Energetic electrons associated with magnetic reconnection in the sheath of interplanetary coronal mass ejection

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 8×104 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 ener- getic 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.     

A review of recent studies on coronal dynamics: Streamers, coronal mass ejections, and their interactions

In this article I present a review of recent studies on coronal dynamics, including research progresses on the physics of coronal streamers that are the largest structure in the corona, physics of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that may cause a global disturbance to the corona, as well as physics of CME-streamer interactions. The following topics will be discussed in depth: (1) acceleration of the slow wind flowing around the streamer considering the effect of magnetic flux tube curvature; (2) physical mechanism accounting for persistent releases of streamer blobs and diagnostic results on the temporal variability of the slow wind speed with such events; (3) force balance analysis and energy release mechanism of CMEs with a flux rope magnetohydrodynamic model; (4) statistical studies on magnetic islands along the coronal-ray structure behind a CME and the first observation of magnetic island coalescence with associated electron acceleration; and (5) white light and radio manifestations of CME-streamer interactions. These studies shed new light on the physics of coronal streamers, the acceleration of the slow wind, the physics of solar eruptions, the physics of magnetic reconnection and associated electron acceleration, the large-scale coronal wave phenomenon, as well as the physics accounting for CME shock-induced type II radio bursts.     

Recent progresses in theoretical studies and satellite observations for collisionless magnetic reconnection

As an essential mechanism in large scale fast magnetic energy releases and field reconfigurations processes in space,astrophysical, and laboratory plasmas,magnetic reconnection,particularly collisionless magnetic reconnection,has been studied for more than 65 years.Many progresses have been achieved in recent years and basic features of the process have been well understood,largely due to more and more satellite observation data available in the last decade.However,a few outstanding issues are still remained unresolved.We in the paper review the development of collisionless magnetic reconnection studies and major achievements in recent years,and also briefly discuss the open questions remained to be answered in studies of collisionless magnetic reconnection.     

Electron dynamics in collisionless magnetic reconnection

Magnetic reconnection provides a physical mechanism for fast energy conversion from magnetic energy to plasma kinetic energy. It is closely associated with many explosive phenomena in space plasma, usually collisionless in character. For this reason, researchers have become more interested in collisionless magnetic reconnection. In this paper, the various roles of electron dynamics in collisionless magnetic reconnection are reviewed. First, at the ion inertial length scale, ions and electrons are decoupled. The resulting Hall effect determines the reconnection electric field. Moreover, electron motions determine the current system inside the reconnection plane and the electron density cavity along the separatrices. The current system in this plane produces an out-of-plane magnetic field. Second, at the electron inertial length scale, the anisotropy of electron pressure determines the magnitude of the reconnection electric field in this region. The production of energetic electrons, which is an important characteristic during magnetic reconnection, is accelerated by the reconnection electric field. In addition, the different topologies, temporal evolution and spatial distribution of the magnetic field affect the accelerating process of electrons and determine the final energy of the accelerated electrons. Third, we discuss results from simulations and spacecraft observations on the secondary magnetic islands produced due to secondary instabilities around the X point, and the associated energetic electrons. Furthermore, progress in laboratory plasma studies is also discussed in regard to electron dynamics during magnetic reconnection. Finally, some unresolved problems are presented.     

Stable Geodesic Surface Signatures

Shape analysis plays a fundamental role in computer graphics.We present a novel global and intrinsic shape representation for shape analysis,called stable geodesic signature.It is based on the theory of stable closed geodesics and surface Ricci flow.We examine the surface by dynamically deforming it by metric design through Ricci flow,then we observe the behavior of the stable closed geodesics under the evolving Riemannian metrics.When a metric is deforming,some stable geodesic loops will become unstable and shrink to points,or some geodesic loops may merge.The number of stable geodesics forms the signature,which is general for arbitrary surfaces.Experiments on a large amount of surfaces demonstrate the efficiency and efficacy of the stable geodesic signature for shape analysis.     

