Abstract This article discusses the evolution of the public debate in Italy about unemployment over a period of almost ten years (1995-2002) that was particularly crucial for the Italian labour and political systems. From the early 1980s and throughout the 1990s, the country experienced major industrial change, which dramatically restructured its labour landscape. Moreover, this industrial earthquake occurred within internal (a deep political party system re-assessment and the fluctuating importance of unions) and external (European Union-driven state budgetary limits) political constraints that have heavily influenced the debate itself. The analysis of the public policy debates allows the authors of this article to portray the agendas, concepts and strategies introduced and discussed by e...
'Glass Earth' represents a number of current and planned projects within CSIRO aimed at making 'transparent' the top 1000 m of the Earth's crust It builds upon current technologies developed within a number of CSIRO divisions as well as the Australian Mineral Exploration Technologies CRC (AMET CRC), the Australian Geodynamics CRC (AG CRC) and the CRC for LandscapeEvolution and Mineral Exploration (CRC LEME). New geophysical and geochemical technologies will be developed to complement these, together with new capabilities in modelling, data integration and visualisation, including hydrogeochemistry, hydrogeology, surface geochemistry and isotope geochemistry, modelling of chemical, fluid and heat flows in rock and regolith, advanced visualisation and data fusion. This paper describes some recent work in the field of isotope geochemistry, with the principal aim of 'seeing through' cover to understand basement geology and detect hidden ore ...
Maps of wind resources were used to develop a method of evaluating climatic changes and their potential impacts on wind energy resources. Global IPCC climate change scenarios were used to predict climatic conditions for the future, while past wind resource availability was simulated and validated using NCEP and NCAR reanalysis data as well as observed meteorological data from Environment Canada. The simulations were used to compare each 5-year period with a 50-year reference period. Regional scale climate change impacts were evaluated using a statistical dynamic down-scaling method. Advanced meteorological models were used to predict wind flow patterns across specific landscapes. The evolution of past wind resource availability was then simulated. Five-year wind resource simulations for a 50-year period were simulated at 25 km"2 wind speeds at 80 m above the ground. Average wind speed variations were then evaluated. The method has been used to ...
The occurrence of stable decagonal quasicrystalline phase in Al-Co-Ni and Al-Cu-Co alloys through conventional solidification is well established. Earlier, we have studied the effect of Cu substitution in place of Co in the Al_7_0Co_1_5Ni_1_5 alloy. Here we report the structural/micro-structural changes with substitution of Cu for Ni in rapidly solidified Al-Co-Ni alloys. The melt spun ribbons have been characterized using X-ray diffractometry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. With an increase in Cu content in the melt spun Al_7_0Co_1_5Cu _xNi_1_5_-_x (x = 0-15 at.%) alloys, the relative amount of the decagonal phase decreased up to 10 at.% of Cu. At this composition, the quaternary alloy showed the co-existence of decagonal quasicrystal and superstructure of #tau#_3 vacancy ordered crystalline phases. The decagonal phase containing Cu showed more disordering than Al-Co-Ni alloys. The implication of the structural and microstructural changes due to Cu ...
We present an innovative approach to estimating residential irrigation water demand for a large metropolitan area using GIS data, weather station data, and a water budget modeling approach commonly used by plant scientists and landscape management professionals. An important question addressed by our study is how a growing urban forest affects the overall irrigation water demand of a semiarid metropolitan area. To estimate the amount of water required by residential landscaping, we consider water demand to be a function of the areal extent of residential landscaping (i.e. tree/shrub or turf grass), the water-loss rate for different landscaping types, the efficiency with which the landscape is irrigated, and local climatic factors (i.e. reference evapotranspiration and precipitation). We es...
Chose the arid interior district Shiyang River basin four issues of Landsat/TM images from 1986 to 2006 to visually interpret, and analyze the natural succession of ecological environment and the landscape pattern characteristic under the human activity interference. The results showed that in past 20years, the number of landscape patch has increased, but the average patch size was decreasing, which explained that the landscape fragmentation degree was increasing, the landscape integrity was declining. The edge density of landscape remained invariable basically, which explained its stability maintained good. The diversity and evenness index continually enhanced, the diversity increased from 0.73 in 1986 to 0.84 in 2006. The mean core patch area of study area reduced from134.47hm2 in 1994 t...
Disorder on the string theory landscape may significantly affect dynamics of eternal inflation leading to the possibility for some vacua on the landscape to become dynamically preferable over others. We systematically study effects of a generic disorder on the landscape starting by identifying a sector with built-in disorder -- a set of de Sitter vacua corresponding to compactifications of the Type IIB string theory on Calabi-Yau manifolds with a number of warped Klebanov-Strassler throats attached randomly to the bulk part of the Calabi-Yau. Further, we derive continuum limit of the vacuum dynamics equations on the landscape. Using methods of dynamical renormalization group we determine the late time behavior of the probability distribution for an observer to measure a given value of the cosmological constant. We find the diffusion of the probability distribution to significantly slow down in sectors ...
Deforestation is rapidly transforming primary forests across the tropics into human-dominated landscapes. Consequently, conservationists need to understand how different taxa respond and adapt to these...Full Text Available
In mobile animals, movement behavior can maximize fitness by optimizing access to critical resources and minimizing risk of predation. We sought to evaluate several hypotheses regarding the effects of landscape structure on American marten foraging path selection in a landscape experiencing forest perforation by patchcut logging. We hypothesized that in the uncut pre-treatment landscape marten would choose foraging paths to maximize access to cover types that support the highest density of prey. In contrast, in the post-treatment landscapes we hypothesized marten would choose paths primarily to avoid crossing openings, and that this would limit their ability to optimally select paths to maximize foraging success. Our limiting factor analysis shows that different resistant models may be sup...
Landscapes are both a synthesis and an expression of national, regional and local cultural heritages. It is therefore very important to develop techniques aimed at cataloguing and archiving their forms. This paper discusses the LDL (Landscape Digital Library) project, a Web accessible database that can present the landscapes of a territory with documentary evidence in a new format and from a new perspective. The method was tested in a case study area of the river Po valley (Northern Italy). The LDL is based on a collection of photographs taken following a systematic grid of survey points identified through topographic cartography; the camera level is that of the human eye. This methodology leads to an innovative landscape archive that differs from surveys carried out through aerial photographs or campaigns aimed at selecting "relevant" points of interest. Further developments and possible uses of the ...
Seismic stratigraphy based chronostratigraphic (SSBC) analysis of the Serbian Banat region allows the delineation of the spatial and stratigraphic relationships of the generally regressive and shallowing upward Neogene depositional fill of a tectonically unstable central portion of the Pannonian Basin. When geometrically restored in time and space, the sediment dispersal directions, sediment source directions, types of sedimentation breaks and the tectonic events influencing basin evolution can be delineated. For such an analysis the time-transgressive lithostratigraphic units used in the neighbouring Hungarian part of the Pannonian Basin are conveniently introduced based upon their characteristic seismic facies and constrained borehole log records as mappable seismic stratigraphic sequence units, termed "seismic operational sequences". The respective Neogene stage and operational sequence equivalents (Hungarian lithostratigraphic units or formations) are the ...
Jan 12, 2010 ... Visual simulation of offshore liquefied natural gas (lng) terminals in a decision-making context. Baird, Brian E.; Sheppard, Stephen R. J.; ...
In a systematic survey of ternary fission induced by thermal neutrons at the Lohengrin spectrometer of the ILL/Grenoble, the target nucleus {sup 249}Cf has recently been added to the list of actinides under study. Special emphasis was put on the search for the heaviest ternary particles. At the limit of detection (some 10{sup -9} per fission), the heaviest isotopes observed for {sup 249}Cf(n{sub th},f) are {sup 37}Si and {sup 37}S. Another rare process in low energy fission is quaternary fission. Here two light charged particles accompany the main fragments. The reaction {sup 233} U(n,f) has been studied at a cold neutron beam of the ILL. Two processess have to be disentangled: simultaneous and sequential quaternary fission. In the simultaneous decay the most probable combination of particles is ({alpha} + {alpha}) with a yield of {approx}10{sup -7}/fission.
In this paper, a Kramers-Kronig (KK) analysis of infrared (IR) reflectance spectrum of quaternary In_0_._0_1Al_0_._0_6Ga_0_._9_3N film grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is reported. The infrared measurement is performed in the reflection mode at an incident angle of 15 degree sign by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy at T = 300 K. The Kramers-Kronig analysis of the reflectivity data has been used to obtain the real and imaginary parts of the index of refraction (n and k), and the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric response function (#epsilon#' and #epsilon#') of the materials. Finally, the transverse optical and longitudinal optical phonons for quaternary In_xAl_yGa_1_-_x_-_yN were obtained.
Landscape visive pollution due to photo-biodegradable plastic bags is assessed in an ideal case, the most favorable to their use. The result is that mean permanent visive pollution is 100 times higher than established norms. Both photo and biodegradability of plastic bags in the real world are discussed. The conclusion is that photo-biodegradability does not solve the problem of landscape visive pollution due to plastic bags.
When constructing new high-voltage transmission lines landscape aspects play a more and more important role. The project described is particularly interesting as it demonstrates that it is possible to find acceptable solutions for everyone if all partners are prepared to make concessions. The article also describes a new concept for the connection of concrete tower elements. (orig.).
SummaryThe numerous applications of hydrogelators have led to rapid expansion of this field. In the present work we report the facile synthesis of amphiphilic hydrogelators having a quaternary...Full Text Available
The present invention relates to a method of acidizing a subterranean formation or well bore employing an acidic solution containing a corrosion inhibitor composition comprising an inhibiting effective amount of an acetylenic alcohol, a quaternary ammonium compound, an aromatic hydrocarbon and an antimony compound.
Human Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor, purified by calcium citrate-cellulose chromatography and 4% agarose gel filtration was subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis on gels containing...Full Text Available
In this paper following a brief outline of the geological background in Greece, as related to geothermal exploration, the prospective areas for low enthalpy fluids are classified into four groups. These are the Tertiary grabens associated with Lithospheric stretching and crustal subsidence, the Arc of the Aegean Plio-Quaternary volcanism induced by the subduction of the African plate, Central Aegean islands of distensive tectonism bordering back-arc marine basins and finally Tertiary-Quaternary sedimentary basins of various types, not classified as grabens. The geothermal regime in each of these groups is outlined, and the current status of exploration is reviewed.
The rate and intensity of land use land cover (LULC) change has increased considerably during the past couple of decades. Mining brings significant alterations in LULC specifically due to its impact on forests. Parts of Central India are well endowed with both forests and minerals. Here, the conflict between human interests and nature has intensified over time. Monitoring and assessment of such conflicts are important for land management and policy making. Remote sensing and Geographical Information System have the potential to serve as accurate tools for environmental monitoring. Understanding the importance of landscape metrics in land use planning is challenging but important. These metrics calculated at landscape, class, and patch level provide an insight into changing spatiotemporal d...
Forest restoration efforts should aim at creating landscapes with a balanced array of forest stands at varying successional stages, thus providing habitat for a wealth of species and multiple ecosystem services. In most high-mountain ecosystems of South America, long-term livestock rearing activities that include fires, browsing, and trampling have delayed or stopped forest succession resulting in simplified landscapes. To determine appropriate restoration goals for Polylepis australis mountain forests of Central Argentina, we established 146 plots of 900 m2 plots throughout five river basins with different historic livestock stocking rates. In each plot, we measured tree heights, canopy cover, estimated age of oldest tree, volume of standing and fallen dead wood, fern cover, and abundance...
Another difference lies in the speed of star evolution. 2. Computation of Stellar Structure and Their Evolution. The structure of stars at certain instants ...
This tongue-in-cheek essay hopes to prompt discussion among health information management (HIM) professionals of all levels with regard to the fast-changing HIM landscape, particularly the electronic...Full Text Available
We propose new method of assessment of histological images for medical diagnostics. 2-D image is preprocessed to form 1-D landscapes or 1-D signature of the image contour and then their complexity is...Full Text Available
Less wind power plants in the landscape, more power from renewables, less carbon dioxide and higher tax: The advantages of repowering for communities are considerable. Still, they are hesitant to use it. (orig.)
The T-loop motif is an important recurrent RNA structural building block consisting of a U-turn sub-motif and a UA trans Watson–Crick/Hoogsteen base pair. In the presence of...Full Text Available
BackgroundIn the past two decades the east African highlands have experienced several major malaria epidemics. Currently there is a renewed interest in exploring the possibility...Full Text Available
The extent of our reliance on animal pollination for world crop production for human food has not previously been evaluated and the previous estimates for countries or continents have seldom used primary...Full Text Available
Natural accumulations of skeletal material (death assemblages) have the potential to provide historical data on species diversity and population structure for regions lacking decades of wildlife monitoring,...Full Text Available
We describe the growth, fabrication, and characterization of an ultraviolet (UV) photoconductive detector based on In{sub x}Al{sub y}Ga{sub 1-x-y}N quaternary alloy that is lattice matched to GaN. The detector consisted of 0.1 {mu}m In{sub x}Al{sub y}Ga{sub 1-x-y}N alloy grown on 0.5-1.0 {mu}m GaN epilayer by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. With varying indium concentration, the cut-off wavelength of the In{sub x}Al{sub y}Ga{sub 1-x-y}N detectors could be varied to the deep UV range. The most important and intriguing result is that the responsivity of the In{sub x}Al{sub y}Ga{sub 1-x-y}N quaternary alloy exceeded that of AlGaN alloy of a comparable cutoff wavelength by a factor of five. This makes the nitride quaternary alloy very important material for solar blind UV detectors applications particularly in the deep UV range where Al rich AlGaN alloys have problems with low quantum efficiency and cracks due in part ...
We describe the growth, fabrication, and characterization of an ultraviolet (UV) photoconductive detector based on In_xAl_yGa_1_-_x_-_yN quaternary alloy that is lattice matched to GaN. The detector consisted of 0.1 #mu#m In_xAl_yGa_1_-_x_-_yN alloy grown on 0.5-1.0 #mu#m GaN epilayer by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. With varying indium concentration, the cut-off wavelength of the In_xAl_yGa_1_-_x_-_yN detectors could be varied to the deep UV range. The most important and intriguing result is that the responsivity of the In_xAl_yGa_1_-_x_-_yN quaternary alloy exceeded that of AlGaN alloy of a comparable cutoff wavelength by a factor of five. This makes the nitride quaternary alloy very important material for solar blind UV detectors applications particularly in the deep UV range where Al rich AlGaN alloys have problems with low quantum efficiency and cracks due in part to lattice mismatch with GaN. The advantages ...
In the present work, quaternary chitosans as water-soluble compounds were prepared based on three-step process. Schiff bases were firstly synthesized by the reaction between the amino groups of chitosan with aliphatic aldehydes followed by a reduction with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to form N-(alkyl) chitosans. N,N,N-(dimethyl alkyl) chitosans were then obtained by a reaction of chitosan containing N-butyl, N-pentyl, N-hexyl, N-heptyl, and N-octyl substituents with methyl iodide. The compounds were characterized using IR and NMR spectroscopy. Subsequent experiments were conducted to test their antimicrobial activities against the most economic plant pathogenic bacteria of crown gall disease Agrobacterium tumefaciens, soft mold disease Erwinia carotovora, fungi of grey mold Botrytis cinerea...
{gamma}-Butyrolactone-based electrolytes have been used as the operating electrolytes for aluminum electrolytic capacitors. The chemical stability of these electrolytes at elevated temperatures has been examined by monitoring the decrease in their electrolytic conductivities. The deteriorated electrolytes were analyzed by gas and liquid chromatography and the conductivity decrease was directly correlated with the loss of acid components. In quaternary ammonium hydrogen maleate/{gamma}-butyrolactone electrolytes, the maleate anion decomposed by decarboxylation resulting in a complex polymer containing polyester and polyacrylate structures. Quaternary ammonium benzoate/{gamma}-butyrolactone electrolytes decomposed by SN2 reactions giving alkyl benzoates and trialkylamines. The deterioration of the carboxylate salt/{gamma}-butyrolactone electrolytes was accelerated by electrolysis. (orig.)
star evolution, globular cluster structure and evolution, massive stars, supernova remnants, reflection nebulae, interstellar dust, structure of the ISM, ...
These include, but are not limited to: stellar winds and outflows, post-main- sequence stellar evolution, binary/multiple star evolution, globular cluster structure ...
These include, but are not limited to: stellar winds and outflows, post-main- sequence stellar evolution, binary/multiple star evolution, globular cluster structure ...
It is currently unclear if the potential for West Nile virus transmission by mosquito vectors in the eastern United States is related to landscape or climate factors or both. We compared abundance of vector species between urban and suburban neighborhoods of Henrico County, VA, in relation to the following factors: temperature, precipitation, canopy cover, building footprint, and proximity to drainage infrastructure. Mosquitoes were collected throughout the 2005, 2006, and 2007 seasons and tested for West Nile virus (WNV) in pools of 10-50. Test results of mosquito pools were compared to average site abundance from 37 sites in Henrico County, VA; abundance was then examined in relation to ecological variables. Urban infrastructure was positively correlated with the abundance of Culex pipiens L./Cx. restuans, and our findings implicate combined sewer overflow systems as large contributors to Culex vector populations. No measure of urbanization examined in our study ...
Abstract Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal that is found in aquatic food webs and is hazardous to humans. An emerging conceptual model predicts that the areas of the landscape that have the potential to contain food webs with elevated concentrations of Hg are those that receive high amounts of Hg and sulfate deposition and have high coverage of forests and wetlands and low coverage of agriculture. The objective of the present study was to test this conceptual model using concentrations of Hg in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from 145 reservoirs in four ecoregions of North Texas. The highest level of Hg contamination in fish was in the South Central Plains, the ecoregion that receives the highest levels of Hg and sulfate deposition and contains extensive forest and wetland habitat and ...
This paper presents the Asian landscape with its regional balances and imbalances and its changes after September 11 and subsequent events. The nuclear posture and the role of nuclear weapons inside the China-India-Pakistan triangle is analyzed with respect to the US non-proliferation policy and its expanding military presence over the Asian continent. (J.S.)
... The moorland landscape looks especially colourful in late summer, while spring is the perfect time to come and see migrant birds like redstarts,...Valley This is a delightful oak woodland to walk through - especially in spring and early summer when lots of migrating birds come to breed ... Fowlmere Fowlmere's reedbeds and pools are fed by natural chalk springs, and a chalk stream runs through the reserve. Special birds ... There are common woodland birds in spring and turtle doves in spring and summer. Haweswater If you want to see a golden ...
... In spring, the marshes are filled with the atmospheric calls of lapwings and redshanks, all breeding on one of the UK's ...Butley river and Ore estuary, Boyton Marshes attracts breeding wading birds in spring and ducks, geese and swans in winter. It's also ... The moorland landscape looks especially colourful in late summer, while spring is the perfect time to come and see migrant birds like redstarts,...Valley This is a delightful oak woodland to walk through - especially in spring and early summer when lots of migrating birds come to breed ...
Nanocomposites containing polyethylene (PE) and montmorillonite clay organically modified (OMMT) with quaternary ammonium salts were obtained via direct melt intercalation. A montmorillonite sample from the Brazilian state of Paraiba was treated with four different types of quaternary ammonium salts. After the treatment, the powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The dispersion and morphologies of OMMT within PE were investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed the formation of intercalated montmorillonite layers in the PE matrix. The thermal stability and flammability of the PE/montmorillonite clay nanocomposites were measured by thermogravimetry and horizontal burning tests for HB classification, Underwrites Laboratories (UL 94), respectively. It was shown that the samples do not degrade at the processing temperature. By adding only 3 wt.% ...
The credibility of the model proposed by Ghosh in predicting the refractive indices of mixed semiconductor crystals of technological importance within their miscibility range as a function of band gap is demonstrated. The high-frequency refractive indices of four quaternary alloys Al_xGa_1_-_x_-_yIn_yP (y = 0.49, 0 #<=# x #<=# 0.51), InSb_xAs_1_-_x_-_yP_y (y = 2.2x, 0 #<=# x #<=# 0.313, 0 #<=# y #<=# 0.638), Cd_xZn_1_-_x_-_yHg_ySe (x + y = 1, 0.153 #<=# x #<=# 0.684, 0.316 #<=# y #<=# 0.847), and CdS_1_-_x_-_ySe_xTe_y (x + y = 1, 0.15 #<=# x #<=# 0.93, 0.07 #<=# y #<=# 0.85) are calculated according to the relation n"2-1 = A/(E_g + B)"2 where A is an energy gap dependent constant and B is a constant depending on crystal ionicity. The calculated values show excellent agreement with the experimental data thus justifying the validity of the model.
Weight loss measurements were performed in 20% and 28% hydrochloric acid at 90/sup 0/C on carbon steel, 22Cr5Ni duplex stainless steel, and two superaustenitic steels - 27Cr31Ni3Mo and 19Cr25Ni4Mo -, in presence of organic substances used singly or mixed. The organic substances examined were quaternary ammonium salts (1-4-pyridyl)-pyridinium chloride hydrochloride, dodecylpyridiniumchloride, benzyldimethylstearylammonium chloride, and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide), alkynols (1-octyn-3-ol, propargyl alcohol) and trans-cinnamaldehyde. The synergistic effect of potassium iodide on the inhibitive efficiency of the organic substances was studied. The variations of corrosion rate during the test time (normally six hours) were recorded by means of polarization resistance measurements. Polarization curves were also recorded. The results showed that the corrosion rates of the four steels examined can be reduced to less than 1 mg/cm/sup -2/ . h/sup -1/ using ternary ...
Quaternary semiconductor compounds are ideal candidates for use in monolithic cascade solar cells because the lattice constant and the bandgap of such compounds can be independently varied. The quaternary semiconductor compound Ga[sub 0.83]In[sub 0.17]As[sub 0.67]P[sub 0.33] not only is lattice matched to GaAs and Ge but also provides a current matched top cell for the GaInAsP/Ge monolithic cascade solar cell. Under concentration of 100 suns, the projected efficiency for such a cell is about 34%. The growth of Ga[sub 0.83]In[sub 0.17]As[sub 0.67]P[sub 0.33] lattice matched to GaAs and Ge has been demonstrated. GaInAsP solar cells have been grown on both GaAs and Ge substrates. A GaInAsP on GaAs solar cell with an active area efficiency of 23.2% for 1 sun, AM 1.5 direct illumination has been prepared. A proposed structure for the GaInAsP/Ge cascade cell is also given.
Measurements have been made of radon ("2"2"2Rn), release from diverse quaternary samples collected from different sediment deposits in the Errachidia and Beni-Mellal areas (Morocco). The radon diffusion coefficient as one of some important parameters of radon transport in the soil has been measured using solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD). Radon #alpha#-activity, uranium content and radon exhalation rate have been determined in the studied samples. Uranium concentrations were found to vary from 0.14 to 9.52 ppm whereas the radon exhalation rate varied from 0.003 to 0.145 Bq x m"-"2 x h"-"1. A positive correlation has been found between radon exhalation rate and uranium content in the studied samples. The average radon diffusion coefficients were found to vary from (1.26 #+-# 0.09) x 10"-"6 m"2 x s"-"1 to (4.3 #+-# 0.36) x 10"-"6 m"2 x s"-"1. Furthermore, the correlation between "2"2"2Rn diffusion coefficient and porosity are also discussed. (author)
The production and uses are described for extracellular microbial polysaccharides (generically called emulsans) and for a new class of extracellular microbial protein-associated lipopolysaccharides (collectively called alpha-emulsans) produced by Acinetobacter Sp. ATCC 31012, its mutants or recombinants. Also included are the deproteinized lipopolysaccharides (collectively called apoemulsans) obtained from such emulsans, as well as to the divalent metal, ammonium, and quaternary ammonium salts of such emulsans and apoemulsans. The materials can be used (1) in cleaning oil-contaminated vessels used to transport or store crude oil or petroleum fractions in such a manner that the residual oil may be recovered for fuel value or for refining and (2) in enhanced oil recovery.
A synthesis of the sedimentation processes as deduced from the seismic stratigraphy and the deduced facies associations suggests the following. Small fans developed along the northern major fault line of the SCFVS and contains sediment fed directly from Crete through a series of small canyons, most of which trend perpendicular to the coast. However, the main east-west-trending valley transects the mid- and lower fan sectors and contains several intravalley basinal areas, converging toward the main Messara basin. Thus much of the suprafan sediment is reworked and longitudinally transported into the deeper basins. In these deeper intrabasinal and main basinal areas the thickness of the post-Messinian sediments generally exceeds 800 m and in places exceeds 1,500 m. Toward the south the SCFVS receives additional sediment from the Ptolemy Mountains and the Gavdos rise. Cores recovered along the SCFVS contain a remarkable association of sedimentary sequences which are interpreted as deposits ...
The Eagle Flat basin, an intermontane basin in Trans-Pecos Texas, is being considered as a possible site for the Texas repository of low-level radioactive wastes. Intermontane basins and associated normal faults formed in response to Basin and Range tectonism that began about 24 Ma ago. The most active late Tertiary and Quaternary faults occur within the Hueco Bolson (HB) and the Salt Basin/Salt Flat/Lobo Valley, west and east, respectively, of the proposed repository. Several faults of the southeast HB which are within 50 km of the site, displace middle Pleistocene deposits 10 to 24 m. The most recent surface rupture in the southeast HB probably occurred on the Amargosa fault during the Holocene. Upper Pleistocene deposits are offset 2.5 to 4.5 m, and middle Pleistocene deposits are displaced 24 m. Fault scarps within 50 km east of the proposed repository are associated with faults bounding the Salt Basin/Salt Flat/Lobo Valley. In the southern Salt Basin and ...
Anionic complexes of transition metals were stabilized in aqueous solutions containing high concentrations of various short-chain quaternary ammonium salts. Compounds with longer paraffin chains were effective in much less concentrated solution. Complex ions were detected spectrophotometrically. FeCl/sub 4//sup -/, which is usually formed in concentrated HCl, was the predominant Fe(III) complex in 30 m choline chloride containing only 0.12 M HCl. A yellow transitory Tc(VII) chloro-addition intermediate, formed in the reduction of TcO/sub 4//sup -/ by concentrated HCl, was stabilized when the solution also contained 25 m choline chloride. Its spectrum, as well as the isolation of an already known Tc(VII) bipyridyl complex, is reported. Concentrated organic electrolytes also stabilized Tc(V) oxide halides against disproportionation and Tc(IV) hexahalides against hydrolysis. Halochromates of Cr(VI) were formed and stabilized in dilute acid containing ...
