Feeding and growth on bivalve biodeposits by the deposit feeder Stichopus japonicus Selenka (Echinodennata : Holothuroidea) co-cultured in lantern nets

Suspension aquaculture of filter-feeding bivalves has been developing rapidly in coastal waters in the world, especially in China. Previous studies have demonstrated that dense populations of filter-feeding bivalves in shallow water can produce a large amount of faeces and pseudofaeces (biodeposits) that may lead to negative impacts on the benthic environment. To determine whether the deposit feeder Stichopus (Apostichopus) japonicus Selenka can feed on bivalve biodeposits and whether the sea cucumber can be co-cultured with bivalves in suspended lantern nets, three experiments were conducted, two in tanks in the laboratory and one in the field. In a 3-month flow-through experiment, results showed that sea cucumbers grew well with specific growth rate (SGR) reaching 1.38% d(-1), when cultured in the bottom of tanks (10 m(3) water volume) where scallops were cultured in suspension in lantern nets. Moreover, results of another laboratory experiment demonstrated that sea cucumbers could survive well on bivalve biodeposits, with a feeding rate of 1.82 +/- 0.13 g dry biodeposits ind(-1) d(-1), absorption efficiency of organic matter in biodeposits of 17.2% +/- 5.5%, and average SGR of 1.60% d(-1). Our longer-term field experiments in two coastal bays (Sishili Bay and Jiaozhou Bay, northern China) showed that S. japonicus co-cultured with bivalves also grew well at growth rates (0.09-0.31 g wet weight ind(-1) d(-1)) depending on individual size. The results suggest that bivalve lantern nets can provide a good habitat for sea cucumbers; and the co-culture of bivalve molluscs with sea cucumbers may provide an additional valuable crop with no additional inputs. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of starvation on larval growth, survival and metamorphosis of Ivory shell Babylonia formosae habei Altena et al., 1981 (Neogastropoda : Buccinidae)

The impact of starvation on larvae of Ivory shell Babylonia formosae habei was studied in a laboratory experiment. Newly hatched veligers showed considerable tolerance to starvation due to their endogenous yolk material, and time to the point-of-no-return (PNR; the threshold point during starvation after which larvae can longer metamorphose even if food is provided) was calculated to be 104.5 h. However, starvation still affected larval growth, survival, and metamorphosis. Mean shell length of larvae increased 49.77 mum day(-1) for nonstarved, but only 11.13 mum day (-1) for larvae starved for 108 h. After larvae began feeding, their growth rates rapidly recovered to the level of the nonstarved following short periods of starvation (less than 48 h), but were inhibited and unable to ever reach the level of the nonstarved when being starved beyond 48 h. Percent metamorphosis was 53.75% for the nonstarved, but all larvae died before 10 days for those starved for 108 h. Starvation not only affected larval time to reach metamorphosis, but also caused the delay in the time to metamorphosis. For the nonstarved, larvae took only 11.5 days to reach spontaneous metamorphosis, but they took 20 days to reach spontaneous metamorphosis when starved for 96 h, and this duration of delayed metamorphosis reached 8.5 days. Furthermore, the importance of yolk material for maintaining larval survival of B. formosae habei during starvation periods is also discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