2002： The extra-strong warm winter event in North Asia and its accompanying anomalous atmospheric circulation

Features of an extra-strong warm winter event in North Asia in 2002 and its accompanying anomalous atmospheric circulation were studied through diagnosis on the atmospheric reanalysis data set. Results show that the winter of 2002 is of the warmest in the recent 54 years in North Asia, which was caused by both decadal scale and interannual scale variability. The interannual variability is proved to be as the main cause for the event, and it is related to the global scale atmospheric circulation anomalies, with the strongest of them in the Eastern Hemisphere and in the middle and high latitude region of the Southern Hemisphere.     

A Model Combining Discrete Event System Simulation and Genetic Algorithm for Buffer Allocation in Unreliable Large Production Lines

To solve the difficulties in allocating buffers for unreliable large production lines, this paper investigated a model combining the genetic algorithm with the discrete event system simulation method. In the simulation method, times-to-failure of an unreliable large production line is assumed to follow exponential distribution, whereas times-to-repair and times-to-processing are set to follow an Erlang-k distribution. Using a genetic algorithm based on special position-based mapping means and elitist protection strategy, the buffer configuration of an auto-body welding line is optimized. The simulation of the optimized configuration shows that the performance of the production line, such as productivity and the main average utilization of the workstations, is much improved. This model can optimize the allocation of buffers for unreliable large production lines effectively.     

Effect of the free surface on the earthquake energy: A case study of reverse faulting

Based on the representation theorem of seismic energy radiation, in this study, we have quantitatively investigated the effect of free surface on the radiation energy distribution due to a coupling interaction between free surface and near surface finite fault for the reverse earthquake faulting. Corresponding to the finite faulting, a 2-D pseudostatic-reverse-fault-dislocation solution has been used in the calculation of the work done by the seismic response against free surface. The results indicate that, due to a strong coupling interaction between the free surface and near surface fault, the total radiated seismic energy ER is much larger than that radiated only from the fault itself （EF）, especially for the shallow reverse faulting. In convention, EF is commonly used in the estimation of earthquake energy radiation. However, when the fault depth H, the distance between the free surface and top of fault location, increases, the effect of the coupling interaction between the fault and free surface decreases gradually. Therefore, the total radiated energy ER approaches to the EF when the depth H is about 2 times the fault length L The current study could provide us a partial explanation of the apparent stress discrepancy observed at the far field and near field in the recent large earthquake. Moreover, the current study also has a significant implication of how to quantitatively describe the near fault strong ground motion and associated seismic hazard from the earthquake source energy point of view.     

A New Method for Out-of-core Applications on Computational Grids

More and more out-of-core problems that involve solving large amounts of data are researched by scientists. The computational grid provides a wide and scalable environment for those large scale computations. A new method supporting out-of-core computations on grids is presented in this paper. The framework and the data storage strategy are described, based on which an easy and efficient out-of-core programming interface is provided for the programmers.     

Interface microstructure and formation mechanism of ultrasonic spot welding for Al–Ti dissimilar metals

The present study focuses on interface microstructure and joint formation. AA6061 aluminum alloy(Al) and commercial pure titanium(Ti) joints were welded by ultrasonic spot welding(USW). The welding energy was 1100–3200 J. The Al–Ti joint appearance and interface microstructure were observed mainly via optical microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated that a good joint can be achieved only with proper welding energy of 2150 J. No significant intermetallic compound(IMC) was found under all conditions. The high energy barriers of Al–Ti and difficulties in diffusion were the main reasons for the absence of IMC according to kinetic analysis. The heat input is crucial for the material plastic flow and bonding area, which plays an important role in the joint formation.     

