Relationship between climatic conditions and the relative abundance of modern C3 and C4 plants in three regions around the North Pacific

Using −24‰ and −14‰ as the endpoints of stable carbon isotopic composition of total organic carbon (δ¹³C_TOC) of surface soil under pure C₃ and C₄ vegetation, and surface soil δ¹³C_TOC data from eastern China, Australia and the Great Plains of North Amer- ica, we estimate the relative abundance of C₃/C₄ plants (i.e., the ratio of C₃ or C₄ biomass to local primary production) in modern vegetation for each region. The relative abundance of modern C₃/C₄ vegetation from each region is compared to the corresponding climatic parameters (mean annual temperature and precipitation) to explore the relationship between relative C₄ abundance and climate. The results indicate that temperature controls the growth of C₄ plants. However, even where temperature is high enough for the growth of C₄ plants, they will only dominate the landscape when precipitation declines as temperatures increase. Our results are consistent with those of other investigations of the geographic distribution of modern C₄ plant species. Therefore, our results provide an important reference for interpretation of past C₃/C₄ relative abundance records in these three regions.     

Carbon isotopic records in paleosols over the Pliocene in Northern China: Implication on vegetation development and Tibetan uplift

Carbon isotopic composition of pedogenic carbonate can be used to estimate the proportion of C₄ and C₃ plants. Here we present carbon isotopic data of carbonate in a red earth section at Xifeng, central Loess Plateau. Results show that C₄ vegetation increased in ∼4.4 Ma B.P., stabilized between 4.0 and 3.0 Ma B.P. The character and timing of C₄ expansion on the Loess Plateau are similar, but different with other localities, e.g. Pakistan and Africa, implying that regional climate changes were main factors driving the expansion of C₄ plants. This event is comparable in timing with increased aridity evidenced by Xifeng grain size and North Pacific eolian dust records. Therefore we argue that the Pliocene expansion of C₄ plants in northern China might have been caused by the increased aridity, which in turn might be related to rapid uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.     

Vegetation evolution on the central Chinese Loess Plateau since late Quaternary evidenced by elemental carbon isotopic composition

There are many controversial issues in loess studies such as natural vegetation types on the Chinese Loess Plateau during the historical periods and the spatial and temporal evolution of C3/C4 plants. Elemental carbon isotopic composition （δ^13Cec） in the loess section may offer new evidence for these problems. Elemental carbon （EC） is produced by incomplete combustion of vegetation, and its carbon isotopic composition has a very small difference from that of the formal vegetation, then δ^13Cec can be used as a record to recover the changes of vegetation. Elemental carbon was extracted by applying the oxidation method from the Ioess-paleosol sequence in the central Chinese Loess Plateau, and its car- bon isotope composition was analyzed by the isotope mass spectrometer. The results showed that the vegetation in this region was a mixed type of C3 and C4 plants, dominated with C3 plants in most of the time. Since late Quaternary, C3/C4 plants may not follow a simple glacial-interglacial cycle mode on the Chinese Loess Plateau, but showing fluctuations. C3 plants increased gradually in L4 period, and more C3 plants occurred during $3 period, and C4 plants increased again during L3-- L2 periods, after that, Cs plants dominated again during S1 --S0 periods. During periods of paleosol development, C3 plants were abundant in S3 and S1, and there were more Ca plants in S2 and SO. During periods of loess sedimen- tation, there were more C3 plants in L4 and L1, and there were more C4 plants in L3 and L2. On the orbital timescale, the vegetation variations revealed by δ^13Cec record are consistent with the results of pollen data and also similar to the results obtained by organic carbon isotopic composition since the last glacial period.     