油气、微生物与砂岩型铀矿形成关系研究——以东胜铀矿床和钱家店铀矿床为例

Sandstone-type uranium deposits are frequently found close to oil fields or uraniferous sandstones contain bitumen or petroleum. However, few evidence has been presented to indicate the association of uranium mineralization with petroleum oxidation. Thus, Dongsheng uranium deposit in Ordos Basin and Qianjiadian deposit in Kailu Basin are taken for examples to solve the puzzle. Integration data from sedimentary petrology, mineralogy, race elements geochemistry, isotope geochemistry and organic geochemistry, the uranium and petroleum sources, and diagenetic paragenesis of the host sandstone are analyzed, and then the genetic relationship between microbes, petroleum and uranium deposits are discussed. The observation under microscope shows that the host sandstone samples from Middle Jurassic Zhiluo Formation in the Dongsheng deposit contained different kinds of metamorphic rock fragments, which should have been derived form outcrops north to this basin. The LREE/HREE ratios of gneiss and amphibolite sampled from outcrops were close to the highest and the lowest LREE/HREE ratios of the sandstones with well-compared chondrite-normalized REE patterns, respectively. So these results consistently indicated that parent rocks of sandstones were mainly contributed from these two kinds of metamorphic rocks. There was very high Th/U ratio for granite gneiss, which was a mainly potential U resource. Hydrocarbon inclusions and adsorbed hydrocarbons are observed under fluorescence microscope in the host sandstone of Dongsheng uranium deposit, suggesting that the sandstones may have been utilized as oil migration pathways. Based on biomarker parameters, it is indicated that the inclusion oils and adsorbed hydrocarbons were marginally mature to mature, and were derived from humic-sapropel type organic matter under poor reducing freshwater to semi-saline environment. The features are similar to those of organic matter extracted from Triassic sandstone and source rock, but are different from that of cretaceous sandstone. Thus, it can be concluded that the inclusion oils and adsorbed hydrocarbons were mainly derived from Triassic lacustrine facies source rock. Observation results under Scanning Electron Microscopy and Electron Microprobe with Energy Spectrum Analysis show that, in Dongsheng area, the main uranium ore mineral is coffinite. The coffinite is intimately intergrown or coexists with pyrite and calcite, thus, the solution during mineralization stage is inferred to be alkaline. The alkaline environment is not favored for uranium to be pre-concentrated by absorption, and then be reduced abiogenetically. δ34S of pyrite and δ13C of calcite indicate that pyrite was formed by bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) and part of the carbon of calcite has been dirived from oxidation of petroleum, respectively. Additionally, petroleum is found biodegraded. All the lines of evidence consistently indicate that petroleum was involved in uranium mineralization. Coffinite with microbe-like structures is found in the high U sandstone samples and is composed of nanoparticles, indicating the coffinite is biogenic. The conclusion are also supportted by laboratory experiment studies, which have shown that SRB are capable of utilizing U(VI) as the preferred electron acceptor for respiration and reduce U(VI) to U(IV) directly, coupled the oxidaton of organic matter and sulfate reduction. Based on the research results mentioned above, in the Dongsheng area, coffinite is likely to have formed by mixing of brine containing petroleum derived from Triassic with uranium-bearing meteoric water from outcrops north to Ordos Basin. SRB utilize hydrocarbon as carbon source, and directly reduce U(VI) resulting in precipitation of coffinite. The product of metabolism, H2S and CO2, was precipitated as pyrite and calcite during mineralization stage. Petroleum in fluid inclusions and adsorbed type in host sandstone from Lower Cretaceous Yaojia Formation in Qianjiadian uranium deposit, Kailu Basin, are derived from Jurassic Jiufotang Formation in this basin and the uranium mineral consists mainly of pitchblende. The δ34S and δ13C values of pyrite and calcite during mineralization stage indicate SRB have likely degraded petroleum, which is similar to that of Dongsheng deposit. The alkaline environment as indicated by the diagenetic mineral assemblage calcite, Fe dolomite, pyrite and pitchblende deposit suggests that U ore in the Qiangjiajiadian has a similar origin, i.e., direct reduction by SRB. However, less part of pitchblende is intergrown with kaolinite, suggesting the solution during mineralization stage is acidic. The environment is favorable for U(VI) to be adsorded on quartz or other mineral, and then reduced by H2S produced by SRB. Thus, it can be concluded that U(VI) reduction with petroleum oxidation by SRB and other microbes is an important ore-forming mechanism in petroleum-related sandstone-type uranium deposits. The finding is significant in that it provides a theoretical basis for exploration of both uranium and petroleumr.

