Photoelectric photometry and rotation periods of the asteroids 26 Proserpina, 194 Prokne, 287 Nephthys,and 554 Peraga

We present the photoelectric observations of the asteroids 26 Proserpina, 194 Prokne, 287 Nephthys, and 554 Peraga, performed in the years 1977–1978 at the Astronomical Observatory of Torino. The resulting synodic rotation periods are, for Proserpina, 13^h13; Prokne, 15^h67; and Peraga, 13^h63. The period of Nephthys is possibly ～7^h or the double. A tentative value for the phase coefficient of Peraga was found: 0.043 mag/degree.     

Professional conduct of scientists during volcanic crises

Stress during volcanic crises is high, and any friction between scientists can distract seriously from both humanitarian and scientific effort. Friction can arise, for example, if team members do not share all of their data, if differences in scientific interpretation erupt into public controversy, or if one scientist begins work on a prime research topic while a colleague with longer-standing investment is still busy with public safety work. Some problems arise within existing scientific teams; others are brought on by visiting scientists. Friction can also arise between volcanologists and public officials. Two general measures may avert or reduce friction: (a) National volcanologic surveys and other scientific groups that advise civil authorities in times of volcanic crisis should prepare, in advance of crises, a written plan that details crisis team policies, procedures, leadership and other roles of team members, and other matters pertinent to crisis conduct. A copy of this plan should be given to all current and prospective team members. (b) Each participant in a crisis team should examine his or her own actions and contribution to the crisis effort. A personal checklist is provided to aid this examination. Questions fall generally in two categories: Are my presence and actions for the public good? Are my words and actions collegial, i.e., courteous, respectful, and fair? Numerous specific solutions to common crisis problems are also offered. Among these suggestions are: (a) choose scientific team leaders primarily for their leadership skills; (b) speak publicly with a single scientific voice, especially when forecasts, warnings, or scientific disagreements are involved; (c) if you are a would-be visitor, inquire from the primary scientific team whether your help would be welcomed, and, in general, proceed only if the reply is genuinely positive; (d) in publications, personnel evaluations, and funding, reward rather than discourage teamwork. Models are available from the fields of particle physics and human genetics, among others.     

Study of the effect of temperature, irradiance and salinity on growth and yessotoxin production by the dinoflagellate Protoceratium reticulatum in culture by using a kinetic and factorial approach

A complete first order orthogonal plan was used to optimize the growth and the production of yessotoxin (YTX) by the dinoflagellate Protoceratium reticulatum in culture by controlling salinity, temperature and irradiance. Initially, an approach to the kinetic data of cellular density and YTX production for each one of the experimental design conditions was performed. The P. reticulatum growth and YTX production were fitted to logistical equations and to a first-order kinetic model, respectively. The parameters obtained from this adjustment were used as dependent variables for the formulation of the empirical equations of the factorial design tested. The results showed that in practically all the cases for both, P. reticulatum growth and YTX production, irradiance is the primary independent variable and has a positive effect in the range 50-90 micromol photons m(-2) s(-1). Additionally, in certain specific cases, temperature reveals significant positive effects when maintained between 15 and 23 degrees C and salinity in the range of 20-34 displays negative effects. Despite the narrow ranges used in the work, results showed the suitability of factorial analysis to evaluate the optimal conditions for growth and yessotoxin production by the dinoflagellate P. reticulatum.     

Kinematics of Gould's Belt: Model and Observations

Using the available data for nearby stars we derive the velocity ellipsoid of dwarf O-B5.5 stars belonging to the Gould Belt (GB). The resulting vertex deviation for the whole sample is negative (l _v ≈ −70^°) and this value is modified to l _v≈ 20^° when the members of the Pleiades moving group are removed from the sample. This implies the existence of, at least, two different kinematic groups defining the GB system. We also model the evolution of a supershell in the solar neighborhood, and obtain a fit to the shape and kinematics of the gas in GB. Assuming that the expanding shell is also forming stars, we obtain the corresponding velocity fields for the shell and its newly formed stars. The average vertex deviation value resulting from these models for the new stars is l _v≈ 20^°, and is consistent with the observed value when the Pleiades moving group members are excluded from the GB. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Site amplification in the Kathmandu Valley during the 2015 <Emphasis Type="Bold">M</Emphasis>7.6 Gorkha,Nepal earthquake

The 25th April 2015 M7.6 Gorkha earthquake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in both Kathmandu and surrounding areas as well as triggering numerous, large landslides. This resulted in the loss of approximately 8600 lives. In order to learn how the impact of such events can be reduced on communities both in Nepal and elsewhere, the Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team (EEFIT) reconnaissance mission was undertaken, aiming to look at damage patterns within the country. Passive, microtremor recordings in severely damaged areas of the Kathmandu Valley, as well as at the main seismic recording station in Kathmandu (USGS station KATNP) are used to determined preliminary shear wave velocity (V_s) profiles for each site. These profiles are converted into spectral acceleration using the input motion of the Gorkha earthquake. The results are limited, but show clear site amplification within the Siddhitol Region. The resulting ground motions exceed the design levels from the Nepalese Building Codes, indicating the need for site-specific hazard analysis and for revision of the building code to address the effect of site amplification.     

