The pre-main sequence spectroscopic binary AK Scorpii revisited

We present an analysis of 32 high-resolution echelle spectra of the pre-main sequence spectroscopic binary AK Sco obtained during 1998 and 2000, as well as a total of 72 photoelectric radial-velocity observations from the period 1986–1994. These data allow considerable improvement of the period and other orbital parameters of AK Sco. Our analysis also includes eight series of photometric observations in the uvby and Geneva seven-color systems from 1987, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1994 and 1997. No eclipses or other periodic variations are seen in the photometry, but the well-determined HIPPARCOS parallax allows us to constrain the orbital inclination of the system to the range 65°$< i < 70$°, leading to the following physical parameters for the two near-identical stars: $M =1.35 \pm 0.07$ $M_\odot$, $R =1.59 \pm 0.35$ $R_\odot$, and $v\sin{i} =18.5 \pm 1.0$ km s-1. 
Disk models have been fit to the spectral energy distribution of AK Sco from 350 nm to 1100 μm. The above stellar parameters permit a consistent solution with an inner rim temperature of 1250 K, instead of the usual 1500 K corresponding to the dust evaporation temperature. Dynamical effects due to tidal interaction of the binary system are supposed to be responsible for pushing the inner disk radius outwards. Combining simultaneous photometric and spectroscopic data sets allows us to compute the dust obscuration in front of each star at several points over the orbit. The results demonstrate the existence of substructure at scales of just a single stellar diameter, and also that one side of the orbit is more heavily obscured than the other.
The spectrum of AK Sco exhibits emission and absorption lines that show substantial variety and variability in shape. The accretion-related lines may show both outflow and infall signatures. The system displays variations at the binary orbital period in both the photospheric and accretion-related line intensities and equivalent widths, although with appreciable scatter. The periodic variations in the blue and red wing of Hβ are almost 180°  out of phase.
We find no evidence of enhanced accretion near the periastron passage in AK Sco as expected theoretically and observed previously in DQ Tau, a similarly young binary system with a mass ratio near unity and an eccentric orbit. The Hα  equivalent width displays rather smooth variations at the stellar period, peaking around phases 0.6–0.7, far away from periastron where theory expects the maximum accretion rate to occur

Fenologia reprodutiva, sazonalidade e germinação de Kielmeyera regalis Saddi (Clusiaceae), espécie endêmica dos campos rupestres da Cadeia do Espinhaço, Brasil Reproductive phenology, seasonality and germination of Kielmeyera regalis Saddi (Clusiaceae), a species endemic to rock outcrops in the Espinhaço Range, Brazil

A fenologia reprodutiva e a germinação de sementes foram estudadas em uma população de Kielmeyera regalis da Serra do Cipó, MG. Foram calculados os índices de atividade e intensidade de produção de botões, flores, frutos imaturos e frutos maduros ao longo de 2001. A influência do clima sobre a fenologia foi avaliada por Análise de Correspondência Canônica (CCA). A germinação foi avaliada a temperaturas constantes de 15-35 ºC (com intervalos de 5 ºC) em câmaras de germinação com fotoperíodo de 12 h. A variância dos dados explicada pela CCA foi de 72,8%. A temperatura média do ar, evaporação e radiação solar global apresentaram altos coeficientes de correlação com a fenologia. O florescimento ocorreu nos meses quentes e úmidos, a maturação de frutos se estendeu na estação seca e fria, e a dispersão das sementes, logo antes da estação chuvosa. A germinabilidade foi superior a 80% nas temperaturas de 20-30 ºC, faixa ocorrente no período chuvoso logo após a dispersão das sementes. Comparações com outros estudos indicam que a dispersão e rápida germinação nesses períodos são fortes fatores adaptativos dentro do gênero. Os resultados são importantes para a compreensão dos fatores que afetam o sucesso reprodutivo e expansão populacional, e devem ser considerados para ações de manejo desta espécie rupestre endêmica.<br>The reproductive phenology and seed germination of a Kielmeyera regalis population, from Serra do Cipó (MG), Brazil, were studied. During 2001, the intensity and activity indices were calculated to estimate production of flower buds, flowers, and immature and mature fruits. Influence of the climate on phenology was determined by a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Germination was studied under a 12 h photoperiod at seven fixed temperatures (15-35ºC at 5ºC intervals). The CCA explained 72.8% of the phenological data variation. The highest correlation coefficients with phenology were observed for mean air temperature, evaporation and solar global radiation. Flowering occurred during the hot and wet season, fruit maturation extended during the entire cold and dry season, and seed dispersal peaked before the onset of the rainy season. Germinability reached values above 80% under temperatures of 20-30ºC, which occurred during the rainy period, just after seed dispersal. The results of this and other studies indicate that seed dispersal just before the rainy season, and fast germination at the beginning of the rainy season, are highly adaptive traits within the genus. In addition, the results provide important information for understanding basic factors that affect reproductive success and population growth, and should be considered when managing this endemic species from rock outcrop