冀东油田南堡滩海地区油气层损害机理与油气层保护方法研究及应用

Study and Application of Damage Mechanism and Protection Method of reservoir in Nanpu Shallow Beach Sea Area is one of the key research projects of Jidong Oilfield Company of PetroChina Company Limited from 2007 to 2008. Located at Nanpu Sag in Huanghua Depression of Bohaiwan Basin, Nanpu Shallow Beach Sea Area with 1000km2 exploration area posseses three sets, shallow Minghuazhen Formation and Guantao Formation of Upper Tertiary, middle-deep Dongying Formation of Lower Tertiary, deep Ordovician, of oil bearing series, according to the achievement of the connecting 3D seismic structure interpretation and the structural geological comprehensive research. Its main reservoir types include Upper Tertiary structural reservoir, Lower Tertiary structural and lithological-structural reservoir, and Ordovician ancient buried hill reservoir. How to protect reservoir, complete well and lift high efficiently is the key to realize high and stable yield of the oil wells during drilling, completing well, testing and repairing well. It is important for reservoir protecting during drilling that directly relate to efficient exploration. Therefore, beginning with basic characteristics and sensitive analysis of reservoir, study of reservoir damage machinism and analysis of reservoir damage potential factor are emphasized when prediction analysis about three-pressure profiles is carried out. The study both of physical and chemical properties and of the strata of the technology of borehole stabilization and reservoir protecting are outstanding. As the conclusions follow: （1）Based on the laboratory experiment about basalt cores, prediction of three- pressure profiles about 30 wells on No.1 and No.2 structure is practiced. The laws of plane pressure distribution are analyzed. （2）According to the analyses about reservoir feature data and about sensitivity evaluation to damage factor in Nanpu oil field, the scheme of reservoir protecting to the sand reservoir of Guantao Formation and the first section of Dongying Formation is put forward. （3）On basis of the analyses on lithological characteristics, mineral compositions, clay minerals, electrical behavior features, physical and chemical properties of basalt of Guantao formation in No.1 and No.2 structure, instability mechanism of basalt sidewall and technical countermeasures are obtained. （4）Aiming at the characteristics of Ordovician dissolution-pore fracture type carbonate reservoir, the scheme of the reservoir protecting to Ordovician is put forward. Creative study of the film forming and sealing and low invasion reservoir protection drilling fluid are successful. In summary, through the study of reservoir heterogeneity and sensitivity, a set of technology and schemes of reservoir protecting is put forward, which is adaptive during drilling the target bed in the research area and establishes the base for efficient exploration. Significant effect has showed in its application in Nanpu oil field.

学习不良少年的污名效应研究

Stigma is defined as a sign of disgrace or discredit that sets a person apart from others. Stigmatized individuals had been significantly influenced by their group-based stigma. Through the methods of laboratory experiment and questionnaire surveys, the current study started with examining the attitudes of middle school students to the students with learning disabilities (LD), systemly explored the characteristics of perceived stigma and self-stigma of LD students, the mechanism that the influences of stigma on students with LD, and the mental control required to cope with the stigma. The results of the present studies had significant implications for the understanding of the LD phenomenon and the intervention of LD adolescents. The results indicate that: 1. Generally, middle school students had negative implicit attitude and negative explicit attitudes towards the LD students. The effect size of the phenomenon of this study is large. The LD students showed a more positive attitude than others on the explicit attitude measure; all students consistently had negative attitudes toward LD students on the implicit attitude indices, in addition, no group differences and gender differences were observed in the implicit attitude. 2. Eight hundred and seventy two students were surveyed to test the reliability and validity of the new developed perceived stigma scale and self-stigma scale. Both questionnaires showed sufficient content validity, construct validity, criterion-related validity and adequate internal consistency reliability. Then, both questionnaires were administered to student with high academic achievement (high achiever), students with middle academic achievement (middle achiever), and LD students. Results revealed that the LD students mildly stigmatized by the social culture. The LD students had more stigma perception and self-stigma than the middle achievers and high achievers. The results also indicated that there were more stigma perception and self-stigma for LD students in grade two than that of LD students in grade one and grade three; meanwhile, male LDstudent hade more stigma perception and self-stigma than female LD students in all grades. 3. A latent variable path analysis was conducted to investigate how the stigma affect the academic goals using the data collected from 186 LD students. The results suggested that the LD-related stigma did not have direct influence on academic goals. The LD-related stigma indirectly influenced the academic goals through mediating effects of self-stigma and academic efficacy. 4. Stereotype threat could have some influences on the relationship between the task feedback and self-esteem. The results of study using eighty-four LD students showed that: when the negative stereotype was not primed, the self-esteem of the LD students was significantly influenced by the feedback of the task: an enhance self-esteem following a positive feedback and a lower self-esteem following a negative feedback. When the negative stereotype was primed, there was no significantly difference between the positive feedback group and negative feedback group. All the results showed that priming the negative stereotype could weaken the influence of feedback to the self-esteem of LD students. 5. There was more cognitive and behavioral control when LD students tried to cope with the stigma by concealing negative academic achievement during an individual interview with an unfamilar expert. The LD students whose academic achievements could be concealed had more thought suppression and thought intrusion and reported more self-monitoring behavior than the participants in the other experimental conditions.

