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We propose a robust randomized indicator method for the reliable detection of eigenvalue existence within an interval for symmetric matrices A. An indicator tells the eigenvalue existence based on some statistical norm estimators for a spectral projector. Previous work on eigenvalue indicators relies on a threshold which is empirically chosen, thus often resulting in under or over detection. In this paper, we use rigorous statistical analysis to guide the design of a robust indicator. Multiple randomized estimators for a contour integral operator in terms of A are analyzed. In particular, when A has eigenvalues inside a given interval, we show that the failure probability (for the estimators to return very small estimates) is extremely low. This enables to design a robust rejection indicator based on the control of the failure probability. We also give a prototype framework to illustrate how the indicator method may be applied numerically for eigenvalue detection and may potentially serve as a new way to design randomized symmetric eigenvalue solvers. Unlike previous indicator methods that only detect eigenvalue existence, the framework also provides a way to find eigenvectors with little extra cost by reusing computations from indicator evaluations. Extensive numerical tests show the reliability of the eigenvalue detection in multiple aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An endophytic actinobacterium, designated strain HUAS 5T, was isolated from the root tissue of Cathaya argyrophylla collected in Chenzhou city of Hunan Province, PR China. This strain produced grey aerial mycelium that differentiated into spiral spore chains with spiny-surfaced ellipsoidal spores on Gause's synthetic No. 1 medium. Strain HUAS 5T grew well on Gause's synthetic No. 1, Reasoner'2 and ISP serial media. This strain grew at 15–40 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in presence of 0–5.0% (w/v) NaCl. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain HUAS 5T (> 5.0%) were iso-C16:0, iso-C14:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, C16:0, iso-C16:1 H and Sum in Feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c). Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene indicated that this strain belonged to the genus Streptomyces and exhibited highest sequence similarity to Streptomyces hirsutus NRRL B-2713T (97.3%), which is much less than 98.7% cut-off point of species definitions for bacteria and archaea. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence and whole genome indicated that strain HUAS 5T formed an independent lineage, which suggested that it belonged to a potential novel species. Based on the morphological, cultural, physio-biochemical properties and chemotaxonomy, strain HUAS 5T (= MCCC 1K08552T = JCM 36055T) is deemed to represent a novel Streptomyces species, for which we put forward the name Streptomyces cathayae sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic relationship of Streptomyces goshikiensis and Streptomyces sporoverrucosus was re-evaluated using comparative genome analysis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that S. goshikiensis JCM 4640T and S. sporoverrucosus CGMCC 4.1796T shared 100% sequence similarity. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and genomic sequences exhibited that they were closely related to each other. However, the values of average nucleotide identity (ANIb/ANIm) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) between the genomes of two type strains were 98.33%/98.69% and 87.2%, respectively, greater than the two recognized thresholds values of 96.7% ANI and 70% dDDH for species delineation. These results suggested that S. goshikiensis and S. sporoverrucosus should share the same taxonomic position. In addition, this conclusion was further supported by highly similar morphological, cultural, physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic characteristics between them. Consequently, it is proposed that S. sporoverrucosus is a later heterotypic synonym of S. goshikiensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an adaptive tracking control scheme for multi-spacecraft formation with inter-collision avoidance, obstacle dodging, and connectivity preservation. The proposed scheme is distributed, i.e., each spacecraft only needs to communicate with its neighbours. Both connectivity preservation and distributed networking are critical features for small spacecraft formation with limited computation and communication capacities. New artificial potential functions are defined to preserve the connectivity of neighbour spacecraft while avoiding their inter-collision as well as collision with obstacles. An adaptive sliding-mode controller is designed for reaching and maintaining the predetermined formation configuration while satisfying the safety assurance requirements, including inter-collision avoidance, obstacle dodging, and connectivity preservation. The stability of the controller is proven through the Lyapunov analysis, in the presence of gravitational, solar radiation