A refined technique for measuring crystal size distributions in thin section

 Log-normal size distributions are of the form n=n_oe^−L/α, where n=number density, L=crystal length, and α is a constant. A method for measuring three-dimensional log-normal crystal or grain size distributions (CSDs) in thin section has been deduced from computer experiments, in which 2D sections were cut through assemblages of 3D solids. The size ranges and distributions studied were appropriate for igneous microphenocryst to megacryst populations. Conversion from 2D to 3D is based on an exact correction for spheres of uniform diameter. Cumulate numbers of polygons with length≥L (N_2D) are converted to N_3D by the equation: ln(N_3D)=ln(N_2D/[L·S])+ln(γ)−β/[L·S] The number density is then obtained as n=−dN/dL. The parameters S and γ correct the measured lengths and n_o (n_o=number density at L=0) respectively, and are functions of crystal shape. The parameter β is a weak function of the degree of spatial orientation of the crystals. Highly symmetrical shapes such as cubes, octahedra, and elongated prisms can be accurately measured when randomly oriented; however, rectangular solids with a≠b≠c cannot be accurately measured because they produce bimodal length distributions in cross section. Strongly oriented textures (trachytic or lineated) can be accurately measured regardless of crystal shape. New CSD data from alkaline rocks and a kimberlite give examples of CSDs modified by megacryst retention, xenocryst addition, phenocryst accumulation, and groundmass nucleation. Received: 25 November 1994 / Accepted: 14 November 1995     

MONITORING GEOMORPHOLOGICAL DISTURBANCE AND RECOVERY IN COMMERCIALLY LOGGED TROPICAL FOREST, SABAH, EAST MALAYSIA, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT

Resource development in the form of cyclical commercial logging activities results in a short period of often severe land disturbance followed by a prolonged phase of recovery. The monitoring of catchment sediment yield gives some indication of the gross erosion processes within the catchment as a result of the disturbance and may also effectively measure any ameliorative processes. Studies in Ulu Segama, Sabah, East Malaysia, recorded significant increases in stream suspended sediment loads as a result of logging. Stream loads were derived from a combination of daily sample measurements and storm event sampling using automated liquid samplers. Measured loads were then compared to computed loads from sediment discharge rating sets derived from the actual samples. Application of these ratings in the disturbed catchment initially underestimated sediment loads; however, a progressive overestimation of loads occurred as the catchment vegetation recovered. When using sediment rating curves as a tool to measure catchment erosion rates in disturbed environments, considerable caution has to be used. Vegetation recovery is reflected in the rapid recovery of stream water quality, making it necessary to continually review the rating.     

A McDonald Observatory Study of Comet 19P/Borrelly: Placing the Deep Space 1 Observations into a Broader Context

We present imaging and spectroscopic data on Comet 19P/Borrelly that were obtained around the time of the Deep Space 1 encounter and in subsequent months. In the four months after perihelion, the comet showed a strong primary (sunward) jet that is aligned with the nucleus' spin axis. A weaker secondary jet on the opposite hemisphere appeared to become active around the end of 2001, when the primary jet was shutting down. We investigated the gas and dust distributions in the coma, which exhibited strong asymmetries in the sunward/antisunward direction. A comparison of the CN and C₂ distributions from 2001 and 1994 (during times when the viewing geometry was almost identical) shows that each species is remarkably similar, indicating that the comet's activity is essentially repeatable from one apparition to the next. We also measured the dust reflectivities as a function of wavelength and position in the coma, and though the dust was very red overall, we again found variations with respect to the solar direction. We used the primary jet's appearance on several dates to determine the orientation of the rotation pole to be α=214°, δ=−5°. We compared this result to published images from 1994 to conclude that the nucleus is near a state of simple rotation. However, data from the 1911, 1918, and 1925 apparitions indicate that the pole might have shifted by 5-10° since the comet was discovered. Using our pole position and the published nongravitational acceleration terms, we computed a mass of the nucleus of 3.3×10¹⁶ g and a bulk density of 0.49 g cm⁻³ (with a range of 0.29<ρ<0.83 g cm⁻³). This result is the least model-dependent comet density known to date.     

