxygraph technology. The samples with the highest photosynthetic activity among their kinds, the floating thalli from the sea surface of the south of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center and the sedimentary thalli from the mud surface of the bottom Tuandao bay, were chosen as representatives of surface thalli and bottom thalli, respectively. The results showed that the maximal PSII quantum yield of the floating thalli was significantly lower than the normal level although their photosynthetic activities were relatively high; the photosynthetic potential of the thalli form the mud surface was extremely low. Thus, it is indicated that the floating thalli are seriously stressed by their environment and the thalli from the mud surface are already dead or are dying. On the other hand, the results of the laboratory cultivation showed that the sedimentary thalli cannot regain normal photosynthetic activity even under normal illumination conditions. Thus, the thalli from the mud surface cannot become reproductive source of the alga even if they can reach sea surface again. Therefore, a preliminary conclusion can be reached that, up to mid-July 2008, the environmental conditions of the Qingdao sea area are not suitable for the growth of the alga E. prolifera and for this reason the biomass of E. prolifera, in the area, could be declining. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 30830015), Key Projects in the National Science & Technology Pillar Program in the Eleventh Five-year Plan Period (Grant No. 2006BAD09A04) and National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (Grant Nos. 2006AA10A402, 2007AA09Z406, 2006AA05Z112, 2006AA10A413)     

Application of atomic force microscopy to living samples from cells to fresh tissues

Atomic force microscopy is a novel method for imaging and characterization in biomedicine. However, high-resolution imaging of living samples from cells to tissues still remains a challenge. In this paper, two types of AFM working mode （contact mode and tapping mode） which are utilized for the imaging of living cells and tissues are discussed. A new magnetic tapping mode （MAC mode）, which is more suitable for living samples, and a novel data collecting system named TREC, are also introduced.     

Arbitrarily long distance quantum communication using inspection and power insertion

The biggest obstacle for long distance quantum communication is the channel loss and the channel noise on photons. In this paper, a method to solve this problem was analyzed using inspection and power insertion (IPI). It is proved that quantum communication may be established over arbitrarily long distance using this technology. The amount of resources required is a polynomial function of the distance. IPI is proposed as a general technique to prolong quantum secure direct communication where secret messages are transmitted directly over a quantum channel. Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2006CB921106), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 10325521) and Key Project of Ministry of Education of China (Grant No. 306020)     

A novel heteroseneous reaction for generating gaseous nitrous acid

The short-lived reactive specimen nitrous acid HONO was generated in the gas phase by the heterogeneous reaction of gaseous HCl with AgNO2 which can generate higher concentration of HONO than other methods. We investigated the process from generation to dissociation in the gas phase under different controlled temperatures, and discussed the ionization and reaction on the solid surface by combination of the photoelectron spectroscopy and photoionization mass spectroscopy （PES-PIMS） and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy （DRIFTS）.     

An exceptionally well-preserved fossil Kalligrammatid from the Jehol Biota

A new species of Neuroptera, Sophogramma lii sp. nov. is described and illustrated in this paper. This new species is assigned to Sophogramma Ren of Kalligrammatidae, mainly based on its humeral recurrent veins, the basal cell present between posterior branch of media at base of wing, etc. The new species is distinguished from all other Sophogramma species on the difference of wing venation. This exceptionally well-preserved specimen is recovered from the Yixian Formation, Huangbanjigou, located near Beipiao City, in western Liaoning Province. The genus diagnosis has been emended based on new characters shown in this new species. Based on a summary of localities, distribution and geological ages of all genera and species of the Kalligrammatidae, we suggest that Kalligrammatids might have originated in Eastern Asia, especially in China. Function of the wing pigmentation is discussed briefly. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 30430100 and 40872022), Beijing Natural Science Foundation Program (Grant No. 5082002), Scientific Research Key Program (Grant No. KZ200910028005) and PHR Project of of Beijing Municipal Commission of Education, Science-Technology Basic Condition Platform from the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (Grant No. 2005DKA21402)     

Measuring radial Young’s modulus of DNA by tapping mode AFM

Based on tapping mode AFM imaging, a method was demonstrated to evaluate compression elasticity of single double-stranded DNA （dsDNA） molecules in the force region. With images under ambient conditions, Young＇s moduli of dsDNA in compression were calculated. Results demonstrated that Young＇s moduli of dsDNA can be simply deduced according to the proposed model. The method can also be used to evaluate the compression elasticity of similar soft nanomaterials.     

An in-pipe micro robot actuated by piezoelectric bimorphs

A novel in-pipe micro robot providing stable and accurate locomotion inside a tubular structure with diameters ranging from 16 mm to 18 mm is presented in this paper. Driven by impulsive voltages, deflections of the piezoelectric bimorphs are generated and then converted into translational locomotion by the principle of the Impact Drive Mechanism （IDM）. Theoretical analysis of the proposed system is performed based on a simplified mechanical model. Then dynamic simulations of the dynamic behavior are performed. Finally, an experiment is conducted to investigate the moving ability of this device. The results demonstrate that a maximum translational velocity of 3.5 mm/s can be obtained under an im- pulsive driving voltage with peak value at 50 V and frequency of 1100 Hz. Both theoretical analysis and experimental trials prove that the principle of IDM actuated by piezoelectric bimorphs is feasible and robust for achieving accurate locomotion of the micro robot in pipes with diameters of less than 20 mm.     