Antilocalization sensing of interactions between two-dimensional electrons and surface species

We apply antilocalization measurements to experimentally study the interactions and exchange between InAs surface accumulation electrons and local magnetic moments of the rare earth ions Sm3?,Gd3?,Ho3?,and Dy3?,of the transition metal ions Ni2?,Co2?,and Fe3?,and of Fe3O4nanoparticles and Fe3?-phthalocyanine deposited on the surface.The influence of the deposited species on the surface electrons is observed through the changes in the spin–orbit scattering and magnetic spin-flip scattering rates,which carry information about magnetic interactions.Experiments indicate a temperature-dependent magnetic spin-flip scattering for Ho3?,Dy3?,Ni2?,and Co2?.Concerning the spin–orbit scattering rate,we observe an increase,except for the cases of Ni2?,Fe3?,Fe3O4nanoparticles and Fe3?-phthalocyanine.We also observe an increase in SO scattering in another system where we study the interactions of Au nanoparticles and ferromagnetic Co0.6Fe0.4nanopillars and an In0.53Ga0.47As quantum well.Experimental results are analyzed and compared to theoretical models.Our method provides a controlled way to probe the quantum properties of two-dimensional electron systems,either on the surface of InAs or in a quantum well.     

Continuous tailward flow in the near-Earth magnetotail observed by TC-1 satellite

On July 11, 2004, a substorm process in the period of continuous tailward flow was observed by the joint exploration of the TC-1, IMAGE and ACE satellites. The substorm observed by the TC-1 in the near-Earth has three stages: the growth phase (from 11:43 to 12:19), the pre-expansion process (from 12:19 to 12:28) and the dipolarization process. The auroral brightening was at 12:26 recorded by the FUV instrument on IMAGE, and the dipolarization occurred two minutes later. During the 45 min period of the tailward flow, the magnetotail experienced the growth phase and the pre-expansion process. When the dipolarization process began, the TC-1 entered the plasma sheet and observed a high speed earthward flow. The field-aligned tailward flow is characterized by the low temperature and high density, which is consistent with the properties of the flow from the ionosphere detected in the near-Earth magnetotail by other satellites. The tailward flow is closely related with the southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and may have an important effect on the substorm.     

THEMIS observation of a magnetotail current sheet flapping wave

A flapping wave was observed by THEMIS-B （P1） and THEMIS-C （P2） probes on the dawn side of the magnetotail, while the solar wind was generally stable. The magnetic activity was quite weak, suggesting that this flapping wave was generated by an internal instability, which normally occurs during magnetic quiet times. Our analysis shows that the flapping wave was propagating downward with a tail-aligned scale of at least 3.7 RE and did not show much change in shape during its propagation from P1 to P2. Correlation analysis employed to estimate the time lag between the corresponding half waveforms of P1 and P2 shows that the propagating velocities along the current sheet normal directions were close to each other in the beginning, but increased linearly later on. The average wavelength of the flapping wave is approximately 4 RE. Theoretical analysis suggests that the ballooning type wave model may not be the mechanism for the observed flapping wave, but that the magnetic double-gradient instability model is a more plausible candidate.     

Development of Oxide Ceramics for Application in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

1 Results Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are ceramic fuel cells that convert chemical into electrical energy in a temperature region between 650 ℃ and 1 000 ℃.Systems are currently under development for a variety of applications e.g. for both small and large scale stationary combined heat and power systems but also for the supply of electrical energy in the automotive area. The current objectives in the development of SOFCs is to lower the operating temperature from 850 ℃ down to below 750 ℃ in order to improve durability and reduce costs of the SOFC stack.     

Development of Oxide Ceramics for Application in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

1 Results Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are ceramic fuel cells that convert chemical into electrical energy in a temperature region between 650 ℃ and 1 000 ℃.Systems are currently under development for a variety of applications e.g. for both small and large scale stationary combined heat and power systems but also for the supply of electrical energy in the automotive area. The current objectives in the development of SOFCs is to lower the operating temperature from 850 ℃ down to below 750 ℃ in order to ...     

Large-scale synthesis of nickel sulfide micro/nanorods via a hydrothermal process

Rhombohedral-phase NiS micro/nanorods were synthesized on a large scale through a hydrothermal method using NiCl₂·6H₂O and thiourea crystals as starting precursors. Recrystallized thiourea was observed to play an important role in the formation of micro/nanosized rods and flower-like structures. The molar ratio and reaction temperature of the precursors influenced the morphology and phase of NiS products. Pure rhombohedral NiS micro/nanorods were obtained on a large scale when the molar ratio between NiCl₂·6H₂O and thiourea crystals was fixed at 2:1, and the mixture was heated at 250℃ for 5 h. Flower-like NiS nanostructures were formed when the molar ratio between NiCl₂·6H₂O and thiourea crystals was maintained at 1:1. The Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the as-prepared rhombohedral NiS micro/nanorods were collected, and their magnetic properties were investigated. The results showed that the FTIR absorption peaks of the as-prepared product are located at 634 cm-1 and their Raman peaks are located at 216 and 289 cm-1; the as-prepared NiS micro/nanorods exhibited weak ferromagnetic behavior due to the size effect.     

