Assessment of International GNSS Service Global Ionosphere Map products over China region based on measurements from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China

The global ionosphere maps(GIM)provided by the International GNSS Service(IGS)are extensively utilized for ionospheric morphology monitoring,scientific research,and practical application.Assessing the credibility of GIM products in data-sparse regions is of paramount importance.In this study,measurements from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China(CMONOC)are leveraged to evaluate the suitability of IGS-GIM products over China region in 2013-2014.The indices of mean error(ME),root mean square error(RMSE),and normalized RMSE(NRMSE)are then utilized to quantify the accuracy of IGS-GIM products.Results revealed distinct local time and latitudinal dependencies in IGS-GIM errors,with substantially high errors at nighttime(NRMSE:39%)and above 40°latitude(NRMSE:49%).Seasonal differences also emerged,with larger equinoctial deviations(NRMSE:33.5%)compared with summer(20%).A preliminary analysis implied that the irregular assimilation of sparse IGS observations,compounded by China’s distinct geomagnetic topology,may manifest as error variations.These results suggest that modeling based solely on IGS-GIM observations engenders inadequate representations across China and that a thorough examination would proffer the necessary foundation for advancing regional total electron content(TEC)constructions.

The Strange Relationship between the Momentum of a Photon Emitted from an Electron and the Momentum Acquired by the Electron

In quantum mechanics, the energy of a hydrogen atom is minimized when the principal quantum number n is 1. However, the author has previously pointed out that the hydrogen atom has a state where n=0. An electron in the state where n=0has zero rest mass energy. However, a hydrogen atom has an energy level even lower than the n=0state. This is hard to accept from the standpoint of common sense. Thus, the author has previously pointed out that an electron at the energy level where n=0has zero energy because the positive energy mec2and negative energy −mec2cancel each other out. This paper elucidates the strange relationship between the momentum of a photon emitted when a hydrogen atom is formed by an electron with such characteristics, and the momentum acquired by the electron.

云南省洱源县新构造运动的ESR年代学证据

云南省洱源县具有复杂的构造特征和强烈的新构造运动,为详细分析该地区新构造运动的基本特征,本次研究进行了野外岩石样品的电子自旋共振(ESR)年龄测定工作,结果表明:样品年龄数据介于62~1007ka之间,属于新构造运动时期;ESR年龄值由西向东具有逐渐减小的趋势,表明更新世以来,洱源县构造运动关键期由西向东逐渐变晚;结合样品所在海拔和ESR年龄,认为现今海拔高的区域,相对构造隆升时间早、持续时间长,具有较大隆升速率;现今海拔较低的盆山接触带新构造运动表现较为强烈,具有较小ESR年龄值、碎屑岩中的多条小型(伴生)断裂,且天然地震多发。

Monitoring the ionosphere based on the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China

The Global Navigation Satellite System （GNSS） is becoming important for monitoring the variations in the earth＇s ionosphere based on the total electron content （TEC） and iono- spheric electron density （IED）. The Crustal Movement Observation Network of China （CMONOC）, which includes GNSS stations across China's Mainland, enables the continuous monitoring of the ionosphere over China as accurately as possible. A series of approaches for GNSS-based ionospheric remote sensing and software has been proposed and devel- oped by the Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics （IGG） in Wuhan. Related achievements include the retrieval of ionospheric observables from raw GNSS data, differential code biases estimations in satellites and receivers, models of local and regional ionospheric TEC, and algorithms of ionospheric tomography. Based on these achievements, a software for processing GNSS data to determine the variations in ionospheric TEC and IED over China has been designed and developed by IGG. This software has also been installed at the CMONOC data centers belonging to the China Earthquake Administration and China Meteorological Administration. This paper briefly introduces the related research achievements and indicates potential directions of future work.

Ionospheric total electron content disturbance associated with May 12, 2008,Wenchuan earthquake

Possible ionospheric disturbances relating to the May 12, 2008, MsS.0 Wenchuan earthquake were identified by Global Positioning System （GPS）-derived total electron content （TEC）, ion- osonde observations, the global ionospheric map （GIM）, and electron density profiles detected by the Constellation Observation System for Meteorology Ionosphere and Climate （COSMIC）. We applied a statistical test to detect anomalous TEC signals and found that a unique enhancement in TEC, recorded at 16 GPS stations, appeared on May 9, 2008. The critical fre- quency at F2 peak （foF2）, observed by the Chinese ionosondes, and maximal plasma frequency, derived from COSMIC data, revealed a characteristic similar to GPS TEC variations. The GIM showed that the anomalous variations of May 9 were located southeast of the epicenter. Using GPS data from 13 stations near the epicenter, we analyzed the TEC variations of satellite orbit traces during 04：00-11：00 UT. We found that TEC decreased to the east and increased to the southeast of the epicenter during this period. Results showed that the abnormal disturbance on May 9 was probably an ionosphenc precursor of the Wenchuan earthquake of May 12, 2008.

