Identification of 13th-14th Century Chinese Handmade Paper Fibers Collected in Yuan Dynasty Paper Currencies

The earliest paper currencies in existence in China were handcrafted during the Yuan dynasty.These currencies were scientifically excavated from different ruins or tombs,whereas scientific analyses of the papers are rare.This study used optical and scanning electron microscopy to examine the fibers collected in Yuan dynasty paper currencies in conjunction with the Herzberg staining method.Despite differences in circulation period,paper fibers in both Zhi Yuan Tong Xing Bao Chao(two Guan)and Zhong Tong Yuan Bao Jiao Chao(one Guan and 500 Wen,issued in Zhi Zheng period)were identified as similar papermaking materials,bast fibers of mulberry bark.The results indicate that mulberry bark,a durable papermaking material used since ancient times,was mainly utilized as a raw material in these Yuan dynasty paper currency.This fiber identification work solved the critical problem of papermaking material in the Yuan dynasty paper currency and provided important information for conserving these precious cultural relics.

Numerical simulation of the behaviors of test square for prehistoric earthen sites during archaeological excavation

During the process of archaeological excavation in the regions of Southeast China, collapse of test square usually occurs due to poor site-specific conditions. In this paper, the fast Lagrangian analysis of continua in three dimensions（FLAC3D） is employed to reveal the behaviors of test square. Taking the archaeological works in Liangzhu prehistoric earthen sites as the research background, the paper first introduces the geological setting, excavation procedure and monitoring scheme of the studied test square. Then, the deformation of four sides of the test square is modeled using FLAC3D. By comparison, it shows that the numerical results are consistent with the results from field monitoring. The result suggests that the numerical simulation can be effectively applied to representing the actual behaviors of the test square,which is helpful for determination of excavation scheme and stability evaluation of the test square during archaeological excavation.

Metallurgy at the Crossroads: New Analyses of Copper-based Objects at Tianshanbeilu, Eastern Xinjiang, China

Tianshanbeilu is the largest Bronze Age site in eastern Xinjiang, China. Stretching across the entire second millennium BC, it performed a prominent role in connecting the Hexi corridor, Central China and the steppe. A further insight into the metallurgical tradition and the metal supply network is of vital importance to improve our understanding of its multi-connected nature. This paper offers a new set of chemical and isotopic data on the copper-based objects at Tianshanbeilu, including alloying elements, trace elements(impurities) and lead isotopes. Combining the concentrations of arsenic and antimony reveals that arsenic was introduced to copper partially due to the use of specific minerals tethrahedrite-tennantite. Lead isotopes demonstrate that multiple sources of copper were employed at Tianshanbeilu and a majority of them are characterized by common lead, which appears rather different from those of the Central Plains and the Hexi corridor, but highly consistent with local ores. Surprisingly, one object at Tianshanbeilu contains the well-known highly radiogenic lead. This object undoubtedly marks the westernmost boundary of the distribution of the highly radiogenic lead. We also anticipate that more lead isotopic analyses in NW China will further contribute to the study of the highly radiogenic lead in Central China.

Every Cloud has a Silver Lining: Using Silver Concentration to Identify the Number of Sources of Lead used in Shang Dynasty Bronzes

The use of lead, some of which is characterized by a highly radiogenic signature, sharply distinguishes Bronze Age China from the rest of Eurasia. Scholars have long hypothesized that silver can offer an independent proxy to characterize lead minerals. The summary of silver distribution associated with Shang and Western Zhou bronzes in this paper reveals an important difference between the south(Sanxingdui, Hanzhong, Jinsha, Panlongcheng, Xin’gan) and the Central Plains. Correlating silver with lead content as well as with the isotopic signature indicates that south China and the Central Plains had different lead sources during the late Shang period, and also that the highly radiogenic and common lead used at Anyang come from geochemical environments which cannot be distinguished by the level of silver.

