KIC 9821622: An interesting lithium-rich giant in the Kepler field

We report the discovery of a new exceptional young lithium-rich giant, KIC 9821622, in the \textit{Kepler} field that exhibits an unusually large enhancement of $\alpha$, Fe-peak, and \textit{r}-process elements. From high-resolution spectra obtained with GRACES at Gemini North, we derived fundamental parameters and detailed chemical abundances of 23 elements from equivalent widths and synthesis analysis. By combining atmospheric stellar parameters with available asteroseismic data, we obtained the stellar mass, radius, and age. The data analysis reveals that KIC 9821622 is a Li-rich (A(Li)$_{NLTE}$ = 1.80 $\pm$ 0.2) intermediate-mass giant star ($M$ = 1.64 $M_{\odot}$) located at the red giant branch near the luminosity bump. We find unexpectedly elevated abundances of Fe-peak and \textit{r}-process elements. In addition, as previously reported, we find that this is a young star (2.37 Gyr) with unusually high abundances of $\alpha$-elements ([$\alpha$/Fe] = 0.31). The evolutionary status of KIC 9821622 suggests that its Li-rich nature is the result of internal fresh Li that is synthesized through the Cameron-Fowler mechanism near the luminosity bump. However, its peculiar enhancement of $\alpha$, Fe-peak, and \textit{r}-process elements opens the possibility of external contamination by material enriched by a supernova explosion. Although it is less likely, planet accretion cannot be ruled out.Comment: Letter, 6 pages, 3 figures, Accepted for publication in A&A. - Some language editing include

Quaternary glacial evolution in the Central Cantabrian Mountains (Northern Spain)

Peer reviewedPostprin

Analytic estimates and topological properties of the weak stability boundary

The weak stability boundary (WSB) is the transition region of the phase space where the change from gravitational escape to ballistic capture occurs. Studies on this complicated region of chaotic motion aim to investigate its unique, fuel saving properties to enlarge the frontiers of low energy transfers. This “fuzzy stability” region is characterized by highly sensitive motion, and any analysis of it has been carried out almost exclusively using numerical methods. On the contrary this paper presents, for the planar circular restricted 3 body problem (PCR3BP), 1) an analytic definition of the WSB which is coherent with the known algorithmic definitions; 2) a precise description of the topology of the WSB; 3) analytic estimates on the “stable region” (nearby the smaller primary) whose boundary is, by definition, the WSB

The Cyclical Behavior of Bank Capital Buffers in an Emerging Economy: Size Does Matter

Using a panel of Colombian banks and quarterly data between 1996:1 and 2010:3, we study the relationship between short-run adjustments in bank capital buffers and the business cycle. We follow a partial adjustment framework and control for several variables that have been identified as important determinants of bank capital buffers in previous studies, and find that bank capital buffers vary over the business cycle. We are able to identify a negative co-movement of capital buffers and the business cycle. However, we also find that capital buffers of small and large banks behave asymmetrically during the business cycle. While the former appear to be constant over time, once the appropriate set of control variables is used, the latter present a countercyclical behavior. Our results suggest the possible need of the implementation of regulatory policy measures in developing countries.Bank capital buffers, Credit risk, Regulation, Colombia. Classification JEL: C26, G2, G28.

The cyclical behavior of bank capital buffers in an emerging economy: size do matters

Using a panel of Colombian banks and quarterly data between 1996:1 and 2010:3, we study the relationship between short-run adjustments in bank capital buffers and the business cycle. We follow a partial adjustment framework and control for several variables that have been identified as important determinants of bank capital buffers in previous studies, and find that bank capital buffers vary overthe business cycle. We are able to identify a negative co-movement of capital buffers and and the business cycle. However, we also find that capital buffers of small and large banks behave asymmetrically during the business cycle. While the former appear to be constant over time, once the appropriate set of control variables is used, the latter present a countercyclical behavior. Our results suggest the possible need of the implementation of regulatory policy measures in developing countries.Bank capital bu§ers; Credit risk; Regulation; Colombia

Effects of Non-Circular Motions on Azimuthal Color Gradients

Assuming that density waves trigger star formation, and that young stars preserve the velocity components of the molecular gas where they are born, we analyze the effects that non-circular gas orbits have on color gradients across spiral arms. We try two approaches, one involving semi-analytical solutions for spiral shocks, and another with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) numerical simulation data. We find that, if non-circular motions are ignored, the comparison between observed color gradients and stellar population synthesis models would in principle yield pattern speed values that are systematically too high for regions inside corotation, with the difference between the real and the measured pattern speeds increasing with decreasing radius. On the other hand, image processing and pixel averaging result in systematically lower measured spiral pattern speed values, regardless of the kinematics of stellar orbits. The net effect is that roughly the correct pattern speeds are recovered, although the trend of higher measured $\Omega_p$ at lower radii (as expected when non-circular motions exist but are neglected) should still be observed. We examine the Martinez-Garcia et al. (2009) photometric data and confirm that this is indeed the case. The comparison of the size of the systematic pattern speed offset in the data with the predictions of the semi-analytical and MHD models corroborates that spirals are more likely to end at Outer Lindblad Resonance, as these authors had already found.Comment: 32 pages, 15 figures, accepted to Ap

Forming first-ranked early-type galaxies through hierarchical dissipationless merging