Collaborative governance and territorial rescaling in the UK: a comparative study of two EU Structural Funds programmes

Contemporary capitalist development facilitates the large-scale geographical reorganization of economic activity, involving both spatial clustering and decentralization. In the European Union the resulting regional disparities have provoked concerns about growing inequality on the one hand and poor competitiveness on the other. The concept of ‘territorial cohesion’ has been adopted to address such issues, with the need for co-operation across local, regional and national boundaries encouraged as a means of constructing more effective economic zones. This then raises the question whether the European Union’s own Structural Funds programme has been able to contribute to such collaborative working. Evidence from South Yorkshire/Sheffield in England and the Central Valleys/Cardiff in Wales suggests that any contribution is likely to be modest. Both areas were covered by Objective 1 programmes between 2000 and 2006, but differed markedly in the extent to which collaborative governance structures and processes developed. Key factors were the extent to which moves in this direction were already under way, and the extent to which management and decision-making were devolved from the centre to local and sub-regional actors.     

GSTA is a major glutathione S-transferase gene responsible for 4-hydroxynonenal conjugation in largemouth bass liver

We have previously shown that largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) has a remarkable ability to conjugate 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE), a mutagenic and cytotoxic α,β-unsaturated aldehyde produced during the peroxidation of lipids. In addition, we have isolated a glutathione S-transferase cDNA (bass GSTA) that encodes a recombinant protein which is highly active in 4HNE conjugation and structurally similar to plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) GSTA. In the present study, HPLC-GST subunit analysis revealed the presence of at least two major GST isoforms in bass liver, with one peak constituting 80% of the total bass liver GST protein. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and electrospray ionization analysis of the major bass GST subunit yielded a molecular weight of 26,396 kDa. Endo-proteinase Lys-C digestion and Edman degradation protein sequencing of this GST peak demonstrated that this protein was encoded by bass GSTA. Analysis of genomic DNA fragments isolated by nested PCR indicated the presence of a GST gene cluster in bass liver that contained GSTA, and was similar to a GST gene cluster characterized by Leaver et al., in plaice. Collectively, our data indicates the presence of a major GST in bass liver involved in the protection against oxidative stress. This GST is part of a gene cluster that may be conserved in certain freshwater and marine fish.     

赤道太平洋初级生产力对El Nio事件响应的综合分析

本文依据热带海洋全球大气研究(TOGA),东太平洋海洋环流研究(EPOCS)、西赤道太平洋海洋环流研究(WEPOCS)、表层热带太平洋观测(SURTROPAC)以及太平洋区域观察)PROPPAC)等计划,对1980～1990年期间在赤道太平洋(141.5°E～85°W,10°N～10°S)所调查的生物化学资料进行了分析和比较。所得结果是:东赤道太平洋正常年份初级生产力为500～800mg/(m~2·d),El Ni(?)o期间约为150mg/(m~2·d);西赤道太平洋正常年份初级生产力为200～250rag/(m~2·d),El Ni(?)o期间约为300mg/(m~2·d)。研究结论是:El Ni(?)o期间东赤道太平洋初级生产力较正常年份显著降低,西赤道太平洋初级生产力较正常年份明显增加,生物响应均较显著。     

Parametric vertical coordinate formulation for multiscale, Boussinesq, and non-Boussinesq ocean modeling

Two physical parameters are introduced into the basic ocean equations to generalize numerical ocean models for various vertical coordinate systems and their hybrid features. The two parameters are formulated by combining three techniques: the arbitrary vertical coordinate system of Kasahara [Kasahara, A., 1974. Various vertical coordinate systems used for numerical weather prediction. Mon. Weather Rev. 102, 509–522], the Jacobian pressure gradient formulation of Song [Song, Y.T., 1998. A general pressure gradient formation for ocean models. Part I: Scheme design and diagnostic analysis. Mon. Weather Rev. 126 (12), 3213–3230], and a newly introduced parametric function that permits both Boussinesq (volume-conserving) and non-Boussinesq (mass-conserving) conditions. Based on this new formulation, a generalized modeling approach is proposed. Several representative oceanographic problems with different scales and characteristics––coastal canyon, seamount topography, non-Boussinesq Pacific Ocean with nested eastern Tropics, and a global ocean model––have been used to demonstrate the model’s capabilities for multiscale applications. The inclusion of non-Boussinesq physics in the topography-following ocean model does not incur computational expense, but more faithfully represents satellite-observed ocean-bottom-pressure data. Such a generalized modeling approach is expected to benefit oceanographers in solving multiscale ocean-related problems by using various coordinate systems on the same numerical platform.