Optimal Growth Conditions of Microorganisms Isolated from the Buyeo Royal Tomb No. 1 and Their Effects on Painting Layers

The Buyeo Royal Tomb No. 1 is an ancient tomb built in the late 6th and early 7th century. The four walls of the main room have murals of four guardian deities, and the ceiling has murals of lotus and cloud patterns. This study assessed the optimal growth conditions of two fungal (Fusarium oxysporum, Mortierella sp.) and four bacterial (Bacillus cereus, Cupriavidus campinensis, Streptomyces avidinii, Streptomyces cirratus) strains isolated from the Tomb No. 1, along with their effects on the painting layer. The two fungi showed optimal growth at 20°C - 30°C under both nutrient and non-nutrient conditions. These strains did not decompose or discolor the three pigments (cinnabar, hematite, oyster shell white);however, M. sp. showed slight decomposition of the media (starch paste, sea weed). The four bacterial strains showed the most active growth at 20°C - 25°C under nutrient conditions and did not grow under non-nutrient conditions. These bacteria commonly degraded animal glue and sea weed components. In addition, S. cirratus degraded starch. The genus Streptomyces discolored the pigment medium to brown and black, suggesting a possible risk of discoloration of the murals. The current environment in Tomb No. 1 was sufficient for microorganism growth, and the presence of strains such as soil bacteria and actinomycetes on the mural surface may damage the murals. The findings of this study could be helpful for preserving mural tombs against biological damage caused by microorganisms that are already present or may be present in the tombs in the future. These findings also provide guidelines for comprehensive conservation management.

Identifying grey-rhino in eminent technologies via patent analysis

Purpose:Following the typical features of the grey-rhino event as predictability and profound influence,we attempt to find a special pattern called the grey-rhino in eminent technologies via patent analysis.Design/methodology/approach:We propose to combine triadic patent families and technology life cycle to define the grey-rhino model.Firstly,we design the indicator rhino-index Rh=ST/SP and descriptor sequence{Rh},where ST and SP are the accumulative number of triadic patent families and all patent families respectively for a specific technology.Secondly,according to the two typical features of the grey-rhino event,a grey-rhino is defined as a technology that meets both qualitative and quantitative conditions.Qualitatively,this technology has a profound influence.Quantitatively,in the emerging stage,Rh≥Rae,where Rae is the average level of the proportion of triadic patent families.Finally,this model is verified in three datasets,namely Encyclopedia Britannica’s list for the greatest inventions(EB technologies for short),MIT breakthrough technologies(MIT technologies)and Derwent Manual Code technologies(MAN technologies).Findings:The result shows that there are 64.71%EB technologies and 50.00%MIT technologies meeting the quantitative standard of the grey-rhino model,but only 14.71%MAN technologies fit the quantitative standard.This falling trend indicates the quantitative standard of the grey-rhino model is reasonable.EB technologies and MIT technologies have profound influence on society,which means they satisfy the qualitative standard of the grey-rhino model.Hence,64.71%EB technologies and 50.00%MIT technologies are grey-rhinos.In 14.71%MAN technologies meeting the quantitative standard,we make some qualitative judgments and deem U11-A01A,U12-A01A1A,and W01-A01A as grey-rhino technologies.In addition,grey-rhinos and non-grey-rhinos have some differences.Rh values of grey-rhinos have a downward trend,while Rh values of non-grey-rhinos have a contrary trend.Rh values of grey-rhinos are scattered relatively in the early stage and centralize gradually,but non-grey-rhinos do not have this feature.Research limitations:There are four main limitations.First,if a technology satisfies the quantitative standard of the model,it is likely to be a grey-rhino but expert judgments are necessary.Second,we don’t know why it will be eminent,which involves technical contents.Thirdly,we did not consider the China National Intellectual Property Administration(CNIPA)and the German Patent and Trademark Office(DPMA)which also play important roles in worldwide patents,so we hope to expand our study to the CNIPA and the DPMA.Furthermore,we did not compare the rhino-index with other patent indicators.Practical implications:If a technology meets the quantitative standard,this can be seen as early warning signals and the technology may become a grey-rhino in the future,which can catch people’s attention in the emerging stage and make people seize the technical opportunity early.Originality/value:We define and verify a new pattern called the grey-rhino model in eminent technologies.

Restoring ancient civilizations through cultural heritage conservation science

Cultural heritage embodies the collective memory and identity of civilizations that have spanned centuries and continents.Understanding and preserving cultural heritage is of utmost importance as it provides invaluable insights into our past and serves as a bridge to the future.

