On the existence of planets around the pulsar PSR B0329+54

Results of timing measurements of the pulsar PSR B0329+54 obtained in 1968–2012 using the Big Scanning Antenna of the Pushchino Radio Astronomy Observatory (at 102 and 111 MHz), the DSS 13 and DSS 14 telescopes of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (2388 MHz), and the 64 m telescope of the Kalyazin Radio Astronomy Observatory (610 MHz) are presented. The astrometric and rotational parameters of the pulsar are derived at a new epoch. Periodic variations in the barycentric timing residuals have been found, which can be explained by the presence of a planet orbiting the pulsar, with an orbital period P₁ = 27.8 yr, mass m _c sin i = 2M_?, and orbital semi-major axis a = 10.26 AU. The results of this study do not confirm existence of a proposed second planet with orbital period P₂ = 3 yr.     

Stokes-meter observations of the solar mean magnetic field: Probable manifestations of strong small-scale magnetic fields

For many years, information on the solar mean magnetic field (SMMF) of the Sun—an important heliophysical and astrophysical parameter—was restricted to magnetographic measurements in only one spectral line, FeI λ525.02 nm. More informative observations of the Stokes-meter parameters of the SMMF were first initiated on a regular basis at the Sayan Solar Observatory. The availability of I and V data obtained simultaneously in several spectral lines has made it possible to study fundamentally new physical problems. In this paper, based on a comparison of SMMF observations in several spectral lines, we find high correlations in the data and important systematic differences in the magnetic-field strength B, which we interpret as a manifestation of kilogauss magnetic fields in fine-structure magnetic elements. Results of theoretical modeling of the SMMF strength ratios for the FeI λ525.02 nm-FeI λ524.70 nm and FeI λ630.15 nm-FeI λ630.25 nm lines are presented. The asymmetries of the V profiles of four lines near the FeI λ525.02 nm line are examined; these lines are important diagnostics for studies of small-scale dynamical processes. The Sayan Solar Observatory SMMF measurements are in good consistency with the Wilcox Solar Observatory data for 2003: for a comparison of N = 137 pairs of points in the two data sets, the correlation coefficient ρ is 0.92 for the linear regression between the datasets B_WSO = 0.03(±0.05) + 0.93(±0.03)B_SSO.     

3D Doppler Tomography of the X-Ray Binary System Cygnus X-1 from Spectral Observations in 2007 in the HeII λ 4686 Å Line

The results of a 3D Doppler tomography analysis for the X-ray binary system Cyg X-1 in the HeII λ 4686 Å line are presented. Information about the motions of gaseous flows outside the orbital plane has been obtained for the first time. Line profiles obtained in June 2007 on the 2-m telescope of the Terskol Branch of the Institute of Astronomy (Russia) and on the 2.1-m telescope of the National Astronomical Observatory of Mexico were used. A detailed analysis of these spectral data is presented: the distribution of the data in time, distribution of orbital phases for the projections, comparison of the line profile shapes for the data from two observatories. The geometry of the total transfer function obtained in the reconstruction is considered. The possibility of applying the profiles obtained to realize 3D tomography is justified. The resolution of the constructed 3D tomogram in velocity space is 60 × 60 × 40 km/s for V _x , V _y , V _z . Fifteen cross sections for 15 different V _z values perpendicular to the orbital plane are presented. The intensity distributions corresponding to the velocities of gaseous structures in the binary system are obtained. The reconstruction was realized using the radio-astronomical approach, developed for solving problems in tomography with a limited number of projections.     

Spectral-temporal evolution of low-frequency pulsations in the microwave radiation of solar flares

