Relationship between gene expression and the accumulation of catechin during spring and autumn in tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.)

The tea plant(Camellia sinensis L.)is an important commercial crop with remarkably high catechin concentrations.Tea is popular worldwide given the plant's health benefits.Catechins are the main astringent substance in tea and are synthesized mainly via the phenylpropanoid pathway.In this study,eight cultivars of tea plants harvested both in spring and autumn were used to investigate differences in catechin concentrations by using high-performance liquid chromatography.The expression levels of genes associated with catechin biosynthesis were investigated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The results indicated that the total catechin(TC)concentrations were significantly higher in tea plants harvested in autumn than in those harvested in spring,based on higher concentrations of epigallocatechin(EGC)in autumn tea(P<0.01).The expression of the genes phenylalanine ammonia-lyase(PAL),flavanone 3-hydroxylase(F3H),flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase(F3′5′H),dihydroflavonol 4-reductase(DFR),and anthocyanidin synthase(ANS)is closely related to the TC content of tea plants in both spring and autumn.Positive correlations between PAL,cinnamate 4-hydroxylase(C4H),F3H,and DFR expression and EGC accumulation in autumn tea were identified,with correlation coefficients of 0.710,0.763,0.884,and 0.707,respectively.A negative correlation between ANS expression level and EGC concentrations in tea plants harvested in spring was noted(r=−0.732).Additionally,negative correlations between F3H and ANS expression levels and the catechin content were identified in spring tea,whereas the correlations were positive in autumn tea.Significant differences in the F3H and ANS expression levels between spring and autumn tea indicate that F3H and ANS are potentially key genes affecting catechin accumulation in tea plants.

A preliminary study of the effects of plastic film-mulched raised beds on soil temperature and crop performance of early-sown short-season spring maize(Zea mays L.) in the North China Plain

To identify a strategy for earlier sowing and harvesting of spring maize(Zea mays L.) in an alternative maize–maize double cropping system, a 2-year field experiment was performed at Quzhou experimental station of China Agricultural University in 2014 and 2015. A short-season cultivar, Demeiya number 1(KX7349), was used in the experiment. Soil temperature to 5 cm depth in the early crop growth stage, crop growth, crop yield, and water use of different treatments(plastic film-mulched raised bed(RF) and flat field without plastic film mulching(CK) in 2014; RF, plastic film-mulched flat field(FF), and CK in 2015)were measured or calculated and compared. Soil temperature in the film-mulched treatments was consistently higher than that in CK(1.6–3.5 °C in average) during the early growth stage. Crops in plastic film-mulched treatments used 214 fewer growing-degree days(GDDs) in 2014 and 262 fewer GDDs in 2015. In 2014, the RF treatment yielded 32.7%higher biomass than CK, although its 9.4% higher grain yield was not statistically significant. Also, RF used 17.9% less water and showed 33.1% higher water use efficiency(WUE) than CK. In 2015, RF and FF showed 56.2% and 49.5% higher yield, 15.0% and 4.5%lower water use(ET), and 63.4% and 75.7% higher WUE, respectively, than CK. RF markedly increased soil temperature in the early crop season, accelerated crop growth, reduced ET,and greatly increased crop yield and WUE. Compared with FF, RF had no obvious effect on crop growth rate, although soil temperature during the period between sowing and stem elongation was slightly increased. However, RF resulted in lower ET and higher WUE than FF. Effects of RF on soil water dynamics as well as its cost-effectiveness remain topics for further study.

CORRIGENDUM:Relationship between gene expression and the accumulation of catechin during spring and autumn in tea plants(Camellia sinensis L.)

Min Liu,Heng-lu Tian,Jian-Hua Wu,Ren-Rong Cao,Run-Xian Wang,Xiao-Hua Qi,Qiang Xu and Xue-Hao Chen.Horticulture Research(2015)2,15023;doi:10.1038/hortres.2015.23;published online13 May2015.Correction to:Horticulture Research(2015)2,11;doi:10.1038/hortres.2015.11;published online 13 May 2015 Since the publication of this article,the authors have noticed an error in the author list.Author“Ren-Rong Cang”should be“Ren-Rong Cao”.The authors apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused.

Phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing in the central and northern South China Sea in the spring intermonsoon season of 2017

Phytoplankton growth rates and mortality rates were experimentally examined at 21 stations during the 2017 spring intermonsoon(April to early May)in the northern and central South China Sea(SCS)using the dilution technique,with emphasis on a comparison between the northern and central SCS areas which had different environmental factors.There had been higher temperature but lower nutrients and chlorophyll a concentrations in the central SCS than those in the northern SCS.The mean rates of phytoplankton growth(μ0)and microzooplankton grazing(m)were(0.88±0.33)d–1 and(0.55±0.22)d–1 in the central SCS,and both higher than those in the northern SCS with the values ofμ0((0.81±0.16)d–1)and m((0.30±0.09)d–1),respectively.Phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing rates were significantly coupled in both areas.The microzooplankton grazing impact(m/μ0)on phytoplankton was also higher in the central SCS(0.63±0.12)than that in the northern SCS(0.37±0.06).The microzooplankton abundance was significantly correlated with temperature in the surface.Temperature might more effectively promote the microzooplankton grazing rate than phytoplankton growth rate,which might contribute to higher m and m/μ0 in the central SCS.Compared with temperature,nutrients mainly affected the growth rate of phytoplankton.In the nutrient enrichment treatment,the phytoplankton growth rate(μn)was higher thanμ0 in the central SCS,suggesting phytoplankton growth in the central SCS was nutrient limited.The ratio ofμ0/μn was significantly correlated with nutrients concentrations in the both areas,indicating the limitation of nutrients was related to the concentrations of background nutrients in the study stations.

Spring and Autumn of the Lü Clan and Yellow Emperor School

To which school Spring and Autumn of the Lü Clan belongs is the base of carrying out the study of its thoughts and philosophy,which has always caused controversy.This question should be answered not from the narrowperspective of a certain school,but from the perspective of academic integration. Spring and Autumn of the Lü Clan is a consummate work of YellowEmperor School. There are four reasons for this conclusion: firstly,it shares the same ideological system and basic thoughts with YellowEmperor School. Secondly,from the perspective of ideological views,it carries on the development trend of thoughts of YellowEmperor School. Thirdly,from the perspective of integration of ideological factors of various schools,it carries on the development trend of YellowEmperor School. Fourthly,it raises the banner of"YellowEmperor",and inherits many words from works of YellowEmperor School.

Spring and autumn living coccolithophores in the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea,China

The living coccolithophores （LCs） are an important class of calcified taxa of phytoplankton functional groups, and major producers of marine biogenic inorganic carbon, playing an important role in the marine carbon cycle. In this study, we report the two-demensional abundance, composition of LCs and its correlation with the environmental parameters in spring and autumn, in order to understand the ecological role of LCs in the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea. In spring, totally 9 taxa belonging to coccolithophyceae were identified using a polarized microscope at the 1 000x magnification. The dominant species were Emiliania huxleyi, Gephyrocapsa oceanica, Helicosphaera carteri, and Calcidiscus leptoporus. The abundance of coccosphores and coccoliths ranged 0-7.72 cells/mL, and 0-216.09 coccoliths/mL, with the average values of 0.21 cells/mL, and 11.36 coccoliths/mL, respectively. The Emiliania huxleyi distribution was similar to Gephyrocapsa oceanica. The highest abundance of coccoliths was observed in the east of Shandong Peninsula in northern Yellow Sea, whereas Helicosphaera carteri distributed more widely. Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica were the two predominant species in LCs with higher abundances. The distribution of LCs was similar to that of coccoliths. In autumn, 14 taxa belonging to coccolithophyceae were identified with dominant species as Emiliania huxleyi, Gephyrocapsa oceanica, Helicosphaera carteri, Calcidiscus leptoporus and Oolithotus fragilis. The abundance of coccosphores and coccoliths ranged 0-24.69 cells/mL, and 0-507.15 coccoliths/mL, with the average values of 1.47 cells/mL, and 55.89 coccoliths/mL, respectively. The highest abundance of coccoliths was located in Qingdao coastal waters and south of the survey area. The distribution of LCs was similar to the coccoliths; in addition, LCs presented large abundance in the east of the central Yellow Sea area.