Maternal genetic history of ancient Tibetans over the past 4000 years

The settlement of the Tibetan Plateau epitomizes human adaptation to a high-altitude environment that poses great challenges to human activity.Here,we reconstruct a 4000-year maternal genetic history of Tibetans using 128 ancient mitochondrial genome data from 37 sites in Tibet.The phylogeny of haplotypes M9a1a,M9a1b,D4g2,G2a’c,and D4i show that ancient Tibetans share the most recent common ancestor with ancient Middle and Upper Yellow River populations around the Early and Middle Holocene.In addition,the connections between Tibetans and Northeastern Asians vary over the past 4000 years,with a stronger matrilineal connection between the two during 4000 BPe3000 BP,and a weakened connection after 3000 BP,that are coincident with climate change,followed by a reinforced connection after the Tubo period(1400 BPe1100 BP).Besides,an over 4000-year matrilineal continuity is observed in some of the maternal lineages.We also find the maternal genetic structure of ancient Tibetans is correlated to the geography and interactions between ancient Tibetans and ancient Nepal and Pakistan populations.Overall,the maternal genetic history of Tibetans can be characterized as a long-term matrilineal continuity with frequent internal and external population interactions that are dynamically shaped by geography,climate changes,as well as historical events.

稻作农业起源过程的四个阶段

近些年来,由于浮选法的普遍应用,长江中下游地区发现了大量与稻作农业起源研究相关的植物遗存。通过对这些新资料的研究发现,稻作农业起源是一个漫长的渐变过程,历经数千年,期间可划分为四个阶段:距今1万年前后是孕育阶段,人类社会尚处在采集狩猎阶段,但考古发现了人类利用甚至耕种稻属植物的证据;距今9000~7000年是初期阶段,考古发现了稻作农业的证据,如定居村落、栽培稻、农耕工具等,但当时的生业经济依然是以采集狩猎为主,属于农业生产范畴的水稻种植和家猪饲养仅是辅助性的生产活动;距今7000~5000年是转变阶段,采集狩猎在生业经济中的比重日渐降低,而稻作农耕的比重日渐提高;距今5000年前后,长江中下游地区相继完成了由采集狩猎向稻作农业的转变,人类社会进入农业阶段。

Microinvasive analysis of textile relics from an ancient Silk Road turquoise mining site

The Xinjiang region,with its unique location and climate,exhibits well-preserved relics of great academic interest.This paper focuses on the microinvasive analysis of textile samples obtained from an ancient turquoise mining site in the Heishanling region of Xinjiang,active between 820 and 400 BC.Various analytical techniques,including optical microscopy,scanning electron microscopy,Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection,and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,were employed to investigate these textiles.The results revealed that the textiles were composed of wool and dyed using indigo and purpurin.The bluegrass and madder-derived dyes were likely sourced locally or imported from wetter regions such as the Chinese Central Plains.The infrared deconvolution spectra and the results demonstrated that red and blue dyes considerably influenced the movement of wool fiber chains,leading to a more rapid decay of dyed fibers compared to those that were undyed.In addition,the medium dyeing process and Ke techniques were employed to create unique color shades and special patterns.This scientific and technological analysis of the textiles provides essential data for elucidating the materials available to ancient laborers.Furthermore,it offers scientific evidence supporting the cultural exchange between the western regions and the Central Plains and integration along the Silk Road.

Mass balance of the Antarctic Ice Sheet from 2013 to 2018 estimated using the input-output method with updated remote sensing products

The Antarctic Ice Sheet(AIS)has been losing ice mass and contributing to the rise in the global sea-level(GSL)for the last 4 decades,as quantified by using satellite observations.We developed a framework for implementing the state-of-the-art input-output(IO)method that has the advantage of explicit estimation of the mass balance of individual glaciers,basins and the continent.We estimated the mass balance of the AIS from 2013 to 2018 using improved observations and updated datasets recently made available,including annual ice flow velocity maps from the Inter-mission Time Series of Land Ice Velocity and Elevation(ITS_LIVE)dataset,the Bed Machine and the Princess Elizabeth Land(PEL)Earth System Science Data(ESSD)datasets,and the surface mass balance from the RACMO 2.3 system.For example,using the improved ice thickness data,the proposed method for ice discharge estimation enables a 10%reduction of uncertainty in ice discharge.During the period of 2013–2018,an ice discharge acceleration of 6.9±6.5 Gt yr^(–2)in West Antarctica(WA)was detected,which contributed significantly to the estimated mass loss of~1069 Gt(–178.2±108.9 Gt yr^(–1))in the AIS.On the other hand,Queen Maud Land,East Antarctica(EA),showed clearly a mass gain rate of 56.0±10.0 Gt yr^(–1)due to the regional increase in surface mass balance.Our results extended the estimation period by 3 years in comparison to the published study using the same annual velocity maps from the ITS_LIVE dataset.Furthermore,our results,along with those from other studies using the IO method,reassures the acceleration of recent mass loss in WA and Wilkes Land in EA,which are caused by glacier thinning and ice shelf basal melting.Compared with the long-term mass balance record since 1979,our results suggest that the mass loss in AIS accelerated in the last decade.The developed framework can be modified for mass balance estimation of the AIS or for other ice sheets by using velocity maps from other satellite data or from different periods.

