The XMM‐LSS cluster sample and its cosmological applications: Prospects for the XMM next decade

The well defined selection function of the XMM‐LSS surveys enables a simultaneous modelling of the observed cluster number counts and of the evolution of the L_X‐T_X relation. We present results pertaining to the first 5 deg² for a well controlled sample comprising 30 objects: they are compatible with the WMAP3 parameter set along with cluster selfsimilar evolution. Extending such a survey to 200 deg² would (1) allow discriminating between the major scenarios of the cluster L_X‐T_X evolution and (2) provide a unique self‐sufficient determination of σ⁸ and Γ with an accuracy of ∼5% and 10% respectively, when adding mass information from weak lensing and S‐Z observations. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

On optimum turning configurations with fixed-fin stabilization

Linear turning theory is applied to find the fixed fin size and location that optimize turning performance, for a given degree of stability. It is shown that configurations having the same stability can be designed with a range of turning ability, and vice versa     

Galaxy clustering in two dimensions: Some analytic results

The key results of Fall, Saslaw, and Kandrup regarding the early stages of galaxy clustering are reformulated here for the model problem of two-dimensional gravity with anr ^–1-interaction force. This should lead to new insights into the various physical processes involved and, more importantly, may prove of some use in interpreting numerical results obtained from two-dimensionalN-body simulations. The calculations suggest that, for a two-, rather than three-dimensional system, the correlational energy density should grow more rapidly with time, but should exhibit only a weak logarithmic dependence upon the typical particle speed. Various other measures of the clustering are independent of the dimensionality.     

Geology of large impact craters on Ganymede: Implications on thermal and tectonic histories

The geometry of the furrows of Galileo Regio indicates that they are not of impact origin, and irrelevant to discussion about large impact effects. The detailed study of three large impact basins indicates that their transient cavity radii are different from previously reported values. Because of the relations between crater's size and lithospheric thickness, these new values of basins radii would constrain further models of Ganymede's thermal evolution. The geometry of lineaments around these three basins, which occurred on grooved terrains, indicates that these impacts induced tectonic motions along a preexisting planetary wide grid pattern. This pattern influenced also the formation of the furrows on Galileo Regio. That would indicate that the grooved terrains are only superficial layers and that they were formed without destruction or rotation of their basement.     

Starspot modelling of the RS CVn binary HK lacertae

Investigating more than 270 nightly mean magnitudes of the long-period RS CVn binary HK Lac, we can draw some conclusions about the nature of its complicated light variations. The mean brightness, the apparent photometric period, and the shape of the light curve all show strong variations. Analysis with a starspot model, assuming two large spots and a general uniform spottedness, indicates two comparably large spots which appear to have maintained their separate identities for the last 15 yr and drifted in longitude separation from each other smoothly by only about 45°. The phase of the two spots indicates both are rotating very nearly synchronously with the orbital motion, one slightly (0.025%) faster and the other slightly (0.080%) slower. the latitudes of the two spots, one farther above the equator and one closer to the equator, are consistent with solar-type differential rotation and yield an estimate of 25±12° for the co-rotating latitude. A correlation between mean spot latitude and instantaneous photometric period yields another estimate of 31±2°, in agreement with the first.     

Computation of large-scale parameters for dispersion in fissured porous medium using finite-volume method

In this work, we are interested in solute transport in fissured porous media. The medium is considered as a special case of a two-region system, and a two-equation model previously obtained from a volume averaging technique is used to derive large-scale dispersion coefficients. These coefficients are obtained as solutions of a set of closure problems and the main objective of this work is to present an efficient method to solve these closure problems. The method makes use of an unstructured grid and special techniques to take into account the fissure network. Results are compared with other existing methods on simple fissured media. Finally, the technique is applied to a complex structure.     

东北平原海伦空气孢粉分析

为研究我国温带地区的空气孢粉 ,在东北平原黑龙江省海伦农业生态站离地面以上1 0 m处 ,装置库尔风标花粉仪 ,收集了一年的空气孢粉样品 ,分析结果表明 ,全年空气孢粉有 72个植物的科属 ,其中木本植物 1 8个 ,草本植物 5 2个 ,蕨类植物 2个。最主要的孢粉是桦属、杨属、柳属、栎属、蒿属、藜科 ,禾本科。全年空气孢粉浓度有两个高峰期 ,4月中至 5月底为木本植物花粉高峰期 ,8月初至 9月中为草本植物花粉高峰期 ,全年空气孢粉最高值在 5月中旬 3 4 .3万粒 / 1 0 0 0 m3 空气 ,其次 8月底 3 0 .7万粒 / 1 0 0 0 m3 空气 ,全年空气孢粉最低值在 2月初 ,为 1 0 0粒 / 1 0 0 0 m3空气。本地区引发呼吸道疾病的致敏花粉 ,主要有春季型的桦属和杨属花粉 ,秋季型有蒿属、豚草属、藜科和禾本科花粉。     

Nouvelles données pétrographiques et structurales sur le magmatisme du Sud du bassin de Morondava (Sud-Ouest de Madagascar)

New petrological and geochemical data are presented on basic igneous rocks from the south of the Morondova basin located in the southwestern part of Madagascar. The structural setting is well defined and, with the aid of a schematic map, the spatial relationships between the magmatic centres and major faults can be deduced from seismic data. On the other hand, new petrographic and geochemical data enable the different types of basaltic magmatism manifested in this area to be distinguished. It appears that tholeiitic magmatism evolved towards transitional magmatism from the south to the north of the Morondava basin. This geochemical evolution of basaltic magmatism can be linked to the initiation of rifting between Madagascar and Africa along the Mozambique channel and the length of the Davie ridge associated with the opening of the Indian ocean. These observations, together with structural data and recently obtained geochronological data, contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism and evolution of Madagascan rifting.