We use the Generalized Quasi-Chemical Approach (GQCA) combined with ab initio ultrasoft pseudopotential calculations within density functional theory in order to obtain the structural and electronic properties of Al_xGa_yIn_1_-_x_-_yX (X=As, P or N) quaternary alloys in the zincblende structure. Results for the bond lengths show that their variations with composition are approximately linear and that they do not deviate much from the values of the corresponding binary compounds. For the variation of the band gaps, we obtain a bowing parameter b=0.26 eV for the (Ga_0_._4_7In_0_._5_3As)_z(Al_0_._4_8In_0_._5_2As)_1_-_z quaternary alloy lattice matched to InP, in very good agreement with experimental data. In the case of AlGaInN, a bowing parameter of 0.22 eV is obtained for zincblende AlGaInN lattice matched to GaN. (copyright 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)
The specificity of the hemodynamic response function (HRF) is determined spatially by the vascular architecture and temporally by the evolution of hemodynamic changes. The stimulus duration...Full Text Available
effect of central star evolution would be to produce a thinner boundary, but the results of ... indicate that central star evolution may be neglected when ...
These include, but are not limited to: stellar winds and outflows, post-main- sequence stellar evolution, binary/multiple star evolution, globular cluster ...
These include, but are not limited to: stellar winds and outflows, post-main- sequence star evolution, binary star evolution, globular cluster structure and ...
Our global impact is finally receiving the scientific attention it deserves. The outcome will largely determine the future course of evolution. Human-modified ecosystems are shaped by our activities...Full Text Available
The recent accumulation of genomic information of many representative animals has made it possible to trace the evolution of the complement system based on the presence or absence of each complement...Full Text Available
Binary Star Evolution. The evolution of close binary stars can be very different from that of wide binaries of isolated stars. If the stars are close enough ...
The Thomsen and Frandsen (1983) cosmological test employing the observed correlation between elliptical galaxy surface brightness and scale size in order to avoid problems due to dynamical evolution is presently extended to make use of arbitrary galaxy samples. The explicit dependence on stellar evolution is also demonstrated. On the assumption that this evolution is calculable, an equation for the deceleration parameter entirely in terms of observables is derived. The test is applied to two available samples. 25 references.
Studies have shown that Canada's national parks are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. A wide range of biophysical climate change impacts could affect the integrity of conservation lands in each region of Canada. This report examines the potential impact of climate change on landscape alterations and vegetation distribution in Canada's wide network of conservation lands. It also presents several ways to integrate climate change into existing conservation policy and adaptation strategies. Canada's conservation lands include provincial parks, migratory bird sanctuaries, national wildlife areas and wildlife protected areas. This is the first study to examine biome changes by applying an equilibrium Global Vegetation Model (GVM) to Canada's network of national park systems. Some of the policy and planning challenges posed by changes in landscape level vegetation were also addressed. The report indicates ...
The project was designed to quantify the impacts of longwall mine subsidence (LWMS) on the production and quality of agricultural vegetated environments. This project utilised a variety of traditional ground based sampling techniques including biomass harvests and estimates, leaf area index (LAI), pasture height, species composition and soil sampling along with proximal sensor data capture using a Crop Circle{trademark} and an EM38. Satellite imagery was collected using the Quickbird satellite and the high resolution imagery was used to monitor large areas of LWMS affected areas and adjacent un-mined land. Two landscapes were investigated using a whole of mine site technique including remote sensing, ground survey and traditional agricultural monitoring methods. The landscapes were at the Kestrel site in Emerald, QLD including a forage sorghum and an improved pasture and at Beltana in the Hunter Valley, NSW including an irrigated lucerne ...
Internal hydrological processes in suburban watersheds and their effects on water quality warrant investigation. Instrument clusters (throughfall collectors, suction lysimeters, monitoring wells, and shallow and deep piezometers) were installed at several locations within three small (50 - 70 ha) watersheds (one forested, two with different degrees of suburban development) in the Croton Watershed, southeastern New York. Biweekly and storm samples were analyzed for base cations, selected anions, and DOC over a one-year period. The topographic index (TI) quantified landscape position; flowpath analyses determined degree of development at each cluster, using % impervious cover as the metric. Water quality degradation was observed in sites with medium and high TI values; no such effect was observed along the ridges, i.e., low TI values. At medium TI values, areas with more than 5% impervious had degraded water quality. At high TI values, the water chemistry degradation ...
The model of `ecological forestry' has evolved as a part of the development of the concept of ecosystem management. `Ecological forestry' emphasises that manipulation of a forest ecosystem should consider, and as far as practicable work within the limits of, natural disturbance patterns prior to extensive human alteration of the landscape. This paper evaluates the extent to which forest management practices in jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor) forests of south-western Australia align with this view of the characteristics and appropriate silviculture of `ecological forestry'. Characteristics and appropriate silviculture of `ecological forestry' are evaluated in relation to (i) the stand level decisions of stand structure and harvest timing and (ii) the landsc...
Event-based biosurveillance is a scientific discipline in which diverse streams of data, available from the Internet, are characterized prospectively to provide information on infectious disease events. Biosurveillance complements traditional public health surveillance to provide both early warning of infectious disease events as well as situational awareness. The Global Health Security Action Group (GHSAG) of the Global Health Security Initiative is developing a biosurveillance capability that integrates and leverages component systems from member nations. This work discusses these biosurveillance systems and identifies needed future studies.
... For example, one study used aerial photographs and on-ground observation to determine that Kenai Peninsula in Alaska has been losing wetlands to a dryer, wooded landscape since at least 1950, which has also meant a reduction in habitat for migratory birds, many of which are favorites for birdwatchers (National Research Council of Canada, 2005). In the Arctic, important breeding and nesting areas for migratory birds may be lost, affecting bird watching opportunities at various latitudes in the U.S. (Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, ...
There are many types of allround trucks. But which is the adequate one for the manifold tasks in construction, horticulture and landscaping works? Passenger transport, load haulage and traction: the article takes a critical glance at what is on offer. (orig.) [German] Allroundlaster gibt es viele. Aber welcher ist der richtige fuer die vielfaeltigen Aufgaben am Bau und im Garten- und Landschaftsbau? Personen befoerdern, Lasten tragen und Anhaenger ziehen: Ein kritischer Blick aufs Angebot. (orig.)
Event-based biosurveillance is a scientific discipline in which diverse sources of data, many of which are available from the Internet, are characterized prospectively to provide information on infectious disease events. Biosurveillance complements traditional public health surveillance to provide both early warning of infectious disease events and situational awareness. The Global Health Security Action Group of the Global Health Security Initiative is developing a biosurveillance capability that integrates and leverages component systems from member nations. This work discusses these biosurveillance systems and identifies needed future studies.
High-voltage transmission lines can pose an environmental problem, especially in countries where the electricity production is at a distance from the demand location. Planning, construction, and operation of high voltage transmission lines should be conducted within a comprehensive environmental policy, which may include assessment of visual impact, landscape and wildlife protection, and reduction of health risks. This paper reviews the environmental policies and action in planning, construction, and operation as developed by the utilities members of the Union Internationale des Producteurs et Distributeurs d`Energie Electrique (UNIPEDE). The paper also presents a brief outline of the health issues associated with the effects of electromagnetic fields to humans.
High-voltage transmission lines can pose an environmental problem, especially in countries where the electricity production is at a distance from the demand location. Planning, construction, and operation of high voltage transmission lines should be conducted within a comprehensive environmental policy, which may include assessment of visual impact, landscape and wildlife protection, and reduction of health risks. This paper reviews the environmental policies and action in planning, construction, and operation as developed by the utilities members of the Union Internationale des Producteurs et Distributeurs d'Energie Electrique (UNIPEDE). The paper also presents a brief outline of the health issues associated with the effects of electromagnetic fields to humans.
The Creating Wetlands in the Oil Sands Reclamation workshop was held to solicit expert views from leading authorities in a number of disciplines related to the creation and study of wetlands, as well as to investigate challenges in the creation of wetlands in reclaimed oil sands landscapes. This document provided a detailed transcript of each presentation and all discussions that followed. The workshop was divided into 5 sessions: (1) wetlands background information; (2) groundwater conditions and boreal wetlands; (3) creating wetland types; (4) wildlife in boreal wetlands and traditional environmental knowledge; and (5) treatment wetlands. An expert panel overview provided presentations on post-mining restoration of boreal landscapes in oil sands regions; the creation of fens, marshes and shallow water wetlands at oil sands sites and the restoration of damaged peatlands. A outline of the physical scale of the oil sands mining disturbances was ...
We study the dynamical evolution of globular clusters containing primordial binaries, including full single and binary stellar evolution using our Monte Carlo cluster evolution code updated with an adaptation of the single and binary stellar evolution codes SSE and BSE from Hurley et al. We describe the modifications that we have made to the code. We present several test calculations and comparisons with existing studies to illustrate the validity of the code. We show that our code finds very good agreement with direct N-body simulations including primordial binaries and stellar evolution. We find significant differences in the evolution of the global properties of the simulated clusters using stellar evolution compared with simulations without any stellar evolution. In particular, we find that the mass loss from the ...
The construction suitability of a dimension stone depends on its weathering properties along with the petrology and the petrophysical properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of the dimension stones from the ?Drei Gleichen? area for construction and replacement purposes. In total, six sandstones (Ingersleben, Wachsenburg, Hindfelden, Seeberg, R?hnberg, Gleichenberg; Upper Triassic) as well as two carbonates (Wachsenburg sinter; Quaternary, Wandersleben dolomite; Middle Triassic) were analysed. The results from our laboratory and on-site studies of the dimension stones show that rocks from the same stratigraphic layer, like the sandstones from the upper Triassic, can show major differences in their petrophysical and weathering properties. These differences are attri...
Objective.The objective of this study was to use the newly synthesized poly(quaternary ammonium salt) (PQAS)-containing polyacid to formulate the light-curable glass-ionomer cements and study the effect of the PQAS on the compressive strength and antibacterial activity of the formed cements.Materials and methods.The functional QAS and their constructed PQAS were synthesized, characterized and formulated into the experimental high-strength cements. Compressive strength (CS) and Streptococcus mutans viability were used to evaluate the mechanical strength and antibacterial activity of the cements. Fuji II LC cement was used as control. The specimens were conditioned in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h prior to testing. The effects of the substitute chain length, loading as well as gra...
Author.The geochemical and isotopic study, based on the analysis of twenty water samples from well in the coastal plain of Sarafand (South-Lebanon), permit to eliminate the hypothesis of marine intrusion in this aquifer. The increase of salinity observed in certain wells is due to the contamination of cretaceous aquifer water by the quaternary formations. The two poles of mixing are respectively characterized: by weak tritium contents (between 2 and 3 UT) and a value of stable isotopes (-5,9<0,18<-5,5) corresponding to the appearance of cretaceous formation area; by the high tritium contents and enrichment relative to heavy isotope in the mineralized water of superficial formations. On the other hand, the isotope contents permit the set a rapid renewal of the cretaceous aquifer water due to quick circulation in the Karstic system
Crustal xenoliths (pyroxenites and plagioclase + quartz + pyroxene lithologies) from the Quaternary Big Pine volcanic field on the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada Batholith in California (USA) represent the products of metasomatic reaction between the margins of a Cretaceous granodioritic pluton and Paleozoic marbles, possibly at mid-crustal depths based on the equilibration temperatures recorded by Ti-in-quartz geothermometry. This interpretation is based on the presence of plagioclase showing relict plutonic textures, pyroxenite characterized by nearly pure diopside clinopyroxene, recrystallized plagioclase with anomalously high anorthite content, textures indicating replacement of plagioclase by clinopyroxene (and vice versa), `ghost' plagioclase rare earth element signatures in some...
...Synthesis of low-temperature, fast, single-firing body for porcelain stoneware tiles with coal gangue Synthesis of low-temperature, fast, single-firing body for porcelain stoneware ... tiles with coal gangue Synthesis of low-temperature, fast, single-firing body for porcelain stoneware tiles with coal gangue Wei et al.,... Article Synthesis of low-temperature, fast, single-firing body for porcelain stoneware tiles with coal gangue Qiangwei Wei1, Wenyuan Gao1*, and Xinguo ...According to phase diagram theory, a low-temperature, fast, single-firing body mix for porcelain stoneware tiles was designed in the quaternary system CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2, using ...
Comparative studies of flocculent and grand-design spirals suggest that density waves are not the predominant trigger of star formation in most galaxies. Implications for chemical evolution are profound. It may be possible to ignore the details of the spiral-wave phenomenon in research aimed at unifying the chemical properties of spiral disks. 16 references.
Ever since the pre-molecular era, the birth of new genes with novel functions has been considered to be a major contributor to adaptive evolutionary innovation. Here, I review the origin and evolution...Full Text Available
The evolution of drug resistant bacteria is a severe public health problem, both in hospitals and in the community. Currently, some countries aim at concentrating highly specialized services in large...Full Text Available
A study of the joint evolution of the normal- and neutron-star components of massive binaries opens with a classification scheme and the analytic expressions to be applied in Paper II for computer simulation of the observable properties of such systems.
Neutron Star Evolution with Internal Energy h'q/>a. Dissipation by Vortex Creep. N. Shibazaki and F. K. Lamb. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ...
The continued evolution of bacterial pathogens has major implications for both human and animal disease, but the exchange of genetic material between host-restricted pathogens is rarely considered....Full Text Available
A disk formation model during collapse of the protosolar nebula, yielding a low-mass protoplanetary disk is presented. The following subject areas are covered: (1) circumstellar disks; (2) conditions for the formation of stars with disks; (3) early evolution of the protoplanetary disk; and (4) temperature conditions and the convection in the protoplanetary disk.
BackgroundConcerted evolution refers to the pattern in which copies of multigene families show high intraspecific sequence homogeneity but high interspecific sequence diversity....Full Text Available
All eukaryotes require mitochondria for survival and growth. The origin of mitochondria can be traced down to a single endosymbiotic event between two probably prokaryotic organisms. Subsequent evolution...Full Text Available
Studies were conducted to quantitate the evolution of nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) from soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] leaves during in vivo nitrate reductase...Full Text Available
Several phenomena in animal learning seem to call for evolutionary explanations, such as patterns of what animals learn and do not learn. While several models consider how evolution should influence...Full Text Available
Artificial selection and experimental evolution document natural selection under controlled conditions. Collectively, these techniques are continuing to provide fresh and important insights into the...Full Text Available
We study the spectral evolution of pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) taking into account the energy injected when they are young. We model the evolution of the magnetic field inside a uniformly expanding PWN. Considering time-dependent injection from the pulsar and coolings by radiative and adiabatic losses, we solve the evolution of the particle distribution function. The model is calibrated by fitting the calculated spectrum to the observations of the Crab Nebula at an age of a thousand years. The spectral evolution of the Crab Nebula in our model shows that the flux ratio of TeV #gamma#-rays to X-rays increases with time, which implies that old PWNe are faint in X-rays, but not in TeV #gamma#-rays. The increase of this ratio is because the magnetic field decreases with time and is not because the X-ray emitting particles are cooled more rapidly than the TeV #gamma#-ray emitting particles. Our spectral ...
White dwarf evolution, particularly in the early phases, is not very strongly constrained by observation. Fortunately, white dwarfs undergo nonradial pulsation in three distinct regions of the H-R diagram. These pulsations provide accurate masses, surface compositional structure and rotation velocities, and help constrain other important physical properties. We demonstrate the application of the tools of stellar seismology to white dwarf evolution using the hot white dwarf star PG 1159-035 and the cool DAV (or ZZ Ceti) stars as examples. From pulsation studies, significant challenges to the theory of white dwarf evolution emerge. 44 refs.
Understanding the detailed mechanics of these systems and their place in the general picture of binary star evolution are the dual objectives of this ...
After presenting a general account of the observed global properties of single stars of low, intermediate, and high mass, together with their theoretical Hertzsprung-Russell diagram evolution, attention is given to the observed properties of various evolved close binaries and to an assessment of the value of comparisons between observation and crude theory in characterizing the physics of mass transfer within interacting binary systems. Detailed consideration is then undertaken of such topics as stellar evolution in globular clusters, interior star changes due to nucleosynthesis and mixing, asymptotic giant branch stars of intermediate mass, the response of white dwarfs in binary systems to mass accretion, and scenarios for binary star evolution tending toward close white dwarf pairs.
This report is published in the framework of the 1991 French law for the nuclear waste management. The state of the art reported here concerns the long term evolution of spent fuel in the various environmental conditions corresponding to dry storage and geological disposal: closed system, air and water saturated medium. This review is based on the results of the french PRECCI project (Research Program on Long term Evolution of Spent Nuclear Fuel) and on literature data. (authors)
Four topics in nuclear astrophysics, namely; pulsars, star evolution, nucleosynthesis and solar neutrinos are reviewed through the discussion of the observational data.
The thermal evolution predicted by current models of the superfluid-crust interaction is noted to differ substantially from the thermal evolution predicted by models without internal heating as well as previous models of heating. Heating rates approaching the maximum predicted by current models enhance the photon luminosity of the star in the neutrino cooling era, and dramatically alter the thermal evolution in the photon cooling era. Standard cooling models are consistent with current pulsar temperature estimates and upper limits, except those for the Vela pulsar, which are lower than predicted. 77 refs.
Main purpose of mapping observations of the cloud is to make clear the mechanism of star formation and star evolution. Scientific objectives are summarized ...
The recovery of noble metals from the quaternary Mo-Ru-Rh-Pd alloy in the simulated insoluble residue was studied by means of Pb extraction and the recovery yield was found to be more than 90% for Ru, Rh and Pd. The recovery yield of Mo was very small due to the oxidative vaporization in air. The decontamination factor for Ce as a stand-in of Pu was determined to be around 200 for one stage. These results on the recovery yields of noble metals from the quaternary alloy and the decontamination factor for Ce are in good agreement with those for the ternary Mo-Ru-Pd alloy previously reported by the present authors. The mutual separation of noble metal elements recovered in Pb button was examined by means of re-extraction with molten Zn and the dissolution in boiling 3M or 6M nitric acid solution. The dissolution fractions of Pd and Rh recovered in the Pb button in boiling 3M and 6M nitric acid solution for 12 h were about 90 and 30%, respectively, ...
Using a new simulative technique developed by us, we systematically investigated new ternary or quaternary molten salt systems, which are based on LiF-LiCl, LiF-LiBr, and LiCl-LiBr binary systems, for use as electrolytes in thermal batteries, and evaluated their ionic conductivities and melting points experimentally. It was confirmed experimentally that LiF-LiBr-KF (melting point: 425^oC, ionic conductivity at 500^oC: 2.52Scm^-^1), LiCl-LiBr-KF (405^oC, 2.56Scm^-^1), LiCl-LiBr-NaF-KF (425^oC, 3.11Scm^-^1), LiCl-LiBr-NaCl-KCl (420^oC, 2.73Scm^-^1), and LiCl-LiBr-NaBr-KBr (420^oC, 2.76Scm^-^1) meet our targets for both melting point (350-430^oC) and ionic conductivity (2.0Scm^-^1 and higher at 500^oC). A single cell using the newly developed LiCl-LiBr-NaCl-KCl molten salt as an electrolyte w...
The Sperchios Basin is an active asymmetric graben, bounded to the south by a major border fault system with major fault segments typically 20-30 km long. The basin is dominated by a major axial fluvio-deltaic system which enters the partially enclosed Maliakos Gulf to the east. Lateral sourced depositional systems within the basin comprise hanging-wall and footwall-derived alluvial fans and a narrow coastal plain along the footwall scarp bordering the Maliakos Gulf. High resolution seismic data from the Maliakos Gulf reveals three late Quaternary progradational parasequences sourced from axial and lateral depositional systems, with a regional late-Pleistocene transgressive surface dated at circa. 10 ka BP within the Maliakos Gulf. Differential subsidence of the late Pleistocene transgressive surface indicates marked variation in subsidence from 2.4 m ka[sup -1] at fault segment centers to 0.8 m ka[sup -1] at segment boundaries. The geometry and internal ...
The Sperchios Basin is an active asymmetric graben, bounded to the south by a major border fault system with major fault segments typically 20-30 km long. The basin is dominated by a major axial fluvio-deltaic system which enters the partially enclosed Maliakos Gulf to the east. Lateral sourced depositional systems within the basin comprise hanging-wall and footwall-derived alluvial fans and a narrow coastal plain along the footwall scarp bordering the Maliakos Gulf. High resolution seismic data from the Maliakos Gulf reveals three late Quaternary progradational parasequences sourced from axial and lateral depositional systems, with a regional late-Pleistocene transgressive surface dated at circa. 10 ka BP within the Maliakos Gulf. Differential subsidence of the late Pleistocene transgressive surface indicates marked variation in subsidence from 2.4 m ka{sup -1} at fault segment centers to 0.8 m ka{sup -1} at segment boundaries. The geometry and internal ...
Gabal Ralal is one of the major asymmetrical doubly- plunging anticlinal fold belts (50 Km length) related to the Syrian Arc System in northern Sinai, Egypt. The exposed rock units at Gabal Ralal range from Cretaceous to Quaternary and are divided into eight formations which are from base to top: Malha, Ralal, Wata, Themed, Sudr, Beida, Egma and Quaternary wadi deposits. The image processing is applied using Landsat-7 satellite data to discriminate structure and lithology for defining the horizons of the radioactive anomalies of each rock unit. The extracted structural lineaments, using Ge Analyst-PCl package, from digital ETM data showed that the main structural trends are NE-SW and NW-SE normal faults which originated as extensional fractures with lateral dip-slip displacement. The axial trace of Gabal Ralal fold is curved and plunging to Wand SW directions while the northeastern part (Gabal Dalfa) is plunging to NE direction. The use of ...
A 12 m.y. record of large rhyolitic eruptions from the Coromandel (CVZ) and Taupo (TVZ) volcanic zones of New Zealand is contained in cores retrieved by Leg 181 of the Ocean Drilling Program. Site 1124, located 670 km from the TVZ, has a maximum of 134 macroscopic tephra layers with a total thickness of 13.18 m. These units, along with between 7 and 63 tephras from 3 other sites, were dated by a combination of magnetostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, isothermal plateau fission track determinations, and geochemical correlation with onshore tephra deposits. Additional time control for the last 3 m.y. came from an orbitally tuned, benthic, oxygen isotope profile for Site 1123. Results extend the incomplete terrestrial record of volcanism by placing the first major rhyolitic eruption in the CVZ at c. 12 Ma, c. 1.6-1 m.y. earlier than previously known. Tephras became thicker and more frequent from the late Miocene into the Quaternary - a trend that probably reflected (1) ...
After presenting three ways of defining a bulge component in disc galaxies, we introduce the various types of bulges, namely the classical bulges, the boxy/peanut bulges and the disc-like bulges. We then discuss three specific topics linked to bulge formation and evolution, namely the coupled time evolution of the bar, buckling and peanut strengths; the effect of velocity anisotropy on peanut formation; and bulge formation via bar destruction.
Recent developments in the knowledge of Delta Scuti stars in relation to stellar evolution are reviewed. The stability of periods and amplitudes is examined, and a working hypothesis suggested. Furthermore, the systematics of the observed long-term period changes are compared with the computed evolutionary tracks, suggesting a severe disagreement for the evolved stars if the period changes are caused by radius changes resulting from stellar evolution. 30 refs.
? Introduction Old-growth forests on Changbai Mountain are economically and ecologically important but have been fragmented outside Changbai Mountain Biosphere Reserve. The trend of forest landscape degradation on Changbai Mountain threatens forest sustainability and biodiversity conservation in the region. Previous studies have focused mainly on the structure and function of protected forests but have ignored managed forests outside the reserve border. ? Objectives In this paper, deforestation processes are studied for two forestry enterprises, namely Baihe and Lushuihe Forestry Bureaus, with different socioeconomic structure due to their differences in proximity to Changbai Mountain Biosphere Reserve, which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Baihe?s income comes from b...
Riparian agricultural environments in eastern Australia are widely used for cattle grazing, but are also preferred habitat for native, soil-disturbing mammals such as the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus). We examined the effects of mound construction by wombats, and track development by cattle and wombats, on soil displacement in a riparian landscape at high and low levels of cattle usage. Splash erosion was measured on mounds and inter-mounds with splashboards, and changes in the profiles of cattle-wombat tracks were assessed using a profilemeter. Twice as much soil was detached by splash erosion from mounds than inter-mounds, irrespective of cattle usage, and about three-times more coarse sand and 40% more fine sand was detached from mounds and inter-mounds at the high cattle sites. ...
Invasive weeds have threatened the integrity of ecosystems throughout the world. They affect not only the species diversity of native areas but also their biological integrity. In India, a number of invasive exotic weeds have been reported but some viz. Parthenium hysterophorus, Lantana camara and Ageratum conyzoides, especially those from tropical America are troublesome and have caused adverse ecological, economic and social impact. These weeds can be seen growing in different landscapes but are luxuriantly localized in unattended forests and cultivated areas. Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae, commonly known as congress grass) is perhaps the most troublesome and noxious weed of urban and rural India. Besides rapidly colonizing areas replacing the native vegetation, it is also known t...
Batadomba-lena, a rockshelter in the rainforest of southwestern Sri Lanka, has yielded some of the earliest evidence of Homo sapiens in South Asia. H. sapiens foragers were present at Batadomba-lena from ca. 36,000 cal BP to the terminal Pleistocene and Holocene. Human occupation was sporadic before the global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Batadomba-lena's Late Pleistocene inhabitants foraged for a broad spectrum of plant and mainly arboreal animal resources (monkeys, squirrels and abundant rainforest snails), derived from a landscape that retained equatorial rainforest cover through periods of pronounced regional aridity during the LGM. Juxtaposed hearths, palaeofloors with habitation debris, postholes, excavated pits, and animal and plant remains, including abundant Canarium nutshells, ref...
The goal of this study is to determine whether physicists at the Russian Nuclear Weapons Institute can profitably service the need for computer aided drug design (CADD) programs. The Russian physicists` primary competitive advantage is their ability to write particularly efficient code able to work with limited computing power; a history of working with very large, complex modeling systems; an extensive knowledge of physics and mathematics, and price competitiveness. Their primary competitive disadvantage is their lack of biology, and cultural and geographic issues. The first phase of the study focused on defining the competitive landscape, primarily through interviews with and literature searches on the key providers of CADD software. The second phase focused on users of CADD technology to determine deficiencies in the current product offerings, to understand what product they most desired, and to define the potential demand for such a product.
Staircase current-voltage (I-V) characteristics, observed at 77 K in narrow 2DEG channels irradiated by a single line scan of a focused ion beam (FIB), is reported in detail. These staircases are interpreted as evidence of single electron tunneling through a naturally occurring specific Coulomb island in the random potential fluctuations created by FIB damage. Clear comparison is made between the I-V's taken from wide channels and those from narrow channels. Based on orthodox calculations of the I-V characteristics, it is shown that highly asymmetric tunnel junctions are needed to explain our data. This is consistent with the random nature of the potential landscape in the FIB damaged region. (author).
