Differences in Light Response Curve and CO_2 Response Curve of Korla Fragrant Pear Trees in Different Training Systems

[Objective] This study was conducted to evaluate three training systems for Korla fragrant pear trees by comparing the characteristic parameters of light response curve and CO2 response curve, and to provide some theoretical basis for improving the pruning techniques of Korla fragrant pear trees. [Method] The light response curve and CO2 response curve of the trees trained to three systems were measured by LI-6400 portable photosynthesis system. The SPAD value was measured using SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter, and specific leaf weight was calculated, to evaluate the effects of the three training systems. [Result] The CO2 response curves of the three training systems were basically in agreement with their light response curves, but there were some differences in their characteristic parameters. Among the three training systems, the maximum net photosynthetic rate, apparent quantum yield and light compensation point of espalier trained trees were the highest, while their light saturation point was the lowest. The CO2 saturation point of delayed-open central leader trained trees and open center trained trees were 1 752 and 1 665 μmol/mol, both of which were much higher than that of espalier trained trees. In addition, the carboxylation efficiency and photorespiration rate of espalier trained trees were both higher than those of delayed-open central leader trained trees and open center trained trees, while the CO2 compensation point of espalier trained trees was the lowest. The leaf SPAD value of espalier trained trees was the largest, followed by that of open center trained trees, and the leaf SPAD value of delayed-open central leader trained trees was the smallest. In addition, the leaf area and specific leaf weight of espalier trained trees were both the highest, followed by those of open center trained trees. [Conclusion] Among the training systems for Korla fragrant pear trees, the espalier training system had better ability to capture light, higher photosynthetic productivity and strongest adaptability to light environment, and open center training system takes the second place. On the contrary, delayed-open central leader training system has the weakest adaptability to light environment, but it can adapt to a higher CO2 concentration. In summary, for the training of Korla fragrant pear trees, espalier training system, which has the highest theoretical yield, is the best among the three training systems, and delayed-open central leader training system is the worst.

Ideal Drift Response Curve for Robust Optimal Damper Design for Elastic-Plastic MDOF Structures under Multi-Level Earthquakes Dedicated to Professor Karl S.Pister for his 95th birthday

A new method of robust damper design is presented for elastic-plastic multi-degree-of-freedom(MDOF)building structures under multi-level ground motions(GMs).This method realizes a design that is effective for various levels of GMs.The robustness of a design is measured by an incremental dynamic analysis(IDA)curve and an ideal drift response curve(IDRC).The IDRC is a plot of the optimized maximum deformation under a constraint on the total damper quantity vs.the design level of the GMs.The total damper quantity corresponds to the total cost of the added dampers.First,a problem of generation of IDRCs is stated.Then,its solution algorithm,which consists of the sensitivity-based algorithm(SBA)and a local search method,is proposed.In the application of the SBA,the passive added dampers are removed sequentially under the specified-level GMs.On the other hand,the proposed local search method can search the optimal solutions for a constant total damper quantity under GMs’increased levels.In this way,combining these two algorithms enables the comprehensive search of the optimal solutions for various conditions of the status of the GMs and the total damper quantity.The influence of selecting the type of added dampers(oil,hysteretic,and so on)and the selection of the input GMs on the IDRCs are investigated.Finally,a robust optimal design problem is formulated,and a simple local search-based algorithm is proposed.A simple index using the IDRC and the IDA curve of the model is used as the objective function.It is demonstrated that the proposed algorithm works well in spite of its simplicity.

