Carbon-Oxidizing and Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Mozhaisk Reservoir Soils

The population and distribution of carbon-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing bacteria in the soils of the Mozhaisk Reservoir are studied.     

Optical spectroscopy of the radio pulsar PSR B0656+14

We have obtained the spectrum of a middle-aged PSR B0656+14 in the 4300–9000 Å range with the ESO/VLT/FORS2. Preliminary results show that at 4600–7000 Å the spectrum is almost featureless and flat with a spectral index α _ν ??0.2 that undergoes a change to a positive value at longer wavelengths. Combining with available multiwavelength data suggests two wide, red and blue, flux depressions whose frequency ratio is about 2 and which could be the 1st and 2nd harmonics of electron/positron cyclotron absorption formed at magnetic fields ～10⁸ G in upper magnetosphere of the pulsar.     

Methods and Results of an Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Civilizations

I summarize fully-sampled observations of the 3 mm emission from CO and HCN in the inner arcminute of NGC 1068. The CO emission is distributed in the form of a molecular bar, coincident with the infrared bar, from which emanate two spiral arms. A relatively weak concentration of CO line emission is found at the nucleus. By contrast, the HCN emission is strongly concentrated at the center, with relatively weak emission in the region of the star-forming arms. The ratio of HCN to CO integrated intensities is about 0.6 over the central r ≉ 175 pc and is the highest ratio measured in the center of any galaxy; the ratio reflects the high thermal pressure (TK ~ 50 K, n[H2] ~ 4 × 106 cm-3) in the few hundred parsecs surrounding the nucleus. The kinematics in the star-forming arms are well described by circular orbits, with ordered noncircular motions of < 30 km s-1 that may be attributed to spiral density wave streaming. Interior to the bar, noncircular motions dominate the gas kinematics. A model of the CO kinematics contrains any Inner Lindblad Resonance to be close to the location of the hundred-parsec scale HCN ‘disk’. At the nucleus, the spatially unresolved CO emission shows a triplet velocity structure characteristic of kinematically independent regions. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Determination of deployment specific chemical uptake rates for SPMD and PDMS using a passive flow monitor

Passive sampling techniques facilitate the time-integrated measurement of pollutant concentrations through the use of a selective receiving phase. Accurate quantification using passive sampling devices rely on the implementation of methods that will negate the effects of environmental factors (flow, temperature, etc.) or that will allow the calculation of the chemical specific rates of uptake (R(s)) into the passive sampler employed. We have applied an in situ calibration technique based on the dissolution of gypsum to measure the average water velocity to which a sampler has been exposed. We demonstrate that the loss of gypsum from the passive flow monitor (PFM) can be applied to predict changes in R(s) dependent on flow when using the absorbent SPMD (semipermeable membrane device) and PDMS (polydimethyl siloxan) passive samplers. The application of the PFM will enhance the accuracy of measurements made when calculating and reporting environmental pollutant concentrations using a passive sampling device.     

Natural and technological typomorphic associations of trace elements in carbonaceous rocks of the Kimkan noble metal occurrence, Far East

The results of mineralogical-technological studies of carbonaceous rocks of the Kimkan noble metal occurrence are reported. New typomorphic associations of trace element are revealed using mathematical statistics.     

A Comprehensive Study of the Perseid Stream Bolide Using the Data of the SkyLine Baseline Video Monitoring System

Astronomy Reports - We carried out a detailed study of a bright meteor detected over the Khamar-Daban mountain range on August 12, 2020 at 14:37:35 UT by two automatic video monitoring stations...     

Integrative algorithm of determining ice conditions in Polar Regions by data of satellite microwave radiometry (VASIA2)

In this paper, a new algorithm for determining the concentration of the ice cover in Polar Regions by data of satellite microwave radiometry is considered. The technique of its construction is described in detail; it cardinally differs from the technique of creating present-day algorithms. The new algorithm demonstrates good results in determining the concentration of the ice cover in Polar Regions. The algorithm permits one not only to obtain maps of ice concentration, but also to determine areas of puddles covering the ice-cover surface in summer months. The algorithm is easy-to-use and requires no additional or fitting parameters. At the end of the work, advantages and disadvantages of the new algorithm are discussed.     

Heterotrophic bacteria in urban springs: Krylatskie Kholmy Moscow reserve

A comparative study of the dynamics of Heterotrophic bacteriocenoses was carried out in three springs in the territory of Krylatskie Kholmy reserve in Moscow. The effect of abiotic (including anthropogenic) factors was assessed. Overall, the abundance of heterotrophic bacteria in springs in Krylatskie Kholmy reserve is at the level common for spring water. However, despite the relative closeness of springs, the microbiological characteristics of the “Svyatoi istochnik” spring radically differed from those in the other two springs. In particular, the number of bacteria by inoculation in this spring was always lower. This suggests the higher quality of water in the “Svyatoi istochnik” spring in terms of microbiological characteristics, which is likely due to a lesser anthropogenic effect.     

Year-round cooling and thermal stabilization of water-saturated soils under engineering structures

We consider the problem of year-round cooling of water-saturated soil to freezing temperatures in order to convert it into a state of permafrost.A new soil-cooling apparatus is proposed.The apparatus is to be made in modular form and connected to passive-active thermal piles (thermosyphons).The estimated capacity of one apparatus allows simultaneous use of up to 1,000 thermal piles for ground freezing.The apparatus is based on natural sources of energy:solar radiation and wind;and it can be used for soil freezing.This approach can prevent thawing of soft soils under railways and roads,as well as under buildings or structures,in an area of more than tens of hectares.The apparatus has no mechanical moving parts and can operate for a long time in stand-alone mode without staff involvement.