不确定性类型对概率表达和概率判断的影响

The present research firstly reviewed the experimental literature on probability expression and probability judgment, hypothesizing that individuals’ preference of probability expressions (verbal probability vs. numerical probability) and tendency for overextremity in probability judgment might differ with respect to different types of uncertainty. Five studies were conducted to test this hypothesis. In Study 1, questionnaires were used to explore the communication preference among Chinese-speaking people. Study 2 adapted the View of Uncertainty Questionnaire to explore the difference of verbal answers to three kinds of uncertainty. Study 3 and Study 4 used methods of the paper-and-pencil questionnaire and the laboratory experiment, respectively, to test the effects of uncertainty types on the preference of probability expressions and on the tendency for over-extreme probability judgment. Finally, Study 5 focused on individuals’ preference of probability expressions under various kinds of scenarios. The results were as follows: 1. The Communication Model Preference paradox phenomenon appears to be even more pronounced in the Chinese culture than in American English cultural settings. 2. The Chinese prefer more verbal probability expressions when communicating uncertainty in a weather-forecasting context than in a general context. 3. Sample groups with lower level of westernization tend to give more extreme answers and less probabilistic answers. 4. Types of uncertainty did have effects on individuals’ tendency for over-extreme probability judgment: under a traditional probability judgment task, people tend to be more over-extreme on internal uncertainty events than on external uncertainty events; however, this result is reversed under a gambling task. 5. Individuals’ preference for verbal probability expressions is more salient on internal uncertain events than on external uncertain events.

Variability in north temperate dung beetle assemblages at different spatial and temporal scales

This study examined the spatial and temporal variability of dung beetle assemblages across a variety of scales e.g. from the between-pad scale (examining the effects of dung size and type) to larger spatial scales encompassing southern Ireland. Dung beetle assemblage structure as sampled by dung pad cohort samples and dung baited pitfall trapping were compared. Generally, the rank order of abundance of dung beetle species was significantly correlated between pitfall catches and cohort pad samples. Across different dung sizes, in both pitfall catches and cohort pad samples, the relative abundance of species was frequently significantly different, but the rank order of abundance of dung beetle was usually significantly correlated. Considerable variations in pitfall catches at temporal scales of a few days appeared to be closely related to weather conditions and rotational grazing. However, despite considerable variation in absolute abundances between consecutive days of sampling, assemblage structure typically remained very similar. The relationship between dung pad size and dung beetle colonisation was investigated. In field experiments in which pads of different sizes (0.25 L, 0.5 L, 1.0 L and 1.5 L) were artificially deposited, there was a positive relationship between pad size and both biomass and number of beetles colonising dung pads and pitfall traps. In addition, with one exception, the field experiments indicated a general positive relationship between dung pad size and biomass density (dung beetle biomass per unit dung volume). A laboratory experiment indicated that pat residence times of A. rufipes were significantly correlated with dung pad size. Investigation of naturally-deposited cow dung pads in the field also indicated that both larval numbers and densities were significantly correlated with dung pad size. These results were discussed in the context of theory related to aggregation and coexistence of species, and resource utilisation by organisms in ephemeral, patchy resources. The colonisation by dung beetles of dung types from native herbivores (sheep, horse and cow) was investigated in field experiments. There were significant differences between the dung types in the chemical parameters measured, and there were significant differences in abundances of dung beetles colonising the dung types. Sheep dung was typically the preferred dung type. Data from these field experiments, and from published literature, indicated that dung beetle species can display dung type preferences, in terms of comparisons of both absolute and relative abundances. In addition, data from laboratory experiments indicate that both Aphodius larval production and pat residence times tended to be higher in those dung types which were preferred by adult Aphodius in the colonisation experiments. Data from dung-baited pitfall trapping (from this and another study) at several sites (up to 180 km distant) and over a number of years (between 1991 and 1996) were used to investigate spatial and temporal variation in dung beetle assemblage structure and composition (Aphodius, Sphaeridium and Geotrupes) across a range of scales in southern Ireland. Species richness levels, species composition and rank order of abundances were very similar between the assemblages. The temporal variability between seasons within any year exceeded temporal variability between years. DCA ordinations indicated that there was a similar level of variability between assemblage structure from the between-field (~1km) to regional (~180 km) spatial scales, and between year (6 years) temporal scales. At the biogeographical spatial scale, analysis of data from the literature indicated that there was considerable variability at this scale, largely due to species turnover.

