Analysis of nonlinear associations between prenatal methylmercury exposure from fish consumption and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the Seychelles Main Cohort at 17 years

The Seychelles Child Development Study has been examining the relationship between prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure from consuming fish during pregnancy and child development. This study re-analyzes seven outcomes in the 17 year Main Cohort data to determine if there are nonlinear or non-homogeneous (subgroup) associations that were not identified in the linear analysis. We adopted two statistical approaches. First, we carried out an additive nonlinear analysis assuming homogeneous prenatal MeHg-outcome relationships to explore overall associations. Second, we applied the regression tree to the Woodcock–Johnson Calculation subtest (it was significantly associated in earlier analyses) and identified 4 clusters based on covariates. Then we used additive models to assess the prenatal MeHg association in each of the four clusters for all seven outcomes. This approach assumes nonlinear associations in each cluster and non-homogeneous associations between clusters. The additive nonlinear analysis yielded prenatal MeHg curves similar to the linear analysis. For the regression tree analysis, the curves relating prenatal MeHg to outcomes between the 4 clusters differed and some crossed at higher prenatal MeHg levels, suggesting non-homogeneity in the upper range of exposure. Additionally, some of the curves suggested a possible non-linear relationship within the range of exposure we studied. This non-linear analysis supports the findings from the linear analysis. It shows little evidence to support an adverse association of prenatal MeHg exposure through maternal consumption of fish contaminated with natural background levels. However, the tree analysis suggests that the prenatal exposure/outcome relationship may not be homogeneous across all individuals and that some subpopulations may have an adverse association in the upper range of the exposures studied. More robust data in the higher levels of exposure in this cohort are needed to confirm this finding.     

THE GALATIA,KANSAS, CHONDRITE

The Galatia meteorite was found in August, 1971, approximately 7 km ENE of Galatia, Barton County, Kansas (98° 53′W., 38° 39.5′N). The single stone weighed 23.9 kg and is partially weathered. Olivine (Fa_24.9) and pyroxene (Fs_20.9) compositions indicate L-group classification, and textural observations indicate that the stone is of petrologic type 6. Galatia is similar in many respects to the Otis L6 chondrite (found 20 km to the west), but it does not have the brecciated structure of Otis and, thus, it is not part of the same fall.     

Oncolites of the Lower Permian ChuanshanFormation in South China and Their Geologicaland Economic Significance

A large amount of oncolites popularly named " Chuanshan balls" occur universally in the Lower Permian Chuanshan Formation in South China. These kinds of oncolites have the following characteristics: wide distribution, huge quantities, large sedimentary thickness and similar characters, which constitute a specific " fashion fades" in geological history. The authors consider that these kinds of oncolites were due to the intense differentiation of the global climate at that time, which resulted in a universal descent of the sea level and breeding of a large amount of algae in sea water over low-latitude areas. According to the distribution and characteristics of the oncolitic, relative relationships between different tectonic blocks may be inferred, diagenetic strength indicated and diagenetic history recovered, and more important, oncolites serve as a favourable reservoir rock, so their study is of great theoretical and economic significance.     

Two‐dimensional continuous simulation of spatiotemporally varied hydrological processes using the time‐area method

Distributed, continuous hydrologic models promote better understanding of hydrology and enable integrated hydrologic analyses by providing a more detailed picture of water transport processes across the varying landscape. However, such models are not widely used in routine modelling practices, due in part to the extensive data input requirements, computational demands, and complexity of routing algorithms. We developed a two‐dimensional continuous hydrologic model, HYSTAR, using a time‐area method within a grid‐based spatial data model with the goal of providing an alternative way to simulate spatiotemporally varied watershed‐scale hydrologic processes. The model calculates the direct runoff hydrograph by coupling a time‐area routing scheme with a dynamic rainfall excess sub‐model implemented here using a modified curve number method with an hourly time step, explicitly considering downstream ‘reinfiltration’ of routed surface runoff. Soil moisture content is determined at each time interval based on a water balance equation, and overland and channel runoff is routed on time‐area maps, representing spatial variation in hydraulic characteristics for each time interval in a storm event. Simulating runoff hydrographs does not depend on unit hydrograph theory or on solution of the Saint Venant equation, yet retains the simplicity of a unit hydrograph approach and the capability of explicitly simulating two‐dimensional flow routing. The model provided acceptable performance in predicting daily and monthly runoff for a 6‐year period for a watershed in Virginia (USA) using readily available geographic information about the watershed landscape. Spatial and temporal variability in simulated effective runoff depth and time area maps dynamically show the areas of the watershed contributing to the direct runoff hydrograph at the outlet over time, consistent with the variable source area overland flow generation mechanism. The model offers a way to simulate watershed processes and runoff hydrographs using the time‐area method, providing a simple, efficient, and sound framework that explicitly represents mechanisms of spatially and temporally varied hydrologic processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

二连盆地白音查干凹陷下白垩统都红木组沉积特征及演化

通过详细的岩芯观察、录测井资料分析,并结合区域地质资料和前人研究成果,对白音查干凹陷下白垩统都红木组的沉积相特征和沉积演化进行了深入研究。结果表明,白音查干凹陷主要发育扇三角洲相、辫状河三角洲相、浊积扇相和湖泊相4种沉积相类型。其中,扇三角洲和浊积扇在陡峭的北坡发育,辫状河三角洲在宽缓的南坡沉积,湖泊相分布在扇三角洲和辫状河三角洲的侧翼及凹陷的中心。都红木组沉积时期白音查干凹陷处于强裂陷向坳陷转化阶段。根据残留地层分布特征,其沉积演化可分为早、中、晚3个时期,从早期至晚期,扇三角洲和辫状河三角洲的面积不断缩小,分别后退了约3km和4-11km,湖泊沉积成为主体。     

