天语计划——寻找第二个太阳系及探索动态宇宙

像木星和土星这样的冷巨行星对类地行星的形成和宜居性起到了关键作用,因此,对像太阳系这样具有多个冷巨行星的系统的搜寻具有重要意义.Kepler以及TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite)太空望远镜成功地通过凌星的方法发现了大量短周期行星,然而这些巡天项目的观测基线不足以发现更长周期的行星.为此,天语计划将部署两台1m望远镜(天语一号和天语二号),用于结合天语和其他计划的数据通过凌星法来发现冷巨行星及其他行星,并最终发现类太阳系.天语一号具有约10平方度的视场以及高速CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor)科学相机,将对超过1000万颗恒星每小时进行一次高精度测光采样,并通过天语二号的多波段测光、光谱仪以及高分辨率成像对天语一号发现的候选行星进行确认.天语望远镜将放置于海拔约4000m的中国青海冷湖,是目前中国境内最好观测台址之一.天语对亮于14等星的测光精度为0.1%,对亮于18等星的测光精度优于1%,天语预计在5yr内将在类太阳周期发现超过300颗凌星行星,其中包括约17颗冷巨行星.基于系统轨道共面以及孪生地球发生率为10%的假设,天语预计将发现1-2个类太阳系,并可被未来的地球2.0计划所证实.此外,天语还将通过多种巡天观测模式测量从亚秒到周时标的光变,探测不同时标的时域现象,包括超新星早期光变、稀有变星和双星、潮汐瓦解事件、Be星、彗星活动以及系外小行星等.这些发现不仅将深化我们对宇宙的理解,还将为公众科学和科普提供重要平台.

Alkali and Plasma-Treated Guadua angustifolia Bamboo Fibers:A Study on Reinforcement Potential for Polymeric Matrices

This study focuses on treating Guadua angustifolia bamboo fibers to enhance their properties for reinforcement applications in composite materials.Chemical(alkali)and physical(dry etching plasma)treatments were used separately to augment compatibility of Guadua angustifolia fibers with various composite matrices.The influence of these treatments on the fibers’performance,chemical composition,and surface morphology were analyzed.Statistical analysis indicated that alkali treatments reduced the tensile modulus of elasticity and strength of fibers by up to 40%and 20%,respectively,whereas plasma treatments maintain the fibers’mechanical performance.FTIR spectroscopy revealed significant alterations in chemical composition due to alkali treatments,while plasma-treated fibers showed minimal changes.Surface examination through Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM)revealed post-treatment modifications in both cases;alkali treatments served as a cleanser,eliminating lignin and hemicellulose from the fiber surface,whereas plasma treatments also produce rough surfaces.These results validate the impact of the treatments on the fiber mechanical performance,which opens up possibilities for using Guadua angustifolia fibers as an alternative reinforcement in composite manufacturing.

Geochemical Characterization of Soils in the Playa Lake Environment of Laguna de Encinillas, Chihuahua, Mexico

Laguna de Encinillas, located in Chihuahua, Mexico, is an ephemeral lake situated within a playa lake sedimentary depositional environment. This region plays a significant role in the aquifer supplying water to Chihuahua City. A surficial soil sampling campaign was conducted in 2017, 2018, and 2021 to assess the potential impact of surface soil composition on groundwater quality. The collected soil samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following microwave-assisted digestion. The analytical results were employed to generate spatial distribution maps of elemental concentrations using QGIS, applying interpolation methods such as inverse distance weighting (IDW) and Kriging. The analysis revealed elevated concentrations of beryllium (Be), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), magnesium (Mg), and strontium (Sr) in the eastern part of the study area. In contrast, arsenic (As) and iron (Fe) were more prevalent in the western sector. Notably, high levels of barium (Ba), silver (Ag), cobalt (Co), potassium (K), and scandium (Sc) were identified in the northeastern region. At the same time, nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), and vanadium (V) were concentrated in the northern portion. Manganese (Mn) was particularly prominent in the southern area. The geogenic source of these elements is likely linked to the volcanic rocks from the surrounding mountain ranges.