1310 nm Source Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography for Chinese Pigment and Jadeite Research

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technique is a nondestructive optical detection technology based on low-coherence interferometer and it has become an attractive cultural heritage research method. A 1310 nm source spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) system based on optical fiber Michelson interferometer and optical spectrum analyzer is proposed and demonstrated for Chinese cultural heritage research. The cross-section OCT images of Chinese pigment samples and jadeite samples can provide a lot of valuable microstructure information for the Chinese cultural heritage research and identification works.

约4900年前东亚和东南亚枢纽地区狩猎采集向农业的转变

The southward expansion of East Asian farmers profoundly influenced the social evolution of Southeast Asia by introducing cereal agriculture.However,the timing and routes of cereal expansion in key regions are unclear due to limited empirical evidence.Here we report macrofossil,microfossil,multiple isotopic(C/N/Sr/O)and paleoproteomic data directly from radiocarbon-dated human samples,which were unearthed from a site in Xingyi in central Yunnan and which date between 7000 and 3300 a BP.Dietary isotopes reveal the earliest arrival of millet ca.4900 a BP,and greater reliance on plant and animal agriculture was indicated between 3800 and 3300 a BP.The dietary differences between hunter-gatherer and agricultural groups are also evident in the metabolic and immune system proteins analysed from their skeletal remains.The results of paleoproteomic analysis indicate that humans had divergent biological adaptations,with and without farming.The combined application of isotopes,archaeobotanical data and proteomics provides a new approach to documenting dietary and health changes across major subsistence transitions.

Y-chromosomes from skeletal remains of Chinese Expeditionary Force offer a clue to their paternal relatives

Chinese Expeditionary Force(CEF)was one of the two Chinese military excursions outside of sovereign Chinese territory sent to repel Japanese forces occupying Burma during World War II.By 1941,the World War II entered its darkest days.China had been embroiled in a desperate struggle to resist the Japanese invasion.Japanese troops aiming at cutting the supply routes to China had left only one line of communication open for China to the West—the Yunnan-Burma Road in the southwest[1].To

Confined space synthesis of Ni(OH)_(2)-impregnated three-dimensional ordered mesoporous carbon as a high-performance supercapacitor electrode

Regulable loading of Ni(OH)_(2) crystals by using three dimensionally ordered mesoporous carbon(3DOMC)as a support is achieved through a confined growth strategy accompanied by steam-assisted crystallization.Dual forms of high-crystalline nanosheet-like Ni(OH)_(2) severally distribute within mesopores or over the outer surface of 3DOMC particles depending on the loading amount(3%^(−1)5%)of Ni(OH)_(2).Benefitted from the highly hybrid combination and efficient electrolyte diffusion,the obtained Ni(OH)_(2)/carbon nanocomposites exhibit an excellent electrochemical performance,and the optimal sample of 6%_Ni(OH)_(2)/3DOMC with confined extrasmall Ni(OH)_(2) nanosheets as dominant shows the highest specific capacitance of 552.5F.g^(−1) at 1.0A⋅g^(−1),which is 330%higher than the contrast sample by using actived carbon as the support.Furthermore,the assembled hybrid supercapacitor by using 6%_Ni(OH)_(2)/3DOMC and 3DOMC as positive and negative electrodes displays an energy density of 11.7 Wh.kg^(−1) at 288.1 W.kg^(−1) and a superior charge/discharge stability.It is expected that the flexible component,well-defined structure,and superior electrochemical performance could promote a great application potential of Ni(OH)_(2)/3DOMC nanocomposites as supercapacitor electrodes and in other energy storage devices.