δ13C difference between plants and soil organic matter along the eastern slope of Mount Gongga

Carbon isotope ratios (δ¹³C) of plants, litter and soil organic matter (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm and 10–20 cm) on the eastern slope of Mount Gongga were measured. The results show that δ¹³C values of plants, litter and soil organic matter all decrease first and then increase with altitude, i.e δ¹³C values gradually decrease from 1200 to 2100 m a.s.l., and increase from 2100 to 4500 m a.s.l. The δ¹³C altitudinal variations are related to the distribution of C₃ and C₄ plants on the eastern slope of Mount Gongga, because C₄ plants are observed to grow only below 2100 m, while C3 plants occur at all altitudes. There are significantly positive correla-tions among δ¹³C of vegetation, δ¹³C of litter and δ¹³C of soil organic matter, and litter, 0–5 cm, 5–10 cm and 10–20 cm soil or-ganic matter are 0.56‰, 2.87‰, 3.04‰ and 3.49‰ greater in δ¹³C than vegetation, respectively. Considering the influences of rising concentration of atmospheric CO₂ and decreasing δ¹³C of atmospheric CO₂ since the industry revolution on δ¹³C of plants, 1.57‰ is proposed to be the smallest correction value for reconstruction of paleovegetation using δ¹³C of soil organic matter.     

Theoretical study on the lithium bond interaction of furan homologues C4H4Y （Y=O,S） with LiCH3 via DFT and MP2

The optimizations geometries and interaction energy corrected by BSSE of the complexes between C4H4Y （Y=O, S） and CHiLi have been calculated at the B3LYP/6-311＋＋G^＊＊ and MP2/6-311＋＋G^＊＊ levels. Three complexes were obtained. Abnormally, the calculations showed that all the C10--Li14 bond lengths increased obviously but the blue-shift of C10-Li14 stretching frequency occurred after formed complexes. The calculated binding energy with basis set super-position error （BSSE） and zero-point vibrational energy corrections of complexes I-III is -45.757, -35.700 and -39.107 kJ·mol^-1, respectively. The analyses on the combining interaction with the atom-in-molecules theory （AIM） also showed that a relatively strong lithium bond interaction presented in furan homologues C4H4Y-LiCH3 systems. Natural bond orbital theory （NBO） analysis has been performed, and the results revealed that the complex I is formed with n-σ type lithium bond interaction between C4H40 and LiCH3, complex II is formed with TT-s type lithium bond interaction between C4H4O and LiCH3, and complex III is formed with TT-s and n-s type lithium bond interactions between C4H4S and LiCH3, respectively.     

Comparison of the carbon isotope composition of total organic carbon and long-chain <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-alkanes from surface soils in eastern China and their significance

Surface soil samples collected over a high spatial resolution in eastern China were analyzed for carbon isotope composition （δ^13C） of total organic carbon （TOC） and higher plant-derived long-chain n-alkanes, with the latter reported as weighted mean values. The two sets of δ^13C values are significantly correlated and show similar trends in spatial variation. The spatial distribution of δ^13C shows less negative values in the mid-latitudes between 31°N and 40°N and more negative ones at higher and lower latitudes. This is consistent with previously reported carbon isotope data from surface soil phytoliths in the same region and suggests that the mid-latitude area provides relatively favorable growing condi- tions for C4 plants. Furthermore, δ^13C values of both TOC and long-chain n-alkanes from 12 surface soil samples collected from a small grassland in north China displayed similar carbon isotope values and the difference between paired δ^13C of a soil samples remains relatively constant. Our data demonstrate that in eastern China, soil δ^13C composition of both TOC and long-chain n-alkanes is effective indicators of C3/C4 ratios of the prevailing vegetation. This work suggests that -22‰ and -32‰ are good es- timated end members for the weighted mean δ^13C values of long-chain n-alkanes （C27, C29 and C31 n-alkanes） from soils under dominant C4 or C3 vegetation, allowing us to reconstruct paleovegetation trends.     