The Representation of Soil Moisture−Atmosphere Feedbacks across the Tibetan Plateau in CMIP6

Thermal processes on the Tibetan Plateau(TP)influence atmospheric conditions on regional and global scales.Given this,previous work has shown that soil moisture−driven surface flux variations feed back onto the atmosphere.Whilst soil moisture is a source of atmospheric predictability,no study has evaluated soil moisture−atmosphere coupling on the TP in general circulation models(GCMs).In this study,we use several analysis techniques to assess soil moisture−atmosphere coupling in CMIP6 simulations including:instantaneous coupling indices;analysis of flux and atmospheric behaviour during dry spells;and a quantification of the preference for convection over drier soils.Through these metrics we partition feedbacks into their atmospheric and terrestrial components.Consistent with previous global studies,we conclude substantial inter-model differences in the representation of soil moisture−atmosphere coupling,and that most models underestimate such feedbacks.Focusing on dry spell analysis,most models underestimate increased sensible heat during periods of rainfall deficiency.For example,the model-mean bias in anomalous sensible heat flux is 10 W m−2(≈25%)smaller compared to observations.Deficient dry-spell sensible heat fluxes lead to a weaker atmospheric response.We also find that most GCMs fail to capture the negative feedback between soil moisture and deep convection.The poor simulation of feedbacks in CMIP6 experiments suggests that forecast models also struggle to exploit soil moisture−driven predictability.To improve the representation of land−atmosphere feedbacks requires developments in not only atmospheric modelling,but also surface processes,as we find weak relationships between rainfall biases and coupling indexes.

Enhanced sampling for lipid-protein interactions during membrane dynamics

The inflexible concept of membrane curvature as an independent property of lipid structures is today obsolete.Lipid bilayers behave as many-body entities with emergent properties that depend on their interactions with the environment.In particular,proteins exert crucial actions on lipid molecules that ultimately condition the collective properties of the membranes.In this review,the potential of enhanced molecular dynamics to address cell-biology problems is discussed.The cases of membrane deformation,membrane fusion,and the fusion pore are analyzed from the perspective of the dimensionality reduction by collective variables.Coupled lipid-protein interactions as fundamental determinants of large membrane remodeling events are also commented.Finally,novel strategies merging cell biology and physics are considered as future lines of research.

Overcast sky condition prevails on and influences the biometeorology of the tropical Andean Páramos

Clouds play a major role in modulating the biometeorological processes. We studied the influence of cloudiness on four biometeorological variables:daily air temperature(Tair), relative humidity(RH),reference evapotranspiration(ETr),and photosynthetic active radiation(PAR), recorded at four sites of Andean Páramos in southern Ecuador during 2.5 to 5.5 years. First, we quantified both the cloud cover percentage(Cloud%) creating cloud masks over the visible bands of Landsat 7 images and the sky condition(K_(T)) using the records of solar and extraterrestrial radiation. Second, we estimated KTfrom Cloud%. Finally, we quantified T_(air), RH, ET_(r), and PAR under clear, cloudy, and overcast K_(T) and their dependence on KT. The average Cloud% ranged between 65%–76%, and KTcorroborated the prevailing overcast sky(between 55% and 72.5% of the days) over the páramos. The proposed model performed well in the sites of calibration(R^(2)= 0.80;MBE = 0.00;RMSE = 0.05) and validation(R^(2)= 0.74;MBE =-0.07;RMSE = 0.11). The overcast sky diminished T_(air)(≤ 10℃), ET_(r)(≤ 1.6 mm day-1), and PAR(4 MJ m^(-2)day^(-1)) and increased RH(≥ 88%),while the variables showed the opposite behavior during the uncommon clear sky(≤ 5.5% of the days).Thus, mostly the dynamic of RH(R^(2)≥ 0.62), ETr(R^(2)≥ 0.85), and PAR(R2≥ 0.77) depended on K_(T). Hence,the prevailing overcast sky influenced the biometeorology of the páramos.

Acoustic contamination assessment during the transition between the COVID-19 restrictions and reactivation:A exploratory analysis in Guayaquil

Noise pollution is becoming a critical health risk for city life.In 2020,the COVID-19 pandemic forced many cities to implement several mobility restrictions.These restrictions changed human activity patterns and decreased the noise levels and noise pollution that often affect urban settings.As the number of infections decreased,so did the outdoor activities,influencing the population’s perception of noise.This paper aims to evaluate the changes in noise levels associated with mobility restrictions between 2020 and 2021 in Guayaquil,Ecuador.This study used crowdsourcing with the help of smartphones and mobile applications to collect geo-referenced environmental noise data.The data was used to generate noise maps in different time frames.Finally,noise level maps were created using GIS-based tools to identify the urban areas that experienced the highest noise level variation during the study period.The results show that the most significant noise increase occurred at night.Furthermore,when analyzing noise level changes in different urban areas,the western area of Guayaquil was the one that experienced the most significant noise level variation.Findings inform the perception of noise pollution and could potentially serve as a reference for decision-makers during the proposal of public policies that ensure a better quality of life for its citizens.