Keck AO survey of Io global volcanic activity between 2 and 5 μm

We present in this Keck AO paper the first global high angular resolution observations of Io in three broadband near-infrared filters: Kc (2.3 μm), Lp (3.8 μm), and Ms (4.7 μm). The Keck AO observations are composed of 13 data sets taken during short time intervals spanning 10 nights in December, 2001. The MISTRAL deconvolution process, which is specifically aimed for planetary images, was applied to each image. The spatial resolution achieved with those ground-based observations is 150, 240, and 300 km in the Kc, Lp, and Ms band, respectively, making them similar in quality to most of the distant observations of the Galileo/NIMS instrument. Eleven images per filter were selected and stitched together after being deprojected to build a cylindrical map of the entire surface of the satellite. In Kc-band, surface albedo features, such as paterae (R>60 km) are easily identifiable. The Babbar region is characterized by extremely low albedo at 2.2 μm, and shows an absorption band at 0.9 μm in Galileo/SSI data. These suggest that this region is covered by dark silicate deposits, possibly made of orthopyroxene. In the Lp-Ms (3-5 μm) bands, the thermal emission from active centers is easily identified. We detected 26 hot spots in both broadband filters over the entire surface of the minor planet; two have never been seen active before, nine more are seen in the Ms band. We focused our study on the hot spots detected in both broadband filters. Using the measurements of their brightness, we derived the temperature and area covered by 100 brightness measurements. Loki displayed a relatively quiescent activity. Dazhbog, a new eruption detected by Galileo/NIMS in August 2001, is a major feature in our survey. We also point out the fading of Tvashtar volcanic activity after more than two years of energetic activity, and the presence of a hot, but small, active center at the location of Surt, possibly a remnant of its exceptional eruption detected in February 2001. Two new active centers, labeled F and V on our data, are detected. Using the best temperature and the surface area derived from the L and M band intensities, we calculated the thermal output of each active center. The most energetic hot spots are Loki and Dazhbog, representing respectively 36 and 19% of the total output calculated from a temperature fit of all hot spots (20.6×¹⁰¹² W). Based on the temperature derived from hot spots (∼400 K), our measurement can unambiguously identify the contribution to the heat flux from the silicate portion of the surface. Because the entire surface was observed, no extrapolation was required to calculate that flux. It is also important to note that we measured the brightness of the individual hot spots when they were located close to the Central Meridian. This minimizes the line-of-sight effect which does not follow strictly a classical cosine law. Finally, we argue that despite the widespread volcanic activity detected, Io was relatively quiescent in December 2001, with a minimum mean total output of 0.4-1.2 W m⁻². This output is at least a factor of two lower than those inferred from observations made at longer wavelengths and at different epochs.     

Report of the IAU/IAG Working Group on cartographic coordinates and rotational elements: 2006

Every three years the IAU/IAG Working Group on Cartographic Coordinates and Rotational Elements revises tables giving the directions of the poles of rotation and the prime meridians of the planets, satellites, minor planets, and comets. This report introduces improved values for the pole and rotation rate of Pluto, Charon, and Phoebe, the pole of Jupiter, the sizes and shapes of Saturn satellites and Charon, and the poles, rotation rates, and sizes of some minor planets and comets. A high precision realization for the pole and rotation rate of the Moon is provided. The expression for the Sun’s rotation has been changed to be consistent with the planets and to account for light travel time     

海南博鳌玉带沙海滩冲淤演变及脆弱性分析

玉带沙是海南岛东部博鳌万泉河口的一条细长沙嘴,也是我国重要旅游海滩之一。为了揭示近期玉带沙的冲淤演变趋势,选择了1988年以来4个年份的RS图像,利用现场GPS监测的海滩地形推算出校正后的低潮位水边线,并使用GIS软件计算各年份低潮线以上的玉带沙面积。结果表明：1988～2005年玉带沙呈显著蚀退趋势,平均蚀退70m（4.1m/a）,面积减少35%。分析认为：玉带沙蚀退主要原因是海平面上升和万泉河入海泥沙的减少。在气候变化与人类活动的双重作用下,玉带沙呈现高度脆弱性,值得关注。     

广西钦州湾海域表层沉积物分异特征与规律

根据2008年12月广西钦州湾海域表层沉积物粒度分析结果,结合沉积物结构、地形和水动力条件,探讨了沉积物的分布规律及其作用机制。结果表明,钦州湾海域表层沉积物在横向上,自西向东呈现出西部粗、东部细,分选程度西部好于东部的特征;在纵向上,沉积物粒径呈现由内向外粒径从粗到细的特征,大致在5m水深处存在一个明显的界限,该水深以浅区域的砂含量较高,且主要沉积砂等较粗物质;该水深以深区域以粉砂质黏土为主,砂含量较低。Flemming的三角图式表明,钦州湾海域沉积动力相对较弱。在此基础上,根据水动力差异与物源不同,将研究区划分为5m水深以浅的西部区、5m水深以浅的东部区和5m水深以深的区域等3个沉积区。