Near-infrared spectroscopy-based quantification of substrate and aqueous products in wastewater anaerobic fermentation processes

In this study, a Fourier transform near-infrared （FT-NIR） technique was used for process monitoring of anaerobic fermentation. Orthogonal signal correction （OSC） method was used as NIR spectral pre- processing options. Calibration models were established and the validation of the method was per- formed with the sucrose, ethanol and volatile fatty acids （VFAs） contents determined by the anthrone and gas chromatography methods, respectively. Spectral range and the number of internal latent variables were optimized for the best correlation coefficient. Test set validation of sucrose resulted in excellent measurement of prediction performance and the correlation coefficient of determination is 0.930. Similar prediction statistics for individual VFA and total VFA contents were obtained. These re- sults proved that the NIR spectroscopy technology is able to quantify the contents of both volatile fatty acids and sucrose in wastewater anaerobic fermentation process.     

Impacts of intraseasonal oscillation on the onset and interannual variation of the Indian summer monsoon

The role of the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) on the seasonal and interannual variations of the Indian summer monsoon is investigated based on the analysis of observational data. It is shown that the ISO significantly contributes to the establishment of low-level westerlies during the monsoon onset and developing periods. The effect of the ISO on the annual cycle of the monsoon is through nonlinear eddy momentum transport. On the interannual timescale, the Indian summer monsoon rainfall exhibits a significant out-of-phase relationship with the ISO intensity over the Indian monsoon region. In strong ISO years it appears the weak monsoon when there is an abnormal high over the India subcontinent in the lower troposphere. In weak ISO years there exists an abnormal low and the strong monsoon appears. Supported by National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2006CB403602), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40225012 and 40775039) and Chinese COPES Program (Grant No. GYHY200706005)     

Influence of location-dependent protuberance damage on cell viability

The influence of femtosecond laser-induced damages on viability of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) is investigated. Several cytokinetic processes including cellular damage, recovery and death are discussed. Using femtosecond laser with the power of 100 μW and cutting speed of 2 μm/s, we cut the cellular protuberance with smaller diameter twice in different locations, and then observe the viability of the damaged cells. Under the same conditions, the root of protuberance with larger diameter is cut six times to observe changes of cellular shape. Whether the damage is located in the end, middle or root of protuberance with smaller diameter, the cell viability can recover within 3 h. When the damage is located in the root of protuberance with larger diameter, the damaged cell will die in the way of oncosis. Cytokinetic phenomena including intracellular high Ca²⁺ concentration, cellular morphologic change, recovery and oncosis are discussed. Meanwhile, high Ca²⁺ concentration is observed after femtosecond laser surgery. Therefore, femtosecond laser surgery is an important tool for establishing cell damage model and studying cytokinetics. Supported by National High Technology Research & Development Program of China (Grant No. 2006AA04Z307), Author of National Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of PR China (Grant No. 2006039), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50775104), Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (Grant No. BK2006507) and Jiangsu Provincial Research Innovation Program for College Graduates (Grant No. CX07B_086z)     

Optical limiting of niobic tellurite glass induced by self-trapped exciton absorption of the AgCl nanocrystal dopant

Niobic tellurite glass doped by silver chloride nanocrystal was prepared with the melting-quenching and heat treatment method, and the self-trapped exciton absorption band of the silver chloride nanocrystal was observed at 532 nm in the UV-visible absorption spectrum. The glass structure characteristics were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, and the mechanism of self-trapped exciton was analyzed by Jahn-Teller model. Its optical limiting was measured with 532 nm picosecond laser pulses, and the corresponding nonlinear absorption coefficient was measured with open-aperture Z-scan. The experimental results showed that optical limiting at 532 nm was attributed to free carrier absorption between the self-trapped state and the continuum band. Supported by Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project (Grant No. B408), National Basic Research Program of China (Grant Nos. 2006CB806006, 2006CB921105), Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University, Doctoral Program of High Education (Grant No. 20050269011) and Project sponsored by Shanghai Science and Technology Committee (Grant Nos. 06DJ14008, 07dz22025, 06QH14003)     

Complicated phenomena of the Beichuan-Yingxiu surface fracture zone during Wenchuan <Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis>s8.0 earthquake in Sichuan Province,China

After Wenchuan Ms8.0 earthquake, the surface fractures have been investigated in Beichuan City and Yingxiu Town. It was found that the Beichuan-Yingxiu earthquake fracture zone trends northeastward, dipping to northwest. The earthquake fracture zone is mainly characterized by thrust faulting with small amounts of strike-slip movement, and demonstrating various complexities for different areas. The phenomena related to dextral strike-slip displacement are found in Beichuan City and those related to left-lateral strike-slip movement in Yingxiu Town. The compressive shortening of the two surface fracture zones in Beichuan City is 2.8-3.9 m and the left-lateral strike-slip displacement of the surface fractures in Yingxiu Town is 0.52 m.     

IL-8-induced L-selectin shedding regulates its binding kinetics to PSGL-1

L-selectin plays a crucial role in inflammation cascade by initiating the tethering and rolling of leukocytes on endothelium wall. While many L-selectin molecules are rapidly shed from the cell surface upon activation, the remaining membrane-anchored L-selectin may still play an important role in regulating leukocyte rolling and adhesion with different binding kinetics. Here we developed an in vitro model to activate Jurkat cells via interlukin-8 （IL-8） and quantified the two-dimensional （2D） binding kinetics, using a micropipette aspiration assay, of membrane-anchored L-selectin to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 （PSGL-1） ligand coupled onto human red blood cells （RBCs）. The data indicated that L-selectin shedding reduced the amount of membrane-anchored L-selectin and lowered both its reverse and forward rates. These results suggested that the rolling dynamics of activated leukocytes was determined by two opposite impacts： reducing the surface presentation would enhance the rolling but lowering the kinetic rates would decrease the rolling. This finding provides a new insight into understanding how L-selectin shedding regulates leukocyte rolling and adhesion.