An Air Mass Based Approach to the Establishment of Spring Season Synoptic Characteristics in the Northeast United States

The Northeast United States spring is indicative of major meteorological and biological change though the seasonal boundaries are difficult to define and may even be changing with global climate warming. This research aims to obtain a synoptic meteorological definition of the spring season through an assessment of air mass frequency over the past 60 years. The validity of recent speculations that the onset and termination of spring have changed in recent decades with global change is also examined. The Spatial Synoptic Classification is utilized to define daily air masses over the region. Annual and seasonal baseline frequencies are identified and their differences are acquired to characterize the season. Seasonal frequency departures of the early and late segments of the period of record are calculated and examined for practical and statistical significance. The daily boundaries of early and late spring are also isolated and assessed across the period of record to identify important changes in the season’s initiation and termination through time. Results indicate that the Northeast spring season is dominated by dry air masses, mainly the Dry Moderate and Dry Polar types. Prior to 1975, more polar air masses are detected while after 1975 more moderate and tropical types are identified. Late spring is characterized by increased variability in all moist air mass frequencies. These findings indicate that, from a synoptic perspective, the season is dry through time but modern springs are also warmer than those of past decades and the initiation of the season is likely arriving earlier. The end of the season represents more variable day-to-day air mass conditions in modern times than detected in past decades.

The Spring Monsoon in South China and Its Relationship to Large-Scale Circulation Features

In this paper, the authors define the spring monsoon in South China, and study the climatology and the interannual variation through analysis of the precipitation and the related atmospheric circulation, as revealed by the NCEP/ NCAR reanalysis data. The results indicate that the spring monsoon season in South China occurs climatologically in April and May, which is supported by both seasonal and interannual variation of the atmospheric circulation and precipitation. The related atmospheric circulation is different from that during the East Asian summer or winter monsoon season. The interannual variation of the spring monsoon rainfall in South China relates primarily to the anomalous circulation over the North Pacific, which is linked with the westerly jet over North Asia and with the polar vortex. It is also connected with sea surface temperature anomalies in the Pacific. Changes in the Asian tropical atmospheric circulation has little influence on the spring monsoon in South China according to this research.

Changing Spring Phenology Dates in the Three-Rivers Headwater Region of the Tibetan Plateau during 1960–2013

The variation of the vegetation growing season in the Three-Rivers Headwater Region of the Tibetan Plateau has recently become a controversial topic. One issue is that the estimated local trend in the start of the vegetation growing season(SOS)based on remote sensing data is easily affected by outliers because this data series is short. In this study, we determine that the spring minimum temperature is the most influential factor for SOS. The significant negative linear relationship between the two variables in the region is evaluated using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer–Normalized Difference Vegetation Index data for 2000–13. We then reconstruct the SOS time series based on the temperature data for 1960–2013.The regional mean SOS shows an advancing trend of 1.42 d(10 yr)during 1960–2013, with the SOS occurring on the 160th and 151st days in 1960 and 2013, respectively. The advancing trend enhances to 6.04 d(10 yr)during the past 14 years. The spatiotemporal variations of the reconstructed SOS data are similar to those deduced from remote sensing data during the past 14 years. The latter exhibit an even larger regional mean trend of SOS [7.98 d(10 yr)] during 2000–13. The Arctic Oscillation is found to have significantly influenced the changing SOS, especially for the eastern part of the region,during 2000–13.