Low-frequency pulsations of 22 and 37 GHz microwave radiation detected during solar flares are analyzed. Several microwave bursts observed at the Metsähovi Radio Observatory are studied with time resolutions of 100 and 50 ms. A fast Fourier transformation with a sliding window and the Wigner-Ville method are used to obtain frequency-time diagrams for the low-frequency pulsations, which are interpreted as natural oscillations of coronal magnetic loops; the dynamical spectra of the pulsations are synthesized for the first time. Three types of low-frequency fluctuations modulating the flare microwave radiation can be distinguished in the observations. First, there are fast and slow magneto-acoustic oscillations with periods of 0.5–0.8 s and 200–280 s, respectively. The fast magneto-acoustic oscillations appear as trains of narrow-band signals with durations of 100–200 s, a positive frequency drift dν/dt=0.25 MHz/min, and frequency splitting δν=0.01–0.05 Hz. Second, there are natural oscillations of the coronal magnetic loops as equivalent electrical circuits. These oscillations have periods of 0.5–10 s and positive or negative frequency drift rates dν/dt=8×10^?3 Hz/min or dν/dt=?1.3×10^?2 Hz/min, depending on the phase of the radio outburst. Third, there are modulations of the microwave radiation by short periodic pulses with a period of 20 s. The dynamical spectra of the low-frequency pulsations supply important information about the parameters of the magnetic loops: the ratio of the loop radius to its length r/L≈0.1, the plasma parameter β≈10^?3, the ratio of the plasma densities outside and inside the loop ρ_e/ρ_i≈10^?2, and the electrical current flowing along the loop I≈10¹² A.     

Stability and phase relations of nonstoichiometric clinopyroxenes in the join diopside-Ca-Eskola component at high pressures

The stability of nonstoichiometric clinopyroxenes in the Di-CaEsk join was experimentally studied, and phase diagrams were constructed for this join at pressures of 2.0 and 3.0 GPa. It was found that melting in the diopside part of the join occurs at anomalously low temperatures, and nonstoichiometric clinopyroxene coexists with a phase approaching diopside in composition. Phase relations along the Di-CaEsk join can be described and consistently interpreted only assuming that the diopside phase (α-diopside) is thermodynamically stable. The following phase volumes were observed along the solidus of the join at a pressure of 3.0 GPa: Cpx, αDi+Cpx, αDi+Cpx+Qtz, αDi+Cpx+Grt+Qtz, Cpx+Grt+Qtz, Cpx+Grt+Ky+Qtz, Grt+Ky+Qtz. Melting occurs via the eutectic reaction αDi+Cpx+Grt+Qtz=L at a temperature of about 1200°C in the diopside part of the system and via the eutectic reaction Cpx+Grt+Ky+Qtz=L at a temperature of 1400°C in the calcium-rich part of the system. At a pressure of 2.0 GPa, melting occurs at temperatures of 1200–1300°C via the eutectic reaction αDi+Cpx+ An + Qtz=L. The invariant equilibrium (L, An, Cpx, Grt, αDi, Qtz) lies within the pressure range 2.0–3.0 GPa. Nonstoichiometric clinopyroxenes form complex solid solutions, the compositions of which are not strictly confined to the Di-CaEsk join and depend on temperature, pressure, and phase association. Grossular garnets coexist with nonstoichiometric clinopyroxenes and α-diopside.     

Parameters of V404 Cyg—A black-hole binary

We present the results of spectroscopic observations of the X-ray binary V404 Cyg obtained on the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory in 2001–2002. We have used a statistical approach to interpret the radial-velocity curve of V404 Cyg. We derived the dependence of the mass of the X-ray emitting component m_x on the mass of the optical component m_v via an analysis of the radial-velocity curve based on profiles of the CaI 6439.075 Å absorption line synthesized in a Roche model. Using the orbital inclination estimated from the ellipticity of the optical component, i=54°–64°, and the component-mass ratio q=m_x/m_v=16.7 found from the rotational broadening of the spectral lines, we obtain m _s =10.65±1.95M_⊙ for the mass of the black hole.     

A review of the plant-based traditions of the Cocoa Panyols of Trinidad

This paper reviews the plants used by Spanish speakers in Trinidad and Tobago as documented in a 1994 publication. The plant uses were reviewed to determine whether the plants and uses were different from other ethnic groups in Trinidad and the wider region and to draw conclusions from the review. The review covers 148 plants. With few exceptions, the plants were Native and so were the uses. Several plants have been little studied (Ambroisa cumanensis, Aristolochia rugosa, Bauhinia cumanensis, Bauhinia excisa, Begonia humilis, Croton conduplicatus, Croton flavens, Cyperus diffusus, Desmodium incanum, Fleurya aestuans, Heliconia bihai). The Cocoa Panyols retained the knowledge of at least two plants first described in the 1800s that were no longer mentioned to researchers in Trinidad and Tobago after 1981 by the rest of the population. The Cocoa Panyols preserved their cultural and linguistic heritage by concentrating on cocoa growing in rural areas and their movement from place to place to establish cocoa plantations may account for the uniformity of information on ethnomedicine in Trinidad, which additionally is similar to medicinal plant knowledge of the original populations of South America.     

