Circum-Indian Holocene sea-level database:A repository of distinct relative sea-level plots across the Indian Peninsula

The Indian Peninsula is one of the most well-studied regions for Holocene sea-level fluctuations in the world, however, standardized relative sea-level datasets are missing. This study provides an archive of sealevel indicators(n = 162, 20 locations) along the western and the eastern sides of the peninsula, that have been used to develop Relative Sea Level(RSL) plots. Each dated sea-level indicator is recalibrated for its elevation based on tidal and tectonic correction, as well as age with reservoir correction, and have been separated into six zones based on coastal geomorphology and number of datasets. The database spans throughout the Holocene and covers sea-level depth/elevations from-45 m to +5 m from mean sea-level(MSL). Approximately 90 % of the dataset range from 8 ka to the present day. The first transgression is highly variable and identified between 8.5-8 ka BP in Gujarat(Zone 1), ~ 5.5 ka BP in Maharashtra(Zone 2), between 8 and 7 ka BP in Tamil Nadu(Zone 4) and between 8 and 7.5 ka BP in the Bengal coasts(Zone 6). No transgression above present sea-level is observed along Andhra Pradesh(Zone 5)(no data for Kerala-Zone 3).Further, Zones 1, 2, 4 and 6 show a strong uplift component(tectonic), whereas Zone 5 exhibits subsidence during the Holocene(Zone 3-insufficient data). Based on these findings, and given the region's coastal topography and tidal components, Zones 6 and 1 will likely undergo the largest coastal inundation, followed by Zones 5, 4, 2, and 3. These insights are critical in planning future coastal inundation measures across the Indian Peninsula.

Bilateral Relations Defined at a Strategic Level

Problems seem to pile up in Sino-Japanese ties as exchanges are increasing while contacts grow in width and new developments surface on both sides. Not surprisingly different interpretations of these issues have also given rise to varying misgivings about the prospects for the relationship between the two neighbors among academics. This has found its reflection in the recent extensive concern over the matter. For deepening the discussion, the Forum of Experts of Contemporary International Relations and the Division for Northeast Asian Studies of China Institute of Contemporary International Relations cosponsored a one-day meeting at Wanshou Villa in the suburb of Beijing with a view to seeking a brighter future for bilateral ties. Heated, in-depth discussions involved a variety of relevant issues. Excerpts of speeches at the symposium follow.

A Comparative Study of the Microbial Communities Between the Mineral Surface and the Bioleaching Solution Using the Microarray Method

In order to explore the bioleaching mechanism and improve the bioleaching efficiency,the micro-bial community in the bioleaching solution was compared with that on the surface of minerals based on the microarray analysis.Meanwhile,the elements composition in the bioleaching solution was analyzed using the ICP-AES method.Results showed that there was a high concentration of S and Cu in the leaching solution which up to 2 380 mg/L and 1 378 mg/L,respectively,after continuously bioleaching of copper-ore concen-trate for 30 days by a mixed culture associated with 12 species of bioleaching microorganisms.Based on the data of microarray,the total of cell number in the surface of minerals was far higher than that in the bi-oleaching solution.Furthermore,the dominant communities on the surface of minerals,such as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans,Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Acidithiobacillus caldus,were similar to that in the bioleaching solution.However,the relative level of some bacteria,such as Sulfobacillus aci-dophilus and Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans,showed great discrepancy with lower presence in the bi-oleaching solution with respect to the mineral surface.

Molecular cloning, characterization, and antioxidant function of catalase in Lymantria dispar asiatic (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) under avermectin stress

The critical antioxidant catalase(CAT)breaks down hydrogen peroxide induced by environmental stresses.Here we cloned full length catalase cDNA from Lymantria dispar asiatic(LdCAT).Bioinformatic analyses showed that open reading frames of LdCAT contains 1524 bp,encoding 507 amino acids with molecular weight of 126.99 kDa,theoretical pI of 5.00,aliphatic index of 29.92,grand average of hydropathicity of 0.764,and instability index(II)of 46.56.Protein BLAST and multiple sequence alignment indicated that LdCAT had high identity with CAT from other insects,especially lepidopterans.In a phylogenetic analysis,LdCAT was most similar to CAT from Spodoptera litura and S.exigua.Quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction showed that LdCAT transcripts in all instar larvae and the five tissues tested,verifying the ubiquity of LdCAT in L.disapr.Moreover,LdCAT of third instar larvae was significantly upregulated after they fed on avermectin at sublethal and LC10 doses.The highest relative transcript levels were found 2 h after an avermectin spray at LC90,and in the cuticula,rather than heads,fat bodies,malpighian tubes,and midguts after a spray avermectin at a sublethal concentration.The expression level of LdCAT under pesticide stresses here suggested that CAT is an important antioxidant enzyme of L.disapr defensing against pesticide stress and may be a good target for controlling this pest.