Repellent and Insecticidal Activity of Naphthoquinones from the Heartwood of Tectona grandis on Incisitermes marginipennis(Latreille)

Wood is a lignocellulosic material that,because of its organic nature,is a source of nutrients for bacteria,fungi,and insects.Incisitermes marginipennis(Latreille)is an interesting dry wood-boring termite.Because it is an extremely destructive pest,difficult to control due to its cryptic lifestyle,and for its role in the biogeochemical cycle of carbon and other elements;it is a fundamental organism.The use of less toxic and eco-friendly substances is important for protecting domestic,cultural,and historical heritage made of wood or lignocellulosic materials.The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of various naphthoquinones extracted from the heartwood of T.grandis on I.marginipennis.First,heartwood flour was used for Soxhlet-type extractions to isolate and characterize the heartwood compounds by thin-layer chromatography.To identify the heartwood compounds,nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer were used.The information obtained was supported using the Interactive Spectroscopy software.The identified heartwood compounds were lapachol,tectoquinone,deoxylapachol,dehydro-α-lapachone,tectol and tecomaquinone-I.Using nymphal termites of I.marginipennis as a biological model,the isolated and identified molecules were under three different tests(repellent,insecticide and protective)and their biological activity was individually evaluated.The results showed that the molecules obtained have a repellent-protective effect against I.marginipennis,although not in all cases,these molecules have high percentages of mortality and decreased the weight loss of the treated material exposed to I.marginipennis.

Evaluation of the potential of coastal cliffs as geosites for the promotion of geotourism

Coastal zones, with their significant geodiversity, are vital areas for geotourism. Effective management is crucial to harness the geological interest of these sites as geotourism resources while ensuring their conservation. ManabíProvince is one of the most representative regions along the Ecuadorian coast due to its beaches and coastal cliffs, offering a wealth of tourist attractions and cultural elements. This study aims to evaluate the geosite potential of six cliffs in ManabíProvince through quantitative and qualitative analyses to propose geotourism promotion strategies. The methodology involves (i) inventory and characterisation of the cliffs, (ii) assessment of the sites by the Spanish Inventory of Places of Geological Interest method (IELIG), and (iii) qualitative evaluation through focus group discussions and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The results reveal that all six sites boast diverse geological assets, including geomorphological, stratigraphic, sedimentological, and tectonic elements. They are characterised by “high ”scientific, didactic, and tourist interest, while also being sus- ceptible to degradation due to natural and anthropic threats. The SWOT analysis demonstrates that the valuable geological and geomorphological heritage of potential geosites provides an opportunity to foster geotourism and boost the province’s economy, incorporating geoconservation and geoeducation strategies. This study proposes a georoute called “Ruta Acantilados del Sol ”, a 245 km journey encompassing all six sites, incorporating diverse tourist and cultural activities. Our research lays the foundation for fostering geotourism along the Manabícoast and strengthening the connection between nature, heritage, and the welfare of residents within a global resilience plan.

Assessment of effectiveness of oral supplementation of isolated fiber of carrot on metabolic parameters in mature rats

This present study was conducted to evaluate the metabolic effects of isolated fi ber of carrot supplementation in rats.Physicochemical properties of fi ber were determined.The groups were as follows:animals fed a standard diet,control group;high fi ber supplementation(70 mg);low fi ber supplementation(35 mg);for 12 weeks.Blood samples were collected at the time of sacrifi ce.The weights of heart,liver,kidneys and spleen of the experimental rats with respect to body weight were recorded.Commercial kits were used to determine serum glucose concentration,lipid profi le(cholesterol,HDL-cholesterol,triglycerides),and the two main aminotransferases glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase(GOT)/glutamate-pyruvate transaminase(GPT).A histopathological assay was performed on the heart,liver,and spleen tissues of animals.Supplementation with fi ber favors weight loss in female((242.03±23.73)-(197.81±10.45)g);and male rats((262.50±32.21)-(213.96±12.56)g and induces a decrease in glucose levels in the supplemented animals.With the exception of total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,the other lipid fractions decrease signifi cantly in rats supplemented.Fiber supplementation did not induce changes in the dissected organs of the supplemented animals.In conclusion supplementation of fiber,improves glucose control,lower plasma lipid concentrations and reduced body weight in normal rats.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Polymeric Material Blended to Bone Forming Elements