Ocean primary productivity estimation of China Sea by remote sensing

Ocean primary productivity is a key parameter in the research of globalcarbon cycle, ocean biological resources, and in evaluation of the feature and quality of ocean biological environment. Traditional shipboard measurement which is costly and time-consuming is impossible to obtain the spatial and temporal information on primary productivity on a large scale in a short period of time. Satellite remote sensing is an effective strategy to acquire the ocean information in near real time. Here we propose a model special for China Sea based on the concept of primary productivity using in situ primary productivity and environmental data from 1984 to 1990, and discuss every modeling parameter which can be retrieved by remote sensing in detail. The reliability of this model is tested by in situ data, and the comparison of other primary productivity models is made. We also analyze the temporal and spatial distribution of China Sea primary productivity in 2000. From our analysis the satellite remote sensing data have been proved very useful for ocean primary productivity study.     

A comparative analysis on two solar proton events

This paper presents a comparative analysis on the two Solar Proton Events (SPE), which occurred on 14 July 2000 (Bastille Day) and 28 October 2003 (28OCT03) respectively. It is found that although the peak flux of the latter seemed to be greater than that of the former based on geostationary observations, the maximum intensities of the energetic protons (>10 MeV and 30 MeV) during the Bastille Day event were all higher than those of the 28OCT03 event according to the interplanetary observations. Further analysis indicated that the quantity of the seed particles, which could be accelerated to the energies exceeding 10 and 30 MeV by the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)-driven shock on 14 July 2000, was far larger than that of the 28OCT03 event. In the Bastille Day case, when the CME approached to the height around 14 R⊙, the CME-driven shock would reach its maximum capacity in accelerating the solar en- ergetic protons (>100 MeV). In contrast, on 28 October 2003, when CME approached to the height about 58R⊙, the CME-driven shock reached its highest potential in accelerating the solar energetic protons of the same category. At this moment, the peak flux (>100 MeV) was about 155 pfu, which was much lower than 355 pfu measured on 14 July 2000. This demonstrated that in the Bastille Day event, the quantity of the seed particles, which could be accelerated to the energy beyond 100 MeV, was significantly larger than its counterpart in the 28OCT03 case. Therefore, the peak flux of an SPE event depends not only on the interplanetary intensity of the solar energetic particles, but also on the velocity of the associated CME-driven shock, and the quantity of the seed particles as well as on the interplanetary magnetic en- vironment. This paper also reveals that the magnetic sheath associated with ICME on 28 October 2003 captured a large number of solar energetic protons, including those having energy greater than 100 MeV.     

Analysis of magnetic mechanisms of 3d-doped ZnO diluted magnetic semiconductors by an abnormal peak on M-T curve

The crystallographic structures and magnetic properties of a Zn0.95Co0.05O thin film deposited on a C-sapphire substrate using a dual-beam pulsed laser deposition method were characterized. It was shown from crystallographic analysis that the film belongs to the wurtzite structure with the C-axis aligned with that of the substrate. Magnetic hysteresis loops were observed till up to room temperature. A small peak around 55 K was noticed on the magnetization vs. temperature curve. The corresponding temperature of the small peak is close to that of ‘the abnormal peak’ reported by X.M. Zhang et al. From the results obtained, no correlation was found between the abnormal peak and the quantum effects. The magnetic behaviors in the Zn0.95Co0.05O film cannot be explained by the ferromagnetism in diluted magnetic semiconductors. The magnetic mechanisms in ZnO-based diluted magnetic semiconductors are also discussed.