Pedogenic carbonate isotope record of vegetational evolution since late Miocene in Loess Plateau

Isotopic analyses for paleovegetational evolution have been carried out on samples of the pedogenic carbonate nodules in the Red Clay-Loess sequence at Lingtai (35°N), the Loess Plateau. Stable carbon isotopic composition indicates that ( i ) C4 plants might be present at least by7.0 Ma; ( ii ) C4 plants expanded gradually between ～4.0 and ～3.2 Ma, and their biomass fraction was up to 50% ; and (Ⅲ ) the biomass of C4 vegetation since ～2.0 Ma seems to have been decreased to the level (about 20%) before 4.0 Ma. C4 plant expansion at Lingtai cannot be fully understood with the "global C4 expansion" model because it occurred much later up to 3.0 Ma than in Pakistan, which indicates that some changes in the regional climatic system may also contribute to C3/C4 shift except changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations and temperature. The latitudinal zone for C3/C4 transition seems to move southwards slightly in East Asia, compared with the case in North America where 37°N癗 is the ideal boundary for the C4 expansion.     

Research on C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> superhard compound thin film and its application

By combination of DC reactive magnetron sputtering with multiple arcplating, the alternating C₃N₄/TiN compound film is deposited onto HSS. The core level binding energy and the contents of carbon and nitrogen are characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectrum. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that compound thin film contains hard crystalline phases of α-C₃N₄ and β-C₃N₄. The Knoop microhardness in the load range of 50, 5–54, 1 GPa is measured. According to acoustic emission scratch test, the critical load values for the coatings on HSS substrates are in the range of 40–80 N. The metal coated with C₃N₄/TiN compound films has a great improvement in the resistance against corrosion. Many tests show that such a coating has a very high wearability. Compared with the uncoated and TiN coated tools, the C₃N₄/TiN coated tools have a much longer cutting life. Foundation item: Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (19875037) Biography: Wu Da-we( (1941-), male, Professor, research direction; thin film and its application.     

Theoretical study on photophysical property of C60M（CO）5 （M=Cr,Mo and W）

Configurations of three η2 models of transition-metal [60]fullerene derivatives C60M（CO）5（M=Cr, Mo and W） have been optimized at B3LYP/LanL2DZ level. On the basis of the optimized geometrical structures, their electronic spectra and the frequency dependence of third-order nonlinear optical polarizabilities γ in different optical processes of third-harmonic generation （THG）, electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation （EFISHG） and degenerate four-wave mixing （DFWM） are calculated by using TDB3LYP model based on LanL2DZ level coupled with the SOS （sum-over-state） method. The obtained results show that their electronic spectra have a red shift compared with that of [60]fullerene and different transition-metal functional groups added to C60 cage may result in different spectrum properties. For the three studied species, （η^2-C60）Mo（CO）5 has the largest third-order nonlinear optical polarizability.     

Spontaneous transformation of C60Br24 to C60 in solvents

It was found that C₆₀Br₂₄ transforms to C₆₀ spontaneously in some solvents. The intermediate, C₆₀Br₈, can be separated in some cases. When the bromine trap, phenol, was added,p-bromophenol and other brominated product were obtained and identified. The influences of time, the kind of solvent, etc were investigated. Possible mechanism was suggested. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China Liu Ying: born in 1969, Ph. D     

Distribution and characterization of C31 sterane from cretaceous sediments and oils, Songliao Basin, China

Relatively high abundance of C₃₁ steranes has been identified from cretaceous source rocks and crude oils in the Songliao Basin, China. C₃₁ steranes which occur as ten isomers were tentatively identified as 4, 22, 23, 24-tetrametyhlcholestane based on their retention time and mass spectrum. They bear a lower thermal stability and occur as important components in the immature oils of Chaochang region because they have three-methyl groups in their side chain. The relatively high abundance of C₃₁ steranes in the samples can indicate the source input of some special algae in the brackish and saline environment. Therefore they can be used as very useful bimarkers for organic facies analysis and oil correlation. Their biological source perhaps related to the dinoflagellate such asG. foliaceum andP. foliaceum. The gorgostanol are considered as possible precursors for the putative C₃₁4-methyl sterane which formed in the stage of diagenesis.     