Restoring ancient civilizations with “Herit-Materials”:Technological advances in its studies

Cultural relics are man-made objects left from ancient times,with historical,artistic,and scientific values.Multi-interdisciplinary research of cultural relics would enable people to obtain a variety of information associated with them,from which the restoration of ancient civilization was possible.Due to natural weathering,many cultural relics are in a fragile state,and conservation treatments that can prolong their lifetime are important,which may involve the use of conservation materials.In this paper,we define the new term “Herit-Materials” as two types of materials,including ancient cultural relics themselves and novel functional materials for conservation purposes.For the first type of Herit-Materials-cultural relics themselves,as one type of ancient materials,the concept of the relationship between the structure,composition,performance,and technology of them was introduced.The research paradigm for ancient cultural relics is also proposed.Following such a paradigm,the way how analysis and research were performed on ancient cultural relics are illustrated in detail with examples of ancient ceramics and textile dyes.Meanwhile,as the second type of Herit-Materials,three categories of conservation materials,such as emergent conservation materials on archaeological sites,consolidation materials,and cleaning materials were reviewed in detail,including basic concepts,criteria for choosing appropriate materials for conservation purposes,evaluation of the conservation effects after application,along with the application methods of those conservation materials.Finally,as Herit-Materials’ studies have attracted more and more researchers and have also created new inter-disciplinary research fields,the following research directions are recommended for scholars who have an interest,including the development of the advanced and comprehensive analytical technique of Herit-Materials,non-destructive and in-situ characterization & testing of Herit-Materials,the database of composition-structure-performance for Herit-Materials and their real-time environmental conditions,the green Herit-Materials for conservation purposes and their application methods,as well as the type and pattern analysis research of Herit-Materials.

青藏高原发现3000年前的奶制品

奶制品的出现是新石器时代次级产品革命的标志之一,代表着对动物奶、毛、畜力等可以反复利用资源的开发,为早期农业和游牧社会的发展提供了基础.青藏高原人群现代食谱中肉、奶比例相对较高,但缺少史前奶制品利用的直接证据.陶器是新石器时代古人最常用的烹饪和储存工具,检测陶器残留物的脂肪酸组成及碳同位素分布可以指示动物肉类和奶类来源.本文对西藏日喀则南木林县海拔约4000 m的共塘遗址出土陶片进行了脂质残留物分析,结果显示大约3000年前,在雅鲁藏布江中游地区,奶制品消费伴随着当地的牛羊等家养动物同时出现.

关中盆地灞河流域老牛坡遗址商代铜冶炼重金属污染研究

Heavy metal pollution is hazardous for the environment and human health.However,there are few studies of heavy metal pollution caused by historic metallurgical activity.The Laoniupo site in the Bahe River valley,Guanzhong Basin,China,was an important settlement of the Shang Culture(1600-1046 BCE).We studied two stratigraphic profiles at the Laoniupo site,which were used for measurements of magnetic susceptibility,heavy metal concentrations,and AMS 14C ages to provide evidence of copper smelting activity at the site during the Shang Dynasty.The Nemerow Pollution Index and Geoaccumulation Index were calculated to assess the heavy metals record(Cu,Zn,Ni,Pb,Cr,and As)in the topsoil on the loess tableland.According to the Single Pollution Index,the topsoil was slightly polluted by As and unpolluted by Cu,Zn,Ni,Pb and Cr;according to the Nemerow Composite Pollution Index the topsoil was mildly polluted;and according to the Geoaccumulation Index,the topsoil was moderately polluted by As,slightly polluted by Cu,and unpolluted by Zn,Ni,Pb and Cr_The main cause of the heavy metal pollution in the topsoil is the presence of copper slag in the cultural layers that was disturbed by modern farming activity.

Indica rice spread to the Tibetan Plateau in the 700s CE

Asian cultivated rice(Oryza sativa)has two main subspecies,indica(O.sativa sub.indica)and japonica(O.sativa sub.japonica).Japonica rice was domesticated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China,while indica appeared around 4000 a BP in northern south Asia after hybridization between introduced japonica and indigenous proto-indica.When and how indica rice spread into China is still barely understood,although it is cultivated widely in southern China today.Here we report on the earliest,definite indica rice remains in China,including charred seeds,phytoliths,and ancient DNA,from the newly investigated Kongsangqiao site at an elevation of 2676 m above sea level in Tibet,along with a charcoal study that reveals the vegetation and climate during of human occupation.AMS radiocarbon dating of charred indica rice grains suggests the remains are from the 8th century(700s CE).The dominant identified charcoal fragments are Himalayan pine(Pinus wallichiana),from which a rather cold climate is inferred where indica rice could not be grown in situ,suggesting it was likely brought to the site.Both archaeological and literature records thus support that indica rice,fully domesticated in northern south Asia,had spread to the southern margin of the Tibetan Plateau via parts of the ancient Tang-Tubo Road,Tubo-Nepal Road,by at least the 8th century CE.