pressure, and atmosphere drag perturbations and dynamic uncertainties. The performance of the control scheme is demonstrated through several comparative simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Holocene environmental evolution in coastal area, including deltas and estuaries, is vital to the Neolithic colonization in the eastern China. A 29-m long sediment core XL was obtained from the region between the Taihu Lake and Qiantang Estuary, and multiple analyses on the core sediments have been done to investigate the evolution history of the inner coastal zone of Hangzhou Bay during the Holocene. Six sedimentary facies are identified since the late Pleistocene, including the paleosol at the bottom, overlain by tidal-flat-channel complex (TFC), tidal-distributary-channel (TDC), inner estuarine basin (IEB), subtidal-to-intertidal-flat, and fluvial-plain facies. The TFC and TDC facies are dated to be formed before 8500 cal yr BP, featured by relatively coarse sediments, high magnetic properties and less abundant foraminifera, denoting the tide-influenced setting with large terrestrial inputs. The IEB facies characterized by the most abundant foraminifera fossils and the lowest sediment magnetic properties, is inferred to be deposited during the maximum flooding period between 8500 and 7900 cal yr BP. The branch estuary was then infilled by local sediments with a shallowing-upward subtidal-to-intertidal sequence during 7900-4300 cal yr BP. At last the fluvial plain system developed since no later than 4300 cal yr BP, favouring the rapid development of Neolithic cultures in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of the world's major cities are expected to face significant water shortages in coming decades, largely due to increased demand arising from economic and population growth. In this paper, we estimate the effects of economic and population growth on future public water needs in Shanghai, one of the world's megacities. Despite significant investment in a new reservoir and associated supply systems, and its location at the estuary of one the world's major rivers (the Yangtze), it is widely believed that Shanghai is vulnerable to water shortages, though the causes of this have hitherto not been systematically examined. Our method of estimating future water needs involves extrapolation from past trends and principal component analysis regression, and from the experience of comparable cities around the world, to construct three scenarios of future GDP and population growth and associated water needs. Our analysis shows that under various scenarios, by 2050 the difference between demand and present supply capacity will range between 1.6 and 6 million m/day and that the critical constraint to meeting future demand is treatment capacity, which will need to increase by between 35 and 83% beyond present levels. We discuss four options for managing the estimated deficit between future water demand and supply in Shanghai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) based on the historical sea-charts and on-site hydrological records were used to examine the morphological change of the Elbe River estuary. The results show that siltation predominated in the tidal flat in the northern estuary, with a net siltation rate of 1.8 cm·a during 1927-2006. In contrast, a continuous erosion prevailed in the main river channel, south of the estuary, with a net erosion rate of 2.5 cm·a in the same time. In addition, a seaward shift of the estuarine island has happened with the old island coalescing to the northern tidal flat and new one emerging through siltation process. The tidal asymmetry via ebbing flow (maximum at 140 cm·s, and average at 76 cm·s) prevailed in the tidal flat, meaning continuous aggradation northwestward, while flooding flow (maximum at 100 cm ·s, and average at 67 cm·s) dominated in the main river channel with deepening thaweg at south, showing a landward sedimentation via the tidal pumping processes. This dextral extension of the estuarine morphology is due to the Coriolis force, leading to the inconsistent directions of in-out flows, which enables to facilitate the estuarine siltation. Human dredging prevailing in the estuary has dramatically altered the nature of the silted river channel to erosional since the last century. This is characterized by a net erosion rate of 3.2 cm·a derived from the DEMs mapping, but only partially accounting for the dredging amount of 1994-2006, when the total dredging volume was 67 × 10 m, equal to 5.9 cm·a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Big cities are often said to have big water problems, and Shanghai is no exception. In this paper, we examine and compare the influence of the major factors that give rise to the risk of water insecurity in Shanghai. There is an extensive and diverse literature on these issues, dealt with in isolation, and here, we provide a synthesis of the literature, together with our own assessments and calculations, to assess what are the risks to Shanghai's water supply and what is our degree of confidence in this assessment. We describe the systems that supply