Time-resolved optical photometry of the ultracompact binary 4U 0614+091

We present a detailed optical study of the ultracompact X-ray binary 4U 0614+091. We have used 63 hr of time-resolved optical photometry taken with three different telescopes (IAC80, NOT, and SPM) to search for optical modulations. The power spectra of each data set reveals sinusoidal modulations with different periods, which are not always present. The strongest modulation has a period of 51.3 minutes, a semiamplitude of 4.6 mmag, and is present in the IAC80 data. The SPM and NOT data show periods of 42 minutes and 64 minutes, respectively, but with much weaker amplitudes, 2.6 mmag and 1.3 mmag, respectively. These modulations arise from either X-ray irradiation of the inner face of the secondary star and/or a superhump modulation from the accretion disk, or quasiperiodic modulations in the accretion disk. It is unclear whether these periods/quasi-periodic modulations are related to the orbital period; however, the strongest period of 51.3 minutes is close to earlier tentative orbital periods. Further observations taken over a long baseline are encouraged.

WASP-40b: Independent Discovery of the 0.6 M Transiting Exoplanet HAT-P-27b

From WASP photometry and SOPHIE radial velocities we report the discovery of WASP-40b (HAT-P-27b), a 0.6 M planet that transits its 12th magnitude host star every 3.04 days. The host star is of late G-type or early K-type and likely has a metallicity greater than solar ([Fe/H]=0.14±0.11). The planet's mass and radius are typical of the known hot Jupiters, thus adding another system to the apparent pileup of transiting planets with periods near 3-4 days. Our parameters match those of the recent HATnet announcement of the same planet, thus giving confidence in the techniques used. We report a possible indication of stellar activity in the host star.

Biological control of the fish louse in a rainbow trout fishery

Novel egg-laying boards were found to be effective in the biological control of the freshwater fish louse Argulus foliaceus in a 12.9 ha rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fishery which had a high prevalence and intensity of infection of juvenile parasites in the early spring of 1999. Approximately 228 000d during an extensive 14 week period of egg laying which peaked in June 1999. In contrast, only 1566 clutches were harvested in 2000, when egg laying activity showed a bi-modal distribution, peaking in May and again in July and August. iaceus on rainbow trout in consecutive years was 2.9 : 1 and 2.1 : 1. Estimates of the size of the female A. foliaceus population based on egg-laying activity in 1999 exceeded that derived from measurements of prevalence and intensity of infection, whereas in 2000, this was more in balance. A minimum temperature of 10 degree C was identified for egg laying, which occurred continuously from May to October in a broadly synchronous manner.. Copyright 2002 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles

Promoting Civil Society Across the Borders of the EU Neighbourhood: Debates, Constraints and Opportunities

One of the aims of this article it to clarify the nature of the debate over 'civil society' and its relationship to the state. It begins by suggesting that the EU's borderland provides a context in which deep-rooted 'Western' and 'Eastern' understandings of state and civil society meet and overlap. The second section outlines the geo-political reshaping of the 'Neighbourhood'. It concentrates on the influence of non-EU actors, notably Russia, complementing the EU-focused literature on the subject. The third section elaborates the consensus in the literature on the weakness of civil society in the EU 'Neighbourhood'. This is followed by a discussion of 'Western' debates over the role and significance of civil society.

British Society of Haematology, Slide Session presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting, Brighton 2009

P>Seven cases were discussed by an expert panel at the 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society of Haematology. These cases are presented in a similar format to that adopted for the meeting. There was an initial discussion of the presenting morphology, generation of differential diagnoses and then, following display of further presenting and diagnostic information, each case was concluded with provision of a final diagnosis.