Modified ground response curve(GRC)in strain-softening rock mass based on the generalized Zhang-Zhu strength criterion considering over-excavation

The ground response curve(GRC)depicts the relationship between support reaction force and ground displacement,which improves the understanding of ground-support interaction and provides important references to the tunnel design.However,it is difficult to anticipate the tunneling-induced large deformation with sufficient reliability in soft rock with high geostress since the small strain theory is not applicable.When large deformation occurs,the tunnel needs to be over-excavated.Thus,the GRC should be modified considering the enlarged excavation radius since the actual excavation radius is usually greater than the designed one.To overcome the shortcomings of small strain theory in recognizing ground-support interaction under large deformation circumstances,a new large strain numerical approach for modifying the GRC was proposed considering over-excavation in strain-softening rock masses based on the generalized Zhang-Zhu strength criterion.A case study was conducted based on the Lianchengshan tunnel in China.The modified GRC was employed to investigate the ground-support behavior for different support schemes and to explore the applicability of the stress release measures.Combined with field tests,the proposed approach was validated.By comparing with GRCs proposed by previous work,the present modified GRC was proved to be superior to others.Parametric studies were conducted and it is found that over-excavation,for example,reserving a very large clearance between the surrounding rock and the support,is necessary to reduce ground pressure to a large extent.The yielding supports which can provide high support pressure during the process of deformation are highly recommended when tunneling in high geostress environment.However,if the initial geostress is not very high,it is not necessary to pursue unwarranted overexcavation since the ground pressure applied on the support is mainly the loosening stress when the deformation is large.Ample support stiffness should be provided in the process of deformation to prevent uncontrolled large deformation of surrounding rock.

Study on the Photosynthetic Characteristics of Six Varieties(Strains)in Chinese Chestnut

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the differences of photosynthetic physiological characteristics of different varieties(strains),which will provide a theoretical basis for high photosynthesis efficiency breeding and application in Chinese chestnut.[Methods]Six Chinese chestnut varieties of Castanea mollissima‘Yanbao’,C.mollissima‘Yanqiu’,C.mollissima‘Yanchang’,C.mollissima‘Yanjia’,C.mollissima‘Qianxi 37’,and C.mollissima‘Hybrid 22’were used as the materials.Using the portable photosynthesis system Li-6400,we measured the photosynthetic characteristics and diurnal variation of leaf samples of six different chestnut varieties or strains.We fitted the light response curves and photosynthetic parameters using the leaf floating model.Additionally,we determined the chlorophyll content in the leaves using a UV-visible spectrophotometer.[Results]Among the six chestnut varieties or strains,‘Yanqiu’exhibited a significantly higher photosynthetic light saturation point(P LSP)compared to other five varieties,and‘Hybrid 22’ranked second,indicating that these two varieties had the strongest adaptation to high light intensity.The photosynthetic light compensation point(P LCP)of‘Yanchang’was significantly higher than other five varieties,and"Qianxi 37"ranked second,indicating that these two varieties had the strongest adaptation to low light intensity.Additionally,they exhibited higher chlorophyll content and maintained good photosynthetic characteristics even in shaded environments with weak light stress.Varieties‘Yanbao’and‘Yanjia’showed higher P LSP and lower P LCP,indicating that these two varieties have a wider range of adaptation to light intensity.They were capable of efficiently utilizing light across a broader spectrum of intensities.‘Yanqiu’had the highest maximum net photosynthetic rate(P n,max)and the lowest dark respiration rate(R d),along with the highest chlorophyll content.It indicated that‘Yanqiu’has strong photosynthetic capacity and organic matter accumulation ability.It also had the highest P LSP,enabling it to fully utilize the high light environment of the Yanshan Mountains and possessed high light efficiency characteristics.The P n,max of‘Yanqiu’was significantly higher than other varieties.‘Hybrid 22’and‘Yanbao’also exhibited significantly higher P n,max compared with‘Yanjia’and‘Qianxi 37’.‘Yanchang’had the lowest P n,max.The order of P n,max among the six chestnut varieties or strains was as follows:‘Yanqiu’>‘Hybrid 22’>‘Yanbao’>‘Yanjia’>‘Qianxi 37’>‘Yanchang’.[Conclusions]

Differences of Photosynthetic Characteristics of the Grape Cultivated in Greenhouse and Open Field in Turpan