Flounder growth and production as indicators of the nursery value of marsh habitats in a Mediterranean lagoon

Estuarine marshes are known as suitable nursery areas for many marine migrant fishes, such as flounder. The potential nursery value of such habitats was investigated in the Venice lagoon, by using growth and production of 0-group flounder as indicators. Size–frequency distribution analysis was performed on fish samples collected fortnightly, from March 2004 to June 2005, in two marsh sites, Dese and Tessera, differing in their origin and environmental conditions. Samples were mostly composed of juvenile individuals, belonging to 0- and 1-group cohorts (the latter being present in Tessera only). A higher total production, either annual or monthly, and faster growth of 0-group flounder was observed in Dese, associated to a higher ecological performance of 0-group individuals in this site, as indicated by the higher P:B ratio values. Dese is a site located in a marsh complex characterized by the relevant influence of a nearby river, and the observed higher potential nursery value of this marsh area with respect to the other is discussed in the light of the higher trophic status and other environmental conditions in this site. The production results were also compared to those from other estuarine environments commonly acknowledged as important nurseries for European flounder.     

A Marine Biotic Index to Establish the Ecological Quality of Soft-Bottom Benthos Within European Estuarine and Coastal Environments

In this paper, a marine Biotic Index (BI) for soft-bottom benthos of European estuarine and coastal environments is proposed. This is derived from the proportions of individual abundance in five ecological groups, which are related to the degree of sensitivity/tolerance to an environmental stress gradient. The main difference with previously published indices is the use of a simple formula that produces a continuous Biotic Coefficient (BC) – which makes it more suitable for statistical analysis, in opposition with previous discreet biotic indices – not affected by subjectivity. Relationships between this coefficient and a complementary BI with several environmental variables are discussed. Finally, a validation of the proposed index is made with data from systems affected by recent human disturbances, showing that different anthropogenic changes in the environment can be detected through the use of this BI.     

Hydrothermal Processes in the Solar System:A Review

最近美国航空与空间计划署(NASA)开展的卡西尼-惠更斯外空探测计划发现,在直径为500 km的卫星--土卫二上存在水冰和间隙泉的喷发活动.这一现象和在火星上工作的"机遇号"和"勇气号"漫游车所发现的液态水一起,证明了除地球以外的其他星球上过去和现在都存在水,其中的一些星体还有火山活动的证据,这意味着这些星球上可能存在过热液活动地质过程.讨论了火星、木卫二和土卫二可能存在的热液系统类型.这些热液系统类型是根据地球上的构造背景进行相似性研究后得出的,例如海底、火山和裂谷系统.将东非裂谷和贝加尔湖裂谷系统与火星Tharsis高原上巨大的水手大峡谷进行了对比,这些地区都是由地幔柱作用下构造-热液活动导致的地壳抬升、火山和裂谷作用.在火星上,地下冰或低温层会在火山活动和(或)小行星或彗星撞击作用下溶解而形成热液对流.     

The relationship of mantle-derived fluids to gold metallogenesis in the Jiaodong Peninsula: Evidence from D–O–C–S isotope systematics

The largest gold district in China is the Jiaodong Peninsula, where three types of gold deposits are recognized: quartz vein, fracture-altered and breccia types. The first two developed along a group of NE-trending faults and are hosted by granitic intrusions, dated at 160 to 150 Ma (biotite granite) and 130 to 126 Ma (granodiorite), and by metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian crystalline basement. The breccia-type gold system is mainly located around the northern margin of the Jiaolai Cretaceous basin, where mineralisation is controlled by both detachment fractures and NE-trending faults. This study is based on stable isotope determinations from ten gold deposits, including Linglong, Jiaojia, Sanshandao, Cangshang, Wang'ershan, Dayigezhuang, Denggezhuang, Pengjiakuang, Fayunkuang and Dazhuangzi, as well as the Linglong Jurassic biotite granite, Guojialing Cretaceous granodiorite and Archean gneiss. The stable isotope systematics reflect the style of the three types of gold deposits, but also show that they belong to the same metallogenic system, in which the hydrothermal fluids were derived from a mantle fluid reservoir and mixed with crustal fluids. The ore-forming age is later than both the Jurassic biotite granite and Cretaceous granodiotite, but overlaps with the 121 to 114 Ma ages of lamprophyre and diabase dykes. The hydrothermal fluids that were responsible for both gold mineralisation and the retrograde alteration of the diabase and lamprophyre dykes are similar, and represent a CO₂ and potassium-rich system. This fluid system is interpreted to be the consequence of Cretaceous lithospheric thinning, asthenospheric upwelling and mantle degassing in Eastern China.