Simulation for the primary electronic donor of photosystem IIin vitro

Histidine coordinated to Chi a is a distinct characteristic of Chl ain vivo. By using histidine analogue of 1-methylimidazole (C₄H₆N₂2) and measuring the UV/vis absorption, CD and MCD spectra of the interaction between C₄H₆N₂ and Chl a in CCI₄, we have obtained that: (i) In pure CCl₄ solvent, Chl a molecule is in five-coordinate state, and two Chl a molecules form an asymmetric compact-dimer with strong coupling interaction. We propose that the two Chl a molecules are connected by two unequally coordinated Mg-O bonds (the two oxygen atoms come from the C=O of C13¹ keto and C17 ester, respectively); (ii) when the molar ratio of C₄H₆N₂/Chl a is 0.5 or 1 (corresponding to 2Chl a · 1C₄H₆N₂ and 2Chl a · 2C₄H₆N₂, respectively), significant changes have been observed in the absorption, CD and MCD spectra, which indicate that the Chl a remains in dimer form, but the coupling interaction between them reduces greatly. We postulate that C₄H₆N₂ replaces the ligation of C=O of C17 ester and C13¹ keto to Mg atoms sequentially. The two Chl a molecules linked by two weakly interacted Mg…O bonds form a relaxed-dimer. The structure of the model is essentially similar to that of the primary electronic donor, P₆₈₀, of photosystem II in high plants and algae.     

Effect of elevated CO2 on CH4 emission

Global CH₄ emission may increase under CO₂ enrichment condition, which is projected for the future. CO₂ enrichment could affect CH₄ emission in two ways: (i) Photosynthesis of plants that also include plants in rice paddies and natural wetlands will be stimulated under CO₂ enrichment condition. CH₄ emission rate may be increased due to the accumulation of more plant biomass, root exudes and soil organic matters. (ii) Combined with other global warming forces, CO₂ enrichment may bring a change of atmospheric temperature and precipitation around the world. CH₄ emission will also be changed with the variation of the area and distribution of rice paddies and natural wetlands.     

VUV threshold photoelectron spectroscopy of the C2H3Cl molecule

The threshold photoelectron spectrum of the C₂H₃Cl molecule is studied by using synchrotron radiation light source and supersonic molecular beam. The vertical ionization potentials of different orbital electrons and some vibrational structures are obtained. The observed Rydberg autoionization peaks are assigned by A²A¹ state of C₂H₃Cl₊.     

富勒烯C_(60)接枝马来酸聚合物铅盐的制备与表征

以富勒烯C60和马来酸为原料合成得到一种新型富勒烯C60接枝马来酸聚合物,C60接枝马来酸聚合物再与硝酸铅反应得到C60接枝马来酸聚合物铅盐。通过单因素方法探讨了pH、反应物物料比、反应温度以及反应时间对C60接枝马来酸聚合物铅盐中铅含量的影响,获得其最佳合成工艺条件为:pH=6.92,C60接枝马来酸聚合物和硝酸铅的摩尔比为1∶7,反应时间2 h,反应温度30℃,该条件所得C60接枝马来酸聚合物铅盐中铅质量分数为56.09%。同时采用FT-IR、UV、GPC、AAS、XRD及XPS等测试手段对产物结构进行了表征。采用差热和热重分析法对C60接枝马来酸聚合物铅盐的热稳定性进行了研究,结果表明,在空气气氛下,DTA分解峰值温度为275、370、462℃,失重率为43.6%,表明产物热稳定性良好。     

Manganese(III) acetate-mediated radical reaction of [60]fullerene with bromoacetic acid, 3-chloropropionic acid or 1-naphthylacetic acid

The manganese(III) acetate-mediated radical reaction of [60]fullerene (C₆₀) with three carboxylic acids, that is, bromoacetic acid, 3-chloropropionic acid, and 1-naphthylacetic acid, was investigated. The reaction of C₆₀ with bromoacetic acid in the presence of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine afforded the anticipated C₆₀-fused lactone, while the reaction with 3-chloropropionic acid unexpectedly led to the formation of a novel C₆₀-fused lactone with the loss of one molecule of HCl. Interestingly, the reaction with 1-naphthylacetic acid under similar conditions gave both C₆₀-fused lactone and 1,4-adduct, yet each of them could be selectively obtained by controlling reaction conditions. It was also observed that the C₆₀-fused lactone bearing a bulky naphthyl group existed as two isomers.     