Early Triassic palynomorphs from Kuraloi Block,Belphar area,Ib-River coalfield,Mahanadi basin,Odisha

A rich assemblage of palynomorphs including miospores and megaspores has been recorded from the bore core no. IBKAN-2 drilled at a depth of 17.80m in Kuraloi Block-A, south-west part of the Ib-River Coalfield, Jharsuguda district, Odisha. The miofloral assemblage recovered shows prominence of cingulate, zonate, taeniate, non-striate and non saccate palynotaxa which indicate an early Triassic age and is comparable with the palynoassemblages of the same age known from the Damodar basin, India. The megaspore assemblage includes eight genera and fifteen species namely, Banksisporites karanpuraensis, B. indicus, B. utkalensis, Banksisporites sp., Barakarella pantii, Barakarella sp., Biharisporites spinosus, Biharisporites sp., Erlansonisporites triassicus, Erlansonisporites cf. erlansonii, Erlansonisporites sp. Jhariatriletes sp., Singhisporites sp., Ramispinatispora sp. and Talchirella trivedii. Records of megaspores are sparse in the early Triassic of Gondwana basins of India. The present study records the first occurrence of miospores and megaspores from the early Triassic of Mahanadi basin besides substantiating the earlier data.     

Analysis of 3D Doppler Tomography of the X-ray Binary System Cygnus X-1 from Spectral Observations in 2007 in the HeII λ 4686 Å Line

This is the second paper in a series dedicated to studies of the X-ray binary Cyg X-1 in the HeII λ 4686 Å line using 3D Doppler tomography. A detailed analysis of the tomogram constructed has made it possible for the first time to obtain information about the motions of gaseous flows including all three velocity components. The observations were obtained in June 2007 at the Terskol Branch of the Institute of Astronomy (Russia) and the National Astronomical Observatory of Mexico. The correctness of the tomographic results and their discussion is analyzed. The results are compared with a 2D Doppler tomogram reconstruction. Model-atmosphere computations of HeII λ 4686 Å line profiles are used to estimate the influence of absorption features of the Osupergiant on the emission structure in the tomogram. The correctness of the 3D solutions is confirmed by the good agreement between the original sequence of spectral data and a control data set computed using the constructed 3D Doppler tomogram. Tomograms constructed using the data of each of the two observatories are compared. The results of the reconstruction for inclinations of the system of 40° and 45° essentially coincide. The maximum absorption (corresponding to the O supergiant) and emission structural features in the 3D tomogram are located in its central (V _x , V _y ) section, where the velocity component perpendicular to the orbital plane V _z is zero. The emission is generated mainly in the outer part of the accretion structure, close to the supergiant. A gaseous stream from the Lagrangian point L1 with its motion close to the orbital plane can be distinguished. Its maximum velocity reaches 800 km/s. The identification of an emission structure with V _z ~ 300 km/s and with V _x , V _y in the velocity interval corresponding to the donor star was unexpected. Its presence may indicate, for example, an outflow of matter from a magnetic pole of the supergiant.     

