Hubble Space Telescope photometry of globular clusters in the Sombrero galaxy

We explore the rich globular cluster (GC) system of the nearby Sa galaxy M104, the 'Sombrero' (NGC 4594), using archive Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 data. The GC colour distribution is found to be bimodal at the >99 per cent confidence level, with peaks at     and     . The inferred metallicities are very similar to those of GCs in our Galaxy and M31. However, the Sombrero reveals a much enhanced number of red (metal-rich) GCs compared to other well-studied spirals. Because the Sombrero is dominated by a huge bulge and only has a modest disc, we associate the two subpopulations with the halo and bulge components, respectively. Thus our analysis supports the view that the metal-rich GCs in spirals are associated with the bulge rather than with the disc. The Sombrero GCs have typical effective (half-light) radii of ∼2 pc with the red ones being ∼30 per cent smaller than the blue ones. We identify many similarities between the GC system of the Sombrero and those of both late-type spirals and early-type galaxies. Thus both the GC system and the Hubble type of the Sombrero galaxy appear to be intermediate in their nature.     

II型超新星瞬发爆炸模型的对流不稳定性

本文研究ＩＩ型超新星瞬发爆炸模型中的铁星核在坍缩、反弹和激波传播过程中的对流不稳定性．发现在铁星核内区出现中子指状对流,外区出现Ｓｃｈｗａｒｚｓｃｈｉｌｄ对流,而在声速点和中微子俘陷球之间的过渡区出现Ｌｅｄｏｕｘ对流．在０．７４－０．９１Ｍ间的区域是对流不稳定的活跃区域．     

基于最小二乘配置的九参数模型在三维坐标转换中的应用

运用传统的布尔莎七参数法进行三维坐标转换时,并未考虑到两坐标系统的公共点坐标误差及三个坐标轴缩放比例不均的问题。引入最小二乘配置法,将公共点误差作为随机信号处理,并增加两个尺度参数解决坐标轴缩放比例不均的问题;推导出基于最小二乘配置的九参数模型及其误差方程,通过实验对比分析表明,该方法可以有效地提高坐标转换精度。     

依据化探成果对东昆仑地质背景的讨论

在东昆仑地区 6 0 0 0 0多km2 的地域内 ,按照 4km2 的采样单元 ,共采集了 15 0 0 0多件水系沉积物样品。按照 16km2 的网格加工成 4 0 0 0多件组合样后 ,定量分析了 4 0种微量元素的含量。在对这些数据进行数学处理的基础上 ,利用斜交因子的分析结果 ,讨论了东昆仑地区的区域地层、断裂构造和中酸性岩浆岩的特征。根据区域地球化学成果 ,进一步明确了昆中、昆南断裂对本区地层和侵入岩分布的控制作用。基于元素区域地球化学背景的对比 ,提出了昆中断裂应向东延伸的证据 ,并指出了东大滩、布青山两个地区经历了相似的地质 地球化学作用     

Comparison of isotope pairing and N2:Ar methods for measuring sediment denitrification—Assumption, modifications, and implications

Denitrification has been measured during the last few years using two different methods in particular: isotope pairing measured on a triple-collector isotopic ratio mass spectrometer and N₂:Ar ratios measured on a membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS). This study compares these two techniques in short-term batch experiments. Rates obtained using the original N₂∶Ar method were up to 3 to 4 times higher than rates obtained using the isotope pairing technique due to O₂ reacting with the N₂ during MIMS analysis. Oxygen combines with N₂ within the mass spectrometer ion source forming NO⁺ which reduces the N₂ concentration. The decrease in N₂ is least at lower O₂ concentrations and since oxygen is typically consumed during incubations of sediment cores, the result is often a pseudo-increase in N₂ concentration being interpreted as denitrification activity. The magnitude of this ocygen effect may be instrument specific. The reaction of O₂ with N₂ and the subsequent decrease in N₂ was only partly correctly using an O₂ correction curve for the relationship between N₂ and O₂ concentrations. The O₂ corrected N₂∶Ar denitrification rates were lower, but still did not match the isotope pairing rates and the variability between replicates was much higher. Using a copper reduction column heated to 600°C to remove all of the O₂ from the sample before MIMS analysis resulted in comparable rates (slightly lower), and comparable variability between replicates, to the isotope pairing technique. The N₂:Ar technique determines the net N₂ production as the difference between N₂ production by denitrification and N₂ consumption by N-fixation, while N-fixation has little effect on the isotope pairing technique which determines a rate very close to the gross N₂ production. When the two different techniques were applied on the same sediment, the small difference in rates obtained by the two methods seemed to reflect N-fixation as also supported from measurements of ethylene production in acetylene enriched sediment cores. The N₂:Ar and isotope pairing techniques may be combined to provide simultaneous measurements of denitrification and N-fixation. Both techniques have several assumptions that must be met to achieve accurate rates; a number of tests are outlined that can be applied to demonstrate that these assumptions are being meet.     