A synthetizing material blended with two distinct proteins (collagen and casein) and mineral mixture, was developed in order to evaluate their properties suitable for possible applications in the biomedical such as inducing the regeneration of damaged bone, either due to an accident or illness. Samples were evaluated by 1) Mechanical properties tests under the bending, 2) Scanning electronic microscopy and 3) Infrared spectroscopy were carried out. The results showed that the developed material has breaking strength and structure characteristics associated with the protein used in their composition. This fact suggests that the used protein determines the resistance of the material, in such a way according to the required use, being able to choose appropriate strength and duration either short or long time. The material composition for specific use, in order to find the most suitable mixture for bone replacement, or induce bone recovery, according to the required properties similar to those of damaged living tissue.

Influence of Colletotrichum truncatum on the Physiological and Chemical Quality in Different Varieties of Soy Seed

The literature highlights that a severe infection by the fungus Colletotrichum truncatum may be capable of inflicting considerable damage to seeds after harvest, potentially affecting their chemical composition and physiological quality. Taking into account that currently there is no categorization in terms of susceptibility and tolerance on this pathogen, the present work is presented with the main objective of “Evaluate the influence of Pathogenicity of C. truncatum on the physiological quality (germination, vigor, viability) and biochemical components in different varieties of soybean seeds (Glycine max)” most planted in the region. The work was carried out in the Agrotec laboratory, located in the Municipality of San Alberto (Alto Paraná), using a completely randomized experimental design, with AxB factorial arrangement, where A indicates ten most planted soybean varieties in the region and B with or without artificial inoculation of Colletotrichum truncatum, with twenty treatments and four repetitions. The variables evaluated were: germination, vigor, viability and chemical composition. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the Tukey test at 5% error. The results showed a significant statistical difference, accepting the alternative hypothesis proposed “The pathogenicity of Colletotrichum truncatum influences the physiological quality (germination, vigor, viability) and biochemical components (saturated and unsaturated fatty acids) in different varieties of soybean seeds (Glycine max)”.

Shared Memory Semi-Implicit Solver for Hydrodynamical Instability Processes

The Advection-Diffusion Reaction (ADR) equation appears in many problems in nature. This constitutes a general model that is useful in various scenarios, from porous media to atmospheric processes. Particularly, it is used at the interface between two fluids where different types of instabilities due to surface mobility may appear. Together with the ADR equation, the Darcy-Brinkman model describes the phenomena known as fingering that appear in different contexts. The study of this type of system gains in complexity when the number of chemical species dissolved in both fluids increases. With more solutes, the increasing complexity of this phenomenon generally requires much computational power. To face the need for more computational resources, we build a solver tool based on an Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) scheme that can be run in Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) architectures on any notebook. The implementation is done using the MATLAB platform to compare both versions. It is shown that using the GPU version strongly saves both resources and calculation times.

Two-Dimensional Continuous Model in Bimolecular Reactive Transport

In this work, a continuum 2D model is proposed to study the interaction at the interface of reactive transport processes in porous media. The analysis of the segregation produced by poor reactant homogenization at the poral scale is addressed by a parametric heuristic model that considers the relative gradient of the reacting species involved in the process. The micro inhomogeneities are incorporated by means of longitudinal and transversal mechanical dispersion coefficients. A two-dimensional continuous model for the bimolecular reactive transport is considered where modelling parameters are estimated numerically from experimental data. A competitive effect between segregation and dispersion is observed that is analyzed by means of numerical experiments. The two-dimensional model reproduces properly both the total mass of the product as well as its increase with the velocity of flow and the inhomogeneity of the advanced front. The methodology used is simple and fast, and the numerical results presented here indicate its effectiveness.

Quantum Codes Do Not Increase Fidelity against Isotropic Errors

In this article, we study the ability of error-correcting quantum codes to increase the fidelity of quantum states throughout a quantum computation. We analyze arbitrary quantum codes that encode all qubits involved in the computation, and we study the evolution of n-qubit fidelity from the end of one application of the correcting circuit to the end of the next application. We assume that the correcting circuit does not introduce new errors, that it does not increase the execution time (i.e. its application takes zero seconds) and that quantum errors are isotropic. We show that the quantum code increases the fidelity of the states perturbed by quantum errors but that this improvement is not enough to justify the use of quantum codes. Namely, we prove that, taking into account that the time interval between the application of the two corrections is multiplied (at least) by the number of qubits n (due to the coding), the best option is not to use quantum codes, since the fidelity of the uncoded state over a time interval n times smaller is greater than that of the state resulting from the quantum code correction.