The Occurrence of Migraine Auras and Possible Triggers

Our aim is to determine the cause(s) of migraine auras. Our understanding of how migraines and migraine auras originate is very imperfect. An important observation is that migraines occur more frequently in women at reproductive age than in men at a similar age. This suggests that gonadal hormones may be relevant triggers. The occurrence of classical (typical auras without headache) auras in one author (WB) has been recorded. Every aura in six years (85) has been noted, studied and analysed statistically. The auras occur predominantly in Spring and Autumn, especially in the longer reproductive season of Spring. This association is supported statistically. The results support the idea of gonadal hormones as relevant triggers, the strongest candidate being estrogen. Basic mechanisms underlying the auras are discussed, especially the phenomenon of cortical spreading depression. We also propose that both auras and migraines depend upon previous injury to the head or to the brain, giving rise to a condition of “deafferentation hypersensitivity”.

Migration routes of the endangered Oriental Stork(Ciconia boyciana)from Xingkai Lake,China,and their repeatability as revealed by GPS tracking

The Oriental Stork(Ciconia boyciana)is listed as'Endangered'on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature(IUCN)Red List of Threatened Species and is classified as a first category nationally protected bird species in China.Understanding this species'seasonal movements and migration will facilitate effective conservation to promote its population.We tagged 27 Oriental Stork nestlings at Xingkai Lake on the Sanjiang Plain in Heilongjiang Province,China,used GPS tracking to follow them over the periods of 2014-2017 and 2019-2022,and confirmed their detailed migratory routes using the spatial analysis function of ArcGIS 10.7.We discovered four migration routes during autumn migration:one common long-distance migration route in which the storks migrated along the coastline of Bohai Bay to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River for wintering,one short-distance migration route in which the storks wintered in Bohai Bay and two other migration routes in which the storks crossed the Bohai Strait around the Yellow River and wintered in South Korea.There were no significant differences in the number of migration days,residence days,migration distances,number of stopovers and average number of days spent at stopover sites between the autumn and spring migrations(P>0.05).However,the storks migrated significantly faster in spring than in autumn(P=0.03).The same individuals did not exhibit a high degree of repetition in their migration timing and route selection in either autumn or spring migration.Even storks from the same nest exhibited considerable between-individual variation in their migration routes.Some important stopover sites were identified,especially in the Bohai Rim Region and on the Songnen Plain,and we further explored the current conservation status at these two important sites.Overall,our results contribute to the understanding of the annual migration,dispersal and protection status of the endangered Oriental Stork and provide a scientific basis for conservation decisions and the development of action plans for this species.

Analysis of Cu,Co,V and Zn in Coastal Waters of the East China Sea by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry(ICP-MS)

In this study, a simple method for the simultaneous determination of trace metals(Cu, V, Co, Zn) in coastal seawater using the Mg(OH)2 coprecipitation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS) was developed. This multi-element method enables the simultaneous extraction of four metals, particularly Co and V. The recoveries of Cu, Co, V and Zn after Mg(OH)2 coprecipitation were 73%, 96%, 94% and 92%, which means that our procedure was well-suited to the determination of these four trace metals. The detection limits were 3.81, 0.18, 6.09 and 1.91 nmol L-1, respectively. Then, applying this method to the simultaneous determination of these four metals in coastal water samples from the East China Sea revealed that the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Co and V were higher in bottom waters compared to water at other depths, and higher concentrations were generally observed at the Yangtze River estuary. Additionally, example vertical profiles of dissolved trace metal concentrations for the East China Sea in spring and autumn are compared. These findings indicate that Zn had the greatest seasonal variation followed by Cu, V and Co. For Zn and Co, the concentrations were higher during spring than during autumn. For Cu and V, the seasonal variation in the concentrations was opposite.

High-grade Cocoon Filament Silkworm Chuanshan ×Shushui for Spring and Autumn Rearing

Chuanshan × Shushui is a highgrade cocoon filament silkworm variety for spring and autumn rearing bred by Nanchong Silkworm Eggs Farmthrough systematic breeding method. The characteristics of stock seed and F1 hybrid of silkworm variety Chuanshan × Shushui and their breeding technical points and precautions were introduced in the paper. Laboratory identification and rural breeding results showed that Chuanshan × Shushui wascharacterized by physical strength, high cocoon weight, good cocoon quality and superior neatness, and the cocoons produced could reel 5A6A classraw silk. The variety was suitable for breeding in silkworm areas in Sichuan, Yunnan and Shaanxi provinces. The variety was approved by Sichuansilkworm breeding committee in 2005, and more than one million boxes of silkworm eggs have been cumulatively bred in silkworm areas in Sichuan,Yunnan, Shaanxi and Hainan provinces.