RODbaffle heat exchanger is a kind of shell-and-tube heat exchanger with eminent performance. Because of the characteristics of tube bundle support structure, fluid flow on shellside is longitudinal and periodical, and fluid flow is of symmetry in landscape orientation. According to the fluid flow characteristics on shellside and ignoring the impact of inlet, outlet and shell wall, a periodic flow unit duct was taken as the simplified model of the shellside to perform numerical simulation by using CFD code, FLUENT. It was found that the both errors in magnitude of the main fluid velocities and heat transfer coefficients between results of simulation and that of experiment or correlations are less than 10%, and the errors of pressure drop between simulation and correlation are no more than 20%. The detailed characteristics and relation of fluid flow and heat transfer on shellside of the RODbaffle heat exchanger were analyzed using the simulation results. (author)
The discovery of atomic nucleus by E. Rutherford, at the beginning of the twentieth century, was the Nuclear Physics original landmark. From then, a series of experiments in which beams of particles composed of neutrons, protons and others, brought to collide with a nucleus in order to unravel its structure or produce artificial elements through nuclear transmutation, were triggered. With the development of experimental equipment, a number of other nuclear phenomena have been observed, such as beta decay, nuclear fission and fusion, M\\"oesbauer effect, etc. In view of the global political and economic landscape and the contemporary educational trends, this work suggest alternative topics in nuclear physics that can be discussed at the conceptual level in high school teaching, where the main focus lies in the historical and technological importance of such phenomena in society.
Microreserves may be useful in protecting native arthropod diversity in urbanized landscapes. However, species that do not disperse through the urban matrix may eventually be lost from these fragments. Population extinctions may be precipitated by an increase in genetic differentiation among fragments and loss of genetic diversity within fragments, and these effects should become stronger with time. We analyzed population genetic structure in the dispersal limited Jerusalem cricket Stenopelmatus n. sp. ?santa monica?? in the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills north of Los Angeles, California (CA), to determine the impacts of fragmentation over the past 70 years. MtDNA divergence was greater among urban fragments than within contiguous habitat and was positively correlated with fragment ...
The diversity of plant resources in the Brazilian semi-arid region is being compromised by practices related to agriculture, pastures, and forest harvesting, especially in areas containing Caatinga vegetation (xeric shrublands and thorn forests). The impact of these practices constitutes a series of complex factors involving local issues, creating a need for further scientific studies on the social-environmental dynamics of natural resource use. Through participatory methods, the present study analyzed people?s representations about local environmental change processes in the Brazilian semi-arid region, taking into consideration local production systems, natural resources, and their importance. Environmental historical graphs were developed with nine local families to analyze landscape cha...
Background, aim, and scope Soil as a landscape body contains wide ranges of physical, chemical, morphological, and mineralogical properties, both laterally and vertically. Soils with similar properties and environments are expected to behave similarly. A statement on land use potential will depend in part on the precision and accuracy of the statements that can be made about the soils. This information has some practical applications in optimizing land management and productivity improvement. The spatial patterns and dependence of some selected physicochemical properties of brackish marsh and surrounding soils were investigated using a 2-D kriging analysis in conjunction with a geostatistical (GS+, Michigan) model. Materials and methods Composite (four subsamples) surface samples (0?20?cm)...
Mapping the distribution of invasive alien plant species is significant for testing ecological hypotheses and for guiding effective management. Little is known about the distribution of invasive plants at landscape scale, and the factors controlling their dispersal and establishment are still poorly understood. This is the case for Rosa rugosa, an invasive shrub with negative effects on biodiversity in dune ecosystems of NW Europe. The aim of the study was to identify the factors which determine the distribution of R. rugosa in coastal dunes. In a large semi-natural dune area of NW Denmark (2364ha) all patches of the species (1321, 1.3-59.1m2) were GPS mapped. Patch distribution was GIS analysed, based on aerial photographs and vegetation maps. The distance of R. rugosa from the most consp...
An unprecedented mobilization at all levels is being established in order to fight against the effects of climate change and announcements are increasing each week with proposals of ever more ambitious plans of action. A new landscape is beginning to take shape from a more varied energy supply with less carbon. This new order highlights several central R/D areas which are to be developed and which re described in the first part of this article. How are these plans of action going to be put into practice in the field, within the dynamics of the great unifying project 'Grenoble University of Innovation'? How can the innovation process be speeded up to quickly find answers to all these questions? How can all scientific disciplines be incorporated in this run-up and how can the different players be brought to interact? The new PREDIS centre in Grenoble, described in the second part of the article, is intended to answer these questions. (authors)
Information technology allows national and local governments to satisfy the needs of citizens in a cost effective way. Unfortunately, citizens still tend to prefer traditional, more costly channels, such as the front desk, phone and mail. Through pilot projects government agencies attempt to influence this behavior of citizens, directing them towards the online channel. With this paper we provide insight into the possibility to influence citizens' behavior in the complex landscape of multi-channel service provision. The paper systematically compares five pilot projects using a framework that is based on organizational and marketing literature. The results show that socio-psychological factors are crucial in multi-channel management, much more than the technology itself. We conclude that ci...
Little is known about the rates of establishment and clonal spread of invasive plants on a landscape scale. This knowledge is necessary for reconstructing and predicting invasions, for example of the alien shrub Rosa rugosa. A series of aerial photographs (1986, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006) were used to map the species in coastal dunes of north-western Denmark (2354ha), and all R. rugosa patches (1321) were recorded with GPS in 2004 and 2007. The 2004 records were used to digitize 82-161 distinct patches on the photographs. The increase in patch sizes from the older to the younger photographs was used to calculate a lateral clonal spread rate (0.42myear^-^1). Relative area increment by clonal spread was 16.4% per year, decreasing exponentially with patch size due to constant clonal lateral spre...
Nest locations of breeding birds are often spatially clustered. This tendency to nest together has generally been related to a patchy distribution of nesting habitat in landscape studies, but behavioral studies of species with clustered breeding patterns draw attention to the importance of social and biotic factors. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the breeding system of many territorial, migrant birds may be semi-colonial. The reasons for, and extent of, spatial clustering in their breeding systems are not well understood. Our goal was to tease apart the influence of habitat availability and social drivers of clustered breeding in a neotropical migrant species, the hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina). To test alternative hypotheses related to clustered habitat or conspecifi...
ObjectivesThe vision The Centre's vision is a rural transformation in the developing world where smallholder households massively increase their use of trees in agricultural landscapes to improve their food security, nutrition, income, health, shelter, energy resources and environmental sustainability. This vision is founded upon three basic tenets: 1. The growing importance of trees and treebased systems in sustaining livelihoods and agroecosystems; 2. The Centre's experience and comparative adv [continued...]DescriptionBackground: The International Council for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) was created in response to a visionary study in the mid-1970s led by forester John Bene of Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The study coined the term 'agroforestry' and called for global recognition of the key role trees play on farms. This led to the establishment of ICRAF in 1978 to promote agroforestry research in developing countries. Intended ...
The talk will focus on spin-dependent competition between oblate and prolate shape minima in the potential energy landscape of "1"8"0Hf (the most neutron-rich stable isotope), mediated via the alignment of valence nucleons. Results of a prompt spectroscopic study, using deep inelastic reactions with Gammasphere and CHICO, bombarding a thin "2"3"2Th target with a "1"8"0Hf beam #approx#25% above the Coulomb barrier, will be presented. Nucleon alignments in both prolate and oblate minima will be discussed, as well as the favoring of oblate collective rotation at high spins, observed through a mixing with gamma vibrations built on the prolate shape.
Poplar breeding in Europe is in a more advanced state than breeding programmes of other species. In Europe, poplars are part of the scenery and are integrated in the economy. Traditionally poplar stands are established in lowland areas. But an increasing interest in their use moved them to upland sites. Poplar uses are multiple: lumber, industrial wood, wind-breaks and landscape plantations, etc. Selection characteristics are classified in different groups: vegetative propagation ability, vigor, adaptation to sites and climate, resistance to diseases and insect pests, wood quality, and coppicing ability. Strategies have improved with time. The most efficient strategies for the long term involve constitution of base populations, selection of parents for intra- and interspecific hybridizations, selection within the progenies, and vegetative propagation. Short term strategies are also applied simultaneously. Advanced breeding techniques with poplars include: haploidy, ...
The paper describes, for the Hausa farmers of Gidan Jatau in northern Nigeria, the distinct ways in which they see and understand (a) their close and distant environment and (b) their bodies' anatomy and physiology. These ways result in 'another geography' - of both space and being - which, however, may no longer now have the resonance it had in the early 1970s when the author lived in Gidan Jatau for two years as a guest. At that time, the spiritual dimensions of daily life were deemed important to the health and prosperity of each person and to the farmstead as a whole. The argument is made that the urban-centred literature on the bori possession-cult neglects the ordinary, anonymous spirits of house and field. Any serious archaeology of the landscape will need insights into this 'altern...
Coal mining activities cause an increased acidity and an associated decrease of the pH-value in mine waters. This process is also known as acid mine drainage (AMD). Due to AMD, lakes that were formed in the post mining landscapes in the lignite mining area of Central Germany are characterized by specific limnological development changes. Remote sensing is a time and cost saving technique that enables the observation of the hydrological and limnological development of the lakes ranging from a small to a mid size scale. The current research was based on Landsat TM5/ETM+7 satellite data collected between 1999 and 2004. In combination of satellite data, surface waters of the post mining lakes in Central Germany were sampled and analyzed for their physicochemical properties. The objective of th...
Many species of entomophagous arthropods have been introduced either intentionally (through the practice of biological control) or unintentionally to new regions. We examine interactions of these aliens with their new environments in the context of rapid global change linked to human activity. We consider effects of such interactions on establishment and spread of the alien species and effects on indigenous biota and ecosystems. Major elements of global change that affect alien-environment interactions include landscape modifications by humans (e.g., cultivation, habitat loss and fragmentation) and increases in atmospheric CO2 and other gases resulting in climate change and other effects (e.g., changes in food quality for herbivores that affect higher trophic levels as well). Alien arthrop...
Dispersal can be regarded as a process operating both between and within patches of suitable habitat. For uncontrolled dispersal processes, the risk of crossing the borders of the habitat patch and arriving in the unsuitable landscape matrix will increase with decreasing patch area, in particular when the distance between isolated habitat patches is larger than the species' average dispersal capacity. Ballooning dispersal in spiders can be considered as a passive dispersal process, in which dispersed distances depend on the prevalent wind velocity. We executed a reaction norm analysis to analyze how dispersal propensity of the salt marsh wolf spider Pardosa purbeckensis depended on population characteristics (patch size) and the environment (wind velocity). Dispersal propensity was affecte...
In the spring of 2009, the Romanian government has proposed a restructuring of the national power generation sector segment that is still owned by the state. As most of the power generation capacity is still state-owned, this restructuring will dramatically alter the competitive landscape of this sector. This paper is analyzing the rationale and principles of the restructuring as stated by government documents and officials, the assessment methodology and criteria proposed by the government, as well as the proposed final outcome of the restructuring initiative. Based on this critical assessment and the early results of the restructuring's implementation, we are able to make recommendations that can be considered for a revised restructuring approach. - Research highlights: #-># Power generation sector restructuring is proposed in 2009 by the Romanian government. #-># We assess the objectives, methodology and proposed outcome of the restructuring. #-># ...
LECTURE SERIES 14, 15, 17 January 2008 11:00 to 12:00 - Council Chamber, bldg. 503-1-001 Applications of accelerators to tumour therapy U. AMALDI, TERA Foundation & University of Milano Bicocca The first lecture is devoted to an historical review of the developments of the teletherapy techniques which make use of hadron beams and are collectively called "hadrontherapy". The main emphasis is on the use of protons and light ions, but also neutrons, pions and antiprotons are considered. The second lecture reviews the rationale behind the use of carbon ions in the treatment of radioresistant tumours and the results obtained both with proton and carbon ion beams on the 60 000 patients treated worldwide. The numbers of patients who would profit from hadrontherapy are presented together with the current landscape of running and planned hospital based centres. The main technical challenges set by this therapeutic modality are discussed in the third lecture together ...
Vehicular communication (VC) systems have recently drawn the attention of industry, authorities, and academia. A consensus on the need to secure VC systems and protect the privacy of their users led to concerted efforts to design security architectures. Interestingly, the results different project contributed thus far bear extensive similarities in terms of objectives and mechanisms. As a result, this appears to be an auspicious time for setting the corner-stone of trustworthy VC systems. Nonetheless, there is a considerable distance to cover till their deployment. This paper ponders on the road ahead. First, it presents a distillation of the state of the art, covering the perceived threat model, security requirements, and basic secure VC system components. Then, it dissects predominant assumptions and design choices and considers alternatives. Under the prism of what is necessary to render secure VC systems practical, and given possible non-technical influences, the paper attempts to ...
Nuclear reaction rates and opacity are important parameters in stellar evolution. The input physics in a stellar evolution code determines the main theoretical characteristics of the stellar structure, evolution and nucleosynthesis of a star. For different input physics, in this work we calculate stellar evolution models of very massive first stars during the hydrogen and helium burning phases. We have considered 100 and 200M_sun galactic and pregalactic stars with metallicity Z = 10"-"6 and 10"9, respectively. The results show important differences from old to new formulations for the opacity and nuclear reaction rates, in particular the evolutionary tracks are significantly affected, that indicates the importance of using up to date and reliable input physics. The triple alpha reaction activates sooner for pregalactic than for galactic stars.
The role of adaptation in the divergence of lineages has long been a central question in evolutionary biology, and as multilocus sequence data sets have become available for a wide range of taxa, empirical estimates of levels of adaptive molecular evolution are increasingly common. Estimates vary widely among taxa, with high levels of adaptive evolution in Drosophila, bacteria, and viruses but very little evidence of widespread adaptive evolution in hominids. Although estimates in plants are more limited, some recent work has suggested that rates of adaptive evolution in a range of plant taxa are surprisingly low and that there is little association between adaptive evolution and effective population size in contrast to patterns seen in other taxa. Here, we analyze data from 35 loci for si...
According to the present concept, the low and intermediate level wastes generated during the Cernavoda NPP operation will be disposed in a near surface repository. The Saligny site, placed in the NPP protected area, has been proposed for their disposal. Geologically, the main components of this site are the quaternary loess, the Precambrian and Pre-quaternary clays, the Eocene and Barremian limestone. Hydrologically, the site can be divided into a vadose zone down to 45-50 m and three distinct aquifers, two of them in the limestone beds and the third in the lenses of sand and limestone existing in the pre-quaternary clay layer. A large research program for site characterization was initiated in 1996. At present, the site characteristics requested for safety analysis have been experimentally measured on soil samples or calculated by different computer programs. Hundreds of experimental values of the density, porosity, ...
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must account for legally protected and endangered species. Uncertainties relating to the validity and sensitivity of EIA arise from predictions and valuation of effects on these species. This paper presents a validity and sensitivity analysis of a model (BIO-SAFE) for assessment of impacts of land use changes and physical reconstruction measures on legally protected and endangered river species. The assessment is based on links between species (higher plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, butterflies and dragon- and damselflies) and ecotopes (landscape ecological units, e.g., river dune, soft wood alluvial forests), and on value assignment to protected and endangered species using different valuation criteria (i.e., EU Habitats and Birds directive, Conventions of Bern and Bonn and Red Lists). The validity of BIO-SAFE has been tested by comparing predicted effects of landscape changes on the ...
Deforestation in Brazilian Amazonia in 1990 was releasing approximately 281--282 X 10{sup 6} metric tons (MT) of carbon on conversion to a landscape of agriculture, productive pasture, degraded pasture, secondary forest and regenerated forest in the proportions corresponding to the equilibrium condition implied by current land-use patterns. Emissions are expressed as committed carbon,'' or the carbon released over a period of years as the carbon stock in each hectare deforested approaches a new equilibrium in the landscape that replaces the original forest. To the extent that deforestation rates have remained constant, current releases from the areas deforested in previous years will be equal to the future releases from the areas being cleared now. Considering the quantities of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxide, NO{sub x} and non-methane hydrocarbons released raises the impact by 22--37%. The relative ...
This report summarises nearly 20 biosphere reports and gives a synthesis of the work performed within the SR-Site Biosphere project, i.e. the biosphere part of SR-Site. SR-Site Biosphere provides the main project with dose conversion factors (LDFs), given a unit release rate, for calculation of human doses under different release scenarios, and assesses if a potential release from the repository would have detrimental effects on the environment. The intention of this report is to give sufficient details for an overview of methods, results and major conclusions, with references to the biosphere reports where methods, data and results are presented and discussed in detail. The philosophy of the biosphere assessment was to make estimations of the radiological risk for humans and the environment as realistic as possible, based on the knowledge of present-day conditions at Forsmark and the past and expected future development of the site. This was achieved by using the best available ...
The high temperature solid-state reaction between LiNiO{sub 2} and V{sub 2}O{sub 3} (or V{sub 2}O{sub 5}) in air used to prepare LiNiVO{sub 4} has been further studied. This quaternary Li-Ni-V-O reaction is strongly dependent on reaction temperature and lithium stoichiometry in Li{sub x}Ni{sub 2-x}O{sub 2} and has produced a highly crystalline LiNiVO{sub 4} material whose structure has been confirmed to be an inverse spinel by Rietveld analysis with a Bragg R-factor of 1.18 in the absence of crystal orientation preference. The cell performance of LiNiVO{sub 4} prepared at various temperatures or by varying x-values in Li{sub x}Ni{sub 2-x}O{sub 2} has been examined in lithium coin cells and indicated that preparation at low temperatures or when x=0.89 provided an electrode material with higher cell capacity. (orig.)
The study investigated the luminescence behaviour of natural olivine to discuss the potential for Cenozoic (quaternary) dating. The UV-blue thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves of irradiated olivines have a resolved peak at 190 deg. C and other peaks at higher temperature at lower dose levels, and broad signals around 275-310 and 375-400 deg. C at higher dose levels. The UV-blue TL increases with additional laboratory dose to {approx}1.6kGy within a plateau temperature region, suggesting the possibility of dosimetry and Cenozoic dating. Both infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and blue light stimulated luminescence (BLSL) were detected from laboratory-irradiated olivines although the BLSL was weaker than the IRSL. Furthermore, post-BL IRSL was detected but post-IR BLSL was not observed. Therefore, IR stimulation is recommended for optically stimulated luminescence measurements with natural olivine. The growth of the IRSL signal component with doses less than ...
New alloys of Cu.sub.x Ag.sub.(1-x) InSe.sub.2 (where x ranges between 0 and 1 and preferably has a value of about 0.75) and CuIn.sub.y Ga.sub.(1-y) Se.sub.2 (where y ranges between 0 and 1 and preferably has a value of about 0.90) in the form of single crystals with enhanced structure perfection, which crystals are substantially free of fissures are disclosed. Processes are disclosed for preparing the new alloys of Cu.sub.x Ag.sub.(1-x) InSe.sub.2. The process includes placing stoichiometric quantities of a Cu, Ag, In, and Se reaction mixture or stoichiometric quantities of a Cu, In, Ga, and Se reaction mixture in a refractory crucible in such a manner that the reaction mixture is surrounded by B.sub.2 O.sub.3, placing the thus loaded crucible in a chamber under a high pressure atmosphere of inert gas to confine the volatile Se to the crucible, and heating the reaction mixture to its melting point. The melt can then be cooled slowly to form, by direct solidification, a single crystal ...
A high power AlGaInP single quantum well graded index separate confinement heterostructure. It comprises a substrate and a multiplicity of layers deposited thereon comprising a single Ga{sub x}In{sub x}P quantum well where x has a value from about 0.4 to about 0.6; multiple graded index regions on both sides of the quantum well and cladding layers adjacent to each graded region of the well, the graded region comprising Al{sub y}(Ga{sub 1{minus}y}){sub 0.5}In{sub 0.5}P quaternary alloy; wherein the value of y in the graded region varies from about 0.2 at the quantum well/graded region interface to up to about 0.6 for the cladding layers/graded index regions; the heterostructure having a low broad area threshold current with pulsed thresholds in the range from about 1 to about 2 Amps/cm{sup 2} and a differential efficiency of from about 20 to about 60 percent.
Recent organic geochemical studies differ radically in their interpretation of the origin of the Gulf coast oils. However all studies since (and including) Thompson, et al. 1989, emphasize the considerable geographic variation in genetic oil types and are in generalized agreement as to the genetic oil types present and their spatial and stratigraphic relationships. In particular it is accepted that the Gulf rim (both north and south) is encircled by a ring of Mesozoic carbonate-sourced oils and that there is also at least one major deep water trend of carbonate-sourced oils in the northern Gulf. It is also generally agreed that many of the Gulf rim oils are of Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian age, though some, like the Sunniland oils of Florida, are of lower Cretaceous origin. Major disagreement still occurs over the sources of the Louisiana offshore oils and onshore Wilcox reservoired oils. One {open_quotes}school of thought{close_quotes} assigns all these oils to Mesozoic sources. The other ...
The geology and resources of the lower Yellow Creek area, an area at the northwestern margin of the Piceance Creek basin comprising of four 7.5-minute quadrangles, are described. Subsurface face rocks penetrated by drill holes range in age from Pennsylvania to Cretaceous. Measured sections show the Mancos Shale and the Castlegate Sandstone, Iles Formation, and Williams Fork Formation of the Mesaverde Group of Late Cretaceous age and the Fort Union, Wasatch, Green River, and Uinta formations of Tertiary age. Surficial deposits of Quaternary age include terrace gravels, alluvium, and landslides. Fold axes and faults in the area trend northwesterly. The southern part of the area contains major oil-shale resources. Coal-bearing zones in the Williams Fork and Iles formations contain considerable coal. The coal-resources potential is limited, however, by nonpersistence of the thicker coal beds. Small amounts of gas have been produced from shallow, lenticular Tertiary ...
The geology of the central Roam Plateau area in the south-central part of the Piceance Creek basin, comprising four 7.5-minute quadrangles, is described. Subsurface rocks penetrated by drill holes include the Mancos Shale and Mesaverde Formation of Later Cretaceous age, and parts of the Wasatch Formation of Paleocene and Eocene age, and Green River Formation of Eocene age. Exposed rocks, aggregating as much as 4,550 feet in thickness, are all Eocene in age and include the upper part of the Wasatch Formation , and the Green River and Uinta formations. The Green River and Uinta formations are extensively intertongued. Surficial deposits of Quaternary age include alluvium, talus, slopewash, and landslides. Two northwesterly trending folds, the Clear Creek Syncline and the Crystal Creek anticlinal nose, are present in the northern part of the area. There are no major faults. The area contains large potentially important oil-shale resources, mostly in the Parachute ...
Past movement on faults can be dated by measurement of the intensity of ESR signals in quartz. These signals are reset by local lattice deformation and local frictional heating on grain contacts at the time of fault movement. The ESR signals then grow back as a result of bombardment by ionizing radiation from surrounding rocks. The age is obtained from the ratio of the equivalent dose, needed to produce the observed signal, to the dose rate. Fine grains are more completely reset during faulting, and a plot of age vs. grain size shows a plateau for grains below critical size; these grains are presumed to have been completely zeroed by the last fault activity. We carried out ESR dating of fault rocks collected near the Gori nuclear reactor. Most of the ESR signals of fault rocks collected from the basement are saturated. This indicates that the last movement of the faults had occurred before the Quaternary period. However, ESR dates from the Oyong fault zone range ...
We present a comprehensive, up-to-date compilation of band parameters for the technologically important III - V zinc blende and wurtzite compound semiconductors: GaAs, GaSb, GaP, GaN, AlAs, AlSb, AlP, AlN, InAs, InSb, InP, and InN, along with their ternary and quaternary alloys. Based on a review of the existing literature, complete and consistent parameter sets are given for all materials. Emphasizing the quantities required for band structure calculations, we tabulate the direct and indirect energy gaps, spin-orbit, and crystal-field splittings, alloy bowing parameters, effective masses for electrons, heavy, light, and split-off holes, Luttinger parameters, interband momentum matrix elements, and deformation potentials, including temperature and alloy-composition dependences where available. Heterostructure band offsets are also given, on an absolute scale that allows any material to be aligned relative to any other. [copyright] 2001 American Institute of ...
Aluminum-containing intergranular phases, forming intergranular films and secondary phase particles at triple-junctions in SiC hot-pressed with aluminum, boron, and carbon additions, were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Statistical high-resolution electron microscopy study of intergranular films indicated that a large fraction of the vitreous intergranular films in the s-hot-pressed SiC crystallized during postannealing in argon above 1000 C. However, brief heating to 1900 C indeed re-melted 25 percent of the crystallized intergranular films. The structural transitions were reflected in the statistical width distributions of the amorphous grain boundary layers. At triple-junctions, Al2O3, Al2OC-SiC solid solution, and mullite phases were newly identified. These phases,together with others reported before are represented in a quaternary phase diagram for 1900 C. It is proposed that a SiC-Al2OC liquid domain is to be included in this phase diagram.
The Idaho Falls quadrangle in southeastern Idaho lies at the juncture of the Snake River Plain, the Northern Rocky Mountains, and the Basin-Range Province. Quaternary basalts of the Snake River Plain occupy 70% of the quadrangle. The rest of the area is covered by uplifted Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic rocks of the Pre-Late Cenozoic Orogenic Complex. Magnetic data apparently show contributions from both shallow and deep sources. The apparent expression of intrusive and extrusive rocks of late Mesozoic and Cenozoic age tends to mask the underlying structural downtrap thought to exist under the Snake River Plain. The Idaho Falls quadrangle has been unproductive in terms of uranium mining. A single claim exists in the Sawtooth Mountains, but no information was found concerning its present status at the time of this study. A total of 169 anomalies are valid according to the criteria set forth in Volume I of this report. These anomalies are scattered throughout the ...
The functioning of animal as well as human societies fundamentally relies on cooperation. Yet, defection is often favorable for the selfish individual, and social dilemmas arise. Selection by individuals' fitness, usually the basic driving force of evolution, quickly eliminates cooperators. However, evolution is also governed by fluctuations that can be of greater importance than fitness differences, and can render evolution effectively neutral. Here, we investigate the effects of selection versus fluctuations in social dilemmas. By studying the mean extinction times of cooperators and defectors, a variable sensitive to fluctuations, we are able to identify and quantify an emerging 'edge of neutral evolution' that delineates regimes of neutral and Darwinian evolution. Our results reveal that cooperation is significantly maintained in the neutral regimes. ...
A low power polychromatic beam of microwaves is used to diagnose the behavior of turbulent fluctuations in the core of the JT-60U tokamak during the evolution of the internal transport barrier. A continuous reduction in the size of turbulent structures is observed concomitant with the reduction of the density scale length during the evolution of the internal transport barrier. The density correlation length decreases to the order of the ion gyroradius, in contrast to the much longer scale lengths observed earlier in the discharge, while the density fluctuation level remain similar to the level before transport barrier formation.
The components with masses 32 and 64M _s_u_n, evolved with the matter mixing in the semiconvective zone and filling their Roche lobes, after the main-sequence evolution overflow their Roche lobes and lose matter during the first part of the helium core burning. After the overflow end, the components lose the matter by stellar wind. The components shrink in the nuclear timescale. At first, they have the blue supergiant character with anomalous CNO abundance, then - the Wolf-Rayet stars character.