Computational challenges in atomic, molecular and optical physics

Six challenges are discussed. These are the laser-driven helium atom; the laser-driven hydrogen molecule and hydrogen molecular ion: electron scattering (with ionization) from one-electron atoms; the vibrational and rotational structure of molecules such as H-3(+) and water at their dissociation limits; laser- heated clusters; and quantum degeneracy and Bose-Einstein condensation. The first four concern fundamental few-body systems where use of high-performance computing (HPC) is currently making possible accurate modelling from first principles. This leads to reliable predictions and support for laboratory experiment as well as true understanding of the dynamics. Important aspects of these challenges addressable only via a terascale facility are set out. Such a facility makes the last two challenges in the above list meaningfully accessible for the first time, and the scientific interest together with the prospective role for HPC in these is emphasized.

Robustness of Damping Control Implemented by Energy Storage Systems Installed in Power Systems

An energy storage system (ESS) installed in a power system can effectively damp power system oscillations through controlling exchange of either active or reactive power between the ESS and power system. This paper investigates the robustness of damping control implemented by the ESS to the variations of power system operating conditions. It proposes a new analytical method based on the well-known equal-area criterion and small-signal stability analysis. By using the proposed method, it is concluded in the paper that damping control implemented by the ESS through controlling its active power exchange with the power system is robust to the changes of power system operating conditions. While if the ESS damping control is realized by controlling its reactive power exchange with the power system, effectiveness of damping control changes with variations of power system operating condition. In the paper, an example power system installed with a battery ESS (BESS) is presented. Simulation results confirm the analytical conclusions made in the paper about the robustness of ESS damping control. Laboratory experiment of a physical power system installed with a 35kJ/7kW SMES (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage) was carried out to evaluate theoretical study. Results are given in the paper, which demonstrate that effectiveness of SMES damping control realized through regulating active power is robust to changes of load conditions of the physical power system.

The functional role of Gammarus (Crustacea, Amphipoda): shredders, predators, or both?

Gammarus spp. are traditionally viewed under the functional feeding group (FFG) concept as herbivorous 'shredders'. Although recent studies suggest that Gammarus should also be viewed as predators, this latter role remains contentious. Here, in a laboratory experiment, we objectively examine the balance between shredder and predator roles in a common freshwater species. Gammarus pulex preyed significantly on mayfly nymph, Baetis rhodani, in both the presence and absence of excess leaf material. There was no significant difference in predation where the alternative food, that is, leaf material, was present as compared to absent. Also, G. pulex shredded leaf material in the presence and absence of B. rhodani. However, shredding was significantly reduced where alternative food, that is, B. rhodani prey, was present as compared to absent. Further, G. pulex had a clear leaf species preference. Our results suggest that Gammarus function as both predators and shredders, with the balance of the two roles perhaps depending on food availability and quality. We discuss implications for the use of the FFG concept in assessing freshwater processes, and the role that Gammarus predation may play in structuring macroinvertebrate communities.

Theory of laser-driven double-ionization of atoms at Ti : sapphire laser wavelengths

Progress in the theoretical understanding of non-sequential double-ionization of atoms is reviewed from its beginnings with Kuchiev's work in the late 1980s and Corkum's work in the early 1990s to the present day. The crucial role of laboratory experiment as a persistent stimulus to theoretical endeavour is underlined but the predictive roles of simple, yet fundamental, theory and also of a full quantum mechanical description are not forgotten. A theoretical forward look is provided.