The Fiji Tide-Gauge Stations

We analyse the location, stability and continuity of the two tide-gauge stations in Fiji. Both stations are awkwardly placed on heavy harbour constructions resting on soft sediments susceptible to serious compaction problems. The nearby GPS stations resting on a bedrock hill offer no solution to the stability problems. The Suva tide-gauge has been moved three times, and must accordingly be analysed in segments. Even the last location covering years 1989 to 2917 provides a mixed picture of 16 years of stability, 10 years of rapid rise, and 4 years of rapid fall in relative sea level. This suggests the interaction of subsidence and cyclic changes in sea level. Any application of mean trends would produce meaningless values rather misguiding than assisting in the handling of estimation of on-going absolute sea level changes. We find this vital for the discussions of local sea level changes to be held at the UN conference on “Our Oceans, Our Future” in June in New York and at the main COP23 conference in November in Bonn.

A prospective comparison cohort study between baseline serum uric acid level and coronary artery disease in first-degree relatives and non-first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetes males

Objective To investigate the relationship between baseline serum uric acid and the severity of coronary artery disease(CAD)in the first-degree relatives or nonfirst-degree relatives of men with type 2 diabetes.Methods Three hundred and eighty-one men with negative coronary angiography for the first time were divided into diabetes and non-diabetes groups and followed-up for

Contributors to tidal duration asymmetry with varied coastline configurations on western shelf of Yellow Sea

Coastal management in China is confronted with an urgent choice between natural restoration and maintenance of existing seawalls and reclaimed land for economic development.A key criterion for making this decision is the resilience to coastal flooding,which depends on the ability to predict tidal level.Tidal duration asymmetry(TDA)is a key parameter in determination of the arrival and duration of flood tides.This study selected the western inner shelf of the Yellow Sea(WYS)as the study area and investigated the responses of TDA to different shoreline configurations and relative sea level rise.The responses of TDA to shoreline reconstruction yielded spatial variability locally and remotely.In the nearshore area,the responses of TDA to the complex ocean environment mainly originated from the combined functions of reflection,bottom friction,and advection,which controlled the energy transfer from M2 or S2 constituents to their overtides or compound tides.The sensitivity of TDA to coastline typologies was not limited to coastal waters but could stretch over the entire inner shelf.The vulnerability of tidal responses was due to the displacement of the M2 amphidrome of the Kelvin wave on the WYS,which in turn changed tidal energy fluxes over the regime.The relative sea level rise could intensify the feedback of TDA to seawalls and land reclamation.

Effects of hydrological and climatic variables on cyanobacterial blooms in four large shallow lakes fed by the Yangtze River

Shallow lakes,one of the most widespread water bodies in the world,are easily shifted to a new trophic state due to external interferences.Shifting hydrologic conditions and climate change can cause cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms(CyanoHABs)in shallow lakes,which pose serious threats to ecological integrity and human health.This study analyzed the effects of hydrologic and meteorological variables on cyanobacterial blooms in Yangtze-connected lakes(Lake Dongting and Poyang)and isolated lakes(Lake Chao and Tai).The results show that(i)chlorophyll-a(Chl-a)concentration tends to decrease exponentially with increasing relative lake level fluctuations(RLLF)and precipitation,but to increase linearly with increasing wind speed and air temperature;(ii)Chl-a concentrations in lakes were significantly higher when RLLF<100,precipitation<2.6 mm,wind speed>2.6 ms^(-1),or air temperature>17.8℃;(iii)the Chl-a concentration of Yangtze-isolated lakes was more significantly affected by water level amplitude,precipitation,wind speed and air temperature than the Yangtze-connected lakes;(iv)the RLLF and the ratio of wind speed to mean water depth could be innovative coupling factors to examine variation characteristics of Chl-a in shallow lakes with greater correlation than single factors.