water to the city, and past and future changes in the systems, including changes in the glaciers that supply some water to the river, changes in climate, changes in land use, the construction of dams, and water diversions. We show how, at the same time as Shanghai is increasing its dependence on the Yangtze river, water diversions and sea level rise are increasing the risk that this water will be too saline to consume at certain times of the year. This analysis suggests that most of the major drivers of the risk to water security in Shanghai are within the power of environmental managers to control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite continuing efforts to upgrade the urban storm sewer system since the late 1950s, the City of Shanghai is still vulnerable to persistent rainstorm waterlogging due to excess surface runoff and sewer surcharge, which frequently cause significant damage to buildings and disruption to traffic. Rapid urbanization and associated land cover changes are the major factors contributing to waterlogging. However, it is unclear to what extent changes in rainfall variability over the past few decades are also involved. This paper investigates the combined impacts of land use and land cover change, storm sewer development, and long-term variations in precipitation. Evidence of persistent waterlogging is presented first. We then give an account of land surface modifications during the process of urbanization and the development of the city's urban storm sewer system. Statistical analysis suggests that the increase in runoff coefficient due to conversion of lands from agricultural to industrial, commercial, and residential uses is a major factor driving greater waterlogging risk. In particular, historical analysis of aerial photographs reveals the rate and extent of modification to river networks in the past few decades. The natural drainage network has shrunk by 270 km, significantly reducing the city's capacity to transport excess surface flow. In line with other studies, we find no significant overall trends in annual rainfall totals (at Baoshan and Xujiahui). However, seasonal and monthly rainfall intensities have increased. At the daily scale, we find that compared to pre-1980s: (i) there has been an increase in the number of wet days with precipitation exceeding 25 mm (Heavy Rainfall) and decrease in those below 25 mm and (ii) the number of consecutive wet days with precipitation maximum and average exceeding the threshold known to cause waterlogging shows an increasing trend. Since rainfall intensity is expected to increase under climate change, this could further compound the impacts of land use changes and place even greater pressure on the existing storm sewer system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses radiometric analysis (Pb and Cs) of short sediment cores with high-resolution sampling (1-cm interval) to trace sedimentation rates in the Nile Delta lagoons, particularly since completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1964. A declining trend in Pb as calculated by the CIC model is clearly identified in about 10 cm of the upper-core sediments from the lagoons of Manzala and Edku, accompanied by two spikes of Cs in cores from the lagoons of Burullus and Edku. These findings illustrate average post-dam sedimentation rates ranging from 0.22 to 0.27 cm a in the lagoons, in contrast with those found previously based on low-resolution sampling. The lower sedimentation rates in the lagoons are a consequence of a dramatic reduction in riverine sediment load to the coastal area as a result of the damming. Although widespread erosion occurs along the open estuarine coast, the lagoon setting remains calmer than before due to coastal diking and freshwater regulation in the delta plain in the past decades. This provides the possibility of continuously preserved radiometric records in the less-bioturbated lagoon sediments. Dating individual layers using the CRS model has revealed increasing sedimentation rates in Manzala and Burullus since the 1980s, which can largely be explained as a consequence of the reduction in lagoon area due to intensifying reclamation. The post-dam sedimentation in the shrinking lagoons may have some adverse ecological consequences due to finer sediment's affinity with pollutants. These findings would shed light on the environmental conservation and socioeconomic development in the Nile Delta region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the rise and fall of the sluice of the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368 AD) unearthed in Zhidanyuan, Shanghai, by means of radiocarbon-dated sediment profiles, sedimentary facies indices and the historical literatures. Magnetic fabric parameters of sediment profiles help reconstruct the tidal creek setting at the sluice site. Our records evidence a fluvially-dominated hydrodynamic setting before sluice construction, but a saltwater intruded setting in the later stage. Magnetic fabric shows a stable flow direction in the upstream of the sluice, implying the fluvial deposition, while scattering flow directions