The method of an effective potential is used to investigate the possible types of evolution of vacuum shells in the Friedmann-Schwarzschild world. Such shells are assumed to emerge during phase transitions in the early Universe. The possible global geometries are constructed for the Friedmann-Schwarzschild worlds. Approximate solutions to the equation of motion of a vacuum shell have been found. The conditions under which the end result of the evolution of the vacuum shells under consideration is the formation of black holes and wormholes with baby universes inside have been found. The interior of this world can be a closed, flat, or open Friedmann universe.
A guide to practical astronomy. It introduces the reader to some basic (and some not-so-basic) astronomical concepts, and discusses the stars and their evolution, the planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies
BackgroundThe evolution of eukaryotic cells is widely agreed to have proceeded through a series of endosymbiotic events between larger cells and proteobacteria or cyanobacteria,...Full Text Available
The Nobel lecture of Chandrasekhar is printed in which he describes the basic processes that determine the life history of a star with particular emphasis on the roles of stellar mass and radiation pressure. (AIP)
... and one near-main-sequence star, which will stringently constrain calculations of single-star evolution at high metallicity. Independent of SIM Lite observations ...
... and high-quality photospheric-phase Type II SN spectra to constrain core- collapse SN explosions, massive star evolution, and distances in the Universe ...
sive star evolution based on our new calculations of this pulsational instability, where the initial mass of SNe progenitors increases according to the ...
Dusty primordial disks surrounding young low-mass stars are revealing tracers of stellar and planetary formation. The evolution and lifetime of these disks define the boundary conditions of the mechanisms of planet formation. Stellar companions, however, can significantly change this evolution through their tidal interactions. Stellar evolution and planet formation in binaries have to respond to an environment of truncated, quickly disappearing disks--very different compared to an isolated star environment. In order to investigate details of the influence of binarity on circumstellar disk evolution, we obtained adaptive optics supported near-infrared imaging and spectroscopy of the individual components of 22 low-mass binaries in the well-known Orion Nebula Cluster. Brackett gamma emission, which we detect in several systems, is used as a tracer for the presence of an active accretion disk around each ...
Aug 26, 2011 ... The main article on the back of the poster explains star evolution in very simple terms (including the fate of our own Sun), and how a planetary ...
Recent evidence indicates that the evolution of ultrasonic hearing in echolocating bats and cetaceans has involved adaptive amino acid replacements in the cochlear gene prestin. A substantial...Full Text Available
terms of 11) numerical models, 2D SPH simulations, and analytic models. The 1D model was useful for determining the evolution over very long timescales. ...
BackgroundPlasmodium falciparum is the most malignant agent of human malaria. It belongs to the taxon Laverania, which includes other ape-infecting Plasmodium...Full Text Available
the revealed stage of T Tauri star evolution, is only a mere shadow of its former self. Once primary accretion starts, one has the (poorly quantified) ...
Form as the end result of massive star evolution; Type II supernova: collapse of iron core in highly evolved massive star; outer regions blasted away in ...
The binding energy parameter #lambda# plays an important role in common envelope evolution. Previous works have already pointed out that #lambda# varies throughout the stellar evolution, though it has been adopted as a constant in most of the population synthesis calculations. We have systematically calculated the binding energy parameter #lambda# for both Population I and Population II stars of masses 1-20 M _s_u_n, taking into account the contribution from the internal energy of stellar matter. We present fitting formulae for #lambda# that can be incorporated into future population synthesis investigations. We also briefly discuss the possible applications of the results in binary evolutions.
... interacting systems in which common-envelope evolutionary effects make it hard to generalize the results to single-star evolution, although they ...
Evolution in Space Radio Telescopes Reveal Youngest Stellar Corpse Gas Clouds in Whirlpool Galaxy Yield Important Clues Supporting Theory on Spiral Arms Starbust-driven Winds...
... follows draws on Wittwer (1980b & c), Zinn et al. (1966) and Hess (1968). ... for the Starfish event) and much larger distances along the geomagnetic ...
... CVn) consisting of a dM3 star and a cool white dwarf that must have evolved through the common-envelope stage of binary star evolution (Else van ...
Jun 28, 2010 ... Ultracompact binaries represent the end product of a binary star evolution, and are important test cases of theories of extreme gravity. Perhaps ...
Depletion studies are used to infer the presence of mantles and to constrain grain evolutionary models in the diffuse interstellar medium. The presence of these mantles appears to be important in the evolution of the grains inside diffuse as well as dense clouds. In dense clouds where the element-to-element abundances sometimes differ from those found in diffuse clouds, empirical relationships are starting to emerge between gas abundances and various types of peculiar selective extinction. These peculiar extinction curves may be the results of nonvolatile mantle formation on grain cores or may reflect chemical differences due to variations in the intrinsic metalicity from one cloud to another. A simple model of the time evolution of a parcel of gas and dust as observed by the depletion of two elements is presented. Different studies of grain evolution and selective extinction are discussed and compared.
Hie synthesis of diverse biologically important compounds, under condi- tions which existed on the earth in the initial period of its evolution, ha; ...
and the implications for massive star evolution. In recent years, the complex nature of the circumstellar regions of evolved massive stars has become apparent. ...
The supernatural fears associated with the experience of isolated sleep paralysis in the culture of developing countries is sometimes associated with the evolution of somatic symptoms of psychological...Full Text Available
BackgroundSenescence is integral to the flowering plant life-cycle. Senescence-like processes occur also in non-angiosperm land plants, algae and photosynthetic prokaryotes. Increasing...Full Text Available
Specialized olfactory lobe glomeruli relating to sexual or caste differences have been observed in at least five orders of insects, suggesting an early appearance of this trait in insect evolution....Full Text Available
The values of X = 0.77, Z = 0.035, and Y = 0.195 and the stage of evolution of Procyon are determined from the evolutionary tracks and the results of an analysis of the chemical composition of the atmosphere.
The study of genetic variability within natural populations of pathogens may provide insight into their evolution and pathogenesis. We used a Mycobacterium tuberculosis high-density...Full Text Available
Abstract We performed hydrodynamical simulations to investigate the formation and evolution of protostars and circumstellar discs from the pre-stellar cloud. As the initial state, we adopted the molecular cloud core with two non-dimensional parameters representing the thermal and rotational energies. With these parameters, we derived 17 models and calculated the cloud evolution--104 yr-after the protostar formation. We found that early evolution of the star-disc system can be qualitatively classified into four modes: the massive-disc, early-fragmentation, late-fragmentation, and protostar-dominant modes. In the -massive-disc mode-, to which the majority of models belong, the disc mass is greater than the protostellar mass for over 104 yr and no fragmentation occurs in the circumstellar dis...
gently constrain calculations of single-star evolution at high metallicity. Independent of SIM Lite observa- tions, we also propose to establish 4) how to ...
... each star goes. The results of (1) are compared with predictions based on (2) and on single star evolution theory to discover the various stages which occur. ...
A brief review of standard big bang nucleosynthesis theory and the related observations of the light element isotopes is presented. Implications of BBN on chemical evolution and constraints on particle properties will also be discussed.
Mar 6, 2009 ... remnants of massive star evolution) to worlds that are more reassuringly familiar. In the latter category, we now have excellent evidence ...
Acquisition of detailed knowledge of the structure and evolution of Trypanosoma cruzi populations is essential for control of Chagas disease....Full Text Available
Apr 23, 2009 ... Wolf-Rayet stars have over 20 times the mass of the Sun and are thought to be in a brief, pre-supernova phase of massive star evolution. ...
... than the age of the universe unless it is an unresolved double degenerate or a product of common-envelope binary star evolution (Fontaine et al. ...
These proceedings represent papers presented at the Astrophysics Conference in Maryland, USA. The topic of the Conference was the evolution of x-ray binaries and the papers encompass a wide range of subjects on x-ray astronomy. There were one hundred eighteen papers presented at the Conference and out of these three have been abstracted for the Energy Science and Technology database.
The evolution of a family of airfoil sections designed to be used as blade elements of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is described. This evolution consists of extensive computer simulation, wind tunnel testing and field testing. The process reveals that significant reductions in system costs-of-energy and increases in fatigue lifetime may be expected for VAWT systems using these blade elements.
We have measured the redshift evolution of the density of Lyman limit systems (LLSs) in the intergalactic medium over the redshift range 0 < z < 6. We have used two new quasar samples to (1) improve coverage at z #approx# 1, with GALEX grism spectrograph observations of 50 quasars with 0.8 < z_e_m < 1.3, and (2) extend coverage to z #approx# 6, with Keck ESI spectra of 25 quasars with 4.17 < z_e_m < 5.99. Using these samples together with published data, we find that the number density of LLS per unit redshift, n(z), can be well fit by a simple evolution of the form n(z) = n_3_._5[(1 + z)/4.5]"#gamma# with n_3_._5 = 2.80 #+-# 0.33 and #gamma# = 1.94"+"0"."3"6_-_0_._3_2 for the entire range 0 < z < 6. We have also reanalyzed the evolution of damped Ly#alpha# systems (DLAs) in the redshift range 4 < z < 5 using our high-redshift quasar sample. We find a total of 17 DLAs and sub-DLAs, which we ...
The method of spectral disentangling has now created the opportunity for studying the chemical composition in previously inaccessible components of binary and multiple stars. This in turn makes it possible to trace their chemical evolution, a vital aspect in understanding the evolution of stellar systems. We review different ways to reconstruct individual spectra from eclipsing and non-eclipsing systems, and then concentrate on some recent applications to detached binaries with high-mass and intermediate-mass stars, and Algol-type mass-transfer systems.
DescriptionChanges in glacier mass balance are critically influenced by the distribution of snow accumulation at the start of the melt season, but models of the winter season lag seriously behind those of the melt season. The overall aim is to test physically-based models of the spatial and temporal evolution of the winter snowpack at a temperate ice cap (Langjokull, Iceland), to assess how effectively and also how efficiently they capture variation in winter accumulation. A three-step modelling approach i [continued...
The galaxies of the Local Group that are currently forming stars can serve as our laboratories for understanding star formation and the evolution of massive stars. In this talk I will summarize what I think we've learned about these topics over the past few decades of research, and briefly mention what I think needs to happen next.
As the Operating and Support staffs of the FFTF organization have gained experience, the plant reliability and capacity factors have shown a steadily improving trend. The plant capacity factor for Cycle 4 was 99.5%. It is the purpose of this report to describe the evolution of the maintenance organization at the FFTF site from a general support organization to a technically proficient organization playing a major role in planning and performance of plant maintenance evolutions.
We use the method of Padg approximants and Fourier transform techniques to treat analytically the problem of transverse and longitudinal mode evolution in FELs. We obtain simple relations providing a transparent understanding of the dynamic of pulse propagation effects and of transverse mode guiding. We discuss the interplay with inhomogeneous broadening effects and derive gain formulae including longitudinal and transverse mode couplings.
The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was studied on Ni-P{sub x} electrodes containing 8 to 16 weight percent P prepared by potentiostatic deposition. The amount of P in the alloy varied with deposition potential. The activity of the electrodes was dependent on the P concentration, and the formation of a passive film. Cyclic voltametry was used to study the removal of this film. 3 refs.
The hydrodynamics of gas evolution plays an important role in the pitting corrosion of metals. A new technique for the measurement of the local hydrodynamics caused by corrosion processes, using the atomic force microscope, has been presented in this work. The hydrodynamics of hydrogen evolution on Al surface due to pitting corrosion was studied. The characteristic features of the hydrodynamics are discussed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first local measurement of pitting corrosion hydrodynamics.
Recent observations of the evolutionary properties of paired and interacting galaxies are reviewed, with special emphasis on their global emission properties and star formation rates. Data at several wavelengths provide strong confirmation of the hypothesis, proposed originally by Larson and Tinsley, that interactions trigger global bursts of star formation in galaxies. The nature and properties of the starbursts, and their overall role in galactic evolution are also discussed.
Two general categories are discussed concerning the evolution of the solar system: the dualistic view, the planetesimal approach and the monistic view, the nebular hypothesis. The major points of each view are given and the models that are developed from these views are described. Possible applications of gamma ray astronomical observations to the question of the dynamic evolution of the solar system are discussed.
The problem on change of deuterium abundance in the process of galactic evolution (star evolution, supernova explosions, nucleosynthesis in supermassive objects) is considered. It is shown that the observable deuterium quantity in the interstellar medium must correspond to its cosmological abundance. This conclusion is independent of the rate of accretion of intergalactic gas by Galaxy. The effect of hypothetical pregalactic active objects on cosmological deuterium is small. It is poind out that observations of interstellar deuterium in absorbtion at lambda=91.6 cm are significant.
The spontaneous evolution from ultracold Rydberg atoms to plasma is investigated in a caesium MOT by using the method of field ionization. The plasma transferred from atoms in different Rydberg states (n=22-32) are obtained experimentally. Dependence of the threshold time of evolving to plasma and the threshold number of initial Rydberg atoms on the principal quantum number of initial Rydberg states is studied. The experimental results are in agreement with hot-cold Rydberg-Rydberg atom collision ionization theory. (authors)
Using an accretion-disk model, accretion disk luminosities are calculated for a grid of black hole masses and accretion rates. It is shown that, as the black-hole mass increases with time, the monochromatic luminosity at a given frequency first increases and then decreases rapidly as this frequency is crossed by the Wien cutoff. The upper limit on the monochromatic luminosity, which is characteristic for a given epoch, constrains the evolution of quasar luminosities and determines the evolultion of the quasar luminosity function. 22 refs.
The theoretical evolution of a horizontal branch star of Population II is followed through the helium burning in the core phase and is compared with the results given by other investigators. The m- fluence of different physics and interpolation schemes in the opacity tables is discussed. Some thoughts are given on the explanation of the erratic period variations observed in some of the RR Lyrae variables in the globular clusters. (auth)
The use of β-lactam antibiotics has led to the evolution and global spread of a variety of resistance mechanisms, including β-lactamases, a group of enzymes that degrade the β-lactam...Full Text Available
Application of greenwaste compost to brownfield land is increasingly common in soil and landscape restoration. Previous studies have demonstrated both beneficial and detrimental effects of this material on trace element mobility. A pot experiment with homogenised soil/compost investigated distribution and mobility of trace elements, two years after application of greenwaste compost mulch to shallow soils overlying a former alkali-works contaminated with Pb, Cu and As (#approx#900, 200 and 500 mg kg"-"1, respectively). Compost mulch increased organic carbon and Fe in soil pore water, which in turn increased As and Sb mobilization; this enhanced uptake by lettuce and sunflower. A very small proportion of the total soil trace element pool was in readily-exchangeable form (<0.01% As, <0.001% other trace elements), but the effect of compost on behaviour of metals was variable and ambiguous. It is concluded that greenwaste compost should be applied with caution to ...
Open pit oil sands mining involves the disturbance of thin overburden covers of Boreal forest lands that must be returned to equivalent land capability after mining activities have ceased. Before mining starts, any wetlands are drained, timber is harvested, and peat, topsoils and subsoils are stockpiled for later use. This article discussed wetland reclamation activities conducted by Suncor Energy at its open pit mining operations. Research facilities were constructed in order to determine if wetlands constructed with consolidated tailings (CT) and pond effluent water (PEW) were able to support a sustainable vegetation community. Thirty-three cat-tail plots were established at the facility as well as unplanted plots in order to determine how quickly natural establishment occurred. Shoreline plug transplants and transplants from a natural saline lake were also introduced. Within 5 years, over 23 plant species had naturally colonized the CT wetlands. However, diversity was lower in CT ...
Reducing conditions are periodically present in hydric soils and are essential for chemical processes that support wetland functions and values. Indicators of these conditions, i.e., redoximorphic features, can be useful in determining the presence of a hydric soil. However, young wetlands, i.e., those recently formed, may not possess reducing conditions and/or may not exhibit redoximorphic features. Few studies have addressed the time needed for hydric soil development. In this study, we present data on redoximorphic features, including chroma and oxidized rhizospheres, gathered from two sets of wetlands in southwestern Virginia, including (1) constructed wetlands that are 3 years old and (2) accidental wetlands that are 10 to 30 years old. Under conditions described for these sites, there is strong evidence that discernable redoximorphic features form in accidental wetlands within 10 years, but not within 3 years in constructed wetlands. Since accidental wetlands have been in ...
The cell's cytoskeleton, providing the cell with structure and shape, consists of a complex array of structural proteins, including microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments. Intermediate filaments play a crucial role in mechanotransduction and in providing mechanical stability to cells, in particular under large deformation. By utilizing molecular simulation, here we report a nanomechanical analysis of vimentin intermediate filament dimers, the basic building blocks of intermediate filaments. We describe a detailed analysis of the mechanical properties and associated deformation mechanisms, and find that mechanical stretch induces a transition from alpha-helices to beta-sheets, a phenomenon known as alpha-beta transition. A comparison of the Young's modulus predicted from simulation with experimental measurements is provided, and good agreement is found. We present an analysis of structural changes during deformation, domain unfolding patterns, rate dependence of the ...
The high rate of deforestation over the Andean forests has generated a large proportion of fragmented landscapes in the country. The distribution of oak groves in the country was determined based on ecosystem maps. Charala and Encino oak groves patches are the largest ones found at the east Andes and like others, due to the unfair use of these resources, have suffered a fragmentation process. Fifty-five species of mammals included in 10 orders and 14 families were found in these forests. Chiroptera and Rodentia were the most representative groups. Anthropic processes had produced a 68.1% loss of the habitat and constitute the main threat for these forests. The sizes of the patches were evaluated for three mammal species categories. The patches' area are not favorable for large-size species, intermediately to favorable to medium-size species and are favorable for small-size species. It is suggested that patches' area effect over mammal species could relate to the ...
The application of fossil fuels and the simultaneous dependency on fuel imports can only be decreased through consequent utilisation of efficient hydro power which is the most efficient way to avoid CO{sub 2} emissions. Only some decades ago hydro power plants were buildings erected according to met technical demands. In the 1990s rethinking started and the new designs took into account ecology and architecture. Maintenance and/or improvement of ecological efficiency play a decisive role. Experts of ecology and environmental protection of different faculties are involved right from the beginning when planning starts in order to obtain a maximum of nature compatibility and to develop efficient ecological accompanying and compensating measures. Landscape is being recultivated sustainably during construction activities in order to offer biota optimum conditions of living. Devices supporting fish migration are state of the art and designed in such a way that even small ...
This study hypothesizes that Appalachian Kentucky's nineteenth century commercial economic development was as significant as coal mining in shaping economic patterns which appeared during the depression years of the 1930's. Testing of this hypothesis permits the evaluation of widely-held views of the region's development. The economic landscape of the 1800's has generally been thought of as a rather homogeneous unit, isolated from outside commercial linkages, and almost wholly dominated by subsistence agriculture. This study concludes that the region's nineteenth century economy was: 1) spatially and structurally more complex than has previously been recognized, 2) not by-passed by national economic growth in 1850, as previous research indicates; and 3) characterized by some commercial agriculture rather than the subsistence stereotype presented in other works. Appalachian Kentucky did not develop as a unified economic ...
An analysis on landscape level was performed to investigate the growth of Scots pine stands (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the research area of 'Duebener Heide' under the impact of rapidly changing pollution loads and to evaluate their further development. Central to the work was a spatial database, installed using a geographic information system (GIS). This database enabled the statistical analysis of relationships and correlations between the growth of the pine stands, the influence of pollution impacts and the natural site characteristics. The results of emission and immission modelling gave detailed evaluation of the pollution load over the investigated area. The spatial information database was linked with a process-based growth model called FORSANA. The resulting regional model was used to simulate forest growth on stand level for variable time periods. The plausibility of the simulation results of the model was checked for the influence of ...
Understanding feedbacks between terrestrial and atmospheric systems is vital for predicting the consequences of global change, particularly in the rapidly changing Arctic. Fire is a key process in this context, but the consequences of altered fire regimes in tundra ecosystems are rarely considered, largely because tundra fires occur infrequently on the modern landscape. We present paleoecological data that indicate frequent tundra fires in northcentral Alaska between 14,000 and 10,000 years ago. Charcoal and pollen from lake sediments reveal that ancient birchdominated shrub tundra burned as often as modern boreal forests in the region, every 144 years on average (+/- 90 s.d.; n = 44). Although paleoclimate interpretations and data from modern tundra fires suggest that increased burning was aided by low effective moisture, vegetation cover clearly played a critical role in facilitating the paleo-fires by creating an abundance of fine fuels. These records suggest ...
There are certain factors to take into account when determining the suitability of a healthy house site. Power lines, agricultural spraying, vehicle exhaust, and industrial pollution are all potential sources of indoor air contamination. It is recommended that a environmental assessment be done to determine whether there are specific sources of contamination. Good drainage is required. The surrounding landscaping should be open and sunlit, and with low maintenance requirements. Decks and fences made from pressure-treated or chemical treated lumber should be avoided. One of the early decisions in the design process is the choice of the structural system. The key with all foundation types is to control moisture, whether from rain, from the ground, or the condensation of moisture from the air with cooling. The construction frame is sealed away from the occupants by the air/vapor barrier, so only in extreme cases is it essential to use alternatives to softwood lumber ...
The numerous challenges facing the North American electric utility industry were discussed. In addition to competition, electric utilities are faced with low demand growth, public pressure to avoid adding transmission and distribution capacity, and strict environmental requirements. In view of these developments, large central generation additions that have been industry norm until recently, do not always make economic sense in the current environment. Instead, smaller, distributed additions to generating capacity is becoming the new norm. Small-scale on-site generating capacity has the added advantage of reducing the need for expensive high-voltage transmission lines. The Ballard generation system described here is a modular, efficient fuel cell-based solution to implementing distributed power concepts. The system is natural gas fueled, with low noise, vibration and emissions. Apart from its other advantages, it provides ideal convergence opportunity by using the gas distribution ...
Dozens of universities--primarily from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia--are eyeing the Gulf region as a largely untapped reservoir of academic potential and economic opportunity. During the last few years, UAE states like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Ras al Khaymah have spent billions to entice top universities. And many colleges are responding--examples include New York University's campus in Abu Dhabi; Michigan State University's school in Dubai; and big names like Cornell, Northwestern, and Carnegie Mellon that have set up shop in Qatar. Typically, Western universities begin their foray into the Gulf by teaming with local investors. The colleges oversee the academic infrastructure while the investors front all operational costs. The partnerships are complicated. Some investors are mining the UAE's educational zeal for profit. In other cases, schools join forces with the region's numerous royal families, who are mostly interested in furthering their states' economies ...
Ultraviolet (UV) photoirradiation of Ag(I) compounds in the presence of an aqueous Triton X-100 solution has been exploited for the first time to prepare reproducible yellow silver hydrosol. The evolution of nanosized silver particles has been examined critically under the influence of different anions/ligands. Hence, time dependent evolution of silver hydrosol from different silver compounds in micelle via photochemical reduction is observed. Anions/ligands of precursor salts have been found to show profound influence (due to electron scavenging property, solubility, stability etc.) on the evolution route and efficiency of photochemical reduction of Ag(I) to Ag(O) in micelle and thereby classification of silver compounds becomes possible. Kinetic results reveal that the formation of silver particles proceeds via autocatalytic growth mechanism. The observed variation in rate constant values for the ...
We use direct N-body simulations to investigate the evolution of star clusters with large size-scales with the particular goal of understanding the so-called extended clusters observed in various Local Group galaxies, including M31 and NGC6822. The N-body models incorporate a stellar mass function, stellar evolution and the tidal field of a host galaxy. We find that extended clusters can arise naturally within a weak tidal field provided that the tidal radius is filled at the start of the evolution. Differences in the initial tidal filling-factor can produce marked differences in the subsequent evolution of clusters and the size-scales that would be observed. These differences are more marked than any produced by internal evolution processes linked to the properties of cluster binary stars or the action of an intermediate-mass black hole, based on models performed in this work and ...
From this vast subject, I will pick out and review three specific topics, namely the formation and evolution of bars, the formation of bulges, and the evolution during multiple major mergers. Bars form naturally in galactic discs. Their evolution is driven by the exchange of angular momentum within the galaxy. This is emitted mainly by near-resonant material in the inner disc (bar), and is absorbed by near-resonant material in the outer disc and in the halo. As a result of this, the bar becomes stronger and rotates slower. Bulges are not a homogeneous class of objects. Based on their formation history, one can distinguish three types. Classical bulges are mainly formed before the actual disc component, from collapses or mergers and the corresponding dissipative processes. Boxy/peanut bulges are parts of bars seen edge-on. Finally, disc-like bulges are formed by the inflow of material to the center due to bar torques. Major ...
This report describes modelling where the hydrological modelling system MIKE SHE has been used to describe surface hydrology, near-surface hydrogeology, advective transport mechanisms, and the contact between groundwater and surface water within the SKB site investigation area at Laxemar. In the MIKE SHE system, surface water flow is described with the one-dimensional modelling tool MIKE 11, which is fully and dynamically integrated with the groundwater flow module in MIKE SHE. In early 2008, a supplementary data set will be available and a process of updating, rebuilding and calibrating the MIKE SHE model based on this data set will start. Before the calibration on the new data begins, it is important to gather as much knowledge as possible on calibration methods, and to identify critical calibration parameters and areas within the model that require special attention. In this project, the MIKE SHE model has been further developed. The model area has been extended, and the present ...
SKB is currently performing site investigations at two potential sites for a final repository for spent nuclear fuel. This report presents results of water flow and solute transport modelling of the Forsmark site. The modelling reported in this document focused on the near-surface groundwater, i.e. groundwater in Quaternary deposits and shallow rock, and surface water systems, and was performed using the MIKE SHE tool. The most recent site data used in the modelling were delivered in the Forsmark 2.3 dataset, which had its 'data freeze' on March 31, 2007. The present modelling is performed in support of the final version of the Forsmark site description that is produced during the site investigation phase. In this work, the hydrological modelling system MIKE SHE has been used to describe near-surface groundwater flow and the contact between groundwater and surface water at the Forsmark site. The surface water system at Forsmark is described with ...
The rapid circularization and synchronization of the stellar components in an eccentric binary system at the onset of Roche lobe overflow is a fundamental assumption common to all binary stellar evolution and population synthesis codes, even though the validity of this assumption is questionable both theoretically and observationally. Here we calculate the evolution of the orbital elements of an eccentric binary through the direct three-body integration of a massive particle ejected through the inner Lagrangian point of the donor star at periastron. The trajectory of this particle leads to three possible outcomes: direct accretion onto the companion star within a single orbit, self-accretion back onto the donor star within a single orbit, or a quasi-periodic orbit around the companion star, possibly leading to the formation of a disk. We calculate the secular evolution of the binary orbit in the first two cases and conclude ...
Studies were conducted to quantitate the evolution of nitrogen oxides (NO/sub (x)/) from soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) leaves during in vivo nitrate reductase (NR) assays with aerobic and anaerobic gas purging. Anaerobic gas purging (N/sub 2/ and argon) consistently resulted in greater NO/sub (x)/ evolution than did aerobic gas purging (air and O/sub 2/). The evolution of NO/sub (x)/ was dependent on gas flow rate and on NO/sub 2//sup -/ formation in the assay medium; although a threshold level of NO/sub 2//sup -/ appeared to exist beyond which the rate of NO/sub (x)/ evolution did not increase further. The loss of NO/sub (x)/ from in vivo NR assays under gas purging explains partially, but not stoichiometrically, the decrease of NO/sub 2//sup -/ accumulation in in vivo NR assay medium with young soybean leaves. The lack of stoichiometry between NO/sub (x)/ evolution and apparent ...