Biostratigraphy and floristic evolution of coal swamp floras of a part of Talcher Basin,India: a window on a Permian temperate ecosystem

The present megafloral assemblage recorded from the Barakar sediments of Dholpahar section along Singda rivulet near Gopal Prasad Village in Talcher Basin comprises of equisetaceous stems, Gangamopteris buriadica, Palaeovittaria kurzii and 19 species of the genus Glossopteris. Record of Gangamopteris, Palaeovittaria and many narrow mesh forms of Glosspteris viz., G. angustifolia, G. churiensis, G. communis, G. recurva, G. spatulata, G. stenoneura, G. tenuifolia, G. vulgaris and G. zeilleri from two older fossiliferous horizons demonstrates that these fossils were preserved during Lower Barakar sedimentation. The report of middle and broad mesh forms of Glossopteris viz., G. barakarensis, G. browniana, G. indica, G. intermittens, G. karharbariensis, G. nakkarea, G. oldhamii, G. taeniensis and G. retifera in the youngest fossiliferous horizons reveals that these fossils were preserved during the deposition of Upper Barakar sediments. The continuation of some of the Karharbari plant fossils in the early phase of Barakar Formation and their disappearance in the flora of Late Barakar suggests a shift in the climatic setup. Palaeoclimate and palaeovegetation of this area are also summarised in this study. Moreover, the fossil assemblages of different fossiliferous beds of Dholpahar section demonstrate the evolution of midrib and meshes in different reticulate leaves.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salpingoporella</Emphasis> (dasycladalean algae) species from the Lower Cretaceous carbonate facies of Kopet Dagh basin (NE Iran)

Salpingoporella species from algal bearing of Barremian-Aptian limestones in the Kopet Dagh basin (NE of Iran) are described. Different species (S. cemi, S. hasi, S. heraldica, S. hispanica, S. milovanovici, S. muehlmbergi, S. parapiriniae, S. piriniae, S. cf. biokovensis, S. steinhauseri, S. polygonalis) are investigated from different biometrical aspects such as depositional environments and biogeographical distribution as well as their systematic palaeontology from two formations (the Tirgan and Sarcheshmeh formations) in nine stratigraphic sections.     

HeII <Emphasis Type="Italic">λ</Emphasis>304 emission above sunspot umbrae

Observations of sunspot umbrae in the HeII λ304 Å and HeI λ10830 Å lines are analyzed and compared. Spectral observations in the HeI λ10830 line obtained on the Large Non-Eclipse Solar Coronograph of the Sayan Solar Observatory are used, together with HeII λ304 data obtained with the SOHO/EIT and CORONAS-f spacecraft. The contrast in the HeII λ304 line was chosen as an indicator of the UV flux. The dependences of the contrast in the HeII λ304 line and the parameters of the HeI λ10830 IR triplet on the sunspot area are obtained. The sunspot areas were determined using white-light images. A division of the dependences of the parameters of the HeI λ10830 and HeII λ304 lines on the sunspot area into two branches can be distinguished for leading and trailing sunspots. Possible origins of this behavior of the line parameters are discussed.     

Probabilistic seismic hazard assessment in the Constantine region,Northeast of Algeria

This paper presents a seismic hazard evaluation and develops an earthquake catalogue for the Constantine region over the period from 1357 to 2014. The study contributes to the improvement of seismic risk management by evaluating the seismic hazards in Northeast Algeria. A regional seismicity analysis was conducted based on reliable earthquake data obtained from various agencies (CRAAG, IGN, USGS and ISC). All magnitudes (M _l, m _b) and intensities (I ₀, I _MM, I _MSK and I _EMS) were converted to M _s magnitudes using the appropriate relationships. Earthquake hazard maps were created for the Constantine region. These maps were estimated in terms of spectral acceleration (SA) at periods of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 s. Five seismogenic zones are proposed. This new method differs from the conventional method because it incorporates earthquake magnitude uncertainty and mixed datasets containing large historical events and recent data. The method can be used to estimate the b value of the Gutenberg-Richter relationship, annual activity rate λ(M) of an event and maximum possible magnitude M _max using incomplete and heterogeneous data files. In addition, an earthquake is considered a Poisson with an annual activity rate λ and with a doubly truncated exponential earthquake magnitude distribution. Map of seismic hazard and an earthquake catalogue, graphs and maps were created using geographic information systems (GIS), the Z-map code version 6 and Crisis software 2012.     