downstream, suggesting interactions between the river flow and tidal currents. It is concluded that the sluice construction was primarily aimed at preventing saltwater intrusion from the Yangtze River mouth, but its operation did not fully fit the high sediment siltation in the channel that occurred after the sluice construction. This weakens significantly the role of sluice operation, leading to its abandonment eventually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reveals the nature of flood-season discharge and the associated impact on the upper and middle Yangtze river basin, on the basis of a historical database of daily discharges recorded at the Yichang (1865–1985) and Hankou (1878–1988) hydrological stations. Results show the period of discharge fluctuations of 2–6a, which is significant during 1878–1900 and 1915–1975 at Yichang station and the period of 2–7a during 1865–1905 and 1925–1975 at Hankou station. Within these periods, a major period of 2.9–3.5a and two secondary periods of 7–8a and 13.9–16.5a can be further identified from both stations. Our observation verifies that the fluctuations of streamflows of the upper and middle Yangtze River are fairly consistent with the periodicities of the Asia monsoon precipitation and ENSO event, reflecting coupling effect on the fluctuations of discharges in the Yangtze basin. In the 1920s–1960s, intensified variability of streamflows of the upper and middle Yangtze River was closely associated with warming temperature in the basin and in China as well. In 1975–1988, insignificant discharge fluctuations recorded at both stations can be chiefly attributed to human activities, i.e., the large number of reservoirs constructed and associated increasing capacity of water storage, which has largely weakened the discharge fluctuations throughout the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huayanpeng boulder beach is located at the Cape of Putuo Island, southeast coast of China. From 6000 years ago, sea level changed little and turned steady, which was prone to forming the boulder beach. Since then, numerous storm surges propagated from the West Pacific Ocean have imposed on the bedrock of the eastern coast of Putuo Island, resulting in a large amount of rocks fallen from the hill-slope onto the beach. The similarity of rock lithology between the bedrock and the boulders of the study area supports the hypothesis of Holocene steady sea-level controls on the formation of the beach. Long-term littoral currents, including storm weather and normal weather conditions, have greatly sorted the boulder beach vertically and transversely. From east to west, the beach turns wider and gradient becomes gentler, and the boulders reduce its size, from, on average, 1.0 m to 0.5 m, with a decrease in flattening and an increase in sphericity and psephicity. The sizes of the boulders and flattening turn bigger from supra-littoral to inter-littoral zone, while sphericity and psephicity turn smaller and lower. These basal characteristics of boulders highlight the linkage of beach formation to the high-storm energy propagated from the open seas during the typhoon season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the credibility and predictability of sediment flux of the Changjiang River that has discharged into the seas on the basis of historical database. The assumption of the study stands on the lack of sufficient observation data of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) during peaking flood period, which most likely results in the application of an inappropriate method to the downstream-most Datong hydrological gauging station in the Changjiang basin. This insufficient method (only 30–50 times of SSC observation per year), that obviously did not cover the peaking SSC during peaking floods, would lead to an inaccuracy in estimating the Changjiang sediment load by 4.7×108 t/a (multiyearly) into the seas. Also, sediment depletion that often takes place upstream of the Changjiang basin has, to some extent, lowered the credibility of traditional sediment rating curve that has been used for estimating sediment budget. A newly-established sediment rating curve of the present study is proposed to simulate the sediment flux/load into the seas by using those SSC only under discharge of 60000 m3/s at the Datong station-the threshold to significantly correlate to SSC. Since discharge of 60000–80000 m3/s is often linked to extreme flood events and associated sediment depletion in the basin, unincorporating SSC of 60000–80000 m3/s into the sediment rating curve will increase the credibility for sediment load estimation. Using this approach of the present study would indicate the sediment load of 3.3×108–6.6×108 t/a to the seas in the past decades. Also, our analytical result shows a lower sediment flux pattern in the 1950 s, but higher pattern in the 1960 s–1980 s, reflecting the changes in landuse in the upstream of Changjiang basin, including widely devastated deforestation during the middle 20th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the Burullus lagoon deposits of the Nile delta coast and the distribution of Pb-210 and Cs-137. Three vibrocores from the lagoon have revealed densely concentrated shell fragments of brackish water origin in the upper (