The 600 keV electron injections in the Earth's outer radiation belt:A statistical study

Relativistic electron injections are one of the mechanisms of relativistic(≥0.5 MeV) electron enhancements in the Earth’s outer radiation belt. In this study, we present a statistical observation of 600 keV electron injections in the outer radiation belt by using data from the Van Allen Probes. On the basis of the characteristics of different injections, 600 keV electron injections in the outer radiation belt were divided into pulsed electron injections and nonpulsed electron injections. The 600 keV electron injections were observed at 4.5 < L <6.4 under the geomagnetic conditions of 450 nT < AE < 1,450 nT. An L of ~4.5 is an inward limit for 600 keV electron injections. Before the electron injections, a flux negative L shell gradient for ≤0.6 MeV electrons or low electron fluxes in the injected region were observed. For600 keV electron injections at different L shells, the source populations from the Earth’s plasma sheet were different. For 600 keV electron injections at higher L shells, the source populations were higher energy electrons(~200 keV at X ~–9 R_(E)), whereas the source populations for 600 keV electron injections at lower L shells were lower energy electrons(~80 keV at X ~–9 R_(E)). These results are important to further our understanding of electron injections and rapid enhancements of 600 keV electrons in the Earth’s outer radiation belt.

Recent crustal movement and great earthquakes in Qinghai-Tibet sub-plate

Crustal movement and incremental-movement data observed repeatedly at GPS stations during 1999 -2009 were analyzed to study the effect of two earthquakes of Ms8.1 and Ms8.0 that occurred in 2001 and 2008, respectively, in Qinghai-Tibet sub-plate and its eastern margin. The result revealed certain anoma- lous pre-earthquake deformation and some large co-seismic changes. Prior to the 2008 Wcnchuan Ms8.0 earthquake, the seismogenic Kunlunshan fault zone became a geographic boundary between different regional movements. At the time of the earthquake, there was an average cross-fault crustal shortening of - 1.04 m and an average right-lateral strike slip of 0.76 m along the ruptured segment, as well as a strain-energy release of -62.66 ×10.7.

The Modulation and Control of the Gecko's Foot Movement

The modulation and control of gecko＇s foot movements were studied electrophysiologically in order to design the motor control system of a gecko-mimic robot. In this study （1） the anatomy of the peripheral nerves controlling the gecko＇s foot movements was determined; （2） the relationship between the limb nerves of the gecko and its foot motor patterns was studied; （3） the afferent impulses of the nerves evoked by rubbing the gecko＇s toes and palm were recorded; （4） copying the natural patterns of movement of the gecko＇s foot （abduction, adduction, flexion, and revolution） and its limb nerve modulation and control mechanism, the nerves were stimulated under computer control, and the results recorded by CCD. Results suggest that gecko＇s foot movements can be successfully controlled by artificial electrical signals.