Volcaniclastic Deposit Analysis Using Grain Size, Digital and Stereological Techniques

This study undertook a comprehensive sedimentological and grain-size analysis of two previously uncharacterized volcanoclastic deposits exposed in the northwestern sector of Chihuahua City, Mexico. The primary objective was to propose a systematic genetic classification for these deposits, employing traditional sedimentological techniques and an advanced computerized granulometric analysis technique based on orthogonal images to discern their grain size distribution. Through these studies, evidence was sought to classify them genetically, presenting arguments to define them either as a lahar or a volcanic debris avalanche. Results were critically compared against existing literature data pertaining to lahars and debris avalanches, yielding moderate success. The analysis identified one of the deposits as a non-eruptive or post-eruptive lahar. This identification was substantiated by the delineation of distinct overbank and transition facies within the deposit, providing compelling evidence for its genetic classification.

伊朗棒小蜂科昆虫种类(膜翅目:小蜂总科)(英文)

本文记述伊朗的棒小蜂科昆虫3个属(Chartocerus Motschulsky,Thysanus Walker和Signiphora Ashmead)11种,同时,记述了每一种的异名、寄主和国内外分布情况。

Dispersion of niquel on the microstructure in magnesium based alloys for hydrogen storage

Mg–Xwt.%Ni(X=5 and 20)alloys have been prepared by mechanical alloying using milling times of 15 and 30 h in a planetary ball milling to know the effects of magnesium with the addition of Ni as catalyst,dispersion on the microstructure,area surface and the efficiency of hydrogen storage.SEM-EDS,XRD and ImageJ^(■)software have been used to characterize the microstructure and chemical composition of the alloys.Hydriding experiments were performed as batch-type tests at 200,250 and 300℃ under 2 MPa H2 pressure during 30 min.These experiments resulted in varying amounts of MgH2 in the hydrided powders depending on composition and hydriding conditions.The best results point to an optimum Ni dispersion,which in turn depends on Ni content and milling time.

Photocatalytic performance of K2Ti6O13 whiskers to H2 evolution and CO2 photo-reduction

K2Ti6O13 whiskers were synthesized by conventional sol-gel method, sono-chemical assisted and microwave assisted sol-gel method in order to obtain catalysts with different particle sizes and to modify their optical, textural and electrochemical properties. These modifications improved their photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution and CO2 photo-reduction. Long K2Ti6O13 whiskers prepared by ultrasound assisted sol-gel method are the most active photocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction using pure water as reactant (U-SG, 10,065 μmol g^-1). In contrast, an opposite behavior was observed using a mixture of ethanol-water, where the highest activity was achieved by the shortest and less crystalline K2Ti6O13 whiskers (C-SG, 3,2871 μmol g^-1). In case of CO2 photo-reduction, long whiskers that were also prepared by the sono-chemical assisted sol-gel method were the most active to transform CO2 to formaldehyde, methane, methanol and hydrogen. The EFB value of this catalyst is located very close to the potential for formaldehyde production and favors the selectivity to this organic product.

Current status and trends of carbon-based electrodes for fully solution-processed perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs) have revolutionized photovoltaic research. As a result, a certified power conversion efficiency(PCE) of 25.5% was recorded in late 2020. Although this efficiency is comparable with silicon solar cells;some issues remain partially unsolved, such as lead toxicity, instability of perovskite materials under continuous illumination, moisture and oxygen, and degradation of the metallic counter electrodes. As an alternative to tackle this last concern, carbon materials have been recently used, due to their good electrical and thermal conductivity, and chemical stability, which makes them one of the most promising materials to replace metallic counter electrodes in the fabrication of PSCs. This review highlights the recent advances of carbon-based PSCs, where the carbon electrode(CE) is the main actor.CEs have become very promising candidates for PSCs;they are mainly fabricated using a simple combination of graphite and carbon black powders embedded in a binder matrix, giving a paste that is then solution-processable, resulting in devices with improved quality stability, when compared to metallic electrodes. In this review, CE’s composition is emphasized, since it can give both, high and lowtemperature processed electrodes, compatible with different device configurations. Finally, the tendencies and opportunities to use CE in PSCs devices are presented.