[Objective] This study compared the leaf photosynthetic characteristics of Turpan grape cultivated in greenhouses and open field to provide a scientific basis for the high-quality and high-yield cultivation of grape. [Method] Two precocious grape varieties as experimental materials were cultivated in greenhouses and open field, and their net photosynthetic rates （Pn）, photo-response curves and CO2 response curves were determined using Li-400XT portable photosynthesis system. [Result] The leaf Pn of the two varieties cultivated in open field was higher than that in greenhouse. The Pn of Hongqitezao cultivated in open field was the highest, up to 19.79 μmol/（m^2·s）; in the photo-response curves, Hongqitezao cultivated in greenhouse had the largest Pnmax and apparent quantum yield （AQY）, while the Flame Seedless in greenhouse had the smallest light compensation point （LCP）. The light saturation point （LSP） value of greenhouse cultivation was higher than that of open field cultivation. In the CO2 response test, the dark respiration rate （Rd） and Pnmax of greenhouse cultivation were higher than those of open field cultivation, and the carboxylation efficiency （CE） of greenhouse cultivation was lower than that of open field cultivation; the CO2 compensation point （CCP） and CO2 saturation point （CSP） of greenhouse cultivation were lower than those of open field cultivation. [Conclusion] The utilization of elevated light in greenhouse cultivation was more efficient than in open field cultivation; however, the utilization of elevated CO2 in greenhouse cultivation was weaker than tin open field cultivation.

Analysis on Differences in Photosynthetic Characteristics of Korla Fragrant Pear among Different Planting Densities

[Objective] The aim of this study was to explore the differences in photosynthetic characteristics of Korla fragrant pear among different planting densities,providing a basis for the improvement of fruit yield and quality of Korla fragrant pear in production. [Method] The net photosynthetic rates, photoresponse curves and CO2 response curves of Korla fragrant pear under six different planting densities were determined using Li-6400 XT portable photosynthesis system. [Result] There were significant differences in photosynthetic parameters of Korla fragrant pear among six different planting densities. The net photosynthetic rate of Korla fragrant pear was highest under the planting density of 4.0 m × 6.0 m. At the planting density of4.0 m×6.0 m, when the light intensity reached 1 800 μmol/（m^2·s）, the net photosynthetic rate of Korla fragrant pear reached the peak [19.326 μmol/（m^2·s）], and the apparent quantum yield, carboxylation efficiency and dark respiration rate all reached the maximum values; at the planting density of 6.0 m ×7.0 m, Korla fragrant pear showed lower light compensation point and CO2 compensation point, but higher light saturation point. At the planting density of 3.0 m ×5.0 m, Korla fragrant pear had higher light saturation point. [Conclusion] Among the six different planting densities,Korla fragrant pear with planting density of 4.0 m ×6.0 m showed the highest net photosynthetic rate. It suggested that Korla fragrant pear, at the planting density of4.0 m ×6.0 m, had stronger utilization capacity for low light and low-concentration CO2. Therefore, the Korla fragrant pear with the planting density of 4.0 m ×6.0 m has the highest photosynthesis efficiency, and the planting density of 4.0 m ×6.0 m is the most ideal planting density for Korla fragrant pear.

Nonlinear principal resonance of magneto-electro-elastic thin plate

Considering magneto-electro-elastic thin plate, the von Karman plate theory of large deflection and the geometric nonlinearity, the mathematical model of nonlinear undamped forced vibration is established. Making use of the improved Lindstedt-Poincare （L-P） method, the undamped forced vibration problem is solved, and the amplitude-frequency response equation of thin plate is obtained. Furthermore, the amplitude frequency response curves of system under different condi- tions are obtained by numerical simulation. The results show that the thickness of the plate, mechanical excitation, parame- ter e, pure piezoelectric material of BaTiO3, pure piezomagnetic material of CoFe2 04, different magneto-electro-elastic ma- terials of BaTiO3/CoFe2 04 and Terfenol-D/PZT will have an impact on the system frequency response. The main effects in- volve principal resonance interval, spring stiffness characteristic and amplitude jumping phenomena.

