Central Pit Research Articles

Numerical investigation on the interaction characteristics between the gaseous detonation wave and the water droplet

In this paper, the interaction characteristics between the gaseous detonation and the water droplet are numerically investigated, utilizing a modified compressible two-phase flow model coupling with detailed hydrogen-oxygen chemistry. Firstly, an analysis is conducted on the propagation behaviors of the cellular detonation obstructed by the droplet. It is found that the cellular detonation undergoes reflection, diffraction, local extinction, and re-ignition upon the obstruction, and these behaviors vary with the droplet relative positioning with multi-dimensional structures of the cellular detonation, particularly in terms of the extinction degree caused by the diffraction and the relative positioning of the re-ignition region. Further, the droplet deformation characteristics are detailly analyzed. It has been revealed that the deformation behavior of the shocked droplet under planar detonation is consistent with that under high-speed airflow. However, for the droplet shocked by the cellular detonation, several windward surface pits are induced due to impaction from transverse shocks and direct hitting of the triple-point. The emergence of these pits notably precedes the onset of surface instabilities caused by high-speed airflow erosion. Further investigation has revealed that post-detonation flow, through the entrainment effect of the central pit, progressively penetrates and segregates the droplet into upper and lower segments, and this penetrating effect heavily depends on the droplet relative positioning. Moreover, the side pit, whose presence is significantly determined by whether there is direct impaction of the triple-point on the droplet windward side, is crucial for the deformation around the droplet equator and the subsequent shedding of smaller droplets.

Crater Morphometry on Callisto

Impact crater formation is affected by the physical properties of planetary crusts, allowing comparison of crater dimensions to serve as a proxy for comparing the crustal properties of different planetary bodies. New topographic profiles of Callisto craters, derived from Galileo-based digital terrain models, are presented, and the crater dimensions recorded. These data were used to derive crater morphometry scaling trends, which were then compared to the established trends of Ganymede and the Moon. Our comparative study suggests that the upper brittle portion of Callisto’s ice crust allows for the retention of steep-sided and elevated rim scarps, while subsurface warmer ice leads to an enhanced uplift and shallowing of the crater bowl. Crater dimensions are similar between Callisto and Ganymede, suggesting that the bulk properties of their near-surface crusts are comparable. The most notable difference between craters on these two Galilean moons were the smaller central pit diameters on Callisto. This difference can be explained if the pit formation on these bodies is controlled by the presence and movement (drainage and/or volatile loss) of impact melt water: the lower impact velocity and/or lower expected crustal heat flow on Callisto will result in less impact melt generation, and thus smaller central pits.

Archaeological mineralised textiles from the Iron Age tumulus of Creney-le-Paradis support its elite status

Looting and plough damage to the eighth–fifth centuries BC tumulus of Creney-le-Paradis, France, hinders interpretation of this potentially significant site. Nevertheless, application of novel microtomographic techniques in combination with optical and scanning electron microscopy allows the first detailed examination of 99 textile fragments recovered from the central pit. The authors argue that the diversity of textiles revealed—at least 16 different items—and the quality of weaving involved confirm earlier interpretations of the high status of this burial, which is comparable, at least in terms of textiles and metal urns, with other ‘aristocratic’ tombs of the European Iron Age.

Sexual Dimorphism of the Three Pit Viper Species (<i>Gloydius brevicaudus</i>, <i>G. ussuriensis</i>, <i>G. intermedius</i>) in South Korea

Sexual size dimorphism in snakes is closely related to mating behavior and fecundity selection. It provides important information on animal morphology and evolutionary ecology because it allows us to identify key morphological and functional traits between sexes and infer intraspecific competition. In this study, we measured the morphological characters of 147 individuals of three pit viper species stored in the archive of the National Institute of Biological Resources of the Ministry of Environment and confirmed interspecific differences and sexual size dimorphism of each species. We also identified important characters affecting identification using linear discriminant analysis. The results showed that the three pit viper species differed in body and head morphology, and the number of dorsal scale rows was the most important character for species identification. It was found that female red-tongued pit vipers and short-tailed pit vipers were larger than males of each species, while male Central Asian pit vipers were larger than females. Characters related to tail length and head length were confirmed as important characters for interspecific sex discrimination. We compared characters related to head morphology between sexes to find that red-tongued pit vipers showed differences in most characters, while short-tailed pit vipers and Central Asian pit vipers did not. Therefore, short-tailed pit vipers and Central Asian pit vipers are expected to have strong intraspecific competitive pressure. In future studies, it will be necessary to conduct a detailed research on intraspecific competition of short-tailed pit vipers and Central Asian pit vipers with little morphological differences between sexes by examining resource utilization (e.g., food sources and habitats) and ecological niche.