Could baseline establishment be counterproductive for emissions reduction? Insights from Vietnam’s building sector

This article provides insights into the role of institutions involved in climate governance working towards a future low-carbon society at the national level, within the global climate change governance architecture. Specifically, it contributes to understanding the fragmented governance of energy efficiency policy in developing countries by focussing on Vietnam’s building sector, identifying key institutions related to underlying discourses, national and international power relations, resource distribution and coalitions. It uses the case of baseline setting in developing Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) to illustrate institutional dynamics, nationally and transnationally, as well as to question whether demands for baseline setting achieve the ideal trade-off between actual GHG emissions reduction and institutionalized demands for accountability. The analysis reveals that, in addition to domestic efforts and challenges, the international agenda greatly influences the energy efficiency policy arena. The article presents lessons to be learnt about policy processes from the specific Vietnamese case, reflecting on the role of international actors and discourses in it. Finally, it argues for the abolition of baselines in favour of adequate monitoring and evaluation, from the perspective that requirement for deviation from fictitious baselines is unproductive and only serves an international techno-managerial discourse.

POLICY RELEVANCE

Baseline establishment is commonly considered an initial step in developing NAMAs, in order to facilitate the demonstration of a deviation from such baselines. The requirement to produce baselines is traditionally not questioned by policy practitioners. Thus, significant development resources are allocated to the establishment of baselines and the bridging of data gaps, often without consideration as to whether baselines are a necessary instrument for NAMA implementation. We suggest omitting the lengthy and resource-consuming practice of establishing baselines and recommend proceeding forthwith to the planning and implementation of mitigation and energy efficiency policies. As conditions vary significantly in different contexts, it would be more appropriate to measure the initial situation, establishing the ‘base point’, and monitor development from that point. The present article might serve as motivation for policymakers to question traditional approaches to policy development and consider alternatives to maximize the cost efficacy of NAMA programmes and facilitate their implementation.     

Mapping fisheries in the German exclusive economic zone with special reference to offshore Natura 2000 sites

Large intensity and diversity of human activities result in an increase in complexity in the utilization of space. This paper describes the fisheries and a method to map fishing efforts and catches of different fleets by combining vessel monitoring system (VMS) data and logbook data. The method makes it possible to explore the spatial and temporal variability of fishing and the potential impacts of proposed management measures on the fisheries. The method is proposed to be used in the development of management plans for marine protected areas such as Natura 2000 sites, designated to protect vulnerable habitats and species.     

Biodiversity and invasibility: Distribution patterns of invasive plant species in the Himalayas,Nepal

Invasive plant species are exerting a serious threat to biological diversity in many regions of the world. To understand plant invasions this study aims to test which of the two plant invasiveness hypotheses; ‘low native diversity' vs. ‘high native diversity', is supported by the regional distribution patterns of invasive plant species in the Himalayas,Nepal. This study is based on data retrieved from published literatures and herbarium specimens. The relationship between invasive plant species distribution patterns and that of native plant species is elucidated by scatter plots, as well as by generalized linear models. The native plant species and invasive plant species have similar distribution patterns and the maximum number of invasive plant species is found in the same altitudinal range where the highest richness for native tree species is found. There is a clear trend of higher invasive plant richness in regions where native tree species richness is relatively high.Consequently, the native plant richness is highest in the central phytogeographic region, followed by the eastern and the western regions, respectively. The invasive plant species also follows a similar trend.Additionally, the invasive plant species richness was positively correlated with anthropogenic factors such as human population density and the number of visiting tourists. This study supports the hypothesis that ‘high native diversity' supports or facilitates invasive plant species. Further, it indicates that nativeand invasive plant species may require similar natural conditions, but that the invasive plant species seem more dependent and influenced by anthropogenic disturbance factors.     

松辽盆地深部反射地震探查

概述了近年来用近垂直反射地震方法研究不同大地构造单元的地壳结构和深部构造问题所取得的基本成果,说明了在松辽盆地内所进行的两次深反射地震探查,包括位置、科学目标、资料采集、处理技术和基本结果,利用延长排列所得到的约42km长共炮点资料,求出松辽盆地地壳平均速度约为6.197km/s。通过初步解释,认为在上部地壳存在多组低角度断裂、中下部地壳构造具有更为复杂的震相、Moho震相比较清晰,多处出现与Moho震相斜交的震相。