Assessment of Spring Water Quality in the Rural Watersheds of Western Nepal

A preliminary study was conducted to analyze the water quality of spring waters in rural watershed of Western Nepal. 155 spring water samples were collected from Jhimruk, Rangun, Bogtan-Lagam Karnali, Thuligad and Middle Karnali watershed. Collection and analysis occurred twice, once in pre-monsoon 2018 and post-monsoon 2018. Various physical and chemical parameters were analyzed by using standard water quality measurements and compared with the Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standard and the World Health Organization Standard Guideline. The results indicate that the turbidity was high during pre-monsoon season. The highest turbidity of 63.8 NTU was observed in the Bogtan-Lagam Karnali watershed. Two spring sources—one in Bogtan-Lagam Karnali and one in Middle Karnali exceeded the health standard for nitrate-N. The phosphate levels were high during the pre-monsoon season in Jhimruk and Rangun watershed in all the studied sites. Dissolved oxygen levels were relatively high during post-monsoon season. Results of the water quality index in all the studied sites revealed that the water quality ranges from being poor to good conditions in the spring sources. The results from this study suggested that the water bodies are relatively good and can be used for domestic purposes after suitable treatment.

Seasonal variation of selected trace elements in rare endemic species Thuriferous Juniper growing in the Aurès Mountains of Algeria

We used energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence（EDXRF） to determine the seasonal variation of selected trace elements（Cr, Mn, Zn, Cu, Se and Fe） and some potential toxic elements（Cd, Pb and Br） in Juniperus thurifera subsp. africana Maire（Cupressaceae） a rare medicinal tree, growing indigenously in Aures Mountains of Algeria. The precision of the results was assessed by analyzing the certified reference material IPE44（WEPAL）grass leaves. Results showed J. thurifera was characterized by high Cr and Mn contents. During autumn and winter mineral concentrations were higher in general. The levels of Cr, Se and Mn were higher during autumn and winter than during spring and summer. Zn contents were higher during summer than in other seasons. Cu content did not vary by season. The potential toxic elements in J. thurifera（Pb [ Cd [ Br） were below the permissible limits recommended by the Joint WHO/FAO guidelines except for Pb in autumn and winter.

Analysis on the Ecological and Climatic Advantages of Tea Production in Western Guizhou

The ecological and climatic conditions in the main tea areas of western Guizhou were analyzed,and the comparison with Meitan,Duyun and Leishan tea areas in Guizhou Province was conducted. The results showed that spring,summer and autumn tea can be picked in western Guizhou Province;spring tea can be picked for about 100 d,and summer and autumn tea can be picked for about 50 d. The average content of amino acids in tea from western Guizhou was 0.9%-2.9% higher than the national average,and the average content of polyphenols was 10.9% lower than the national average maximum,while the average content of caffeine was 1.4% lower than the national average maximum. In the first ten days of February,the temperature in the western tea area began to rise,which was earlier than Meitan,Duyun,Leishan tea areas and had a larger warming range,which was conducive to the germination of tea trees. The average temperature of ten days in the western tea area from middle May to early July was lower than that of Meitan,Duyun and Leishan tea areas,and the temperature rise was not violent,which was conducive to the growth of summer shoots and vigorous growth of tea buds. The ten-day average temperature of the western tea area from the first ten days of August to the last ten days of September was lower than Meitan,Duyun and Leishan tea areas,and its precipitation was more than Meitan,Duyun and Leishan tea areas,and the number of rainy and foggy days was more. The climate conditions are favorable for the formation of tea quality.