Dome Craters on Ganymede and Callisto May Form by Topographic Relaxation of Pit Craters Aided by Remnant Impact Heat

AbstractThe icy Galilean satellites display impact crater morphologies that are rare in the Solar System. They deviate from the archetypal sequence of crater morphologies as a function of size found on rocky bodies and other icy satellites: they exhibit central pits in place of peaks, followed by central dome craters, anomalous dome craters, penepalimpsests, palimpsests, and multi‐ring structures. Understanding the origin of these features will provide insight into the geophysical factors that operate within the icy Galilean satellites. Pit craters above a size threshold feature domes. This trend, and the similarity in morphology between the two classes, suggest a genetic link between pit and dome craters. We propose that dome craters evolve from pit craters through topographic relaxation, facilitated by remnant heat from the impact. Our finite element simulations show that, for the specific crater sizes where we see domes on Ganymede and Callisto, domes form from pit craters within 10 Myr. Topographic relaxation eliminates the stresses induced by crater topography and restores a flat surface: ice flows downwards from the rim and upwards from the crater depression driven by gravity. When the starting topography is a pit crater, the heat left over from the impact is concentrated below the pit. Since warm ice flows more rapidly, the upward flow is enhanced beneath the pit, leading to the emergence of a dome. Given the timescales and the dependence on heat flux, this model could be used to constrain the thermal history and evolution of these moons.

Enhancement of the MATISSE tool for the geological analysis of planetary surfaces: A study on central pit craters on Mercury

In this work we present the improved capabilities of MATISSE (Multi-purpose Advanced Tool for Instruments for the Solar System Exploration) tool which is now able to integrate geological maps and analyze specific data based on selected parameters (target, mission, instrument, geological units and area of interest). To demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach we focused on “central pit” craters on Mercury, with particular regard to the ones exposed in the Hokusai, Victoria, and Derain quadrangles.The use of MATISSE for this application allowed us for an analysis of these morphologies, confirming a tendency for their location on volcanic terrains. The integrated research approach adopted in this study has proven to be a significant advantage in geological analysis, accelerating the process of data collection and interpretation. In conclusion, this study shows how the continuous evolution of scientific tools devoted to data handling and management based on FAIR principles, such as MATISSE, has the potential to open new perspectives in understanding planetary-scale geological processes.

Barrow Cemetery in Zbudza in the Eastern Slovak Lowland

The barrow site in Zbudza is located in the East Slovak Lowland. In 1980, Elena Miroššayová carried out excavations on the burial mound (no. 1) located behind th old Jewish cemetery. The central burial pit and clusters of pottery and traces of hearths were discovered. Some potsherds the possess ornamentation typical for the Corded Ware culture. The charcoal found near the burial pit were radiocarbon dated to 4140±35 BP (Poz-151727), which can be correlated to the years 2866–2632 BC. At the site in Zbudza and the neighbouring Trnava pri Laborci, thanks to the LIDAR data, about 20 burial mounds in various states of preservation and different chronological positions were registered. Some of them should be associated with the presence of the Corded Ware and Yamna cultures from the 3rd millennium BC. Geophysical prospection of burial no. 2 located in the part of the village called “Imrička” was conducted in 2021.

Trentepohlia brevicellulis comb. et stat. nov. (Trentepohliaceae, Ulvophyceae) found in Japan