阿霉素负载的Fe5C2纳米粒子在光热治疗/化疗中的研究

采用高温热解法制备了粒径均一的Fe_5C_2磁性纳米粒子,并在其表面包裹磷脂改善纳米粒子的水溶性和稳定性,同时在纳米粒子表面负载阿霉素(DOX)实现化疗作用.阿霉素负载的Fe_5C_2磁性纳米粒子(Fe_5C_2-DOX-DSPE-m PEG),不仅具有一定的磁学性质,且具有优良的光热转化效率.细胞实验说明该纳米粒子对肿瘤细胞具有光热治疗和化疗协同治疗作用.     

二维Ti3C2Tx MXene材料的制备与工艺优化

二维（2D）过渡金属碳/氮化物（MXene）材料是当前最受关注的二维材料之一,其中二维碳化钛（Ti₃C₂T_x MXene）材料的研究最为广泛。该材料目前主要通过刻蚀三元碳化物或氮化物（MAX相）后进一步插层得到,因此MAX相材料的纯度和制备工艺条件直接决定了Ti₃C₂T_x MXene材料的物化性质。主要完成了不同Ti₃AlC₂ MAX相材料的筛选,选择氢氟酸（HF）刻蚀,并优化了不同的插层方法,制备了一系列Ti₃C₂T_x MXene材料。通过X射线衍射（XRD）、场发射扫描电镜（FESEM）、透射电子显微镜（TEM）、原子力显微镜（AFM）和X射线光电子能谱（XPS）等表征,确定使用原位锂离子（Li⁺）插层法可有效获得单层Ti₃C₂T_x MXene材料。制备的单层Ti₃C₂T_x MXene材料的表面平整,片径约为150 nm,厚度约为2 nm。同时,创新性地采用涡旋震荡辅助材料分层,极大地缩短了超声时间,提高了单层Ti₃C₂T_x MXene材料的产率（可达70%）,并且可以避免材料氧化,为Ti₃C₂T_x MXene材料未来应用提供了新方法。     

Changes of photosynthetic capacity of some plant species under very high CO2 concentrations in Biosphere 2

Conclusions The initial slope of A/ light curve became steep under high CO₂ (700 μmol · mol^-1) compared with that under low CO₂ (350 μmol · mol^-1) for the C₃ species growing in very high CO₂(>2 200 μmol · mol^-1) for a long period. The light compensation points remained unchanged, but the light saturation points were found increased. The ϕ_m,_app and A_max of the C₃ species increased respectively by 79 % and 80 %, while those of C₄ species decreased by 10% and 14%, respectively. The shape of A/light curve of C₄ species did not change. Such results indicated that C₃ species increased the capacity of photosynthesis, while C₄ did not change, otherwise it decreased a little. This work only compared the changes of capacity in photosynthesis of some species under different CO₂ levels in Biosphere 2. We need further investigation on the effects of high CO₂ on the same species outside Biosphere 2, in order to fully undertand the effects and mechanism of response of plants to the elevated CO₂.     

Theoretical study of partial oxidation of ethylene by vanadium trioxide cluster cation

Density functional theory （DFT） study of reaction between vanadium trioxide cluster cation （VO3^＋） and ethylene （C2H4） to yield VO2^＋ ＋ CH3CHO （acetaldehyde） and VO2CH2^＋ ＋ HCHO （formaldehyde） is carried out. Structures of all reactants, products, intermediates, and transition state in the reaction have been optimized and characterized. The results show unexpected barriers in the reaction due to the existence of a η^2-O2 moiety in the ground state structure of VO3^＋. The initial reaction steps combining ethylene adsorption, C=C activation and O-O cleavage are proposed as rate limiting processes. Comparison of reactions of VO3^＋ ＋ C2H4 with VO3 ＋ C2H4 and VO2^＋ ＋ C2H4 in the previous studies is made in detail. The results of this work may shed light on the understanding of C=C bond cleavage in related heterogeneous catalysis.