The Influence of Key Environmental Variables on Phytoplankton Community Structure in the Estuary of Tidal Rivers Around Luoyuan Bay,China

A total of 348 species belonging to 8 phyla and 125 genera were observed in seasonally sampled phytoplankton of tidal rivers from 13 sampling sites around Luoyuan Bay, and all field samplings were carried out in productive period(March/June/August/December) at ebb tide. Bacillariophyta species were the most abundant species, followed by Chlorophyta, Cyanophytes, Euglenophyta, Cryptophyta, Dinophyta, Xanthophyta and Chrysophytas. Seasonal distribution index(SDI) value ranged from 0.63 to 0.86, which meant that species found at those sites in 4 seasons tended to be largely different. Phytoplankton individuals ranged from 5.939×10~4 ind L^(-1) in winter to 75.31×10~4 ind L^(-1) in autumn. Phytoplankton biomass ranged from 0.620 mg L^(-1) in summer to 2.373 mg L^(-1) in autumn. The grey correlation analysis(GCA) showed that the nutrient variables played an important role in the influence on phytoplankton community in every season. The canonical correspondence analysis(CCA) revealed impact of environmental variables on the different species, most of Bacillariophyta species were negative correlation with nutrients(TP and NH_3-N) in the four seasons, Chlorophyta species and Cyanophyta species did not show obvious correlation with environment variables in every season. The combination of GRA analysis and CCA analysis provided a method to quantitatively reveal the correlation between phytoplankton community and environmental variables in water body of tidal rivers at this region.

Pesticide Influence on the Desmid Flora of a Reservoir in an Agricultural Region at Campo Verde, Mato Grosso, Brazil

The objective of the research was to investigate the influence of pesticides on the desmid flora. Five series of samples were taken between July 5, 2005, and April 6, 2006, for analysis of pesticide content and algal community structure in the Sao Lourenco River springs on the Pirassununga Ranch, Campo Verde, Mato Grosso. The greatest amounts of pesticides were detected in July, when the abundance of algae was also greatest. Positive correlations were determined between the concentrations of endosulfan (r = 0.94;p = 0.051), cyhalothrin (r = 0.96;p = 0.037) and endrin (r = 0.96;p = 0.037) and the biomass of desmids. Insecticides, such as endosulfan, inhibit the activity of ATPase, contributing considerably to the mortality of the biota, since ATP is of fundamental importance in the energy metabolism of all organisms. This suggests that the pesticides promote algal growth both by removing the small herbivores that feed on the algae and increasing the release of inorganic nutrients from decomposing animals in the water. Algae were least abundance in January, possibly due to the presence of the herbicide atrazine (r = -0.63;p > 0.05).

Germans Are Accustomed to Planting and Appreciating Flowers in Spring

Spring is also known as the“garden season”in Germany.From March to May is usually the peak season for the gardening industry.According to statistics,82.5%of the Germans over the age of 14 have balconies or terraces,and more than half of the families have private gardens.

Orbit determination and prediction for Beidou GEO satellites at the time of the spring/autumn equinox

Geostationary(GEO) satellites form an indispensable component of the constellation of Beidou navigation system(BDS). The ephemerides, or predicted orbits of these GEO satellites(GEOs), are broadcast to positioning, navigation, and timing users. User equivalent ranging error(UERE) based on broadcast message is better than 1.5 m(root formal errors: RMS) for GEO satellites. However, monitoring of UERE indicates that the orbital prediction precision is significantly degraded when the Sun is close to the Earth's equatorial plane(or near spring or autumn Equinox). Error source analysis shows that the complicated solar radiation pressure on satellite buses and the simple box-wing model maybe the major contributor to the deterioration of orbital precision. With the aid of BDS' two-way frequency and time transfer between the GEOs and Beidou time(BDT, that is maintained at the master control station), we propose a new orbit determination strategy, namely three-step approach of the multi-satellite precise orbit determination(MPOD). Pseudo-range(carrier phase) data are transformed to geometric range(biased geometric range) data without clock offsets; and reasonable empirical acceleration parameters are estimated along with orbital elements to account for the error in solar radiation pressure modeling. Experiments with Beidou data show that using the proposed approach, the GEOs' UERE when near the autumn Equinox of 2012 can be improved to 1.3 m from 2.5 m(RMS), and the probability of user equivalent range error(UERE)<2.0 m can be improved from 50% to above 85%.