SUMMARYThe family Trentepohliaceae contains many common aerial algae, most widely distributed, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Eight species of the genus Trentepohlia have been reported in Japan. We report another taxon, Trentepohlia brevicellulis (Cribb) S. Handa and H. Tsubota comb. et stat. nov., growing on bark in western Honshu, Japan. This alga was previously described as Trentepohlia bosseae var. brevicellulis Cribb. However, the relationship between the bosseae and brevicellulis varieties of T. bosseae could not be ascertained owing to the lack of genetic information for brevicellulis. Therefore, we aimed to examine the detailed morphological characteristics of brevicellulis in wild samples and cultured strains and to review the taxonomy, including systematic information obtained by genetic analysis. Its phylogenetic position was resolved based on 18S rDNA sequence data. It differs from T. bosseae and its variety samoensis in exhibiting a warty zoosporangium surface, an unthickened septum with no central pit field, and a non‐rusty‐brown cell wall. The four key characteristics of T. brevicellulis include a warty layer on the inner surface of the non‐bent side of the suffultory cell wall, an ostiole located near the base of the zoosporangium, curved tapering filaments with thickened cell walls, and globular vegetative spores in the basal portion of the filament. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a pit field wherein simple plasmodesmata were present in the septum. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that this alga and T. bosseae form distinct clades and that T. brevicellulis is separate from T. bosseae. Thus, our study helped redefine the accurate taxonomic position of the species under study as Trentepohlia brevicellulis (Cribb) S. Handa and H. Tsubota comb. et stat. nov., a clade distinct from T. bosseae and reported for the first time in Japan.

Origin of the central pit in hemimicelles of semifluorinated alkanes: How molecular dipoles and substrate deformation can determine supra-molecular morphology

HypothesisSemifluorinated alkanes amphiphiles spontaneously form highly monodispersed hemimicelles at the surface of water. The origin of the formation and complex structure of these surprising supramolecular aggregates were only recently clarified using molecular dynamics simulations (MD). The existence of a pit at the center of these aggregates made up of almost 3000 molecules was indeed reproduced by the MD simulations, but not understood. MethodA careful strategy of atomistic MD simulations comparing non-electrostatic force fields with force fields that include electrostatic forces, thus bearing an implicit or explicit dipole, allowed demonstrating the roles of dipolar interactions and interactions with the liquid subphase on the morphology of the aggregates. FindingsThe simulation results clearly show that within the hemimicelles the strong molecular dipoles located at the CH2-CF2 junctions tend to align, leading to a collective shift of the PFAA molecules relatively to each other. This shift is responsible for the curvature of the hemimicelles and originates the central pit, provided the possibility of deforming the surface of the water sub-phase. Comparisons with non-electrostatic force field results further contribute to understand the origin of the self-assembling process. The results directly connect for the first time a molecular property with a mesoscopic structural feature. Given the molecular simplicity of these “primitive” amphiphiles compared to the common hydrophilic/hydrophobic surfactants, the results contribute to understand self-assembly in general.

A Comparative Account of External Sculpture of the Eggs of Two Tiger-Moths (Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lepidoptera) from India

This study aimed to update the taxonomic data of two tiger moths which were earlier based upon the taxonomic characteristics of adult specimens only like male and female genitalic features. This study is an attempt to prove that the ultrastructural characteristics of the egg chorion of these tiger moth species are also important and they can be used in early taxonomic identifications of these species based on egg characteristics as they are also found to be species-specific. A scanning electron microscope was used to inspect, characterize and depict eggs of two species referable to Spilarctia Butler and Cladarctia Koda of the Erebidae family. The descriptions and comparative morphological analyses of the eggshells of Spilarctia multiguttata (Walker) and Cladarctia quadriramosa (Kollar) were compiled to present the structural complexity of these tiny eggs and depict the distinct patterns of structural features including the central micropylar pit, micropylar rosette, number of micropyles and aeropyles. The SEM analysis revealed their unique architecture which allows for unrestricted exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide while limiting water loss because of the presence of minute air pores all over the chorion. From the results, it is evident that the ultrastructural egg chorion characters are of great taxonomic value at specific as well as generic levels and these types of investigations must be amplified to improve and escalate the morphological personation of tiger moths.

Comparative Analysis of Alpha-1 Orthosteric-Site Binding by a Clade of Central American Pit Vipers (Genera Atropoides, Cerrophidion, Metlapilcoatlus, and Porthidium).

