Science in China is a comprehensive academic journal of natural sciences sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The primary purpose is to provide regular, rapid and authoritative reviews of current important developments in scientific research in China for scientific workers in China and other countries. The contents are selected by an extensive editorial committee which is composed of the most highly esteemed scientists in China today. This journal is published in six series. Series A (monthly) covers the following areas: mathematics, physics, astronomy; Series B (bimonthly) carries papers on chemistry; Series C (bimonthly) carries papers on life sciences; Series D (monthly) carries papers on earth sciences; Series E (bimonthly) carries papers on technological sciences; and Series F (bimonthly) carries papers on information sciences. Science in China is a comprehensive academic journal of natural sciences sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The primary purpose is to provide regular, rapid and authoritative reviews of current important developments in scientific research in China for scientific workers in China and other countries. The contents are selected by an extensive editorial committee which is composed of the most highly esteemed scientists in China today. Series A (monthly) covers the following areas: mathematics, physics, astronomy; Series B (bimonthly) Series D (monthly) carries papers on earth sciences; Series E (bimonthly) carries papers on technological sciences; and Series F (bimonthly) records papers on life sciences;