Comparison among Growth, Photosynthesis and Yield in Nanjing 9108 and Its Parents during the Late Development Stage

A good quality, high yield, slow mature and middle season Japonica rice variety, Nanjing 9108 and its parents Guandong 194 and Wuxiangjing 14,were taken as the materials for the study. The growth and photosynthetic characteristics of the rice plants at the post-flowering stage were compared and the rice yield components were examined at harvest. The results showed that as compared with Wuxiangjing 14, the per plant yield of Nanjing 9108 was 7.70% higher, and much higher than that of Guandong194. The large total grain per plant and heavy grain weigh of Nanjing 9108 were the important structure basis for its yield. Further analysis o the growth indicators showed that Nanjing 9108 had a large leaf area of upper three green leaves area and a smaller leaf base angle in the third leaf from the bottom blades, which helped get a higher photosynthetic capacity in groups. On the14 thday after flowering, Nanjing 9108 had similar value of net photosynthetic rate（Pn） to that of Wuxianjing 14, but lower than that of Guandong 194. Viewing from the parameters obtained from light response of photosynthesis on the modified model of rectangular hyperbola, Pn of Nanjing 9108 was more aptated to be saturated by light intensity and sensitive to photoinhibition. On the whole, Nanjing 9108 with high yield mainly resulted from its good plant type, grain structure and higher photosynthetic capacity in groups. Further improving its photosynthetic capacity o single leaf in Nanjing 9108 would be an important way for its super high yield po tential in the future.

Interaction function of coupled bursting neurons

The interaction functions of electrically coupled Hindmarsh–Rose（HR） neurons for different firing patterns are investigated in this paper.By applying the phase reduction technique,the phase response curve（PRC） of the spiking neuron and burst phase response curve（BPRC） of the bursting neuron are derived.Then the interaction function of two coupled neurons can be calculated numerically according to the PRC（or BPRC） and the voltage time course of the neurons.Results show that the BPRC is more and more complicated with the increase of the spike number within a burst,and the curve of the interaction function oscillates more and more frequently with it.However,two certain things are unchanged：Φ = 0,which corresponds to the in-phase synchronization state,is always the stable equilibrium,while the anti-phase synchronization state with Φ = 0.5 is an unstable equilibrium.

Active control of an aircraft tail subject to harmonic excitation

Vibration of structures is often an undesirable phenomena and should be avoided or controlled. There are two techniques to control the vibration of a system, that is, active and passive control techniques. In this paper, a negative feedback velocity is applied to a dynamical system, which is represented by two coupled second order nonlinear differential equations having both quadratic and cubic nonlinearties. The system describes the vibration of an aircraft tail. The system is subjected to multi-external excitation forces. The method of multiple time scale perturbation is applied to solve the nonlinear differential equations and obtain approximate solutions up to third order of accuracy. The stability of the system is investigated applying frequency response equations. The effects of the different parameters are studied numerically. Various resonance cases are investigated. A comparison is made with the available published work.

Growth and ecophysiology of seedlings of Podocarpus falcatus in plantations of exotic species and in a natural montane forest in Ethiopia

The potential role of exotic tree plantations in facilitating successional processes on degraded areas was evaluated in southern Ethiopia by comparing seedling characteristics, transpiration and photosynthetic performance of Podocarpus falcatus seedlings in Eucalyptus plantation, Pinus plantation, adjacent natural forest and clear-felled plantation site. P. falcatus seedlings exhibited differences in architecture between Eucalyptus and Pinus plantations. They had higher leaf area, shorter internode length and greater number of lateral branches in Eucalyptus plantation. At similar vapor pressure deficit （VPD）, P. falcatus transpired much less than E. saligna, especially at higher VPDs. Analysis of fluorescence parameters in the leaves showed no significant differences in the level of dark-adapted and light-adapted fluorescence yield （Fv/Fm and ΔF/Fm′, respectively）, electron transport rate （ETR） and nonphotochemical quenching （NPQ） among seedlings grown inside plantations and adjacent natural forest, indicating similar photosynthetic performance. Nevertheless, there was evidence of photoinhibition in P. falcatus in the clear-felled site which had low fluorescence yield but high values of NPQ as protection from photoamage. The light response curves of ETR, NPQ and ΔF/Fm′ showed similar light saturation behavior among the seedlings grown inside plantations and natural forest and suggested a sequence of light-adapted to shade-adapted behavior in Natural forest 〉 Eucalyptus plantation 〉 Pinus plantation. The results show the structural flexibility, better water-use and adaptability of P. falcatus in its use of the understory environment of plantation species.

