Constraining the Parameters of AGN Jets

Comparing the properties AGN and Herbig-Haro jets can be a useful exercise for understanding the physical mechanisms at work in collimated outflows that propagate in such different environments. In the case of Herbig-Haro jets, the presence of emission lines in the spectra and the continuous evolution of the observation techniques greatly favor our knowledge of the physical parameters of the jets instead, for AGN jets, the process of constraining the jet parameters is hampered by the nature of the emission from these objects that is non-thermal. I will discuss how one cannot directly constrain the basic parameters of extragalactic jets by observations but must treat and interpret the data either by statistical means or by comparing observed and simulated morphologies in order to gain some indications on the values of these parameters.     

Trace metals in the Western Pacific: temporal and spatial variability in the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Mn and Ni

Profiles of total dissolvable Cd, Cu, Mn and Ni are reported for samples collected from the southwest Pacific in 1989, from the western equatorial Pacific along 155°E at 5°S, 0° and 5°N in 1990 and 1993, and along the equator from 143°E to 152°E and in the Bismarck Sea in 1997 and 2000. Profiles of Cd along 155°E in 1990 and along the equator were essentially the same but, in 1993, Cd values at 5°N were higher by a factor of about 1.5–2 than at 5°S over the depth range 500–1500 m. Similar, but less pronounced, differences were observed for PO₄ and Ni. Cd and Ni were both strongly correlated with PO₄, and an even stronger correlation was found between Ni and Cd. The concentration of Ni did not fall below ≈2 nmolkg⁻¹, even in the nitrate-depleted waters of the western equatorial Pacific, where primary production is strongly dependent on recycled nitrogen (mainly ammonia and urea). It is proposed that this residual Ni is not bioavailable and that Ni could be biolimiting, since the metabolism of urea requires the nickel-containing enzyme urease. The impact of the Sepik River on Cd, Cu and Ni concentrations was small but elevated concentrations of Mn were observed near the Sepik River and close to the coast suggesting that the rivers and sediments on the north coast of New Guinea are a significant local source of Mn to the Bismarck Sea. Simple mass balance calculations show that the elevated levels of Mn observed in the Equatorial Undercurrent cannot be due to input from the rivers of New Guinea and they were attributed to the trapping of particulate matter due to strong current shear. A strong hydrothermal source of Mn was observed in the central Bismarck Sea.     

Assumption and elimination of trace elements in Adélie penguins from Antarctica: a preliminary study

The concentration and distribution of some trace elements were determined in stomach contents, excreta and feathers of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) breeding at Edmonson Point (Terra Nova Bay-Antarctica). In these materials obtained by non-destructive methods, concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead measured were used to establish natural levels of these metals in the penguins' diet. An intake-excretion hypothesis was formulated.     

An original semi‐discrete approach to assess gas conductivity of concrete structures

For civil engineering structures with a tightness role, structural permeability is a key issue. In this context, this paper presents a new proposition of a numerical modelling of leakage rate through a cracked concrete structure undergoing mode I cracking. The mechanical state of the material, considered in the framework of continuum mechanics based on finite element modelling, is described by means of the stress‐based nonlocal damage model which takes into account the stress state and provides realistic local mechanical fields. A semi‐discrete method based on the strong discontinuity approach to estimate crack opening is then considered in the post‐treatment phase. Using a Poiseuille's like relation, the coupling between the mechanical state of the material and its dry gas conductivity is performed. For validation purposes, an original experimental campaign is conducted on a dry concrete disc loaded in a splitting setup. During the loading, gas conductivity and digital image correlation analysis are performed. The comparison with the 3D experimental mechanical global response highlights the performance of the mechanical model. The comparison between crack openings measured by digital image correlation and estimated by the strong discontinuity method shows a good agreement. Finally, the results of the semi‐discrete approach coupled with the gas conductivity compared with experimental data show a good estimation of the structural conductivity. Consequently, if the mechanical problem is well modelled at the global scale, then the proposed approach provides good estimation of gas conductivity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Were merely storm-landslides driven by the 2015-2016 Niño in the Mendoza River valley?

Since Holocene time, above-mean precipitations recorded during the El Niño warm ENSO phase have been linked to the occurrence of severe debris flows in the arid Central Andes. The 2015–2016 El Niño, for its unusual strength, began driving huge and dangerous landslides in the Central Andes (32°) in the recent South Hemisphere summer. The resulting damages negatively impacted the regional economy. Despite this, causes of these dangerous events were ambiguously reported. For this reason, a multidisciplinary study was carried out in the Mendoza River valley. Firstly, a geomorphological analysis of affected basins was conducted, estimating morphometric parameters of recorded events such as velocity, stream flow, and volume. Atmospheric conditions during such events were analyzed, considering precipitations, snow cover, temperature range, and the elevation of the zero isotherm. Based on our findings, the role of El Niño on the slope instability in the Central Andes is more complex in the climate change scenario. Even though some events were effectively triggered by intense summer rainstorm following expectations, the most dangerous events were caused by the progressive uplifting of the zero isotherm in smaller basins where headwaters are occupied by debris rock glaciers. Our research findings give light to the dynamic coupled system ENSO–climate change–landslides (ECCL) at least in this particular case study of the Mendoza River valley. Landslide activity in this Andean region is driven by wetter conditions linked to the ENSO warm phase, but also to progressive warming since the twentieth century in the region. This fact emphasizes the future impact of the natural hazards on Andean mountain communities.     