A large part of mechanical and durability characteristics of cement-based materials comes from the performances of the hydrated cement, cohesive matrix surrounding the granular skeleton. Experimental studies, in situ or in laboratory, associated to models, have notably enhanced knowledge on the cement material and led to adapted formulations to specific applications or particularly aggressive environments. Nevertheless, these models, developed for precise cases, do not permit to specifically conclude for other experimental conclusions. To extend its applicability domain, we propose a new evolutive approach, based on reactive transport expressed at the microstructure scale of the cement. In a general point of view, the evolution of the solid compounds of the cement matrix, by dissolutions or precipitations, during chemical aggressions can be related to the pore solution evolution, and this one relied to the ionic exchanges ...
The purpose of this work was to establish a new binary data base by compiling the activity coefficients of plutonium and uranium at oxidation state +IV to better account for media effects in the liquid-liquid extraction operations implemented to reprocess spent nuclear fuel. Chapter 1: first reviews the basic thermodynamic concepts before describing the issues involved in acquiring binary data for the tetravalent actinides. The difficulties arise from two characteristics of this type of electrolyte: its radioactive properties (high specific activity requiring nuclearization of the experimental instrumentation) and its physicochemical properties (strong hydrolysis). After defining the notion of fictive binary data, an approach based on the thermodynamic concept of simple solutions is described in which the activity coefficient of an aqueous phase constituent is dependent on two parameters: the water activity of the system and the total concentration of dissolved constituents. The method ...
We propose a method for the creation of arbitrary superposition of N atomic states using generalized stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) techniques with laser fields coupling each one of N lower states to a single upper state in a Formula Not Shown -level atomic system. Formula Not Shown dark states that are composed of N lower states span a dark subspace. In the adiabatic limit, the dark and bright subspaces are decoupled, thus the nonadiabatic interaction within this dark subspace dominates the evolution of the system. Different from general methods to create our required coherent superposition state, in a reverse way, here we consider the required state as the starting point of evolution dynamics, and utilize laser fields to drive it into a single lower state step by step. Time ...
The evolution of intermediate and high mass stars is reviewed focusing on the interpretation of Pop I Cepheids. First, a summary is given of the classical results of stellar evolution theory for the main evolutionary phases (main sequence and core He-burning) all over the HR diagram, putting into evidence the various points of disagreement with current observational data. Second, models incorporating the effect of convective overshoot, are reviewed, and studies are presented on the rich, young clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud, in which the models are compared with the observational data. Arguments are given to favor the adoption of models with convective overshoot instead of the classical ones. Third, new results are presented for pulsational models of the Cepheid stars, and the shape of the instability strip in the HR diagram, the number frequency-period distribution, and the mass discrepancy are discussed. 81 refs.
Since some of the earliest evolutionary calculations it has been found that post main sequence stars become red giants (e.g. Sandage and Schwarzschild, 1952). However the exact physical processes that lead to and determine the rate of redward evolution are not completely understood. We hypothesized that the redward evolution might be due to an increase in radiation pressure somewhere in the star that causes the layers above it to be pushed outward, resulting in an expanded envelope and a cooler surface temperature. If the radiative luminosity somewhere in the star approached the Eddington limit, the outer layers would obviously expand. However, due to the presence of gas pressure, the critical value for expansion would be somewhat less than the Eddington limit.
This is our response to a comment by Walter Eifler on our paper `A simple model for the short-time evolution of near-surface current and temperature profiles' (arXiv:physics/0503186, accepted for publication in Deep-Sea Research II). Although Eifler raises genuine issues regarding our model's validity and applicability, we are nevertheless of the opinion that it is of value for the short-term evolution of the upper-ocean profiles of current and temperature. The fact that the effective eddy viscosity tends to infinity for infinite time under a steady wind stress may not be surprising. It can be interpreted as a vertical shift of the eddy viscosity profile and an increase in the size of the dominant turbulent eddies under the assumed conditions of small stratification and infinite water depth.
We study the renormalization group running of the tri-bimaximal mixing predicted by the two typical $S_4$ flavor models at leading order. Although the textures of the mass matrices are completely different, the evolution of neutrino mass and mixing parameters is found to display approximately the same pattern. For both normal hierarchy and inverted hierarchy spectrum, the quantum corrections to both atmospheric and reactor neutrino mixing angles are so small that can be neglected. The evolution of solar mixing angle $\\theta_{12}$ depends on $\\tan\\beta$ and mass spectrum, the deviation from its tri-bimaximal value could be large. Taking into account the renormalization group running effect, the neutrino spectrum is constrained by experimental data on $\\theta_{12}$ and the inverted hierarchy spectrum is disfavored for large $\\tan\\beta$. The evolution of light neutrino masses is approximately described by a common ...
The Fourier transform of cosmological density perturbations can be represented in terms of amplitudes and phases for each Fourier mode. We investigate the phase evolution of these modes using a mixture of analytical and numerical techniques. Using a toy model of one-dimensional perturbations evolving under the Zel'dovich approximation as an initial motivation, we develop a statistic that quantifies the information content of the distribution of phases. Using numerical simulations beginning with more realistic Gaussian random-phase initial conditions, we show that the information content of the phases grows from zero in the initial conditions, first slowly and then rapidly when structures become non-linear. This growth of phase information can be expressed in terms of an effective entropy: Gaussian initial conditions are a maximum entropy realisation of the initial power spectrum, gravitational evolution decreases the phase entropy. We show that ...
An evolutionary model of dynamical processes in protostellar disks is described and illustrated with graphs of typical results. The effective transport mechanisms are discussed, including thermal convection, nonaxisymmetric gravitational instabilities in the outer regions of disks, and wave propagation. Consideration is then given to the stages of dynamical evolution, FU Ori outburst phenomena, unsteady accretion-disk flows, and nonlinear feedback as a mechanism to modulate mass transfer. The simulations show that mass redistribution is determined by angular-momentum transfer, which in turn is regulated by the effective viscosity generated by convectively driven turbulence. Significant mass transfer occurs as a result of mixing of infalling material with disk gas and is affected by the tidal torque associated with the growth of nonaxisymmetric disturbances in the outer disk. The time scale for disk evolution is found to be about 1 Myr. 72 refs.
The site characterization of Yucca Mountain, NV as a potential high level nuclear waste repository includes study of the surficial deposits as a record of the paleoenvironmental history of the Yucca Mountain region. An important aspect of this history is an understanding of the evolution of paleogeography leading to establishment of the present drainage pattern. Establishment of drainage basin evolution is needed before geomorphic response to paleoclimate and tectonics can be assessed, because a major change in drainage basin geometry can predominantly affect the sedimentary record. Because alluvial aquifers are significant to regional hydrology, a major change in surface drainage resulting in buried alluvium could have hydrogeologic significance. In this paper, we report on geologic evidence for a major modification in surface drainage pattern in the Yucca Mountain region, resulting in the probable establishment of the Fortymile Wash drainage ...
ABSTRACT New observations from the Hubble Ultra Deep Field suggest that the star formation rate at Formula Not Shown drops off faster than previously thought. Using a newly determined star formation rate for the normal mode of Population II/I (PopII/I) stars, including this new constraint, we compute the Thomson scattering optical depth and find a result that is marginally consistent with Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe 5 results. We also reconsider the role of Population III (PopIII) stars in light of cosmological and stellar evolution constraints. While this input may be needed for reionization, we show that it is essential in order to account for cosmic chemical evolution in the early universe. We investigate the consequences of PopIII stars on the local metallicity distribution fu...
The formation of a through-gut was a key innovation in the evolution of metazoans. There is still controversy regarding the origin of the anus and how it may have been either gained or lost during evolution in different bilaterian taxa. Thus, the study of groups with a blind gut is of great importance for understanding the evolution of this organ system. Here, we describe the morphogenesis and molecular patterning of the blind gut in the sexual triclad Schmidtea polychroa. We identify and analyze the expression of goosecoid, commonly associated with the foregut, and the GATA, ParaHox and T-box genes, members of which commonly are associated with gut regionalization. We show that GATA456a is expressed in the blind gut of triclads, while GATA456b is localized in dorsal parenchymal cells. Goo...
We consider the evolution of binary systems formed by a Supermassive Black Hole (SMBH) residing in the center of a galaxy or a globular cluster and a star in its immediate vicinity. The star is assumed to fill its Roche lobe, and the SMBH accretes primarily the matter of this star. The evolution of such a system is mainly determined by the same processes as for an ordinary binary. The main differences are that the donor star is irradiated by hard radiation emitted during accretion onto the SMBH; in a detached system, nearly all the donor wind is captured by the black hole, which strongly affects the evolution of the semi-major axis; it is not possible for companions of the most massive SMBHs to fill their Roche lobes, since the corresponding orbital separations are smaller than the radius ...
Objectives1. To create a strong, interdisciplinary evidence base about the relationships linking ecosystems, agrobiodiversity, wild biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods, including the use of trade-off analysis (modeling the relationships between agricultural productivity, levels of biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience); crop evolutionary studies (wild relative/crop interactions) and socioeconomic, cultural, and nutritional studies of the contribution of biodiversity to different livelihoods asset [continued...]DescriptionAgriculture, ecosystems, and humans have co-evolved over millennia in the Andean-Amazonian region, creating the richest of all Vavilov centers of crop origin and diversity. The conservation of a wide range of domesticated crops and landraces (i.e., indigenous, ancestral varieties or cultivars that are distinct, uniform, and stable) and their co-evolution with crop wild relatives (CRW) has been essential for food security, adaptation to ...
We investigate the profound relation between the equations of biological evolution and quantum mechanics by writing a biologically inspired equation for the stochastic dynamics of an ensemble of particles. Interesting behavior is observed which is related to a new type of stochastic quantization. We find that the probability distribution of the ensemble of particles can be decomposed into eigenfunctions associated to a discrete spectrum of eigenvalues. In absence of interactions between the particles, the out-of-equilibrium dynamics asymptotically relaxes towards the fundamental state. This phenomenon can be related with the Fisher theorem in biology. On the contrary, in presence of scattering processes the evolution reaches a steady state in which the distribution of the ensemble of particles is characterized by a Bose-Einstein statistics. In order to show a concrete example of this stochastic quantization we have solved explicitly the case in ...
The paper describes two schemes that follow the model of Lamarckian evolution and combine differential evolution (DE), which is a population-based stochastic global search method, with the local optimization algorithm of conjugate gradients (CG). In the first, each offspring is fine-tuned by CG before competing with their parents. In the other CG is used to improve both parents and offspring in a manner that is completely seamless for individuals that survive more than one generation. Experiments involved training weights of feed-forward neural networks to solve three synthetic and four real-life problems. In six out of seven cases the DE?CG hybrid, which preserves and uses information on each solution?s local optimization process, outperformed two recent variants of DE.
The properties and kinetics of x-ray stars in globular clusters are described. Locations, configurations, star evolution, massive close binary systems, various mechanisms, and the x-ray burster properties are included. (JFP)
Here we use published 16S rRNA gene sequences to compare the bacterial assemblages associated with humans, other mammals, other metazoa, and free-living microbial communities spanning a range...Full Text Available
Systems biology is a rapidly expanding field that integrates diverse areas of science such as physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, and biology toward the goal of elucidating the underlying...Full Text Available
Al2O3-based ceramic is one of the most widely used materials for tools employed in hardened steel turning applications due to its high hardness, wear resistance, heat resistance and chemical stability. The objective of this work is to predict the lives of Al2O3-(W, Ti)C ceramic tools in intermittent turning of hardened AISI 1045 steel by means of damage evolution model taking into account the mechanical loading and thermal effect in the cutting process. A damage evolution model analyzing the RVE with uniformly distributed interacting cracks is constructed based on micromechanics. The calculated results of the proposed damage evolution model are compared with the lives of two kinds of Al2O3-(W, Ti)C ceramic tools obtained through experiments. It is found that the proposed model can be used to predict the lives of the ceramic cutting tools in intermittent turning operation.
Eukaryotic genome size varies over five orders of magnitude; however, the distribution is strongly skewed toward small values. Genome size is highly correlated to a number of phenotypic traits, suggesting...Full Text Available
Ceratogaulus, a member of the extinct fossorial rodent clade Mylagaulidae, is the only known rodent with horns and the smallest known horned mammal. The function of the large, dorsally...Full Text Available
BackgroundDuring the last ten years, major advances have been made in characterizing and understanding the evolution of mitochondrial DNA, the most popular marker of molecular biodiversity....Full Text Available
We study the redshift evolution of galaxy pair fractions and merger rates for different types of galaxies using kinematic pairs selected from the DEEP2 Redshift Survey. Parameterizing the evolution of the pair fraction as (1+z)^{m}, we find that the companion rate increases mildly with redshift with m = 0.41+-0.20 for all galaxies with -21 < M_B^{e} < -19. Blue galaxies show slightly faster evolution in the blue companion rate with m = 1.27+-0.35 while red galaxies have had fewer red companions in the past as evidenced by the negative slope m = -0.92+-0.59. We find that at low redshift the pair fraction within the red sequence exceeds that of the blue cloud, indicating a higher merger probability among red galaxies compared to that among the blue galaxies. With further assumptions on the merger time scale and the fraction of pairs that will merge, the galaxy major merger rates for 0.1 < z <1.2 are estimated to ...
Patient-centered interdisciplinary health care for children with chronic medical disorders represents an evolution from the traditional “stop and go” treatment for acute illnesses. This...Full Text Available
How does complex social behavior evolve? What are the developmental building blocks of division of labor and specialization, the hallmarks of insect societies? Studies have revealed the developmental...Full Text Available
A protein evolution strategy is described by which double-stranded DNA fragments encoding defined E. coli protein secondary structural elements (α-helices, β-strands...Full Text Available
Buizer, Arizona State University, USA; Gernot Klepper, Kiel Institute of World Economics, ...der Leeuw School for Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, USA
The current status of cosmological observations is presented; and the light curves and radiation spectra from supernova SN1987A are used in comparison between expected and observed universal nucleosynthesis and star evolution data./aip/.
The evolution of the human mitochondrial genome is characterized by the emergence of ethnically distinct lineages or haplogroups. Nine European, seven Asian (including Native American), and three African...Full Text Available
Polyploidy is an important force in the evolution of flowering plants. Genomic merger and doubling induce an extensive array of genomic effects, including immediate and long-term alterations in the...Full Text Available
The fauna of ancient lakes frequently contains taxa with highly derived morphologies that resulted from in situ radiation of lacustrine lineages with high antiquity. We employed a molecular...Full Text Available
Spectacular increases in the quantity of sequence data genome have facilitated major advances in eukaryotic comparative genomics. By exploiting homology with classical model organisms, this makes possible...Full Text Available
BackgroundWith the advent of increasingly efficient means to obtain genetic information, a great insurgence of data has resulted, leading to the need for methods for analyzing this...Full Text Available
In this article are presented main results on electric potential investigations in stellarator/torsatron TJ-II and tokamak T-10 in a comparable regimes of device operation.
Adaptive radiation is the rapid origination of multiple species from a single ancestor as the result of concurrent adaptation to disparate environments. This fundamental evolutionary process is considered...Full Text Available
Since 2002 we have been testing and refining a methodology for ontology development that is now being used by multiple groups of researchers in different life science domains. Gary Merrill,...Full Text Available
This review covers research done at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under DOE contract. Areas of research are as follows: star evolution supernovae, and nucleosynthesis; stellar atmospheres and winds; galaxies and interstellar space; and high-energy astrophysics.
This review covers research done at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. The research areas mentioned are as follows: star evolution, supernovae, and nucleosynthesis; stellar atmospheres and winds; galaxies and the interstellar medium; and high-energy astrophysics.
First comprehensive data on the evolution of nucleon resonance photocouplings with photon virtuality Q{sup 2} are presented for excited proton states in the mass range from 1.4 to 2.0 GeV.
It is shown that a natural consequence of the binary pulsar's evolution is a neutron star collision. Such a collision is expected to eject neutron-rich matter of an r-process character. Taking reasonable estimates for the number of such events over the history of the galaxy, it may be that they account for all of the r-process nuclei.
Endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRTs) are heteromeric protein complexes required for multivesicular body (MVB) morphogenesis. ESCRTs I, II, III and III-associated are ubiquitous...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) with its numerous ligands has fundamental roles in development, cell differentiation and physiology. Dysfunction of the receptor-ligand...Full Text Available
...The Political Evolution of the Landfill Tax in the UK wm-1996-03 Green Taxes, Waste Management and Political Economy 1995 ^ Top ...on civil engineering Lifecycle assessment - an overlooked opportunity Refereed Journal Articles: Green taxes, waste management and political economy Reports: Environmental cost benefit ...
Large population sizes, rapid growth and 3.8 billion years of evolution firmly establish microorganisms as a major source of the planet's biological and genetic diversity. However, up to 99% of the...Full Text Available
One selection pressure shaping sequence evolution is the requirement that a protein fold with sufficient stability to perform its biological functions. We present...Full Text Available
The use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) endotoxins to control insect vectors of human diseases and agricultural pests is threatened by the possible evolution of resistance in major pest...Full Text Available
Various methods to analyse the effect of a non-isotherme water injection on the pressure evolution during a test on a double geothermal well are investigated. Then, several types of injection test are simulated with experimental data to examine the condit...
This article throws light on an only recently understood but important development of star evolution - that of the occurrence of planetary nebulae. The process is controlled by thermonuclear physics and gravitation and now and again greatly influenced by mass loss.
Numerous studies have noted that the evolution of new enzymatic specificities is accompanied by loss of the protein's thermodynamic stability (ΔΔG), thus suggesting...Full Text Available
This monograph explores an alternative way of providing a JSOTF headquarters to the Joint Force Commander. Beginning with a history of joint SOF doctrine, the monograph outlines the evolution of special operations command and control and the subsequent ne...
In this review we attempt to reconstruct the evolutionary history of hominin life history from extant and fossil evidence. We utilize demographic life history theory and distinguish life history variables,...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp) is the causative agent of the human disease melioidosis. To understand the evolutionary mechanisms...Full Text Available
Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, the third most common mycobacterial disease after tuberculosis and leprosy. It is an emerging infectious disease that...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe objective of the study was to analyse the evolution of Bordetella pertussis population and the influence of herd immunity in different areas of the...Full Text Available
Main features of star evolution are recalled. Then the general structure of white dwarf stars is examined. From the equation of state of an electron gas completely degenerated are deduced: mechanical equilibrium, Viriel theorem, mass-radius relationship and Chandrasekhar limit. These results are applied to neutron stars.
SummaryThe evolutionary pressures that shaped the specificity and catalytic efficiency of enzymes can only be speculated. While directed evolution experiments show that new functions...Full Text Available
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) constitute a key antibiotic-resistance mechanism affecting Gram-negative bacteria, and also an excellent model for studying evolution in real time. A shift in...Full Text Available
Human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (hApe1) encodes two important functional activities: an essential base excision repair (BER) activity and a redox activity that regulates expression...Full Text Available
BackgroundCichlid fishes in Lake Tanganyika exhibit remarkable diversity in their feeding habits. Among them, seven species in the genus Perissodus are known for...Full Text Available
BackgroundEarly exposure to ovarian hormones is considered to increase breast cancer incidence. The age at which the ovaries become functional is thus important.Full Text Available
Animals sense changes in ambient temperature irrespective of whether core body temperature is internally maintained (homeotherms) or subject to environmental variation (poikilotherms). Here we show...Full Text Available
The Japanese medaka fish Oryzias latipes has an XX/XY sex-determination system. The Y-linked sex-determination gene DMY is a duplicate of the autosomal gene DMRT1, which encodes a DM-domain-containing...Full Text Available
A prevailing theory proposes that the brain's two visual pathways, the ventral and dorsal, lead to differing visual processing and world representations for conscious perception than those for action....Full Text Available
The fossil record is a unique source of evidence for important evolutionary phenomena such as transitions between major clades. Frustratingly, relevant fossils are still comparatively rare, most transitions...Full Text Available
New forms of payment, growing competition, the continued evolution of multiunit hospital systems, and associated forces are redefining the fundamental relationship between hospitals and physicians....Full Text Available
Pulsations driven by partial ionization of hydrogen in the envelope are often considered important for driving winds from red supergiants (RSGs). In particular, it has been suggested by some authors that the pulsation growth rate in an RSG can be high enough to trigger an unusually strong wind (or a superwind), when the luminosity-to-mass ratio becomes sufficiently large. Using both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic stellar evolution models with initial masses ranging from 15 to 40 M_s_u_n, we investigate (1) how the pulsation growth rate depends on the global parameters of supergiant stars and (2) what would be the consequences of a pulsation-driven superwind, if it occurred, for the late stages of massive star evolution. We suggest that such a superwind history would be marked by a runaway increase, followed by a sudden decrease, of the wind's mass-loss rate. The impact on the late evolution of massive stars would be ...
We discuss the evolution of a disc galaxy due to the formation of a bar and, subsequently, a peanut. After the formation stage there is still considerable evolution, albeit slower. In purely stellar cases the pattern speed of the bar decreases with time, while its amplitude grows. However, if a considerable gaseous component is present in the disc, the pattern speed may increase with time, while the bar strength may decrease. In some cases the gas can be brought sufficiently close to the center to create a strong central concentration, which, in turn, may modify the properties of the bar. More violent evolution can take place during interactions, so that some disc substructures can be either formed or destroyed in a time scale which is small compared to a Hubble time. These include spirals, bars, bridges, tails, rings, thick discs and bulges. In some cases interactions may lead to mergings. We briefly review comparisons of ...
Microstructure evolution under hot deformation was investigated in compression of a magnesium alloy AZ31 at 673 K (0.73T{sub m}). Two kinds of samples were machined along the parallel and transverse direction of the extruded rods. New fine grains are evolved at corrugated grain boundaries at low strains and developed rapidly in grain interiors in the medium range of strain, finally leading to a roughly full evolution of equiaxial fine grains. Kink bands are evolved at corrugated grain boundaries and in grain interiors at low strains. The boundary misorientation of kink band increases rapidly with increasing strain. These characteristics of new grain evolution process are not changed by the orientation of the samples, while the flow behaviors clearly depend on it. It is concluded that new grain evolution can be controlled by a deformation-induced continuous reaction resulting in grain fragmentation by ...
BackgroundGene duplication is the primary force of new gene evolution. Deciphering whether a pair of duplicated genes has evolved divergent functions is often challenging. The zebrafish...Full Text Available
The evolution of the Doublet III neutral beam armor is followed from the initial design of a radiation cooled metallic tile to the present actively cooled graphite design. Results of the thermal and stress analyses that dictated the present design are reviewed.
A dissipative particle swarm optimization is developed according to the self-organization of dissipative structure. The negative entropy is introduced to construct an opening dissipative system that is far-from-equilibrium so as to driving the irreversible evolution process with better fitness. The testing of two multimodal functions indicates it improves the performance effectively
While pleiotropic adaptive mutations are thought to be central for evolution, little is known on the downstream molecular effects allowing adaptation to complex ecologically relevant environments. Here...Full Text Available
Metazoan life cycles can be complex in different ways. A number of diverse phenotypes and reproductive events can sequentially occur along the cycle, and at certain stages a variety of developmental...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe bacterial genus Listeria contains pathogenic and non-pathogenic species, including the pathogens L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii,...Full Text Available
To inform choices about the future of epidemiology, the present condition of epidemiology is examined, in terms of its evolution through three eras, each demarcated by its own paradigm: (1) the era...Full Text Available
Under anaerobic conditions, several species of green algae perform a light-dependent hydrogen production catalyzed by a special group of [FeFe] hydrogenases termed HydA. Although highly interesting...Full Text Available
The photosynthetic activity of the green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda was investigated during synchronous growth in light/dark cycles. The rate of O2evolution increased...Full Text Available
Failure of bone under monotonic and cyclic loading is related to the bone mineral density, the quality of the bone matrix and the evolution of microcracks. The theory of linear elastic fracture...Full Text Available
The evolution of sex remains a hotly debated topic in evolutionary biology. In particular, studying the origins of the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual reproduction and gametogenesis (its fundamental...Full Text Available
Sesquiterpene lactones are characteristic natural products in Asteraceae, which constitutes ∼8% of all plant species. Despite their physiological and pharmaceutical importance, the biochemistry...Full Text Available
The concordance of standard big bang nucleosynthesis theory and the related observations of the light element isotopes (including some new higher {sup 4}He abundances) will be reviewed. Implications of BBN on chemical evolution, dark matter and constraints on particle properties will be discussed.
Observational work on quasars, galaxies, and stars is summarized. Theoretical studies covering stars and stellar evolution, galaxies, clusters and cosmology, high energy astrophysics the solar system and the Sun are described. (ESA)
BackgroundThe aim of this paper is to discuss the controversial origins of petals from tepals or stamens and the links between the morphological expression of petals and floral organ...Full Text Available
The authors present differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and in situ Moessbauer spectroscopy results for Metglas ribbons, to which different heat treatments were made. The Curie temperature of the amorphous phase is determined and the evolution of the magnetic field of this phase is studied as a function of temperature
Evolution of nitrogen oxides (NO(x), primarily as nitric oxide) from soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) leaves during purged in vivo nitrate reductase assays...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe order Tetraodontiformes consists of approximately 429 species of fishes in nine families. Members of the order exhibit striking morphological diversity and radiated...Full Text Available
Predation is generally thought to constrain sexual selection by female choice and limit the evolution of conspicuous sexual signals. Under high predation risk, females usually become less choosy, because...Full Text Available
This paper presents a systematic approach to the automatic determination of the evolution of the rigid-plastic structural response caused by a proportional or single parameter pressure loading which varies with time in a monotonic non decreasing fashion. The frame structure is envisaged as a network, and the fundamental vectorial conditions characterising its behaviour at any instant of time are combined in a consistent manner. By considering the level of the pressure loading to be a single load parameter ranging monotonically from zero to infinity, the structural governing system may be regarded as a parametric linear complementary problem. (author). 13 refs., 2 figs.
To study the plasma evolution and spatial structure at the L/H transition, the double hysteresis is examined by use of the 1-dimensional transport model equations. Three mechanisms for the bipolar losses, i.e., the loss cone loss, collisional bulk viscosity loss of ions and the anomalous loss are simultaneously retained. Five-fold multiple bifurcations are found to exist at the plasma edge, similar to the previous 0-dimensional study. Double hysteresis causes a self-generated oscillation, which is attributed to the compound dither, a kind of ELMs. Spatio-temporal evolution of the compound dither is analyzed. (author)
The interaction between a pair of counter-rotating vortices and a lean premixed CH{sub 4}/O{sub 2}/N{sub 2} flame ({Phi} = + 0.55) has been studied by direct numerical simulations using detailed and reduced chemical reaction schemes. Results from the complex chemistry simulation are discussed with respect to earlier experiments and differences in the simulations using detailed and reduces chemistry are investigated. Transient evolutions of the flame surface and the total heat release rate are compared and modifications in the evolution of the local flame structure are displayed. (authors) 22 refs.