Molecular imaging of movement disorders

Positron emission tomography measures the activity of radioactively labeled compounds which distribute and accumulate in central nervous system regions in proportion to their metabolic rate or blood flow. Specific circuits such as the dopaminergic nigrostriatal projection can be studied with ligands that bind to the pre-synaptic dopamine transporter or post-synaptic dopamine receptors (D1 and D2). Single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) measures the activity of similar tracers labeled with heavy radioactive species such as technetium and iodine. In essential tremor, there is cerebellar hypermetabolism and abnormal GABAergic function in premotor cortices, dentate nuclei and ventral thalami, without significant abnormalities in dopaminergic transmission. In Huntington&#x02019;s disease, there is hypometabolism in the striatum, frontal and temporal cortices. Disease progression is accompanied by reduction in striatal D1 and D2 binding that correlates with trinucleotide repeat length, disease duration and severity. In dystonia, there is hypermetabolism in the basal ganglia, supplementary motor areas and cerebellum at rest. Thalamic and cerebellar hypermetabolism is seen during dystonic movements, which can be modulated by globus pallidus deep brain stimulation (DBS). Additionally, GABA-A receptor activity is reduced in motor, premotor and somatosensory cortices. In Tourette&#x02019;s syndrome, there is hypermetabolism in premotor and sensorimotor cortices, as well as hypometabolism in the striatum, thalamus and limbic regions at rest. During tics, multiple areas related to cognitive, sensory and motor functions become hypermetabolic. Also, there is abnormal serotoninergic transmission in prefrontal cortices and bilateral thalami, as well as hyperactivity in the striatal dopaminergic system which can be modulated with thalamic DBS. In Parkinson&#x02019;s disease (PD), there is asymmetric progressive decline in striatal dopaminergic tracer accumulation, which follows a caudal-to-rostral direction. Uptake declines prior to symptom presentation and progresses from contralateral to the most symptomatic side to bilateral, correlating with symptom severity. In progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), striatal activity is symmetrically and diffusely decreased. The caudal-to-rostral pattern is lost in PSP, but could be present in MSA. In corticobasal degeneration (CBD), there is asymmetric, diffuse reduction of striatal activity, contralateral to the most symptomatic side. Additionally, there is hypometabolism in contralateral parieto-occipital and frontal cortices in PD; bilateral putamen and cerebellum in MSA; caudate, thalamus, midbrain, mesial frontal and prefrontal cortices in PSP; and contralateral cortices in CBD. Finally, cardiac sympathetic SPECT signal is decreased in PD. The capacity of molecular imaging to provide in vivo time courses of gene expression, protein synthesis, receptor and transporter binding, could facilitate the development and evaluation of novel medical, surgical and genetic therapies in movement disorders.

Electronic Structures and Spectra of the Bases and Base Pairs of Nucleic Acids

The present paper covers electronic structures and spectra of the bases and the base pairs of nucleic acids calculated by using the INDO/S method. For free bases we give the energy levels of ground states and transition energies of low-lying excited states and discuss the band characters. The results indicate that the calculated spectra are in good agreement with experimental values. On the other hand, our calculations for A-T and G-C pairs are very beneficial to understanding hydrogen bond properties of these pairs.

Assessing gray matter volume in patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder

Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder(iRBD) is often a precursor to neurodegenerative disease. However, voxel-based morphological studies evaluating structural abnormalities in the brains of iRBD patients are relatively rare. This study aimed to explore cerebral structural alterations using magnetic resonance imaging and to determine their association with clinical parameters in iRBD patients. Brain structural T1-weighted MRI scans were acquired from 19 polysomnogram-confirmed iRBD patients(male:female 16:3; mean age 66.6 ± 7.0 years) and 20 age-matched healthy controls(male:female 5:15; mean age 63.7 ± 5.9 years). Gray matter volume(GMV) data were analyzed based on Statistical Parametric Mapping 8, using a voxel-based morphometry method and two-sample t-test and multiple regression analysis. Compared with controls, iRBD patients had increased GMV in the middle temporal gyrus and cerebellar posterior lobe, but decreased GMV in the Rolandic operculum, postcentral gyrus, insular lobe, cingulate gyrus, precuneus, rectus gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus. iRBD duration was positively correlated with GMV in the precuneus, cuneus, superior parietal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, lingual gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, and cerebellum posterior lobe. Furthermore, phasic chin electromyographic activity was positively correlated with GMV in the hippocampus, precuneus, fusiform gyrus, precentral gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, cuneus, inferior parietal lobule, angular gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, paracentral lobule, and cerebellar posterior lobe. There were no significant negative correlations of brain GMV with disease duration or electromyographic activity in iRBD patients. These findings expand the spectrum of known gray matter modifications in iRBD patients and provide evidence of a correlation between brain dysfunction and clinical manifestations in such patients. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Huashan Hospital(approval No. KY2013-336) on January 6, 2014. This trial was registered in the ISRCTN registry(ISRCTN18238599).

A data assimilation-based forecast model of outer radiation belt electron fluxes

Because radiation belt electrons can pose a potential threat to the safety of satellites orbiting in space,it is of great importance to develop a reliable model that can predict the highly dynamic variations in outer radiation belt electron fluxes.In the present study,we develop a forecast model of radiation belt electron fluxes based on the data assimilation method,in terms of Van Allen Probe measurements combined with three-dimensional radiation belt numerical simulations.Our forecast model can cover the entire outer radiation belt with a high temporal resolution(1 hour)and a spatial resolution of 0.25 L over a wide range of both electron energy(0.1-5.0 MeV)and pitch angle(5°-90°).On the basis of this model,we forecast hourly electron fluxes for the next 1,2,and 3 days during an intense geomagnetic storm and evaluate the corresponding prediction performance.Our model can reasonably predict the stormtime evolution of radiation belt electrons with high prediction efficiency(up to~0.8-1).The best prediction performance is found for~0.3-3 MeV electrons at L=~3.25-4.5,which extends to higher L and lower energies with increasing pitch angle.Our results demonstrate that the forecast model developed can be a powerful tool to predict the spatiotemporal changes in outer radiation belt electron fluxes,and the model has both scientific significance and practical implications.