Cavity effect on Rayleigh wave dispersion and P-wave refraction

Sinkholes and cavities can represent serious hazards to human safety and urban infrastructures,cause roadbed subsidence,and so on.It is therefore essential to evaluate various sinkholes in different depths and sizes to assess the risk of collapse.This paper evaluates the effect of different cavities on Rayleigh-wave propagation and body(P)wave refraction.Rayleigh(R)wave propagation is analyzed according to the classical multi-channel analysis of surface waves(MASW)method also considering the R-wave backscattering.Synthetic seismic traces are computed by means of finite element modeling(FEM)for cavity and intrusion at different depths and sizes.Furthermore,field acquisition data is used to verify the detection effect of a cavity on R-and P-waves.The results show that the presence of backscattered R-waves and the changes in the R-wave velocity spectrum can help in cavity identification.Additional possible evidence is represented by significant changes in the refraction travel times over the cavity location.It can be concluded that the field data are in good agreement with the synthetic,and it could be effective to consider the results of both R-and P-wave analysis in order to efficiently identify the cavities.     

The amphipod Talitrus saltator as a bioindicator of human trampling on sandy beaches

The present paper assesses the use of the supralittoral amphipod Talitrus saltator as a bioindicator of the effects of human trampling on the supralittoral sandy band. Samplings in delimited areas were carried out at sites subjected to different human impact. The results showed a strong negative correlation between the number of swimmers and the sandhopper population density, while there was no clear relationship between sandhopper abundance and the other factors considered: granulometry, compactness and organic carbon content of the sand, and trace metal contents in the sand and sandhoppers. A field test of trampling conducted in a confined space showed its direct negative effect on sandhopper survival. However, trace metal analysis confirmed the ability of T. saltator to bioaccumulate some elements (Hg, Zn, Cu, Cd). Our study demonstrates that T. saltator is a good bioindicator of human impact in the supralittoral zone of sandy shores.     

The particle background of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">X-IFU</Emphasis> instrument

In this paper we are going to review the latest estimates for the particle background expected on the X-IFU instrument onboard of the ATHENA mission. The particle background is induced by two different particle populations: the so called “soft protons” and the Cosmic rays. The first component is composed of low energy particles (< 100s keV) that get funnelled by the mirrors towards the focal plane, losing part of their energy inside the filters and inducing background counts inside the instrument sensitivity band. The latter component is induced by high energy particles (> 100 MeV) that possess enough energy to cross the spacecraft and reach the detector from any direction, depositing a small fraction of their energy inside the instrument. Both these components are estimated using Monte Carlo simulations and the latest results are presented here.     

Crystal-chemical examination of natural diopsides: Some geometrical indications of Si-Ti tetrahedral substitution

Summary The crystal structures of 20 natural diopsides have been refined. For some samples, microprobe analyses show a Si deficiency in the tetrahedron with no A1 present; this suggests that some Ti⁴⁺ may enter the tetrahedral site. Geometrical variations in these samples with respect to the others are discussed in the light of this Si Ti⁴⁺ substitution. The volumes of their M1 sites are larger because of the absence of R³⁺ cations, the octahedron being very regular; in the same way, the volumes of M2 sites of these samples are greater not because of different site occupancies but because of significant charge modifications around the O3 and O1 oxygens, caused by the tetrahedral site. The low distortion of M1 site and the lengthening of (M2-O1) and M2-O3 bond lengths are a clue to the presence of small amounts of Ti at the tetrahedral site.

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Kristallchemische untersuchung natürlicher diopside: Geometrische hinweise für tetraedrische Si-Ti substitution

Zusammenfassung Die Kristallstrukturen von zwanzig natürlichen Diopsiden sind verfeinert worden. In einigen Proben zeigen Mikrosondenanalysen zu geringe Si-Werte im Tetraeder ohne daß A1 anwesend wäre. Dies weist darauf hin, daß Ti⁴⁺ Tetraederplätze einnehmen könnte. Geometrische Variationen in diesen Proben werden im Lichte der genannten Substitution diskutiert. Die Volumen von M1-Plätzen sind größer wegen der Abwesenheit von R³⁺ Kationen, wobei das Oktaeder sehr gleichmäßig ist. Die Volumina von M2-Plätzen sind noch größer nicht wegen verschiedener Besetzungen dieser Plätze sondern wegen signifikanter Ladungsmodifikationen im Bereich von O3 und O1 Sauerstoffen, die durch die tetraedrische Position bewirkt wird. Die geringe Distortion der M1-Plätze und die Verlängerung der (M2-O1) und (M2-O3) Abstände weisen auf die Anwesenheit von geringen Titangehalten auf Tetraederplätzen hin.