Depth resolved positron annihilation studies on Pd/Si thin film system have been carried out to investigate silicide phase formation and vacancy defect production induced by thermal annealing. The evolution of defect sensitive S-parameter clearly indicates the presence of divacancy defects across the interface, due to enhanced Si diffusion beyond 870 K consequent to silicide formation. Corroborative glancing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) have elucidated the aspects related to silicide phase formation and Si surface segregation.
Thin films of La{sub 0.6}Ca{sub 0.4}CoO{sub 3} perovskite were deposited on nickel plates by thermal decomposition of the metal nitrates. The electrochemical activity of the films for oxygen evolution in KOH solutions (0.1-1 M) was investigated. The reaction order with respect to OH{sup -} ion was found to be around 0.7. The results correlate fairly well with a mechanism in which breaking of the intermediate metal-peroxide bond at the Co ion is the rate-determining step. (author) 4 figs., 4 refs.
This article introduces the actual artistic state in energy performance terns of the primary aluminium production in Brazil and in the world. Besides, it is evaluated the future evolution perspectives of the electrical specific consumption in the industrial sector, due to the technological innovation and determined capacity eventual expansions in the productive process. 6 refs., 2 figs, 4 tabs
Recent developments in the analysis of Mira atmosphere, the determination of the pulsation mode, the problem of mass loss, and the evolution of the Mira variables are covered. Model atmospheres for Mira variables, including the opacities of the molecules expected in very late M-type atmospheres are discussed. The pulsation constant for Omicron Ceti is evaluated using T(eff) = 2900 + or - 200 K, and it is concluded that Miras are fundamental mode pulsators. The importance of molecular opacity to the driving of mass loss is evaluated, and it is pointed out that the radiation pressure on molecules is not a major factor in driving mass loss from Mira. Mass loss is considered as a factor in the calculations of the periods for Mira variables. 30 refs.
We highlight the role of the light elements (Li, Be, B) in the evolution of massive single and binary stars, which is largely restricted to a diagnostic value, and foremost so for the element boron. However, we show that the boron surface abundance in massive early type stars contains key information about their foregoing evolution which is not obtainable otherwise. In particular, it allows to constrain internal mixing processes and potential previous mass transfer event for binary stars (even if the companion has disappeared). It may also help solving the mystery of the slowly rotating nitrogen-rich massive main sequence stars.
The experimental maturation of an immature kerogen from the Toarcian of the Paris basin has been carried out in a confined system under pressure. The evolution of various thermal maturity parameters was plotted against the corrected organic carbon percentage chosen as a common maturity indicator and compared with data extracted from a natural series. Results show the occurrence of three distinct stages respectively characterized by the removal of oxygenated compounds, the genesis of liquid hydrocarbons and the production of gaseous hydrocarbons.
We consider the spin-up of the white dwarf in non-magnetic cataclysmic variables (CVs) during secular evolution. If this is unresisted, CVs are quenched as boundary-layer emitters once the binary period has decreased by #approx# 1 hr. Angular momentum loss in nova explosions may, however, prevent the star reaching breakup. If the explosions remove (1 + #epsilon#) x the mass accreted between outbursts, values 0.5 < #approx# #epsilon# < #approx# 1 allow CVs to be modest boundary-layer emitters for most of their lifetimes. Spectral effects will limit their detection as soft X-ray sources. (author).
Division of Remote Handling and Robotics (DRHR) at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has been working on design and development of Reactivity Control Mechanisms for Nuclear Research Reactors (Dhruva, KAMINI and recently Critical Facility of Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR)) as well as Power Reactors in India (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors of 220 MWe at Narora and recently India's first 540 MWe PHWR Unit -1 and 2 at Tarapur). This paper gives a brief account of evolution of reactivity control mechanisms for nuclear research and power reactors in India. (author)
Recent surveys of supergiants stars in the LMC indicate that the post-main-sequence region of the colour-magnitude diagram is well populated, although numerical evolution of massive stars with normal surface hydrogen indicates to the contrary. Supergiant stars having surface enrichment of helium acquired for example from a previous phase of accretion from a binary companion, however, evolve in a way so that the evolved models and observed data are consistent. We compare the available data with computed evolutionary tracks of massive stars of metallicity relevant to the LMC with and without helium-enriched envelopes and conclude that a large fraction of supergiant stars may occur in binaries. (author).
The effect of variations of the fundamental constants on the thermonuclear rate of the triple alpha reaction, "4He(#alpha##alpha#, #gamma#)"1"2C, that bridges the gap between "4He and "1"2C is investigated. We have followed the evolution of 15 and 60 M#centre dot# zero metallicity stellar models, up to the end of core helium burning. They are assumed to be representative of the first (Population III) stars. The calculated oxygen carbon abundances resulting from helium burning can then be used to constrain the variation of the fundamental constants.
Attention is given to the folowing topics: population I and II variable stars; LP variables, the sun, and mass determination; and predegenerate and degenerate variables. Particular papers are presented on alternative evolutionary approaches to the absolute magnitude of the RR Lyrae variables; the evolution of the Cepheid stars; nonradial pulsations in rapidly rotating Delta Scuti stars; dynamical models of dust shells around Mira variables; and pulsations of central stars of planetary nebulae.
The common envelope phase of binary star evolution plays a central role in many evolutionary pathways leading to the formation of compact objects in short period systems. Using three dimensional hydrodynamical computations, we review the major features of this evolutionary phase, focusing on the conditions that lead to the successful ejection of the envelope and, hence, survival of the system as a post common envelope binary. Future hydrodynamical calculations at high spatial resolution are required to delineate the regime in parameter space for which systems survive as compact binary systems from those for which the two components of the system merge into a single rapidly rotating star. Recent algorithmic developments will facilitate the attainment of this goal.
We study the well-posedness of the initial value problem for a wide class of singular evolution equations. We prove a general well-posedness theorem under three assumptions easy to check: the first controls the singular part of the equation, the second the behavior of the nonlinearities, and the third one assumes that an energy estimate can be found for the linearized system. We allow losses of derivatives in this energy estimate and therefore construct a solution by a Nash-Moser iterative scheme. As an application to this general theorem, we prove the well-posedness of the Serre and Green-Naghdi equation and discuss the problem of their validity as asymptotic models for the water-waves equations.
Exploration for epithermal Au has been active lately in the Aegean Sea of the eastern Mediterranean Basin, both in the islands of the Quaternary arc and in those of the back-arc region. The purpose of this study was the structural mapping and analysis for a preliminary investigation of possible epithermal gold mineralization, using remotely sensed data and techniques, structural and field data, and geochemical information, for a specific area on the Island of Lesvos. Therefore, Landsat-TM and SPOT-Pan satellite images and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the study area were processed digitally using spatial filtering techniques for the enhancement and recognition of the geologically significant lineaments, as well as algebraic operations with band ratios and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), for the identification of alteration zones. Statistical rose diagrams and a SCHMIDT projection Stereo Net were generated from the lineament maps and the collected field ...
Data are presented demonstrating short-wavelength (approx. <6400 A) continuous (cw) laser operation of p-n diode In/sub 0.5/(Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-//sub x/)/sub 0.5/P multiple quantum well heterostructure (QWH) lasers grown lattice matched on GaAs substrates using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. In the range from -30 /sup 0/C to room temperature (RTapprox. =300 K, lambdaapprox. =6395 A) the threshold current density changes from 2.3 x 10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/ (-30 /sup 0/C) to 3.7 x 10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/ (RT, 300 K). The cw 300 K photopumped laser operation of the same quaternary QWH crystal is an order of magnitude lower in threshold (7 x 10/sup 3/ W/cm/sup 2/, J/sub eq/approx.2.9 x 10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/) than previously reported for this crystal system, and agrees with the successful demonstration of cw 300 K laser diodes at this short wavelength.
Based on the results obtained for C-N and Si-C-N films, a systematic investigation of reactive magnetron sputtering of hard quaternary Si-B-C-N materials has been carried out. The Si-B-C-N films were deposited on p-type Si(100) substrates by dc magnetron co-sputtering using a single C-Si-B target (at a fixed 20% boron fraction in the target erosion area) in nitrogen-argon gas mixtures. Elemental compositions of the films, their surface bonding structure and mechanical properties, together with their oxidation resistance in air, were controlled by the Si fraction (5-75%) in the magnetron target erosion area, the Ar fraction (0-75%) in the gas mixture, the rf induced negative substrate bias voltage (from a floating potential to -500 V) and the substrate temperature (180-350 deg. C). The total pressure and the discharge current on the magnetron target were held constant at 0.5 Pa and 1 A, respectively. The energy and flux of ions bombarding the growing films were ...
Alluvial fans along the east side of central Death Valley are being actively back-tilted along the Death Valley fault zone. Initial modelling of the Copper Canyon and Furnace Creek fans led to recognition of distinct segments. Field reconnaissance and aerial photo mapping were conducted to check model results and improve segment discrimination. Surface roughness, relative position, vegetation distribution, and drainage patterns provided independent evidence for segment discrimination. Subsequent modelling of individual segments produced a range of tilt values from 0.275[degree] to 0.559[degree] down to the northeast. Continued analysis of these fan segments is concentrated on: (1) assigning confidence and error values to the tilt values; and (2) dating individual segments. Further work will compare the tilt rates of east-side fans with those from the west. The mean squared error (MSE) is currently being used as a first order assessment of the quality of the model's fit to data ...
The complex phase relationships near the BaO-poor region of the quaternary Ba-Sm-Y-Cu-O oxide system prepared in pure air (pO2=22 kPa, 950 oC) and in 0.1% O2 (pO2=100 Pa, 810 oC) have been determined. This investigation also included the subsolidus compatibilities in ten subsystems (Ba-Sm-Y-O, Ba-Sm-Cu-O, Ba-Y-Cu-O, Sm-Y-Cu-O, Ba-Sm-O, Ba-Y-O, Ba-Cu-O, Sm-Y-O, Sm-Cu-O, and Y-Cu-O), and the homogeneity range of five solid solutions (Ba(SmxY2-x)CuO5, (Sm,Y)2O3, (Sm,Y)2CuO4, (Y,Sm)2Cu2O5, and Ba(Sm,Y)2O4). The single phase range of the superconductor solid solution, (Ba2-xSmx)(Sm1-yYy)Cu3O6+z, and the phase compatibilities in its vicinity, which are particularly important for processing, are described in detail. The phase equilibrium data of the Ba-Sm-Y-Cu-O system will enable the improvement of the intrinsic superconducting properties of second-generation wires, and facilitate the flux-pinning process. -- Graphical Abstract: Phase diagram overview of the Ba-Sm-Y-Cu-O ...
The (Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P material system, lattice matched to GaAs substrates, is useful for visible laser diodes. Here, low pressure organometallic vapor phase epitaxial growth of Ga/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P and (Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P is examined. Epitaxial layers of bulk materials are characterized using photoluminescence, electroreflectance, Raman scattering spectroscopy, and surface morphology studies to determine lattice match and optimum growth conditions. Lattice matching at the growth temperature produces featureless growth surfaces, while lattice matching at room temperatures results in minimum photoluminescence linewidth but cracked surface due to tensile strain during growth. Raman scattering spectra of the quaternary reveal a three-mode structure, with spectral peaks due to GaP-like, in P-like, and AIP-like LO phonons. Additionally, (Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P/Ga/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P ...
The (Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P material system, lattice matched to GaAs substrates, is useful for visible laser diodes. Here, low pressure organometallic vapor phase epitaxial growth of Ga/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P and (Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P is examined. Epitaxial layers of bulk materials are characterized using photoluminescence, electroreflectance, Raman scattering spectroscopy, and surface morphology studies to determine lattice match and optimum growth conditions. Lattice matching at the growth temperature produces featureless growth surfaces, while lattice matching at room temperatures results in minimum photoluminescence linewidth but cracked surface due to tensile strain during growth. Raman scattering spectra of the quaternary reveal a three-mode structure, with spectral peaks due to GaP-like, in P-like, and AIP-like LO phonons. Additionally, (Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P/Ga/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P ...
Lherzolite-bearing basanitic magmas of Quaternary age have erupted to form maars, lava/cinder cones and lava flows in two volcanic fields (Ventura and Santo Domingo) in the central Mexican state of San Luis Potosi. The systematics of the radiogenic isotopes of Sr, Nd, and Pb and the relationship between these parameters and elemental compositions are used to investigate the petrogenesis of the volcanic rocks and the nature of their mantle sources. Sr and Nd isotopic data are presented for 19 basanitic rocks, 5 kaersutites, and 6 lherzolitic xenoliths; Pb data presented for the same 19 volcanic rocks and 4 of the 5 kaersutites. The isotopic compositions for all of these samples fall within the mantle range defined by MORBs and OIBs. The basanites generally plot within the OIB field on isotopic diagrams; most of the kaersutites are displaced to slightly more-depleted (i.e. MORB-like) values than the volcanic samples and the xenoliths, with one exception, are ...
Pulsed operation of an AlGaInP graded-index separate confinement heterostructure laser grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy is reported. The laser active region consists of a single 100 A Ga/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P quantum well and 1600 A graded index regions on both sides of the well. The graded index regions were produced by lattice-matched graded composition (Al/sub y/Ga/sub 1-//sub y/)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P quaternary alloys. This structure reduces the broad-area threshold current compared to a double heterostructure laser, with pulsed thresholds as low as 1050 A/cm/sup 2/. Total pulsed power of 1.4 W at 658 nm is available from an 80 ..mu..m x 300 ..mu..m mesa-stripe laser. A differential quantum efficiency of approx.56% is measured. By examining the cavity length dependence of the threshold current density and quantum efficiency, it is apparent that the quantum well gain has not saturated in these structures. This suggests that devices containing a thinner ...
Buried soils occur on kettle floors of four Pinedale moraine catenas of the western Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. Radiocarbon ages from bulk samples of Ab horizons indicate the soils were buried during the mid-Holocene. Soils on kettle floors have silty A and Bw horizons that overlie buried A and B horizons that also formed in silt-rich sediments. Crests and backslope soils also have A and Bw horizons of sandy loam formed over 2BCb and 2Cb horizons of stony coarse loamy sand. Recent data show the silty textures of the A and B horizons are due to eolian silt and clay from the Green River Basin just west of the mountains. The buried soils appear to represent alternate periods of erosion and deposition on the moraines during the Holocene. The original soils developed on higher slopes of the moraines were eroded during the mid-Holocene and the 2BC and 2C horizons exposed at the surface. Eroded soil sediments were transported downslope onto the kettle floors. Following erosion, silt-rich ...
Acidic constituents in crude oil are associated with the formation of stable emulsions during production and present a challenge for efficient oil recovery and processing. Acid molecules, including naphthenic acids and acidic sulfur in crude oil cause corrosion in refineries and pipelines. Naphthenic acids are also significant because of their surface activity and marginal water solubility, so that they may leach to wastewaters and cause adverse environmental effects. Acidic components of oil are not limited to carboxylic acids but also molecules that contain sulfur and nitrogen. As such, an improved understanding of the chemistry and physics of petroleum at the molecular level is needed in order to understand the range of problems associated with acidic oil components and to design better solutions. The applications of negative-ion electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) for speciation of acidic oil compound classes was ...
Fuel irradiation leads to a swelling resulting from the formation of gaseous (Kr, Xe) or solid fission products which are found either in solution or as solid inclusions in the matrix. This phenomena has to be evaluated to be taken into account in fuel cladding Interaction. Fuel swelling was studied as a function of burn up by measuring the corresponding cell constant evolution by X-Ray diffraction. This study was realized on Mixed Oxide Fuels (MOX) irradiated in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) at different burn-up for 3 initial Pu contents. Lattice parameter evolutions were followed as a function of burn-up for the irradiated fuel with and without an annealing thermal treatment. These experimental evolutions are compared to the theoretical evolutions calculated from the hard sphere model, using the fission product concentrations determined by the APPOLO computer code. Contribution of varying ...
Protection of wetlands became a national issue in 1988 when President George Bush pledged no net loss of wetlands in the US under his [open quotes]environmental presidency.[close quotes] As wetlands became a national issue, the job of protecting them became an obligation for many groups, including hydro-power developers. Now, when a site selected for development includes an area that may be classified as a wetland, the developer quickly discovers the importance of recognizing and protecting these natural habitats. Federal legislation severely limits development of wetland, and most states increase the restrictions with their own wetlands regulations. The difficulty of defining wetlands complicates federal and state enforcement. Land that appears to be dry may in fact be classified as a wetland. So, even if a site appears dry, potential hydro developers must confirm whether or not any jurisdictional wetlands are present. Regulated lands include much more than marshes and swamps. Further ...
The overarching goals of the 'Kootenai River Floodplain Ecosystem Operational Loss Assessment, Protection, Mitigation and Rehabilitation' Project (BPA Project No.2002-011-00) are to: (1) assess abiotic and biotic factors (i.e., geomorphologic, hydrological, aquatic and riparian/floodplain communities) in determining a definitive composition of ecological integrity, (2) develop strategies to assess and mitigate losses of ecosystem functions, and (3) produce a regional operational loss assessment framework. To produce a scientifically defensible, repeatable, and complete assessment tool, KTOI assembled a team of top scientists in the fields of hydrology, hydraulics, ornithology, entomology, statistics, and river ecology, among other expertise. This advisory team is known as the Research Design and Review Team (RDRT). The RDRT scientists drive the review, selection, and adaptive management of the research designs to evaluate the ecologic functions lost due to the ...
On the basis of soil losses records during 10 years, three levels of water erosion were established for two soil (Typical Hapludox and Oxic Dystropept) located on high and medium terraces of alluvial flat plain of piedmont in the Eastern Plains in La Libertad Research Center of CORPOICA. Eighteen 3 x 10 m"2 run-off plots were fitted out on a nonrandom arrangement of nine plots by landscape and three soil use and management treatments: zero grazing Brachiaria decumbens pasture for six years, up land rice, soybean and maize rotations for six years and bare soil for 10 years. Soil losses under these treatments allowed to define three degrees of erosion: slight (N_3 moderate (N_2) and severe (N_3) respectively. From each plot soil samples were taken at two depths for physical analyses. infiltration and resistance to cone penetration were measured in the field. Without exception water erosion produced a detrimental effect on soil physical properties and the hydrological ...
The next great issue on the Russian landscape will be management of its foreign debt. In the near future the United States will be called upon to lead an international program of debt restructuring to assist Russia in overcoming the burden of its debt trap. With debt service obligations equal to 50{percent} of 1999 revenues, Russia has virtually no chance of sustaining a program of economic recovery without debt relief (Hardt, 1999). With some form of debt restructuring a foregone conclusion, Russia, the United States, and world community have a vital stake in searching for creative ways to transform the inevitability of debt restructuring into something of value and constructive to Russia and the problems it faces. This was the rationale behind debt-for-nature swaps which emerged in the early 1980s in Latin American and Eastern Europe as a means of relieving developing nations of their crippling foreign debt. Debt-for-nature swaps served both domestic and ...
The advantages offered by green roofs range from improvement in architectural and landscape aesthetics to reductions in building energy costs. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is encouraging sustainable community development through new policies and regulations that promote green roof installation on public and commercial rooftops in Seattle's urban center. An understanding of climate-specific green roof performance is required in order to develop an accurate representation of the stormwater benefits of green roofs. This paper explored the relative importance of green roofs in storm water management and low impact development (LID) in various areas of Seattle. It also examined the relative effectiveness and applicability of green roofs under various conditions and in various parts of the city compared to other LID strategies such as Seattle's natural drainage systems (NDS) designs, swales and ponds, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, and porous ...
One of the biggest fears and challenges a parent of a child with special needs faces is navigating the post-22 landscape. When a child hits the age of 22, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is no longer required to provide daily services and support. Whatever the abilities, or disabilities, of a child, every parent has the same concerns about how their child will productively fill their days and live as independently as possible without the safety net of the DESE. One of the transition paths most frequented is entering the workforce. Public and private schools alike work to teach their students the basic skills they need to work. In fact, the national Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that students must have a transition plan in formulation by the age of 16. This article describes the vocational program developed by the League School of Greater Boston which specifically addresses the challenges students, their ...
A detailed investigation of the damage formation and evolution in ion-implanted crystalline Si is presented. Deep-level transient spectroscopy has been used to monitor room temperature migration of point defect complexes and evolution from simple point-like defect complexes to defect clusters and even extended defects. Si samples were implanted with Si or He ions with energies of 145 keV-3MeV, to fluences in the range 5x10[sup 8]-5x10[sup 13]cm[sup -2]. The effects of thermal annealing, in the range 100-680 C and 10 min-15h, were also explored. A systematic comparison of defect complexes formation and evolution in ion-implanted or electron-irradiated Si samples with a different impurity content were used to assess the role of impurities (C and O), extra implanted ion and defect clustering on the nature and thermal stability of residual damage. In particular, an interstitial excess directly resulting from the extra implanted ...
The main goals of nuclear astrophysics have been to probe the interiors of stars, stellar explosions, the early moments of cosmic expansion, and the formation and evolution of galaxies and cosmic structure by measurement and application of the relevant nuclear physics. The approach to these goals have generally been from three directions: 1) Careful measurements of the relevant nuclear reactions; 2) Detailed computer models of the relevant astrophysical environments; and 3) Observations of the relevant terrestrial and extra-terrestrial atomic and isotopic abundances. These approaches provide not only insight into the formation and evolution of the elements, but are also pillars upon which a variety of cosmological models as well as models for physics beyond the standard model of particle physics can stand or fall. At present there is a very exciting frontier on all three of these approaches. The development and applications of ...
This report presents the methodology and the results from the modelling of an open repository for spent nuclear fuel in Laxemar. Specifically, the present work analyses the hydrological effects of the planned repository during the construction and operational phases when it is open, i.e. air-filled, and hence may cause a disturbance of the hydrological conditions in the surroundings. The numerical modelling is based on the SDM-Site Laxemar MIKE SHE model. The modelling was divided into three steps. The first step was to update the SDM-Site Laxemar model with a new hydrogeological bedrock model. The other main updates were an increase of the depth of the MIKE SHE model domain, enhanced vertical computational resolution and that the drainage of the Aespoe Hard Rock Laboratory was included in the model. The resulting model was used to simulate undisturbed natural conditions. The next step was to describe the open repository conditions, using Laxemar layout D2, by implementing the access ...
Recent studies indicate that [Fe]-hydrogenases and H{sub 2} metabolism are widely distributed among green algae. The enzymes are simple structured and catalyze H{sub 2} evolution with similar rates than the more complex [Fe]-hydrogenases from bacteria. Different green algal species developed diverse strategies to survive under sulfur deprivation. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii evolves large quantities of hydrogen gas in the absence of sulfur. In a sealed culture of C. reinhardtii, the photosynthetic O{sub 2} evolution rate drops below the rate of respiratory O{sub 2} consumption due to a reversible inhibition of photosystem II, thus leading to an intracellular anaerobiosis. The algal cells survive under these anaerobic conditions by switching their metabolism to a kind of photo-fermentation. Although possessing a functional [Fe]-hydrogenase gene, the cells of Scenedesmus obliquus produce no significant amounts of H{sub 2} under S-depleted ...
Research highlights: #-># The Y-intermetallic can accelerate corrosion and Y can increase the protectiveness of the surface layer. #-># In 0.1 M NaCl, the corrosion rate of Mg-Y alloys increased with increasing Y due to the Y intermetallic. #-># In 0.1 M NaCl, there was filiform corrosion. #-># In 0.1 M Na_2SO_4, the corrosion rate of Mg-Y alloys decreased with increasing Y in the range 3-7%Y. #-># Hydrogen evolution was observed from particular parts of the alloy surface. - Abstract: Corrosion of Mg-Y alloys was studied using electrochemical evaluations, immersion tests and direct observations. There were two important effects. In 0.1 M NaCl, the corrosion rate increased with increasing Y content due to increasing amounts of the Y-containing intermetallic. In 0.1 M Na_2SO_4, the corrosion rate decreased with increasing Y content above 3%, attributed to a more protective surface film, despite the intermetallic. The corrosion rate evaluated by ...
The influence of extended convective mixing (overshoot) on asymptotic giant branch stellar evolution is investigated in detail. The extended mixing is treated time-dependently, and the efficiency declines exponentially with the geometric distance from the convective boundary. It has been considered at all convective boundaries, including the He-flash convection zone in the intershell region which forms during the thermal pulses. Both the structural and the chemical evolution are affected by the inclusion of overshoot. The main results include a very efficient third dredge-up which leads to the formation of carbon stars of low mass and luminosity. A C13 pocket which may serve as a neutron source for the s-process can form after the third dredge-up has reached into the C12 rich intershell. Overshoot applied to the pulse-driven convective zone during the He-flash leads to a deeper penetration of the bottom of this convective zone into the C/O core ...
I review what we know about the donor stars in cataclysmic variables (CVs), focusing particularly on the close link between these binary components and the overall secular evolution of CVs. I begin with a brief overview of the "standard model" of CV evolution and explain why the key observables this model is designed to explain - the period gap and the period minimum -- are intimately connected to the properties of the secondary stars in these systems. CV donors are expected to be slightly inflated relative to isolated, equal-mass main-sequence (MS) stars, and this "donor bloating" has now been confirmed observationally. The empirical donor mass-radius relationship also shows a discontinuity at M_2 = 0.2 M_sun which neatly separates long- and short-period CVs. This is strong confirmation of the basic disrupted magnetic braking scenario for CV evolution. The empirical M_2-R_2 relation can be combined with stellar models to ...
The LiMnO{sub 2} lamellar oxide, obtained by exchange reaction from its sodium homologue {alpha}-NaMnO{sub 2}, has been used as a positive electrode for lithium batteries. After the first electrochemical cycle, the shape of the potential-composition curve changes and indicates a change in the structure. This modification changes imperceptibly at each cycle and after about 40 cycles, a stationary state is reached. Powder spectra refinement using the Rietvelt method shows a migration of manganese ions from the thin sheets towards the inter-sheet space. After a single cycle, 8% of the manganese ions are already present in the lithium site and this rate reaches 13% after 3 cycles. During long cycling, a redistribution of ions and vacancies inside the cfc oxygenated pile leads to a structure very similar to the LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} spinel. This structure evolution is to be compared with the one obtained from the orthorhombic variety of LiMnO{sub 2} but the modification ...
This document presents the way which the 8th principle of the quality management system 'Process approach' is applied, the principle that is identified and used by international standard ISO 9000. In order to understand the evolution of the management system requirements, as used today in different activities namely, industry, services, and nuclear activities, the authors present an evolution of the quality concept and its traceability to different standards, applicable in time. There are described the requirements of ISO 9001 standard, that represents the most widely spread model for modern organization management and the IAEA concerns related to integration of the above standard requirements into the most recent safety IAEA standard 'The Management System for facilities and activities'. The IAEA Safety Standard GS-R-3 describes a management model considering both the evolution of the quality requirements into the modern ...