Photosynthetic Performance and Potency of <i>Cannabis sativa</i>L. Grown under LED and HPS Illumination

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be used as an energy efficient alternative to high-pressure sodium (HPS), which have historically been the standard for supplemental lighting in cannabis cultivation. However, there is a lack of scientific understanding in the cannabis industry regarding plant physiology, which has resulted in the adoption of cannabis cultivation methods based on hearsay rather than scientific research. The goals of this study were to 1) compare LED lighting options that are commonly used in the cannabis industry and 2) compare the top performing LED light with an industry standard HPS light. Specifically, three LED lights were compared (California Light Works ((SolarSystem 1100), BIOS Lighting (Icarus Gi2), and Fluence Bioengineering (now Fluence by Osram) (SPYDR xPLUS)), based on light distribution, leaf temperature, and photosynthetic performance indices. The LED versus HPS comparison was based on light response curves measured at photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) of (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750 and 2000 μmol∙m−2∙s−1), carbon assimilation rates (A) μmol CO2 m−2∙s−1 using a LiCor-6800 and resulting cannabinoid potency (THCA). The SPYDR xPLUS-Fluence by Osram had the highest performing LED light used in the LED comparison. At the suggested distance from bulb to canopy in the HPS versus LED comparison (6 inches for LEDs and 4 ft for HPS), carbon assimilation rates displayed a 142% percent increase in plants grown under LED vs. HPS with average photon flux densities of 795 and 298 μmol∙m−2∙s−1 for LED and HPS, respectively. All cultivars of Cannabis sativa L. showed increased cannabinoid potency when grown under LED illumination. The results of this study provide further insight regarding the selection of supplemental light to achieve maximum productivity of Cannabis sativa L.

Effects of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Red and Blue Light on the Growth and Photosynthetic Characteristics of <i>Momordica charantia</i>L.

With andromonoecious Momordica charantia L. (bitter gourd) as material, three light qualities (50 μmol·m-2·s-1) including white LED light (WL), blue monochromatic light (B, 465 nm), and red monochromatic light (R, 650 nm) were carried out to investigate their effects on seed germination, physiological and biochemical parameters, sex differentiation and photosynthetic characteristics of bitter gourd. The results showed that compared to the WL treatment, the R treatment significantly promoted seed germination, seedling height elongation and soluble sugar content, the B treatment significantly increased seedling stem diameter, reducing sugar content and soluble protein content, the R and B treatments both significantly reduced sucrose content, but their POD activity showed no significant difference. Compared with the R treatment, the B treatment significantly increased the total female flower number and female flower nod ratio in 30 nods of main stems. The study of photosynthetic characteristics found that the R and B treatments could effectively increase the stomatal conductance (GS) of leaves, significantly improved the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) compared to the WL treatment, and the effect of the B treatment was better. Compared to the R and WL treatments, the B treatment increased the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax), apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) and light saturation point (LSP), and reduced the dark respiration rate (Rd) and light compensation point (LCP) of the leaves. Fit light response curves showed that the adaptability and utilization of weak light in bitter gourd were middle or below, but it showed higher adaptability and utilization of strong light. Thus, it suggests that Momordica charantia is a typical sun plan with lower Rd. In summary, it is concluded that blue light has a positive effect on the seed germination, seedling growth, sex differentiation and improving the photosynthetic performance, and this will lay the foundation for artificially regulating optimum photosynthesis using specific LEDs wavelength, and help to elucidate the relationship how light quality influences the sex differentiation of plant.