Accurate calculation of electron affinity for S_3

The accurate equilibrium structures of S_3 and S_3^- are determined by the coupled-cluster method with single, double excitation and perturbative triple excitation(CCSD(T)) with basis sets of aug-cc-pV(n+d)Z(n = T, Q, 5, or 6), complete basis set extrapolation functions with two-parameters and three-parameters, together with considering the contributions due to the core-valence electron correlation, scalar relativistic effects, spin–orbit coupling, and zero-point vibrational corrections. Our calculations show that both the neutral S_3 and anion S_3^- have open forms with C_(2r) vsymmetry. On the basis of the stable geometries, the adiabatic electron affinity of S_3 is determined to be 19041(11) cm^(-1), which is in excellent agreement with the experimental data(19059(7) cm^(-1)). The dependence of geometries and electron affinity on the computation level and physical corrections is discussed. The present computational results are helpful to the experimental molecular spectroscopy and bonding of S_3.

How non-rapid eye movement sleep and Alzheimer pathology are linked

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.Research attempts to identify characteristic factors that are associated with the presence of the AD pathology on the one hand and that increase the risk of developing AD on the other.Changes in non-rapid eye movement(NREM)sleep may meet both requirements for various reasons.First,NREM-sleep is important for optimal memory function.In addition,studies report that the presence of AD pathology is associated with NREM-sleep changes.Finally,more and more results appear to suggest that sleep problems are not only a symptom of AD but can also increase the risk of AD.Several of these studies suggest that it is primarily a lack of NREM-sleep that is responsible for this increased risk.However,the majority investigated sleep only through subjective reporting,as a result of which NREMsleep could not be analyzed separately.The aim of this literature study is therefore to present the results of the studies that relate the AD pathology and NREM-sleep(registered by electroencephalography).Furthermore,we try to evaluate whether NREM-sleep analysis could be used to support the diagnosis of AD and whether NREM-sleep deficiency could be a causal factor in the development of AD.

An SCF－MS－Xα Study of the Electronic Structures of Binuclear and Trinuclear Gold（Ⅰ） Compounds

The SCF-Xα-SW molecular orbital calculations were carried out on the modelcompounds of binuclear and trinuclear gold(Ⅰ)using starting potential of Au atom and the Watson sphere.The energy level order of the frontier orbital of a binuclear gold model compound is in agreement with the experimental result.The calculated ionization potential of the binuclear model compound is consistent well with the photoelectron spectrum of Au (Me)(PMe_3).The metal-metal interactions are discussed.The calculated electronic absorption spectra of binuclear and trinuclear gold(Ⅰ)are basically in agreement with experimental results.

Sulfur vacancies-induced“Electron Bridge”in Ni_(4)Mo/Sv-Zn_(x)Cd_(1-x)S regulates electron transfer for efficient H_(2)-releasing photocatalysis

Despite the existence of plentiful photocatalyst heterojunctions,their separation efficiency and charge flow precision remain low on account of lacking interfacial modulation.Herein,through a defect-induced heterojunction constructing strategy,Ni4Mo alloys were in-situ grown on the unsaturated coordinated sulfur atoms of sulfur vacancies-rich ZCS(Sv-ZCS)via interfacial Ni-S covalent bonds.The experimental and theoretical results reveal that these unsaturated sulfur atoms induced by sulfur vacancies vastly facilitate to anchor more Ni-Mo nanoparticles and form abundant Ni-S covalent bonds,meanwhile,these sulfur vacancies could form dual internal electric field(IEF)and work with Ni-S covalent bonds as“Electron Bridge”to further accelerate photoelectrons transfer,as well as promote the activation of water molecules and the desorption of hydrogen proton.Accordingly,the optimized Ni_(4)Mo/Sv-ZCS composite achieves an improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution(PHE)rate of 94.69 mmol h^(-1)g^(-1)without an evident decrease after 6 cycles of photocatalytic tests,which is 21.2 and 1.94 times higher than those of Pt/ZCS and Ni_(4)Mo/ZCS,respectively.This tactic opens a new way for optimizing Zn_(x)Cd_(1-x)S-based heterojunctions by constructing sulfur vacancies and covalent bonds as“Electron Bridge”to enhance the activity of PHE.