Single crystal tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoparticles were prepared via a microwave-assisted method. Electrochemical activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on WO3 supported on carbon black (WO3/C) electrocatalyst was first studied in acid solution (0.5 M H2SO4) and alkaline solution (1.0 M KOH) at room temperature. The overall experimental results revealed that the electrocatalytic activity for HER on WO3/C is one order magnitude higher than those obtained with carbon black in 0.5 M H2SO4 and is six times than in the case of carbon black in 1.0 M KOH. These results demonstrated that WO3 could enhance the electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction in acid solution (0.5 M H2SO4) and alkaline solution (1.0 M KOH). On the other hand, the kinetic reaction mechanisms were disc...
Hydrogen cyanide is a key molecule for chemical evolution studies because, when it is exposed to different sources of energy, it forms various compounds of biological importance. To understand the role of minerals in chemical evolution, a series of experiments was performed. First, the adsorption capacity of HCN on different surface minerals was studied; the results show that HCN is readily adsorbed onto the solids proposed (zeolite, serpentine, dolomite, and sodium montmorillonite), in particular zeolite and montmorillonite. Second, the radiolysis of HCN adsorbed on olivine (as an example of a mineral surface) was also followed; it was found that the rate of HCN decomposition by gamma irradiation is enhanced in the presence of the solid. The third series of studies show that organic material was produced in high abundance from HCN at high radiation doses. The radiolytic products included gases (CO_2, NH_4, and CO) and oligomeric materials that ...
A laminated material composed of glass cloth/polyimide film/epoxy resin will be used as an insulating material for superconducting coil of International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). In order to keep safe and stable operation of the superconducting coil system, it is indispensable to evaluate radiation resistance of the material, because the material is exposed to severe environments such as high radiation field and low temperature of 4 K. Especially, it is important to estimate the amount of gases evolved from the insulating material by irradiation, because the gases affect on the purifying system of liquid helium in the superconducting coil system. In this work, the gas evolution from the laminated material by gamma ray irradiation at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) was investigated, and the difference of gas evolution behavior due to difference of composition in the epoxy resin was discussed. It was found that the main gases ...
The evolution of the technology of waste combustion, energy recovery and flue gas treatment allows to redefine the role of the incineration plant as a basic component of integrated waste management systems. Starting with an overview of the evaluation of emission limits and of the new Best Available Techniques (BAT) approach, strongly recommended by the European Union, the paper reports an overview of the stack emission concentrations measured in recent plants in Italy compared to older ones, with special attention to the dioxin issue. Concerning this topic, it is demonstrated that BAT-equipped plants can act as actual dioxin destroyer rather than producers, even when all the fluxes released in the environment (gaseous, solid and liquid residues) are taken into account. The second part of the paper deals with the evolution of the flue gas control technologies of the last 20 years, pointing out the major trends and the future perspectives for ...
In this paper, we study the effect of the Ge{sup +} preamorphization dose on boron diffusion and on the thermal evolution of end of range (EOR) defects during annealing. Amorphizations were carried out by implanting Ge{sup +} at 150 keV to doses ranging from 1x10{sup 15} to 8x10{sup 15} ions/cm{sup 2}. Boron was subsequently implanted at 3 keV with a dose of 1x10{sup 14} ions/cm{sup 2}. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) was performed for various time/temperature combinations in nitrogen ambient. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study boron diffusion and defect evolution, respectively. We have found that after a given annealing, both the defect size and boron diffusivity are independent on the Ge ion dose. Increasing this dose only results in an increase of the defect density. These results are discussed and definitely show that EOR defects are involved in a quasi-conservative Ostwald ...
In this paper, we study the effect of the Ge"+ preamorphization dose on boron diffusion and on the thermal evolution of end of range (EOR) defects during annealing. Amorphizations were carried out by implanting Ge"+ at 150 keV to doses ranging from 1x10"1"5 to 8x10"1"5 ions/cm"2. Boron was subsequently implanted at 3 keV with a dose of 1x10"1"4 ions/cm"2. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) was performed for various time/temperature combinations in nitrogen ambient. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study boron diffusion and defect evolution, respectively. We have found that after a given annealing, both the defect size and boron diffusivity are independent on the Ge ion dose. Increasing this dose only results in an increase of the defect density. These results are discussed and definitely show that EOR defects are involved in a quasi-conservative Ostwald ripening process during annealing. ...
Two phases are recognized in the maturation of organic matter and evolution of the oil-generative window (OGW): (a) a basinal subsidence phase during which potential source rocks undergo burial through a static initial OGW, and maturation is due essentially to increasing temperature with depth, and (b) a postsubsidence phase during which the OGW moves vertically upward through the static sedimentary fill, and maturation is due to time effects. Only the final shallow position of OGW can be defined by geochemical indices of maturity. The hydrocarbon generation sequence progresses from bottom to top, beginning with the lighter hydrocarbons (or even thermogenic gas) at the initial OGW at depth, followed by progressively heavier hydrocarbons as the OGW moves vertically upward. This dynamic model of hydrocarbon generation permits modeling of past positions of OGW relative to basin evolution through interpretation of oil-genesis nomographs. It also ...
Control room operators rely on the plant annunciation system to alert them to abnormal operating conditions and changes in plant configuration. A key determinant in annunciation system effectiveness is how well the annunciation system displays support Operations staff to staff to maintain a full understanding of the alarm state and ongoing changes under all operating situations. During unit evolutions, current CANDU alarm generation rates can frequently exceed 10 alarms per minute. With existing annunciation displays that list individual alarm changes, the rapid changes in display presentation can exceed an operator's ability to recognize the changes and maintain a full and up-to-date awareness of unit alarm state. This paper describes annunciation display features and concepts for alternative presentation of unit alarm state and changes that can provide improved support to Operations staff during unit evolutions. (author)
Core-collapse supernovae are among Nature's most energetic events. They mark the end of massive star evolution and pollute the interstellar medium with the life-enabling ashes of thermonuclear burning. Despite their importance for the evolution of galaxies and life in the universe, the details of the core-collapse supernova explosion mechanism remain in the dark and pose a daunting computational challenge. We outline the multi-dimensional, multi-scale, and multi-physics nature of the core-collapse supernova problem and discuss computational strategies and requirements for its solution. Specifically, we highlight the axisymmetric (2D) radiation-MHD code VULCAN/2D and present results obtained from the first full-2D angle-dependent neutrino radiation-hydrodynamics simulations of the post-core-bounce supernova evolution. We then go on to discuss the new code Zelmani which is based on the open-source HPC Cactus framework and ...
The evolution of FRI jets has been long studied in the framework of the FRI-FRII dichotomy. In this paper, we test the present theoretical and observational models via a relativistic numerical simulation of the jets in the radio galaxy 3C 31. We use the parameters derived from the modelling presented by \\cite{lb02a,lb02b} as input parameters for the simulation of the evolution of the source, thus assuming that they have not varied over the lifetime of the source. We simulate about 10 % of the total lifetime of the jets in 3C 31. Realistic density and pressure gradients for the atmosphere are used. The simulation includes an equation of state for a two-component relativistic gas that allows a separate treatment of leptonic and baryonic matter. We compare our results with the modelling of the observational data of the source. Our results show that the bow shock evolves self-similarly at a quasi-constant speed, with slight deceleration by the end ...
The possibility of improving the cold formability of wrought magnesium alloys is considered in light of their good hot forming characteristics. Magnesium alloy AZ31B sheet is selected as a model system. Parameters affecting formability, such as strain hardening rate, strain rate sensitivity, and the degree of anisotropy are examined systematically by conducting tensile tests over a range of temperatures (room temperature to 250 C) and strain rates (1 x 10{sup -5} to 0.1 s{sup -1}). The plastic anisotropy and deformation texture evolution are examined in samples aligned with the sheet rolling and transverse directions. Polycrystal plasticity simulations using a viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) formulation are used to model the observed anisotropy and texture evolution. The adjustable parameters in the model are the relative critical resolved shear stresses of the dislocation mechanisms known to operate within magnesium. The experimental ...
Thin films of new metastable materials from the system Ti-B-C-N were deposited on metallic substrates by d.c. magnetron sputtering in different Ar+N{sub 2} atmospheres. The multiphase compound targets used were based on various compositions on the TiC-TiB{sub 2} and TiB{sub 2}-C tie lines of the Ti-B-C phase diagram. The structure and chemical composition of the films were characterized by electron microprobe analysis, depth profiling Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The hardness, critical load of failure and the tribological behavior of the coatings were investigated. Superhard single-phase crystalline metastable Ti-B-C-N layers with hardness values exceeding 5000 HV{sub 0.05} and extremely low sliding wear against 100Cr6 and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} counterparts could be produced by reactive sputtering of various TiC-TiB{sub 2} targets in Ar+N{sub 2} atmospheres with low nitrogen flows. In the case of carbon-rich coatings (carbon content ...
We present the 24 #mu#m rest-frame luminosity function (LF) of star-forming galaxies in the redshift range 0.0 #<=# z #<=# 0.6 constructed from 4047 spectroscopic redshifts from the AGN and Galaxy Evolution Survey of 24 #mu#m selected sources in the Booetes field of the NOAO Deep Wide-Field Survey. This sample provides the best available combination of large area (9 deg"2), depth, and statistically complete spectroscopic observations, allowing us to probe the evolution of the 24 #mu#m LF of galaxies at low and intermediate redshifts while minimizing the effects of cosmic variance. In order to use the observed 24 #mu#m luminosity as a tracer for star formation, active galactic nuclei (AGNs) that could contribute significantly at 24 #mu#m are identified and excluded from our star-forming galaxy sample based on their mid-IR spectral energy distributions or the detection of X-ray emission. Optical emission line diagnostics are considered for ...
Russian field surgery with its long history and distinctive characteristics has accumulated great experience in the long-time practice of warfare. Chinese field surgery was established and developed on the basis of studying from the Russian model, which opened up new areas of traffic medicine, molecular traumatology and assessment of biological effects on weapon destruction and carried out in-depth research on wound ballistics, blast injury, burns and combined injury etc. through decades of construction with continuous development and innovation, and a series of major achievements have been made in these fields. By making comparative study on the historical evolution, structure system, characteristics of campaigns and development of society between Chinese and Russian field surgery, it can be found that there are great gaps between them and we should strengthen the research for more rapid development. PMID:20510098
The collapsar scenario for long gamma-ray bursts requires rapidly rotating Wolf-Rayet stars as progenitor stars. We highlight two possible ways out of the dilemma that the strong winds of Wolf-Rayet lead to a fast spin-down. One way is to restrict the duration of the Wolf-Rayet phase to a short time span at the end of the star's evolution. We show that this appears to apply to GRB 021004. The other way is to choose a sub-solar metallicity, thus limiting the Wolf-Rayet wind efficiency. We discuss corresponding stellar evolution models and show that a metallicity limit of about 1/10th solar, as it is required by the models, may be consistent with the empirical gamma-ray burst rate.
We have investigated the microstructure evolutions in the Ti17 near #beta# titanium alloy during heat treatments. The phase transformation has first been studied experimentally by combining X-ray diffraction analysis, electrical resistivity and microscopy observations. From a series of isothermal treatments, a IT diagram has been determined, which takes into account the different morphologies. Then, a Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) model has been successfully used to describe the phase transformation kinetics during either isothermal or cooling treatments. Finally, the coupling of the JMAK model to the finite element software ZeBuLoN allowed us to investigate the evolution of the spatial distribution of the different morphologies during the cooling of an aircraft engine shaft disk after forging.
We present a Poincare covariant Faddeev equation, which enables the simultaneous prediction of meson and baryon observables using the leading order in a truncation of the Dyson-Schwinger equations that can systematically be improved. The solution describes a nucleon's dressed-quark core. The evolution of the nucleon mass with current-quark mass is discussed. A nucleon-photon current, which can produce nucleon form factors with realistic Q{sup 2} evolution, is described. Axial-vector diquark correlations lead to a neutron Dirac form factor that is negative, with r{sub 1}{sup nu}>r{sub 1}{sup nd}. The proton electric-magnetic form factor ratio falls with increasing Q{sup 2}.
This document is a summary of the available information on the thermo-hydro-mechanical properties of the bentonite barrier of a high-level radioactive waste repository and of the processes taking place in it during the successive repository operation phases. Mainly the thermal properties, the volume change processes (swelling and consolidation), the permeability and the water retention capacity are analysed. A review is made of the existing experimental knowledge on the modification of the these properties by the effect of temperature, water salinity, humidity and density of the bentonite, and their foreseen evolution as a consequence of the processes expected in the repository. The compiled evolution refers mostly to the FEBEX (Spain), the MX-80 (USA) and the FoCa (France) bentonite, considered as reference barrier materials in several European disposal concepts. (Author) 102 refs.
We study the temporal evolution of coronal loops using data from the Solar X-ray Imager (SXI) on board of GOES-12. This instrument allows us to follow in detail the full lifetime of coronal loops. The observed light curves suggest three somewhat distinct evolutionary phases: rise, main, and decay. The durations and characteristic timescales of these phases are much longer than a cooling time and indicate that the loop-averaged heating rate increases slowly, reaches a maintenance level, and then decreases slowly. This suggests that a single heating mechanism operates for the entire lifetime of the loop. For monolithic loops, the loop-averaged heating rate is the intrinsic energy release rate of the heating mechanism. For loops that are bundles of impulsively heated strands, it is an indication of the frequency of occurrence of individual heating events, or nanoflares. We show that the timescale of the loop-averaged heating rate is proportional to the timescale of ...
The issue of China?s energy supply security is not only the key problem which affects China?s rapid and sustainable development in the 21st century, but also the one which international attention focuses on. Based on the notable characteristic of spatial imbalance between energy production and consumption in China, this paper takes the evolution of China?s primary energy resources development(excluding hydropower) from 1949 to 2007 as the study object, with the aim to sum up the evolutive characteristics and laws of China?s energy resources development in the past nearly 60 years. Then, based on comprehensive considerations of coal?s, oil?s and natural gas?s basic reserves, qualities, geological conditions, production status, and ecological service function of every province, this paper ad...
Simple, one-zone models for inhomogeneous chemical evolution of the Galactic halo are used to predict the number fraction of zero-metallicity, Population III stars, which currently is empirically estimated at < 4e-4. These analytic models minimize the number of free parameters, highlighting the most fundamental constraints on halo evolution. There are disagreements of at least an order of magnitude between observations and predictions in limiting cases for both homogeneous Simple Model and Simple Inhomogeneous Model (SIM). Hence, this demonstrates a quantitative, unambiguous discrepancy in the observed and expected fraction of Population III stars. We explore how the metallicity distribution of the parent enrichment events f(z_0) drives the SIM and predictions for the Population III fraction. The SIM shows that the previously-identified "high halo" and "low halo" populations are consistent with a continuous evolutionary progression, and ...
The Huqf Supergroup of the Sultanate of Oman provides important information on the geological evolution of the Arabian?Persian Gulf region during a protracted period of continental dispersal and reassembly on the periphery of the Gondwanan supercontinent during the Neoproterozoic, and also provides important constraints on the nature of extreme climate swings during this critical period in the evolution of Earth's biosphere. The Huqf Supergroup spans the period ca. 725?540?Ma, and is composed of three groups. The Abu Mahara Group (ca. 725 to ca.ca. 547?540?Ma), which is known mostly from the subsurface, comprises carbonates, evaporites and organic-rich shales, with interbedded ashes, deposited in a large number of N?S trending troughs and platforms.The three groups of the Huqf Supergroup c...
The objectives of this study were to estimate symbiotic nitrogen fixation by two common pasture legumes, Trifolium subterraneum L. and Medicago truncatula Gaertn., and an Australian native legume, Acacia dealbata Link, growing in pots using an indirect isotopic method. This method was also used to calibrate the C2H2 reduction assay of the intact plants. In addition, hydrogen evolution was measured in an attempt to explain the variations in C2H2:N2 ratios between the species. 25 refs.; 1 figure; 4 tabs.
A novel adhesive for carbon materials composed of phenol-formaldehyde resin, boron carbide and fumed silica, was prepared. The adhesive property of graphite joints bonded by the above adhesive treated at high-temperatures was tested. Results showed that the adhesive was found to have outstanding high-temperature bonding properties for graphite. The adhesive structure was dense and uniform even after the graphite joints were heat-treated at 1500 deg. C. Bonding strength was 17.1 MPa. The evolution of adhesive structure was investigated. The results indicated that the addition of the secondary additive, fumed silica, improved the bonding performance greatly. Borosilicate phase with better stability was formed during the heat-treatment process, and the volume shrinkage was restrained effectively, which was responsible for the satisfactory high-temperature bonding performance of graphite.
Rapid growth in implant applications in the fabrication of semiconductors has encouraged a dramatic increase in the range of energies, beam currents and ion species used. The challenges of a wider energy range, higher beam currents, continued reduction in contamination, improved angle integrity and larger substrates have motivated the development of many innovations. Advanced processes in submicron device production uses up to twenty implantation steps. Thus the outstanding growth of this industry has led to the evolution of a thriving business of hundreds of implantation equipment systems each year with very specific requirements. The present paper reviews the principal process requirements which resulted in the evolution of the equipment technology, and describes the recent trends in the ion implanter technology all three principal categories: high current, medium current and high energy. (author)
A model for the simulation of the time dependent behavior and the analysis of the equilibrium of the coupled system of storage ring and Free Electron Laser (FEL) is presented. The analysis comprises both amplifier and oscillator FEL. Bunch lengthening and energy widening due to wake forces are taken into account in a self-consistent way. The method is based on a mapping algorithm for means and correlations of the electron distribution function, pioneered by K. Hirata. The evolution of the laser field in the oscillator FEL is described by K. Hirata. The evolution of the laser field in the oscillator FEL is described by supermodes. The model is used to simulate an FEL in a small 500 MeV storage ring with 100 m circumference. Typical values for the output power, spatial, and spectral characteristics of the emitted radiation are presented.
The influence of radiation on the corrosion of the fuel claddings in a Light Water Reactor (LWR) has been the subject of many investigations, and different aspects of the overall phenomena have been studied by different techniques. Analysis of the evolution of Secondary-Phase Particles (SPPs) for different periods of immersion of the cladding in the reactor enables the rate of corrosion to the structure of the material to be correlated. In the case of Zircaloy-2 in a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR), SPPs are dissolved under irradiation, and their dissolution affects the rate of oxidation and other correlated phenomena. In recent studies, the Zircaloy-2 in claddings loaded in the Leibstadt BWR are analysed after one, three and five cycles. Results are presented, and give an account of the changes which occurred in the materials under irradiation. (authors)
In situ X-Ray microtomography offers new opportunities for analysing sintering mechanisms since it allows 3D observation of the microstructural evolution of the powder all along a sintering cycle. With synchrotron radiation at ESRF, a 3D image with a resolution of 2 {mu}m can be obtained in about one minute. In addition to the visual examination of the images, relevant microstructural parameters can be measured through quantitative image analysis using recently developed tools. In this paper the results obtained with two materials, loose copper powder and compacted steel powder, are resumed. For copper powder, the dispersion of local parameters such as particle co-ordination number and porosity is investigated. Concerning steel compacts, data about pore morphology evolution and on local strains provides clues for understanding the anisotropic shrinkage of such compacts. (authors)
Thermoluminescence of inorganic dust extract from herbs and spices has been demonstrated to be a useful method to discriminate irradiated food products as well as to estimate the total dose exposure. The time evolution of infrared stimulated luminescence has been systematically investigated in potassium feldspar and albite minerals subjected to different doses of gamma irradiation (ranging from 0 to 8 kGy). Experimental results reveal a 300-600 nm signal which is greatly intensified for irradiated samples, following the same irradiation dose dependence observed in thermoluminescence. The luminescence intensity disappears after few seconds of illumination, following a time evolution which is proportional to (1 + Bt){sup -P}. The influence of both B and P factors upon the irradiation dose has been systematically analysed. (author)
Thermoluminescence of inorganic dust extract from herbs and spices has been demonstrated to be a useful method to discriminate irradiated food products as well as to estimate the total dose exposure. The time evolution of infrared stimulated luminescence has been systematically investigated in potassium feldspar and albite minerals subjected to different doses of gamma irradiation (ranging from 0 to 8 kGy). Experimental results reveal a 300-600 nm signal which is greatly intensified for irradiated samples, following the same irradiation dose dependence observed in thermoluminescence. The luminescence intensity disappears after few seconds of illumination, following a time evolution which is proportional to (1 + Bt)"-"P. The influence of both B and P factors upon the irradiation dose has been systematically analysed. (author)
Supernova explosions within wind-driven bubbles are studied with 2D hydrodynamical calculations. Two different density distributions for the ejecta are considered: (i) a smooth, unfragmented power-law stratification, and (ii) a fragmented distribution. As in 1D models, the presence of the shell of interstellar swept-up matter causes the rapid evolution of the remnant to the radiative phase. The main 2D effects, for both fragmented and unfragmented ejecta, include: (i) substantial chaotic deviations from a purely radial flow in the remnant interior, (ii) efficient turbulent mixing between the ejecta and the shocked wind, resulting in homogenization of the former wind cavity, and (iii) severe distortion of the wind-driven shell by cooling and Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities. (author).
We identify a source coincident with SN 2009kr in Hubble Space Telescope pre-explosion images. The object appears to be a single point source with an intrinsic color V - I = 1.1 #+-# 0.25 and M_V = -7.6 #+-# 0.6. If this is a single star, it would be a yellow supergiant of log L/L _s_u_n #approx# 5.1 and a mass of 15"+"5 _-_4 M _s_u_n. The spatial resolution does not allow us yet to definitively determine if the progenitor object is a single star, a binary system, or a compact cluster. We show that the early light curve is similar to a Type IIL SN, but the prominent H#alpha# P-Cygni profiles and the signature of the end of a recombination phase are reminiscent of a Type IIP. The evolution of the expanding ejecta will play an important role in understanding the progenitor object.
This is the final report of a three-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The authors investigated the evolution and radiation characteristics of individual neutron stars and stellar systems. The work concentrated on phenomena where new techniques and observations are dramatically enlarging the understanding of stellar phenomena. Part of this project was a study of x-ray and gamma-ray emission from neutron stars and other compact objects. This effort included calculating the thermal x-ray emission from young neutron stars, deriving the radio and gamma-ray emission from active pulsars and modeling intense gamma-ray bursts in distant galaxies. They also measured periodic optical and infrared fluctuations from rotating neutron stars and search for high-energy TeV gamma rays from discrete celestial sources.
The microstructure evolution of nine samples from three Ir-base ternary systems, Ir-Nb-Hf, Ir-Nb-Ta, and Ir-Nb-Ti, was investigated by microstructure observation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), composition map-analysis using electron probe microscopy analysis (EPMA), and phase determination using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The fcc/L1{sub 2} two-phase structure was detected in all the samples. Lattice misfits between fcc and L1{sub 2} phases were calculated. Ir-Nb-Ta and Ir-Nb-Ti alloys exhibited a microstructure quite similar to that of Ni-base superalloys, and the cuboidal L1{sub 2} precipitates in Ir-Nb-Ta and Ir-Nb-Ti alloys could maintain up to 1900 {sup o}C.
This work presents the results of a combined study on the beach morphology and the evolution at short- and medium-term of the littoral between Ceuta and Cabo Negro (Morocco). It is an interesting sector showing a great increase of human occupation and coastal structures. The monitoring program allowed for the reconstruction of the beach morphological behavior and the seasonal changes. The studied beaches presented reflective profiles recording little seasonality, with the most notable morphological changes being strictly related to storms. Surf Similarity and Surf Scaling parameters highlighted the existence of intermediate and reflective beach states, characterized by plunging breakers. Aerial photographs and a satellite image have been geo-referenced and elaborated with GIS tools to reco...
The physics of density limit phenomena in toroidal helical plasmas based on an analytic point model of toroidal plasmas is discussed. The combined mechanism of the transport and radiation loss of energy is analyzed, and the achievable density is derived. A scaling law of the density limit is discussed. The dependence of the critical density on the heating power, magnetic field, plasma size and safety factor in the case of L-mode energy confinement is explained. The dynamic evolution of the plasma energy and radiation loss is discussed. Assuming a simple model of density evolution, of a sudden loss of density if the temperature becomes lower than critical value, then a limit cycle oscillation is shown to occur. A condition that divides the limit cycle oscillation and the complete radiation collapse is discussed. This model seems to explain the density limit oscillation that has been observed on the W7-AS stellarator. (author)
The microstructural evolution of a AZ31 Mg alloy during hot rolling has been investigated using optical microscopy and texture (macro and micro) analysis as the main characterization tools. In particular, the differences between the microstructure obtained by unidirectional rolling (UR) and cross rolling (CR) are studied. Significant twinning activity is observed in both cases. Additionally, after cross rolling, a rather heterogeneous microstructure develops, with scattered regions populated by very fine grains. The strong basal fiber texture of the as-received material remains present after both hot rolling schemes. The impossibility to obtain accurate EBSD measurements within the twinned regions suggests that significant localized deformation takes place in those areas. Thus, these regions become preferential sites for the onset of recrystallization due to the increase in the local strain energy. (orig.)
As evidence mounts that male genitalia can affect relative fertilisation success, the role that sexual selection has played in the rapid and divergent evolution of genitalia is becoming increasingly recognized. Unfortunately, the limited functional understanding of these complex structures and their interactions with the female reproductive tract often limit interpretation regarding their evolution. Here, we address this issue using the earwig Euborellia brunneri, where both the male intromittent organ and the female spermatheca are highly exaggerated in length yet structurally simple. In a double mating design, we use the sterile male technique to study how sperm precedence patterns are affected by male genital length, male age, and the size of the male sperm storage organ, the seminal ve...
In this paper we show that the recent model by Gilles Duranton [Duranton, G., 2007. Urban evolutions: The fast, the slow, and the still. American Economic Review 97, 197-221] performs remarkably well in replicating the city size distribution of West Germany, much better than the simple rank-size rule known as Zipfs law. The main mechanism of this theoretical framework is the "churning" of industries across cities. Little is known in urban economics about the determinants of local industry turnover so far. We present an empirical analysis of the excess churning index for West German cities, which describes the strength of intra-city industry reallocations over time. We find that urban growth and industry turnover are not notably correlated: Some, but not all fast-growing cities have notably...
The framework of time-sequence stratigraphy was established according to the point of view of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy. The development characteristic of the sequence, the distribution pattern of strata, the basin evolution and filling, and the relationship between variations of base level and coal accumulation of epicontinental basin were expounded based on the base-level cycles. The result shows that the C-P coal measures in Hebei is a series of basin deposit of inner epicontinental sea. The formation and evolution and sedimentation of the basin is intimately related to the changes of the basin base-level, which controls the development of the coal-accumulation, forming a clear coal-bearing sequence in the cycle. 9 refs., 3 figs.