Interactions between vegetation dynamic and edaphic factors in the Great Salt Desert of central Iran

Investigating the relationships between vegetation dynamic and edaphic factors provide management insights into factors affecting the growth and establishment of plant species and vegetation communities in saline areas.The aim of this study was to assess the spatial variability of various vegetation communities in relation to edaphic factors in the Great Salt Desert,central Iran.Fifteen vegetation communities were identified using the physiognomy-floristic method.Coverage and density of vegetation communities were determined using the transect plot method.Forty soil samples were collected from major horizons of fifteen profiles in vegetation communities,and analyzed in terms of following soil physical and chemical characteristics:soil texture,soluble Na+concentration,sodium adsorption ratio(SAR),electrical conductivity(EC),pH,organic matter content,soluble Mg2+and Ca2+concentrations,carbonate and gypsum contents,and spontaneously-and mechanically-dispersible clay contents.Redundancy analysis was used to investigate the relationships between vegetation dynamic and edaphic factors.The generalized linear method(GLM)was used to find the plant species response curves against edaphic factors.Results showed that plant species responded differently to edaphic factors,in which soluble sodium concentration,EC,SAR,gypsum content and soil texture were identified as the most discriminative edaphic factors.The studied plant species were also found to have different ecological requirements and tolerance to edaphic factors,in which Tamarix aphylla and Halocnemum strobilaceum were identified as the most salt-resistant species in the region.Furthermore,the presence of Artemisia sieberi was highly related to soil sand and gypsum contents.The results implied that exploring the plant species response curves against edaphic factors can assist managers to lay out more appropriate restoration plans in similar arid areas.

STUDY ON DYNAMIC J-INTEGRAL OF MECHANICAL HETEROGENEOUS WELDED JOINT

Welded joint is a mechanical heterogeneous body, and mechanical heterogeneity has great effect on dynamic fracture behaviour of welded joints. In the present investigation, dynamic response curve and dynamic J-integral of practical undermatched welded joint and whole base and whole weld three-point-bend (TPB) models containing longitudinal crack are com- puted. Dynamic J-integral is evaluated using virtual crack extension (VCE) method and the computation is performed using MARC finite element code. Because of the effect of inertia, dynamic load response curve of computed model waves periodically. Dynamic J-integral evaluated by VCE method is path independent. The effect of inertia has little influence on dynamic J-integral curve. The value of dynamic J-integral of undermatched welded joint is lower than that of whole base metal and higher than that of whole weld metal. The results establish the foundation of safety evaluation for dynamic loaded welded structures.

SOME PROBLEMS ON JUMP CONDITIONS OF SHOCK WAVES IN 3-DIMENSIONAL SOLIDS

Based on the general conservation laws in continuum mechanics, the Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions of the jump conditions of shock waves in 3-dimensional solids were presented respectively. The implication of the jump conditions and their relations between each other, particularly the relation between the mass conservation and the displacement continuity, were discussed. Meanwhile the shock wave response curves in 3- dimensional solids, i.e. the Hugoniot curves were analysed, which provide the foundation for studying the coupling effects of shock waves in 3-dimensional solids.

Entrainment mechanism of the cyanobacterial circadian clock induced by oxidized quinone

The circadian clock is a self-sustained biological oscillator which can be entrained by environmental signals.The cyanobacteria circadian clock is the simplest one,which is composed of the proteins KaiA,KaiB and KaiC.The phosphorylation/dephosphorylation state of KaiC exhibits a circadian oscillator.KaiA and KaiB activate KaiC phosphorylation and dephosphorylation respectively.CikA competing with KaiA for the same binding site on KaiB affects the phosphorylation state of KaiC.Quinone is a signaling molecule for entraining the cyanobacterial circadian clock which is oxidized at the onset of darkness and reduced at the onset of light,reflecting the environmental light-dark cycle.KaiA and CikA can sense external signals by detecting the oxidation state of quinone.However,the entrainment mechanism is far from clear.We develop an enhanced mathematical model including oxidized quinone sensed by KaiA and CikA,with which we present a detailed study on the entrainment of the cyanobacteria circadian clock induced by quinone signals.We find that KaiA and CikA sensing oxidized quinone pulse are related to phase advance and delay,respectively.The time of oxidized quinone pulse addition plays a key role in the phase shifts.The combination of KaiA and CikA is beneficial to the generation of entrainment,and the increase of signal intensity reduces the entrainment phase.This study provides a theoretical reference for biological research and helps us understand the dynamical mechanisms of cyanobacteria circadian clock.