The distribution and relative potency of post-synaptic neurotoxic activity within Crotalinae venoms has been the subject of less investigation in comparison with Elapidae snake venoms. No previous studies have investigated post-synaptic neurotoxic activity within the Atropoides, Metlapilcoatlus, Cerrophidion, and Porthidium clade. Given the specificity of neurotoxins to relevant prey types, we aimed to uncover any activity present within this clade of snakes that may have been overlooked due to lower potency upon humans and thus not appearing as a clinical feature. Using biolayer interferometry, we assessed the relative binding of crude venoms to amphibian, lizard, bird, rodent and human α-1 nAChR orthosteric sites. We report potent alpha-1 orthosteric site binding in venoms from Atropoides picadoi, Metlapilcoatlus occiduus, M. olmec, M. mexicanus, M. nummifer. Lower levels of binding, but still notable, were evident for Cerrophidion godmani, C. tzotzilorum and C. wilsoni venoms. No activity was observed for Porthidium venoms, which is consistent with significant alpha-1 orthosteric site neurotoxicity being a trait that was amplified in the last common ancestor of Atropoides/Cerrophidion/Metlapilcoatlus subsequent to the split by Porthidium. We also observed potent taxon-selective activity, with strong selection for non-mammalian targets (amphibian, lizard, and bird). As these are poorly studied snakes, much of what is known about them is from clinical reports. The lack of affinity towards mammalian targets may explain the knowledge gap in neurotoxic activity within these species, since symptoms would not appear in bite reports. This study reports novel venom activity, which was previously unreported, indicating toxins that bind to post-synaptic receptors may be more widespread in pit vipers than previously considered. While these effects appear to not be clinically significant due to lineage-specific effects, they are of significant evolutionary novelty and of biodiscovery interest. This work sets the stage for future research directions, such as the use of in vitro and in vivo models to determine whether the alpha-1 orthosteric site binding observed within this study confers neurotoxic venom activity.

A well-preserved cranium from the Judith River Formation (Montana, USA) reveals the inner ear and neuroanatomy of a Campanian baenid turtle.

A cranium belonging to a baenid turtle was recently recovered from the lower half of the Judith River Formation, Montana. Badlands Dinosaur Museum (BDM) 004 is a well-preserved partial cranium that includes the posterior cranial vault, cranial base, and otic capsules. Based on diagnostic characters, the skull can be attributed to Plesiobaena antiqua, which has been previously reported from the Judith River Formation. It also shares with palatobaenines projecting posterior processes of the tubercula basioccipitale and a prominent condylus occipitalis with a deep central pit, demonstrating variation within the Pl. antiqua hypodigm. In a phylogenetic analysis, an operational taxonomic unit of BDM 004 was positioned within Baenodda in an unresolved polytomy with Pl. antiqua, Edowa zuniensis, Palatobaeninae, and Eubaeninae. Microcomputed tomographic (μCT) scans revealed morphology of the middle and inner ear and endocast that are largely unknown in baenids. Semicircular canals of BDM 004 are virtually identical to those of Eubaena cephalica and consistent in dimensions to those of other turtle taxa, including anterior and posterior semicircular canals that are robust and taller than the common crus and diverge from each other at an angle of approximately 90°. The digital endocast reveals a moderately flexed brain with rounded cerebral hemispheres and minimal separation between the metencephalon and myelencephalon. Its well-preserved columella auris (stapes) is gracile with a posterodorsally flared basis columella. It arcs across the middle ear and flattens near its terminus. This study adds to the understanding of baenid middle and inner ear and neuroanatomical morphology and expands the morphological understanding of Pl. antiqua.

Morphometric trends and implications for the formation of araneiform clusters

Araneiforms are an exotic type of feature exclusive to the Martian south polar terrain which have no known direct Earth analog. The dilation and recession of the seasonal CO2 ice deposit has long been hypothesized to be responsible for their gradual formation. However, high south polar latitude araneiforms have not been observed to form or extend in the present day and it is unclear whether they are growing below the limits of high resolution imagery, or whether they formed in a paleoclimate. Furthermore, it is unclear what physical factors govern the distinct araneiform morphologies, which often appear in discrete ‘clusters’, showing non-random spatial distribution. While qualitative observations of morphology have been reported, there has been a paucity of quantitative measurements of the many physical controls that govern araneiform activity and morphology. Here we present the results of a survey designed to initiate a quantitative morphometric approach to exploring some of the factors which may influence araneiform morphologies. We survey distinct clusters within 3 sites in the Martian south polar regions representing unique araneiform morphologies ranging from ‘fat’ to ‘thin’ to starburst' in order to test the relationship between vent spacing and diameter to morphology found in experimental results. Using the diameters of their central pits as proxies for their starting vent diameters, we find that the level of branching of these dendritic features appears to be correlated with (i) inferred vent spacing and (ii) inferred vent diameter. We suggest that the individual araneiforms within such distinct clusters may have formed contemporaneously, and that vent geometry reflects at least one control on their distinct morphologies. We surveyed and measured araneiforms in three HiRISE images and we have observed and characterized new morphologies at eight sites in HiRISE and CTX images between lat=-87.521°N and lon=162.39°E and lat=-74.7°N, lon=168.41°E in order to investigate if there are any trends in araneiform morphology with latitude. For the sites we studied, we find no discernable relationship between morphology and latitude, though we caution that a more extended survey is needed to confirm this observation on the broader scale. Additionally, from this survey, we report six new araneiform morphologies; ‘fan’, ‘linear’, ‘spiky’, ‘segmented’, ‘flowing’ and ‘sunflower’.