Biostratigraphy of the Çeşmeler and Elmalι Dere formations: First records of upper Cretaceous planktonic foraminifera and radiolarians from the Eastern Pontides (Maçka,Trabzon, Turkey)

Upper Cretaceous pelagic deposits outcropping in the Maçka (Trabzon) region include radiolarians and pelagic foraminifera. The Çatak Group represented by the volcano-sedimentary successions consists of three formations having different properties. Two sections, ÇTK1 and ÇTK2, are selected from the Çe meler and Elmalι Dere formations, respectively, establishing the biostratigraphy of outcropping sedimentary units. A total of 17 species of Whiteinella, Helvetoglobotruncana, Marginotruncana, Dicarinella, Praeglobotruncana, Archaeoglobigerina and Hedbergella demonstrating the early Turonian–Coniacian are established in the ÇTK1 stratigraphic section. The early Turonian radiolarian fauna consisting of Halesium sexangulum Pessagno, 1971, Crucella cachensis Pessagno, 1971, Stichomitra communis Squinabol, 1903 is also defined in the same section. A total of 30 species of Crucella, Halesium, Pessagnobrachia, Patulibracchium, Alievium, Archaeospongoprunum, Dicyomitra, Stichomitra, Diacanthocapsa, Dactiyliodiscus, Amphipydax, Pseudoaulophocus, Acaeniotyle, Archaeodictyomitra, Actinomma, Xitus, Neosciadocapsidae characterizing the early and late Turonian, as well as the Coniacian–early Santonian are recognized from red-coloured pelagic limestones of the ÇTK2 section. Also, planktonic foraminifera species of Marginotruncana, Hedbergella, Heterohelix, Globotruncana, Globotruncanita, Archaeoglobigerina, Dicarinella characterizing the Coniacian–Santonian are described in the thin sections of the same samples. The age of red-coloured limestones is identified as the Coniacian–Santonian benefit from radiolarians and pelagic foraminifera. Consequently, radiolarians and pelagic foraminifera within sedimentary successions of the investigation area are distributed in two intervals that coincide with the early Turonian–Coniacian and Coniacian–Santonian intervals.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">BVRI</Emphasis>Hα CCD photometry of the spiral galaxy NGC 3184

We have carried out BVRIHα CCD surface photometry of the spiral galaxy with active star formation NGC 3184 using the 1-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory. B and Hα data from the ING Archive (La Palma Observatory) were also used. We consider the structure and radial brightness distribution of the galaxy. Stellar populations in different regions of the galaxy are analyzed using two-color diagrams. We have identified and studied star-forming regions in NGC 3184 and estimated their ages based on evolutionary modeling.     

The gas emission spectrum in a star-forming region in the BCD galaxy VII Zw 403 (UGC 6456)

Observations with the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory obtained with the MPFS panoramic spectrograph and a slit spectrograph with the SCORPIO focal reducer are used to analyze the emission spectrum of the ionized gas in a star-forming region in the BCD galaxy VII Zw 403. We present images of the galaxy’s central region in Hα, Hβ, [SII], and [OIII], together with maps of the relative [OIII]/Hβ and [SII]/Hα intensities. We have determined the parameters of the gas in bright ionized supershells, and estimated the relative abundances of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur; a low relative N/O abundance was detected.     

Compressibility of Sands of Various Geologic Origins at Pre-crushing Stress Levels

This study quantifies the influence of various intrinsic soil properties including particle roundness, R, sphericity, S, 50% size by weight, D ₅₀, coefficient of uniformity, C _u, and the state property of relative density, D _r, on the compression and recompression indices, C _c and C _r, of sands of various geologic origins at pre-crushing stress levels. Twenty-four sands exhibiting a wide range of particle shapes, gradations, and geologic origins were collected for the study. The particle shapes were determined using a computational geometry algorithm which allows characterization of a statistically large number of particles in specimens. One dimensional oedometer tests were performed on the soils. The new data was augmented with many previously published results. Through statistical analyses, simple functional relationships are developed for C _c and C _r. In both cases, the models utilized only R and D _r since other intrinsic properties proved to have lesser direct influence on the compression indices. However, previous studies showed that the contributions of S and C _u are felt through their effects on index packing void ratios and thus on D _r. The accuracy of the models was confirmed by comparison of predicted and observed C _c and C _r values.     