The water column flow velocity of 36 river sections in the river reach between Hankou (Wuhan) and Wuxue of the middle-lower Changjiang River. Their cross sectional distribution patterns in relation to the river channel morphologies were examined by using ship-mounted ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) instrument. The results indicate four (I-VI) types of river channel morphology associated flow patterns: I—laterally deepening riverbed topographic pattern; II—symmetrical to asymmetrical riverbed topographic pattern; III—relative flat riverbed topographic pattern, and IV—sandbar supported riverbed topographic pattern. All these correspond to the different patterns of flow velocity distribution. The maximum flow velocity is usually related to the deeper water depth, but irregular water column distribution of flow current velocity results often from the vortices’ current associated with river knots. Deeper river water depth is usually identified in the river reach located slightly downstream to the river knot, where faster flow velocity occurs. Downward change in flow velocity fits semi-log law, showing an exponential decreasing flow current with the maximum flow velocity near the water surface. However, in the river reach near the river knots, the water column distribution of flow current velocity does not fit the semi-log law, showing the irregular flow current pattern. This study, in context of river catchment management, highlights the controls of riverbed morphology to the flow current structure, which will shed light on the post study of Three Gorges damming in 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-defined pollen record in massive marine clay deposits from the subaqueous Changjiang (Yangtze River) delta reveals changes in vegetation and inferred climate during the last about 1600 years. Climatic periods inferred from the pollen record include (1) a basal cool/dry period (AD 385–910), (2) a relatively warm/wet conditions comparable to Medieval Warm Period (AD 910-1085) with a strengthen summer monsoon, (3) a relatively cool and wet conditions possibly corresponding to Little Ice Age (LIA; AD 1085–1815) with a weaken summer monsoon, and finally (4) the present warm period, since AD 1815. The pollen aridity index based on variations in humidity suggests that three subperiods within the LIA can be identified: wet LIA-1 (AD 1085-1170), dry LIA-2 (AD 1170–1330), and wet LIA-3 (AD 1330–1815). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic properties were measured on 370 vibrocores obtained from the outer continental shelf of the East China Sea, with the aim of reconstructing environmental changes during the late Quaternary. High SIRM/χ values (>25 kA m−1) found in stiff muds of late Pleistocene age suggest the presence of magnetic iron sulfides, especially greigite. Framboidal aggregates of greigite were further identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attached energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analyses, as well as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of the magnetic separates. The occurrence of magnetic iron sulfides indicates the complex oxidation–reduction of the stiff muds, resulting from exposure and inundation during the last glacial maximum (LGM) and the post-glacial transgression, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempt has been made to discuss the coupling relation of neotectonism and paleoclimate that have played a critical role in controlling the Quaternary sediment distribution and sedimentary facies evolution on the Yangtze coast On the basis of petrological analysis, up to six sedimentary cyclicities have been identified in the Quaternary sediment boreholes on the time scale of 0.4-0.5 Ma. The lower sedimentary cyclicities (Pliocene to Early Pleistocene) are characterized largely by thicker gravelly coarse sands, topped by thinner fine silt and silty clay. Gravels are very angular and clayey gravels prevail. Sediments are usually of poor sorting, rich in log fragments and have no microfossils. Bedload as denoted by C-M plot occurs throughout the section. This evidence represents the alluvial fan sedimentation which took place as the basin began to subside. The middle sedimentary cyclicities (often including Early to Middle Pleistocene) consist of basal gravelly sands and clayey silt at the middle and upper sediment sections. Sorting becomes relatively better, and foraminifer appears sporadically. C-M plot reveals the mixture of sediment transport media via bedload, saltation and suspension, representing sedimentation of braided river system at the early stage and subsequently, the sedimentation of meandering river pattern. The upper sedimentary cyclicities (including Late Pleistocene to Holocene) comprise basal gravelly sands (exclusive of the Holocene sediment) and thick fine sand and silty clay on the upper section. Sorting becomes fine and foraminifer appears throughout the sediment