A search for line intensity enhancements in the far-UV spectra of active late-type stars arising from opacity

Context. Radiative transfer calculations have predicted intensity enhancements for optically thick emission lines, as opposed to the normal intensity reductions, for astrophysical plasmas under certain conditions. In particular, the results are predicted to be dependent both on the geometry of the emitting plasma and the orientation of the observer. Hence in principle the detection of intensity enhancement may provide a way of determining the geometry of an unresolved astronomical source.
Aims. To investigate such enhancements we have analysed a sample of active late-type stars observed in the far ultraviolet spectral region.
Methods. Emission lines of O vi in the FUSE satellite spectra of ϵ Eri, II Peg and Prox Cen were searched for intensity enhancements due to opacity.
Results. We have found strong evidence for line intensity enhancements due to opacity during active or flare-like activity for all three stars. The O vi 1032/1038 line intensity ratios, predicted to have a value of 2.0 in the optically thin case, are found to be up to ~30% larger during several orbital phases.
Conclusions. Our measurements, combined with radiative transfer models, allow us to constrain both the geometry of the O vi emitting regions in our stellar sources and the orientation of the observer. A spherical emitting plasma can be ruled out, as this would lead to no intensity enhancement. In addition, the theory tells us that the line-of-sight to the plasma must be close to perpendicular to its surface, as observations at small angles to the surface lead to either no intensity enhancement or the usual line intensity decrease over the optically thin value. For the future, we outline a laboratory experiment, that could be undertaken with current facilities, which would provide an unequivocal test of predictions of line intensity enhancement due to opacity, in particular the dependence on plasma geometry.

Time-Resolved Characterization of the Formation of a Collisionless Shock

We report on the temporally and spatially resolved detection of the precursory stages that lead to the formation of an unmagnetized, supercritical collisionless shock in a laser-driven laboratory experiment. The measured evolution of the electrostatic potential associated with the shock unveils the transition from a current free double layer into a symmetric shock structure, stabilized by ion reflection at the shock front. Supported by a matching particle-in-cell simulation and theoretical considerations, we suggest that this process is analogous to ion reflection at supercritical collisionless shocks in supernova remnants.

Arsenic biogeochemistry as affected by phosphorus fertilizer addition, redox potential and pH in a west Bengal (India) soil

This laboratory experiment systematically examines arsenic, iron, and phosphorus solubilities in soil suspensions as affected by addition of phosphorus fertilizer under different redox potential (Eh) and pH conditions. Under aerobic conditions, As solubility was low, however, under moderately reducing conditions (0, -150 mV), As solubility significantly increased due to dissolution of iron oxy-hydroxides. Upon reduction to -250 mV, As solubility was controlled by the formation of insoluble sulfides, and as a result soluble As contents significantly decreased. Soluble Fe concentration increased from moderate to highly anaerobic conditions; however, it decreased under aerobic conditions likely due to formation of insoluble oxy-hydroxides. A low pH, 5.5, led to increased soluble concentrations of As, Fe, and P. Finally, addition of P-fertilizers resulted in higher soluble P and As, even though the concentration of As did not increased after an addition rate of 600 mg P kg(-1) soil. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamic Axle Force and Road Profile Identification Using a Moving Vehicle

In the interaction between vehicles, pavements and bridges, it is essential to aim towards a reduction of vehicle axle forces to promote longer pavement life spans and to prevent bridges loads becoming too high. Moreover, as the road surface roughness affects the vehicle dynamic forces, an efficient monitoring of pavement condition is also necessary to achieve this aim. This paper uses a novel algorithm to identify the dynamic interaction forces and pavement roughness from vehicle accelerations in both theoretical simulations and a laboratory experiment; moving force identification theory is applied to a vehicle model for this purpose. Theoretical simulations are employed to evaluate the ability of the algorithm to predict forces over a range of bridge spans and to evaluate the influence of road roughness level on the accuracy of the results. Finally, in addressing the challenge for the real-world problem, the effects of vehicle configuration and speed on the predicted road roughness are also investigated in a laboratory experiment.