A feasible and effective solution-processed PCBM electron extraction layer enabling the high VOC and efficient Cu_(2)ZnSn(S, Se)_(4) devices

Photo-generated carrier recombination loss at the CZTSSe/Cd S front interface is a key issue to the opencircuit voltage(V_(OC)) deficit of Cu_(2)ZnSnS_(x)Se_(4-x)(CZTSSe) solar cells. Here, by the aid of an easy-handling spin-coating method, a thin PCBM([6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester) layer as an electron extraction layer has been introduced on the top of CdS buffer layer to modify CZTSSe/CdS/ZnO-ITO(In_(2)O_(3):Sn) interfacial properties. Based on Sn^(4+)/DMSO(dimethyl sulfoxide) solution system, a totalarea efficiency of 12.87% with a VOC of 529 m V has been achieved. A comprehensive investigation on the influence of PCBM layer on carrier extraction, transportation and recombination processes has been carried out. It is found that the PCBM layer can smooth over the Cd S film roughness, thus beneficial for a dense and flat window layer. Furthermore, this CZTSSe/Cd S/PCBM heterostructure can accelerate carrier separation and extraction and block holes from the front interface as well, which is mainly ascribed to the downward band bending of the absorber and a widened space charge region. Our work provides a feasible way to improve the front interfacial property and the cell performance of CZTSSe solar cells by the aid of organic interfacial materials.

Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energydispersive X-ray spectrometry for quick detection of sulfuroxidizing bacteria in environmental water samples

Detection of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria has largely been dependent on targeted gene sequencing technology or traditional cell cultivation, which usually takes from days to months to carry out. This clearly does not meet the requirements of analysis for time-sensitive samples and/or complicated environmental samples. Since energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry(EDS) can be used to simultaneously detect multiple elements in a sample, including sulfur, with minimal sample treatment, this technology was applied to detect sulfur-oxidizing bacteria using their high sulfur content within the cell. This article describes the application of scanning electron microscopy imaging coupled with EDS mapping for quick detection of sulfur oxidizers in contaminated environmental water samples, with minimal sample handling. Scanning electron microscopy imaging revealed the existence of dense granules within the bacterial cells, while EDS identified large amounts of sulfur within them. EDS mapping localized the sulfur to these granules. Subsequent 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacteria detected in our samples belonged to the genus Chromatium, which are sulfur oxidizers. Thus, EDS mapping made it possible to identify sulfur oxidizers in environmental samples based on localized sulfur within their cells, within a short time(within 24 h of sampling). This technique has wide ranging applications for detection of sulfur bacteria in environmental water samples.

Electronic Structure and Optical-absorption Properties of C-, N-, and S-doped BiOCl: the First-principles Calculations

Impurity formation energy, electronic structure, and photocatalytic properties of C-, N-, or S-doped BiOCl are investigated by density-functional theory plus U calculations(DFT + U). Results show that the doping effect of S is better than that of C or N on the tunable photocatalytic activities of BiOCl. At low concentration, S-doped BiOCl systems are the most stable under Bi-rich growth conditions because of their lower impurity-formation energy. Compared with the electronic structures of S-doped BiOCl, C-or N-doped BiOCl have relatively deeper impurity energy levels appearing in their band gap(except Bi_(36)O_(35)NCl_(36)), which may act as photogenerated carrier-recombination centers and reduce photocatalytic activity. At high concentration, S is substituted on the O lattice site system, whereas some S 3p states mix with the valence band; this mixture leads to an obvious band-gap decrease and continuum-state formation above the valence-band edge of BiOCl. Such activity is advantageous to photochemical catalysis response. Compared with pure Bi OCl and a low-concentration S-doped system, a high-concentration S-doped system shows an obvious redshift on the absorption edge and has better photocatalytic O_2 evolution performance.

Formation and Growth of Stacking Fault in YBCO by Electron Irradiation

This paper studies a new electron irradiation effect of the formation,movement and growth of stacking fault in YBa_(2) Cu_(3) O_(6+x).The energy of electron irradiation is about 160keV.It would be a promising way to enhance the density of pinning centers.