section. C-M plot shows that saltation and suspension serve as the main sediment transport media in the sediment section and bedload transport weakens. These evidence the sedimentation of meandering river pattern near coast during Late Pleistocene and Holocene time, when marine transgression invaded into the paleoriver valleys, which often forms drowned-valley facies and shallow marine facies. Of note is the Recent delta facies developed on the top of the cyclicities, and characterized by a large proportion of fine sand and silty clay, and various sedimentary beddings. These phenomena have proved enhanced climate function on sedimentary facies evolution on the basis of previous alluvial fan system, largely affected by tectonic subsidence setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In late May and early June, 2002, a field investigation was conducted along the Three-Gorges valley of the upper Yangtze catchment by ADP (Acoustic Doppler Profile SONTEK-500). Data obtained when surveying were accompanied with discharge of <15000 m³/s in the valley and characterize the unique river-flow velocity profile and riverbed morphology. Taking into consideration the relationship between the average flow velocity and fluvial variables, four distinct river sections can be highlighted, i.e. Chongqing-Wanxian, Wanxian-Fengjie, Fengjie-Zigui and Gezhou reservoir area (upstream to downstream). The average flow velocity is in-phase with river width from Chongqing to Wanxian. High-flow velocity ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 m/s is recorded at many sites, where the wider river channel (>1000 m) and shallower water depth (<20 m) occur and large-size gravel shoals prevail. Alternated low-flow velocity (<1.5 m/s) appears at those river sections with deep water (>50 m) and U-shaped river-channel morphology. Mapping the river cross-section area at those sites can determine that smaller cross-section area accelerates the flow velocity. From Wanxian to Fengjie, the average flow velocity ranging from 3.0 to 4.5 rn/s is in-phase with the water depth. The high-flow velocity is associated with narrower river-channel, where V-shaped gorges valley occurs with small cross-section area. Further downstream from Fengjie to Zigui, the low flow velocity is linked to deep river channel characterized by W-shaped valley morphology of large cross-section area, in general. The average flow velocity is 2.5-3.5 m/s, and maximum can reach 6.0 m/s near Wu-Gorge. Our survey had also detected a slow-flow velocity (mostly <1.0 m/s) in the river channel of about 100 km long in the Gezhou reservoir downstream. Heavy siltation to 20 m thick above the former riverbed and about 20 km extending upstream from the Dam site occurs above Gezhou Dam. The backwater can reach 150 km due to elevated water level to 27 m by the damming at the end of 1970s, and riverbed erosion below the dam reaches 15-20 m. In addition, our survey records the deeper water river valley from Fengjie to Yichang, ranging from 70 to 80 m (>100 m; maximum) in the gorges valley (30-40 m below the present mean sea level). This contrasts to the relative shallow water river-channel above Fengjie, i.e. 20-30 m in general and 50-60 m, maximum at gorges site. The present ADP investigation displays the hydromorphological feature in the Three-Gorges valley, and most importantly, it accumulates invaluable dataset for the post-dam study in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 6-m-long core was used to examine historical changes in heavy metals on tidal flats in the Yangtze Estuary, China. Over the last 100 years, human impact was minimal. However, over the last few decades, vertical metal concentrations have been affected by human activities such as local industrialization, urbanization and construction of major sewage outlets. Copper, lead and arsenic were identified as contaminants in the Yangtze Estuary on the basis of national pollution standards and a comparison of metals in the upper core with those in the lower core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which examined the geoarchaeological evolution in Liangzhu-Pingyao region of the Yangtze Delta plain in eastern China. Results of the study showed that the ancient Liangzhu City has a number of old dykes linked to the historical age. It also found that clay was the primary material used for the dykes. Information on the purpose of dykes and water conservancy structures in the area is provided.

A correction to the article "Estimating Urban Water Demand Under Conditions of Rapid Growth: The Case of Shanghai" which appeared in the February 15, 2017 online issue of the magazine is presented.

The article focuses on a study which examined the environmental conditions associated with the rise and fall of the Neolithic culture in the Hangzhou Bay and Taihy areas of China. Results of the study showed that the freshwater salt-tolerant taxa indicate a long period of low salinity conditions during the Middle Holocene. It also found that the Yuanjiadi area was under stable, wetland conditions. Pollen data also showed indications of forest composition in the area.