Phosphorus Use Efficiency of Safflower （Carthamus tinctorius L.） and Sunflower （Helianthus annuus L.） Studied in Nutrient Solution

Safflower represents an important oil crop internationally and may have a production potential under low input conditions, but its putatively high phosphorous use efficiency is not sustained. This study aims to directly compare safflower with sunflower in terms of phosphorus use efficiency in nutrient solution under controlled conditions. Growth of both species responded strongly to increasing P supply. Safflower recovers less proportion of added P than sunflower. External P requirement （（g P supply （100 g dry matter （DM） produced）~） was higher in safflower than sunflower. The efficiency of the crops for DM production based on accumulated P （mg P potl, efficiency ratio）, and P concentration in DM （（mg P （g DM）＇I）, utilization index） were interpreted using Michaelis-Menten kinetics as growth response curves. Accordingly, Km constant was lower in sunflower compared to safflower in terms of utilization index, but both were similar in terms of efficiency ratio. High Km constant in safflower in terms of utilization index indicates the high P concentration in tissues to produce 50% of potential maximum DM, consequently less efficient crop. Utilization efficiency contributed more than uptake efficiency in overall PUE in the efficient cultivar and could be the cause of its superiority in PUE. It can be concluded that safflower has a high requirement for P with respect to growth, sunflower is more efficient in terms of uptake and utilization of P at optimal and sub-optimal P supplies indicating that safflower can not be considered a low nutrient input crop compared to sunflower with respect to phosphorus.

Phase-response synchronization in neuronal population

In this study,we have formulated the phase description of the neuronal oscillator with non-instantaneous synaptic inputs and external periodic stimulus by using the phase sensitivity function.By numerical simulation,we have found that the phase of a neuronal oscillator undergoes periodic evolution or locked state,which is determined by the synaptic time constant.The synaptic time constant is also an important condition under which the global network is synchronized.When the synaptic time constant is relatively small,perfectly synchronized behavior quickly occurs in the neuronal population.As the synaptic time constant becomes slightly larger,periodic synchronization emerges in the neuronal population.However,synchronized activity in the neuronal population is lost for larger synaptic time constant.The external periodic stimulus can change the synchronization patterns in the neuronal population.With a weak low-frequency stimulus,the neuronal populations quick synchronized bursting;whereas a high-frequency stimulus can produce synchronized overlapping bursting.We have also found that neuronal oscillators with type-II phase response curves are more susceptible to synchronization than those with type-I phase response curves.

Response of soil CO_2 efflux to precipitation manipulation in a semiarid grassland

Soil CO_2efflux（SCE） is an important component of ecosystem CO_2 exchange and is largely temperature and moisture dependent, providing feedback between C cycling and the climate system. We used a precipitation manipulation experiment to examine the effects of precipitation treatment on SCE and its dependences on soil temperature and moisture in a semiarid grassland. Precipitation manipulation included ambient precipitation, decreased precipitation（- 43%）, or increased precipitation（＋ 17%）. The SCE was measured from July2013 to December 2014, and CO_2 emission during the experimental period was assessed.The response curves of SCE to soil temperature and moisture were analyzed to determine whether the dependence of SCE on soil temperature or moisture varied with precipitation manipulation. The SCE significantly varied seasonally but was not affected by precipitation treatments regardless of season. Increasing precipitation resulted in an upward shift of SCE–temperature response curves and rightward shift of SCE–moisture response curves,while decreasing precipitation resulted in opposite shifts of such response curves. These shifts in the SCE response curves suggested that increasing precipitation strengthened the dependence of SCE on temperature or moisture, and decreasing precipitation weakened such dependences. Such shifts affected the predictions in soil CO_2 emissions for different precipitation treatments. When considering such shifts, decreasing or increasing precipitation resulted in 43 or 75% less change, respectively, in CO_2 emission compared with changes in emissions predicted without considering such shifts. Furthermore, the effects of shifts in SCE response curves on CO_2 emission prediction were greater during the growing than the non-growing season.