The biostratigraphic and paleoecological importance of the subsurface Carboniferous microfossil assemblages from Faghur-1x well,Western Desert of Egypt

The microfossil assemblages of subsurface Carboniferous rocks from Faghur-1x were examined and identified. Their biostratigraphical and paleoenvironmental importance were investigated. The assemblage included well-preserved foraminifera like Omphalotis omphalota, Omphalotis sp. 2, Omphalotis sp. 3, Paraarchaediscus stilus, Paraarchaediscus koktjubensis, Archaediscus krestovnikovi, Archaediscus complanatus, Archaediscus inflatus, Archaediscus karreri, Diplosphearina inequalis, Eotubertina sp., Tetrataxis conica, Cribrostomum lecomptei, Palaeotextularia angulata, and Palaeotextularia longiseptata. This foraminiferal association indicates the late Viséan-early Serpukhovian. The other microfossils are gastropods, brachiopods, ostracods, crinoidal ossicles, frond-like fenestrate bryozoan types and stick-like colonies, echinoderms, microproblematica like Draffania biloba and algal Calcisphaera and the dasyclad Koninckopora. This microfossils assemblage points to the deposition in a restricted to open platform in a lagoonal framework environment. The Tehenu Basin is the eastern segment of northern African Sahara basins that provided refuge for the foraminiferal genera through the mass extinction events during the glacial Viséan-Serpukhovian times. However, its foraminiferal associations have lower diversities than the western basins, which indicate that it was more readily affected by the mass extinction event.     

Smaller foraminifers from type sections of the Bolorian stage,the Lower Permian of Darvaz

Smaller foraminifers from Upper Yakhtashian and Bolorian deposits of the stratotype area (Pamir, Darvaz, Tajikistan) are investigated. Four assemblages are defined. The first assemblage is from Chalaroschwagerina vulgaris-Pamirina darvasica Zone. The second assemblage found in the transitional Yakhtashian-Bolorian beds includes Globivalvulina, Palaeotextulariidae, Hemigordiidae, and Glomospira, associated with the first Pachyphloia and Langella forms. Characteristic taxa of third assemblage from the Misellina (Brevaxina) dyhrenfurthi Zone are Geinitzinidae, Globivalvulina, Palaeotextulariidae, Glomospira, and rare Pachyphloia. The forth assemblage of Hemigordiidae, Pachyphloia, Palaeotextulariidae, Geinitzinidae, Pseudoagathammina is identified in the M. (Misellina) parvicostata Zone. The assemblages were compared with concurrent analogs from China, Japan, and Russia. New species and subspecies Glomospira paleograndis sp. nov., G. darvasica sp. nov., Agathammina darvasica sp. nov., Pachyphloia darvasica sp. nov., Nodosinelloides cubanicus elongatus subsp. nov., and Hemigordius saranensis darvasicus subsp. nov. are described.     

Community vulnerability to hazards: introducing local expert knowledge into the equation

The accuracies of three different evolutionary artificial neural network (ANN) approaches, ANN with genetic algorithm (ANN-GA), ANN with particle swarm optimization (ANN-PSO) and ANN with imperialist competitive algorithm (ANN-ICA), were compared in estimating groundwater levels (GWL) based on precipitation, evaporation and previous GWL data. The input combinations determined using auto-, partial auto- and cross-correlation analyses and tried for each model are: (i) GWL _t?1 and GWL _t?2; (ii) GWL _t?1, GWL _t?2 and P _t ; (iii) GWL _t?1, GWL _t?2 and E _t ; (iv) GWL _t?1, GWL _t?2, P _t and E _t ; (v) GWL _t?1, GWL _t?2 and P _t?1 where GWL _t , P _t and E _t indicate the GWL, precipitation and evaporation at time t, individually. The optimal ANN-GA, ANN-PSO and ANN-ICA models were obtained by trying various control parameters. The best accuracies of the ANN-GA, ANN-PSO and ANN-ICA models were obtained from input combination (i). The mean square error accuracies of the ANN-GA and ANN-ICA models were increased by 165 and 124% using ANN-PSO model. The results indicated that the ANN-PSO model performed better than the other models in modeling monthly groundwater levels.