We have developed a computationally competitive N-body model of a previrialized aggregation of galaxies in a flat LambdaCDM universe to assess the role of the multiple mergers that take place during the formation stage of such systems in the configuration of the remnants assembled at their centres. An analysis of a suite of 48 simulations of low-mass forming groups (of about 1E13 solar masses) demonstrates that the gravitational dynamics involved in their hierarchical collapse is capable of creating realistic first-ranked galaxies without the aid of dissipative processes. Our simulations indicate that the brightest group galaxies (BGGs) constitute a distinct population from other group members, sketching a scenario in which the assembly path of these objects is dictated largely by the formation of their host system. We detect significant differences in the distribution of Sersic indices and total magnitudes, as well as a luminosity gap between BGGs and the next brightest galaxy that is positively correlated with the total luminosity of the parent group. Such gaps arise from both the grow of BGGs at the expense of lesser companions and the decrease in the relevance of second-ranked objects in equal measure. This results in a dearth of intermediate-mass galaxies which explains the characteristic central dip detected in their luminosity functions in dynamically young galaxy aggregations. The fact that the basic global properties of our BGGs define a thin mass fundamental plane strikingly similar to that followed giant early-type galaxies in the local universe reinforces confidence in the results obtained.Comment: 25 pages, 14 figures, 3 tables. Accepted to MNRA

Aroma Fingerprint Characterisation of La Mancha Red Wines

In the present study, Rojal, Moravia Dulce and Tortosí wines were elaborated across four harvests (2006to 2009) from minority red grape varieties cultivated in the La Mancha region of Spain. Wines werestudied by instrumental and sensory analysis to determine the influence of grape variety on the aromaof the wine. Aroma compounds were isolated by solid phase extraction (SPE) to later be analysed usinggas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The odour activity values (OAVs) for the differentcompounds were classified into seven odorant series that describe the aroma profile of these wines (1: fruity,2: floral, 3: green/fresh, 4: sweet, 5: spice, 6: fatty, and 7: other odours). The total intensities of everyaromatic series were calculated as sum of the OAV of each one of the compounds assigned to this series. Allwines showed the same sequence, with the highest aroma contribution being those of the sweet and fruityseries, followed by fatty. The sensory profile of Rojal, Moravia Dulce and Tortosí wines was evaluated byexperienced wine tasters using a non-structured scale. The panellists founded several differences betweentheir sensory profiles. This study provides a complete aromatic characterisation of these wines

Representación cartográfica mediante técnicas de SIG de formas del relieve y procesos geomorfológicos activos en el sector de Veguellina de Órbigo (León, noroeste de España)

En el presente trabajo se ha realizado un estudio de las formas del relieve y de procesos geomorfológicos activos en las proximidades de Veguellina de Órbigo (provincia de León). El objetivo es la caracterización detallada del medio físico de la zona de estudio como base para estudios de susceptibilidad de riesgos geológicos y su representación en un mapa geomorfológico y de procesos activos a escala 1:25000. El procedimiento metodológico ha consistido en una primera fase de estudio bibliográfico sobre trabajos previos en la zona. En una segunda fase se ha abordado el análisis geomorfológico del territorio, que se ha realizado combinando técnicas de fotointerpretación estereoscópica, trabajos de campo y con la ayuda de la cartografía base (curvas de nivel, ortofotos y MDT del Instituto Geográfico Nacional), identificando los relieves y los procesos de toda la zona, con su validación sobre el terreno en 28 puntos de observación. En la tercera fase se ha creado una base de datos en ArcGis tanto espacial como de atributos, que ha supuesto la digitalización de las distintas unidades cartográficas diferenciadas en la fase anterior, siguiendo durante el proceso de edición del mapa el método propuesto por el Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME). Como resultados, se han determinado tres grandes unidades geomorfológicas en las que se dan procesos geomorfológicos específicos que se han Mapa Geomorfológico y de Procesos Activos final. Este mapa permite identificar los distintos procesos superficiales que han dado y dan lugar al relieve actual, reconocer las interacciones entre ellos y establecer la evolución del relieve a lo largo del tiempo, sirviendo como base del conocimiento del medio físico para su uso en distintos aspectos relacionados con el Medio Ambiente, como son la planificación territorial y el análisis de riesgos geológicos.Trabajo financiado por la Junta de Castilla y León, proyecto LE311A12-

Análisis del relieve y cartografía de procesos geomorfológicos activos mediante SIG en la zona de confluencia de los ríos Tuerto y Porquera (provincia de León, España)

La configuración del relieve terrestre y los cambios que tienen lugar en el entorno natural de los asentamientos humanos tienen una gran trascendencia social y económica debido a que marcan las condiciones de habitabilidad y desarrollo futuro de las actividades antrópicas. Partiendo de este hecho, el principal objetivo de este estudio es la realización de una cartografía geomorfológica en la cual aparezcan reflejados los principales procesos activos de tipo geológico, como base para la realización en el futuro de estudios de susceptibilidad de riesgos geológicos y determinar las zonas en las que la ocupación humana pueda verse afectada por daños relacionados con procesos naturales relacionados con el medio físico. Para la elaboración de esta cartografía geomorfológica se han realizado tareas de fotointerpretación en visión estereoscópica y representación en un Sistema de Información Geográfica (ArcGis 10.1), utilizando como base el Modelo Digital del Terreno MDT05/MDT05-LIDAR con una resolución espacial de 5x5 metros, aplicando distintas herramientas, utilizando también la capa de la BCN25 de curvas de nivel, así como trabajo de campo de comprobación y descripción del relieve y procesos activos. En el mapa obtenido se pueden distinguir tres tipos de dominios geomorfológicos, cada uno con sus procesos geológicos activos predominantes: dominio paleozoico con procesos gravitacionales, dominio neógeno con procesos gravitacionales y de erosión y, por último, dominio fluvial con presencia de abanicos aluviales y llanuras de inundación principalmente