The study of extragalactic planetary nebulae (EPN) is a rapidly expanding field. The advent of powerful new instrumentation such as the PN spectrograph has led to an avalanche of new EPN discoveries both within and between galaxies. We now have thousands of EPN detections in a heterogeneous selection of nearby galaxies and their local environments, dwarfing the combined galactic detection efforts of the last century. Key scientific motivations driving this rapid growth in EPN research and discovery have been the use of the PNLF as a standard candle, as dynamical tracers of their host galaxies and dark matter and as probes of Galactic evolution. This is coupled with the basic utility of PN as laboratories of nebula physics and the consequent comparison with theory where population differences, abundance variations and star formation history within and between stellar systems informs both stellar and galactic evolution. Here we pose some of the ...
Recently several investigators reported on various means of generating cold plasma jets at atmospheric pressure. More interestingly, these jets turned out to be not continuous plasmas but trains of small high velocity plasma packets/bullets. However, until now little is known of the nature of these 'bullets'. Here we present experimental insights into the physical and chemical characteristics of bullets. We show that their time of initiation, their velocity and the distance they travel are directly dependent on the value of the applied voltage. We also show that these bullets can be controlled by the application of an external electric field. Using an intensified charge coupled device camera we report on their geometrical shape, which was revealed to be 'donut' shaped, therefore giving an indication that solitary surface ionization waves may be responsible for the creation of these bullets. In addition, using emission spectroscopy, we follow the evolution of ...
The evolution of intergranular lattice strains in a textured, forged bar (Bar) sample of the #alpha# - #beta# titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V has been characterised using in situ X-ray diffraction. A two-phase elastic-plastic self-consistent (EPSC) model has been developed to rationalise the results. Of the orientations analysed, it is found that the #left brace#2 0 0#right brace# #beta# orientation is the most compliant and that load partitions to this orientation during plasticity. The results from the bar material have then been used to predict the response of unidirectionally rolled plate (UD) Ti-6Al-4V. It is predicted that the residual lattice strains in the #left brace#101-bar0#right brace# and #left brace#112-bar0#right brace# orientations will be significantly higher in the UD material.
Droughts in Moldova were evaluated using meteorological data since 1955 and a long time series (1891?2009). In addition, yields for corn (Zea mays L.), a crop widely grown in Moldova, were used to demonstrate drought impact. The main aim is to propose use of the S i (S i-a and S i-m) drought index while discussing its potential use in studying the evolution of drought severity in Moldova. Also, a new multi-scalar drought index, the standardized precipitation?evapotranspiration index (SPEI), is tested for the first time in identifying drought variability in Moldova while comparing it with the commonly used standardized precipitation index (SPI). S i-m, SPI, SPEI, and S i-a indices show an increasing tendency toward more intensive and prolonged severely dry and extremely dry summer months. D...
The effect of Kerr nonlinearity on an Airy beam is investigated by using the nonlinear Schroedinger equation. Based on the moments method, the evolution of the Airy beam width in the rms sense is analytically described. Numerical simulations indicate that the central parts of the major lobe of the Airy beam initially give rise to radial compression during propagation in a focusing medium, even though the rms beam width broadens. The partial collapse of the center parts of the major lobe of the beam appear below the threshold for a global collapse. The evolutions of the field distributions of the Airy beams are different during propagation in different Kerr media while the beams still travel along the parabolic trajectory just as the beam propagates in free space.
We study the dynamical evolution of a scalar field coupling to Einstein's tensor in the background of a Reissner-Nordstroem black hole. Our results show that the coupling constant #eta# imprints in the wave dynamics of a scalar perturbation. In the weak coupling, we find that with the increase of the coupling constant #eta# the real parts of the fundamental quasinormal frequencies decrease and the absolute values of imaginary parts increase for fixed charge q and multipole number l. In the strong coupling, we find that for l#not =#0 the instability occurs when #eta# is larger than a certain threshold value #eta#_c which deceases with the multipole number l and charge q. However, for the lowest l=0, we find that there does not exist such a threshold value and the scalar field always decays for arbitrary coupling constant.
Analysis of the dynamics of the cavity radiation of a coherently pumped correlated emission laser is presented. The phase fluctuation and dephasing are found to affect the time evolution of the two-mode squeezing and intensity of the cavity radiation significantly. The intensity and degree of the two-mode squeezing increase at early stages of the process with time, but this trend changes rapidly afterwards. It is also shown that they increase with phase fluctuation and dephasing in the strong driving limit, however the situation appears to be opposite in the weak driving limit. This essentially suggests that the phase fluctuation and dephasing weaken the coherence induced by a strong driving mechanism so that the spontaneous emission gets a chance. The other important aspect of the phase fluctuation, in this regard, is the relaxation of the time at which the maximum squeezing is manifested as well as the time in which the radiation remains in a squeezed state.
We investigate the chemical and observational implications of repetitive transient dense core formation in molecular clouds. We allow a transient density fluctuation to form and disperse over a period of 1 Myr, tracing its chemical evolution. We then allow the same gas immediately to undergo further such formation and dispersion cycles. The chemistry of the dense gas in subsequent cycles is similar to that of the first, and a limit cycle is reached quickly (2 - 3 cycles). Enhancement of hydrocarbon abundances during a specific period of evolution is the strongest indicator of previous dynamical history. The molecular content of the diffuse background gas in the molecular cloud is expected to be strongly enhanced by the core formation and dispersion process. Such enhancement may remain for as long as 0.5 Myr. The frequency of repetitive core formation should strongly determine the level of background molecular enhancement. We also convolve the ...
In case of a severe nuclear accident at a PWR plant, countermeasures will be initiated in the short term by authorities to reduce the consequences of the atmospheric radioactive releases on the neighbouring population. Various factors influence the level of protection afforded by countermeasures. For instance, a too late intervention would lead to a Jack of efficiency in terms of dose reduction if the actual evolution of the accident is not considered. Thus, implementation of countermeasures should be optimized. In general, the projected doses (those without countermeasure) are compared with those expected when a particular countermeasure or strategy is implemented. In this paper, an in-depth analysis associates the kinetics of the release with the corresponding evolution of the dosimetric efficiency of countermeasures. This is done at different times in the short term of the accident and for various distances from the plant. Results are ...
Since The Meaning of Evolution (1992), Robert J. Richards has argued that modern evolutionary theory is rooted in late 18th-century Romantic science. The publication of The Tragic Sense of Life (2009) provides a fitting occasion to evaluate how this perspective revises the standard history of biological thought. This essay focuses on three aspects of Richards's attempt to rehabilitate the reputation of German Naturphilosophie: (1) the identification of Romantic strains in Charles Darwin's portrait of evolutionary history; (2) the demonstration that any attempt to treat Ernst Haeckel as a "pseudo-Darwinian" inevitably renders Darwin himself a "pseudo-Darwinian"; and (3) the denial of Haeckel's alleged responsibility for the rise of Nazi racial hygiene. This article examines Richards's case for clearing Haeckel's name, as well as the subsequent (slanderous) charge from Daniel Gasman that Richards is guilty of whitewashing the Haeckelian roots of the Holocaust. ...
Large optical surveys provide an unprecedented census of galaxies in the local Universe, forming an invaluable framework into which more detailed studies of objects can be placed. But how useful are optical surveys for understanding the co-evolution of black holes and galaxies, given their limited wavelength coverage, selection criteria, and depth? In this conference paper I present work-in-progress comparing optical and mid-IR diagnostics of three "unusual" low redshift populations (luminous Seyferts, dusty Balmer-strong AGN, ULIRGs) with a set of ordinary star-forming galaxies from the SDSS. I address the questions: How well do the mid-infrared and optical diagnostics of star formation and AGN strength agree? To what extent do optical surveys allow us to include extreme, dusty, morphologically disturbed galaxies in our "complete" census of black hole-galaxy co-evolution?
Because of variations in tRNA sequences in evolution, tRNA synthetases either do not acylate their cognate tRNAs from other organisms or execute misacylations which can be deleterious in vivo. We report...Full Text Available
To understand the evolution of giant stars, it is important to pin down the masses for Cepheids. The 7- to 10-day bump Cepheids imply lower than evolutionary mass (60%). Recent theoretical work, though, indicates that for Cepheids with periods of 15 to 16 days, the best understanding of the light curves results from using evolutionary masses.
The nuclear shapes of transitional Mo isotopes are calculated by means of a model based on the cranking approximation and the Strutinksy method. The recent experimental results of the high-spin spectroscopy and lifetime measurement of [sup 87]Mo are studied in detail and explained by the evolution of the [gamma]-deformation with the quasiparticle configurations. The shape calculations with the modified-harmonic-oscillator potential give a critical neutron number N [>=] 47 for the spherical shape of the Mo isotopes. (orig.)
The nuclear shapes of transitional Mo isotopes are calculated by means of a model based on the cranking approximation and the Strutinksy method. The recent experimental results of the high-spin spectroscopy and lifetime measurement of "8"7Mo are studied in detail and explained by the evolution of the #gamma#-deformation with the quasiparticle configurations. The shape calculations with the modified-harmonic-oscillator potential give a critical neutron number N #>=# 47 for the spherical shape of the Mo isotopes. (orig.).
We study the temporal evolution of the market efficiency in the stock markets using the complexity, entropy density, standard deviation, autocorrelation function, and probability distribution of the log return for Standard and Poor's 500 (S&P 500), Nikkei stock average index, and Korean composition stock price index (KOSPI). Based on the microscopic spin model, we also find that these statistical quantities in stock markets depend on the market efficiency.
We show that the holographic principle in quantum gravity imposes a strong constraint on life. The degrees of freedom of an organism can be estimated according to the theory of Boolean networks, which is constrained by the entropy bound. Hence we can explain the languages in protein sequences or in DNA sequences. The overall evolution of biological complexity can be illustrated. And some general properties of protein length distributions can be explained by a linguistic mechanism.
The mechanism proposed by Kormendy (1984) for the formation of counterrotating cores in elliptical galaxies is investigated using self-consistent numerical simulations of mergers between a high- and a low-luminosity elliptical galaxies. The conditions for a counterrotation to appear are determined, observational properties of the remnants are described, and the evolution of the structural and kinematic parameters of the larger galaxy is analyzed. It is shown that a counterrotation results only when the merging orbits are retrograde, due to a large change in the secondary spin during the merger. 36 refs.
We discuss the description of the proton structure function within the dipole factorization framework. We parameterize the forward dipole amplitude to account for saturation as predicted by the small-x QCD evolution equations. Contrarily to previous models, the saturation scale does not decrease when taking heavy quarks into account. We show that the same dipole amplitude also allows to reproduce diffractive data and exclusive vector meson production.
During its jubilee, the French building technical and scientific centre (CSTB) has organized a colloquium about the future tendencies of buildings evolution in the 20 forthcoming years: autonomy in energy production and wastes or effluents management, reduction of water consumption and management of water, hot water production and space heating, bio-sensors for the management of indoor air-quality, control of noise environment using active acoustic systems etc.. (J.S.)
We discuss condensations of closed string tachyons localized in compact spaces. Time evolution of an on-shell condensation is naturally related to the worldsheet RG flow. Some explicit tachyonic compactifications of Type II string theory is considered, and some of them are shown to decay into supersymmetric theories known as the little string theories.
We study the line widths in the [O III]#lambda#5007 and H#alpha# lines for two groups of planetary nebulae in the Milky Way bulge based upon spectroscopy obtained at the Observatorio Astronomico Nacional in the Sierra San Pedro Martir (OAN-SPM) using the Manchester Echelle Spectrograph. The first sample includes objects early in their evolution, having high H#beta# luminosities, but [O III]#lambda#5007/H#beta# < 3. The second sample comprises objects late in their evolution, with He II #lambda#4686/H#beta#>0.5. These planetary nebulae represent evolutionary phases preceding and following those of the objects studied by Richer et al. in 2008. Our sample of planetary nebulae with weak [O III]#lambda#5007 has a line width distribution similar to that of the expansion velocities of the envelopes of asymptotic giant branch stars and shifted to systematically lower values as compared to the less evolved objects studied by Richer et al. The ...
Sixteen spectra of the symbiotic star BF Cygni covering the period 1965-- 1970 were investigated. Variations of the line intensities, the Balmer decrements, the color, and electronic temperatures are given. Approximate values of the electron density were deduced in order to derive an order of magnitude for the sizes of the emitting regions of BF Cygni. A crude stratification and evolution model is proposed. (auth)
Surface photometry of bulges and elliptical galaxies is reviewed. The properties of cores and nuclei as revealed by improvements in seeing and the use of CCDs are examined, and newly discovered structural details such as dust, shells, and dynamical subsystems which show the importance of accretion events in galactic evolution are addressed. Improved constraints on galaxy formation resulting from better measurements of parameter scaling laws are discussed, and accurate measurements of departures from elliptical isophotes and of color gradients obtained with CCDs are considered.
Global angular momentum balance suggests that the neutron stars in Be/X-ray binaries are not spinning in equilibrium. This requires an X-ray lifetime ''approx <'' 10"5 yr, and suggests that there are many 'dead' Be/X-ray binaries in the Galaxy. Some of these may be turned up as millisecond radio pulsars with Be star companions. (author).
An analysis is given of the evolution of a massive scalar field in a closed mixmaster universe of Bianchi type IX. Although the scalar field violates the strong energy condition, the probability of the model ''bouncing'' at a very early time is infinitesimally small; of the order of the ratio of the minimum to maximum sizes of the universe approx. 10/sup -40/.
BackgroundLand plant genomes contain multiple members of a eukaryote-specific gene family encoding proteins with pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) motifs. Some PPR proteins were shown...Full Text Available
In this study, deformation modes and precipitations have been characterized in test pieces made of alloy 800, grade 2 hyper-hardened state and age-conditioned for 3000 h at 550/sup 0/C, used for steam generator tubes of the Super Phenix Reactor, after continuous fatigue and fatigue-relaxation tests in the oligocyclic range. This microstructural study has provided an interpretation of the fatigue behaviour of the material.
Only a small number of radiation accidents in the United States have been severe enough to result in multi-organ failure (MOF). Medical details of selected medical misadministration and criticality cases are reviewed, with an emphasis on pathophysiology. The four criticality cases are particularly relevant for analysis of MOF, since medical treatment was supportive and did not appreciably alter the clinical evolution of radiation injury. PMID:15975871
Much of the material presented in this book derived originally from the series ''Physical Processes in Gaseous Nebulae'' initiated at the Harvard College Observatory in the 1930's. The subject of gaseous nebulae, which offers opportunities for studies of stellar evolution, should be of interest to atomic physicists, spectroscopists, plasma experts, and to observers and theoreticians alike for the study of attenuated ionized gases.
Diffraction by an impermeable scatterer in ?3 with a Dirichlet boundary condition is considered. It is shown that the null field equation is equivalent to the original diffraction problem. The general theoretical constructions are illustrated by analyzing the excitation of a sphere by a point source. The evolution of the residual of the null field equation as the scatterer surface is approached by an auxiliary surface is estimated.
Standard methods in non-linear analysis are used to show that there exists a parabolic branching of solutions of the Lichnerowicz-York equation with an unscaled source. We also apply these methods to the extended conformal thin sandwich formulation and show that if the linearised system develops a kernel solution for sufficiently large initial data then we obtain parabolic solution curves for the conformal factor, lapse and shift identical to those found numerically by Pfeiffer and York. The implications of these results for constrained evolutions are discussed.
Molecular simulation aims at simulating particles in interaction, describing a physico-chemical system. When considering Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling in this context, we often meet the same problem of statistical efficiency as with Molecular Dynamics for the simulation of complex molecules (polymers for example). The search for a correct sampling of the space of possible configurations with respect to the Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution is directly related to the statistical efficiency of such algorithms (i.e. the ability of rapidly providing uncorrelated states covering all the configuration space). We investigated how to improve this efficiency with the help of Artificial Evolution (AE). AE algorithms form a class of stochastic optimization algorithms inspired by Darwinian evolution. Efficiency measures that can be turned into efficiency criteria have been first searched before identifying parameters that could be optimized. Relative ...
Ultrafine grained steels with different carbon contents were produced through warm caliber rolling and evaluated for their stress-strain behavior along with the reduction in area. It was found that the reduction in area-tensile strength balance is far better than the conventional ferrite+pearlite steels and even superior to bainitic steels for all materials tested in the present study.
The creep behaviour of different casts of Alloy 800, supplied by different sources, has been determined in multispecimen furnaces at 650, 750 and 800"0C and at different stress levels up to about 14,000 hs; the environment was initially helium and then air. The microstructural investigations were carried out by transmission electron microscopy. (Auth.).
The macroscopic behavior of magnetostrictive materials results from domain evolutions occurring at a microscopic scale. The author shows how to compute magnetization and magnetostriction curves by appraising the behavior of the underlying microstructures. The method hinges on an averaging device (Young measures), which allows one to pass from the microscopic to the macroscopic scale. He takes into account the kinematical constraints on the accommodation of elastic effects, and he highlights the role of material symmetry in the selection of energetically optimal microstructures.
The possibility of having inflation in a renormalizable cosmological model is investigated. The cosmic no-hair conjecture is proved to hold for all Bianchi types except Bianchi type IX. By the use of a conformal transformation on the metric we show that these models are equivalent to the ones described by the Einstein-Hilbert action for gravity minimally coupled to a set of scalar fields with inflationary potentials. Henceforth, we prove that inflationary solutions behave as attractors in solution space, making it a natural event in the evolution of such models.
It is shown that a simple algorithm which exactly segregates between adiabatic and non-adiabatic electrons in particle-in-cell simulations of drift modes yields excellent conservation properties (e.g. particle number, energy) compared to the conventional df scheme. The removal of the free streaming term in the evolution of the marker weight is shown to be responsible for the improved linear and nonlinear properties of the simulated plasma.
Records of the 8. ITER Council Meeting (IC-8), held on 26-27 July 1995, in San Diego, USA, and the 9. ITER Council Meeting (IC-9) held on 12-13 December 1995, in Garching, Germany, are presented, giving essential information on the evolution of the ITER Engineering Design Activities (EDA) and the ITER Interim Design Report Package and Relevant Documents. Figs, tabs.
The Euler-Maxwell system describes the evolution of a plasma when the collisions are important enough that each species is in a hydrodynamic equilibrium. In this paper we prove global existence of small solutions to this system set in the whole three-dimensional space, by combining the space-time resonance method, dispersive estimates, localization estimates and energy estimates. An important novelty is that we can prove a very slow growth of high derivatives even with a nonintegrable decay by reiterating the energy estimate.
We have isolated the human prointerleukin 1 (proIL-1) beta gene from leukocyte and fetal liver libraries. The nucleotide sequence and its gene organization reveals that the proIL-1 beta gene is composed...Full Text Available
HIV-1 CRF02_AG and subtype G (HIV-1G) account for most HIV infections in Nigeria, but their evolutionary trends have not been well documented. To better elucidate the dynamics of the epidemic in Nigeria...Full Text Available
New stellar models which track the production and destruction of "3He (and D) have been evolved for a range of stellar masses (0.65#<=#M/M_c_i_r_c_l_e_-_d_o_t#<=#100), metallicities (0.01#<=#Z/Z_c_i_r_c_l_e_-_d_o_t#<=#1), and initial (main-sequence) "3He mass fractions (10"-"5#<=#X_3_,_M_S#<=#10"-"3). Armed with the "3He yields from these stellar models we have followed the evolution of D and "3He using a variety of chemical evolution models with and without infall of primordial or processed material. Production of new "3He by the lower mass stars overwhelms any reasonable primordial contributions and leads to predicted abundances in the presolar nebula and/or the present interstellar medium in excess of the observationally inferred values. This result, which obtains even for zero primordial D and "3He, and was anticipated by Rood, Steigman, ampersand Tinsley is insensitive to the choice of chemical ...
For most of the history of binary star astronomy, systems have been classified largely on the basis of how they were discovered and qualitative appearance of their spectra and light curves. Present understanding of single and double star evolution has now progressed to the point where most of the classes previously identified, and some new ones, can be arranged into evolutionary sequences, depending primarily on the initial masses and separation of the component stars.
Results are presented of an empirical analysis of the global thermodynamical requirements of the winds in the outer atmospheres of a representative sample of red giant stars of low- and intermediate-mass range. Results indicate that the mass-loss rates in these stars are not strongly dependent on the actual physical processes driving the winds. It is suggested that nonlinear processes act to regulate wind energy fluxes. Possible mechanisms responsible for the chromospheric heating and the mass loss in the low- and intermediate-mass giant stars are discussed. 151 refs.
A low voltage FEL operating at 130 kV which can be run cw with a continuous electron beam current level up to 12 mA has been constructed for the X-Band microwave range (8-12 GHz). In this poster, we will report on the dependence on time, after the electron beam is switched on, of the growth and competition of those longitudinal modes in the cavity having nett gain.
The implementation of information technology will continue to have important effects on the practice of emergency medicine. Patient registration and tracking systems, telemedicine electronic order entry systems, and the advent of electronic health records are some examples of applications that influence patient care in emergency departments. We review the literature regarding information technology advances in emergency medicine and outline the important role that emergency physicians play in developing and implementing a national health information technology strategy. PMID:16712540
BackgroundAvian β-defensins (AvBDs) represent a group of innate immune genes with broad antimicrobial activity. Within the chicken genome, previous work identified 14 AvBDs...Full Text Available
The bifunctional rat liver enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (ATP:D-fructose-6-phosphate 2-phosphotransferase/D-fructose-2,6-bisphosphate 2-phosphohydrolase, EC 2.7.1.105/EC...Full Text Available
Mutations in full-length HBV isolates obtained from a chronic HBV-infected patient were evaluated at three time points: 1 day, 6 months, and 31 months. While 5 nucleotides variation, and an 18 bp...Full Text Available
This article analyses the role of energy intensity and the relationship between CO{sub 2} emissions and primary energy in order to explain the evolution of CO{sub 2} emissions by unit of real GDP. It also distinguishes two different meanings of CO{sub 2} emissions Kuznets curve hypothesis: the weak and the strong sense. It considers the case of Spain in the period 1972-1997 as an example in which there is not any evidence supporting this hypothesis in either sense. (author)
Silicon/carbon composite anode materials were prepared by pyrolyzing the phenol-formaldehyde resin (PFR) mixed with silicon and graphite powders. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation showed that the morphology stability of the composite electrodes can be retained during cycling. A structure evolution mechanism is proposed to illuminate the enhancement of cycleability of the composite electrode. The composite used as anode material for lithium ion batteries possesses a reversible capacity of over 700 mAh/g.
Dynamical models are presented that start with interstellar gas in an initial diffuse state and consider their gravitational collapse and the formation of dense cores. Frozen-in tangled magnetic fields are included to mimic forces that might oppose gravitational contraction and whose effectiveness may increase with increasing core densities. Results suggest the possibility that dense cloud cores may be dynamically evolving ephemeral objects, such that their lifespan at a given core density decreases as that density increases. 66 refs.
The total radiation rate, angular distribution of the emitted energy and photon correlations of the cooperative spontaneous radiation from two atoms with different resonance frequencies and spontaneous decay rates are calculated. Contrary to the case of two identical atoms oscillations appear in the total radiation rate and the spatial distribution of the total number of emitted photons differs from the single-atom radiation pattern. The effect of the dipole-dipole near-field interaction on the time evolution of the atomic system is discussed. (author).
Several recently introduced 'new' techniques in computed tomography - iterative reconstruction, gated cardiac CT, multiple-source, and dual-energy CT - actually date back to the early days of CT. We review the historic origins and evolution of these techniques, which may provide some insight into the latest innovations in commercial CT systems. (orig.)
The nr1 soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) mutant does not contain the two constitutive nitrate reductases, one of which is responsible for enzymic conversion of nitrite to...Full Text Available
After a presentation of methods and tools for the basic and extensive characterization of polluted sites and the study of evolution and transfer of current organic pollutants in the ground, the example of the rehabilitation of an old Rhone-Poulenc site (at Chauny, France) polluted with metals and arsenic, is described: soil and aquifer diagnosis, risk analysis and determination of migration schemes
We show that the chaotic dynamical behaviour displayed by diagonal Bianchi type IX metrics in general relativity does not occur on approach to the singularity in higher-order lagrangian theories of gravity. However, chaotic behaviour does occur in the more general non-diagonal type IX models in these theories. An interpretation of these results in terms of the hamiltonian potential picture of the type IX evolution is given. (orig.).
We show that the chaotic dynamical behaviour displayed by diagonal Bianchi type IX metrics in general relativity does not occur on approach to the singularity in higher-order lagrangian theories of gravity. However, chaotic behaviour does occur in the more general non-diagonal type IX models in these theories. An interpretation of these results in terms of the hamiltonian potential picture of the type IX evolution is given. (orig.).
Porosity evolution at reactive interfaces is a key process that governs the evolution and performances of many engineered systems that have important applications in earth and environmental sciences. This is the case, for example, at the interface between cement structures and clays in deep geological nuclear waste disposals. Although in a different transport regime, similar questions arise for permeable reactive barriers used for biogeochemical remediation in surface environments. The COMEDIE project aims at investigating the coupling between transport, hydrodynamics and chemistry when significant variations of porosity occur. The present work focuses on a numerical benchmark used as a design exercise for the future COMEDIE-2D experiment. The use of reactive transport simulation tools like Hytec and Crunch provides predictions of the physico-chemical evolutions that are expected during the future experiments in laboratory. ...
The apex dimensions and length are calculated as a function of current for the ion-emitting jet in liquid-metal ion sources (LMIS). The results agree well with observations. Since the final expressions are analytical, they give more insight into the fundamental mechanisms involved than do numerical calculations. Some implications of the model are discussed concerning focused ion beam (FIB) systems employing LMIS. (author).
Using high resolution and high sensitivity IRAS data at 12 and 25 microns low mass stars were studied which have recently formed in the Ophiuchus, Corona Australis, and IC1396 dark clouds. The successful application of these techniques to the Rho Ophiuchi infrared cluster is briefly described. The status of research performed is also presented.
Asymptotic giant branch stars are red supergiant stars of low-to-intermediate mass. This class of stars is of particular interest because many of these stars can have nuclear processed material brought up repeatedly from the deep interior to the surface where it can be observed. A review of recent theoretical and observational work on stars undergoing the asymptotic giant branch phase is presented. 41 refs.
This paper presents a case study in the design and implementation of a numerical weather prediction model on a supercomputer (CRAY-1). Following a historical introduction to the evolution of the model, the governing equations of the model are presented and the numerical solution of these forecast equations is described. A brief tutorial on the architecture of the CRAY-1 is presented with a discussion of how it affects the choice of algorithms and code design of the model. A summary of the advantages gained by use of the vector aspects of the CRAY-1 is included.
The Planning Process of Brazilian Electric Sector Expansion, their normative aspects, instruments, main agents and the planning cycles are described. The methodology of expansion planning is shown, with the interactions of several study areas, electric power market and the used computer models. The forecasts of methodology evolution is also presented. (C.G.C.).