Dewatering requirements assessment for the Central Kalimantan NCP open pit gold mine

One of the most critical aspects of open pit mining is the dewatering and mine drainage systems. The NCP Open Pit Gold Mine is located in Central Kalimantan. This study area has a range of rainfall intensities and durations from moderate to heavy. Good dewatering is required to manage runoff water and reduce runoff from entering the pit and mine front loading. The study used daily rainfall intensity data from 1994 to 2018. Using the Mononobe Method, the hydrological data for this area were evaluated by determining the value of the rainfall intensity plan. According to the evaluation of rainfall data from 1994 to 2018, the research area saw a rainfall intensity of 86.23 mm/day over a two-year return period. The majority of water extracted from mines is from precipitation and runoff rather than groundwater. An open channel was made around the open pit, flowing water naturally into the sump to reduce water entering the mining area. The water was pumped into the settling pond with 520 m3/hour and 780 m3/hour capacity pumps.

Predicting the Distribution of Three Korean Pit Viper Species (<i>Gloydius brevicaudus</i>, <i>G. ussuriensis</i>, and <i>G. intermedius</i>) under Climate Change

Climate change can pose severe threats to wildlife populations causing population declines and destroying their habitats. Particularly, pit vipers belonging to reptiles, poikilotherm, are vulnerable to climate change due to their narrow movement range and low dispersal capability. This study aimed to identify pit viper species vulnerable to climate change using their predicted geographical habitat range based on the current and future Korean pit viper species distribution model. The results of this study showed that three major environmental factors related to altitude and temperature (BIO4 and BIO5) influenced the habitat distribution of three pit viper species. These factors showed significant variation between increased, maintained, and decreased habitat areas of the species due to climate change. It was also predicted that the habitat of Korean pit vipers would decrease by more than 80% under the RCP 8.5 scenario. Especially, Central Asian pit viper was predicted to lose 98.52% of its habitat, indicating that it would be the most vulnerable species to climate change. Although we confirmed that forest areas around the Taebaek Mountains, known as current major distribution areas of pit vipers, would provide maintained or even increased habitat areas to these species along climate change, habitable space for the vipers was still predicted to be very narrow. Therefore, it is critical to protect the forest areas around the Taebaek Mountains to minimize the impact of climate change on Korean pit vipers. Moreover, since some populations of Central Asian pit viper, most vulnerable to climate change, are geographically isolated, it will be necessary to establish systematic conservation measures by determining the protection priority of populations through studying genetic diversity between populations. We believe that the results of this study will provide an important basis for establishing management measures in designating the habitat of a threatened population due to climate change as a protected area.

Spectral identification of pyroclastic deposits on Mercury with MASCS/MESSENGER data

The pyroclastic deposits on Mercury are proof of explosive volcanism that occurred on the innermost planet of the Solar System; pyroclastic deposits are usually characterized by a central pit (vent) surrounded by a spectrally bright and red deposit (facula).The pyroclastic deposits on Mercury were mainly identified by analysing images acquired from MDIS onboard the MESSENGER mission, which revealed about 200 deposits.In this work, we focus on the identification of pyroclastic deposits on Mercury by applying spectral conditions on radiometrically and photometrically corrected data acquired by the MASCS spectrometer onboard the MESSENGER spacecraft. In addition, to further optimize the quality of the used spectra, the spectral dataset was limited by applying additional filters on observing conditions and on detector temperature.We selected 8 pyroclastic deposits, out of the 25 deposits recognized by the IAU, as a training field, and we spectrally characterized the area of the deposits by using four spectral parameters, i.e. reflectance and spectral slopes. We defined the range of variability of the parameters able to distinguish the pyroclastic deposits from the Average Mercury Terrain, and we filtered the MASCS data set by applying the spectral conditions. As a result, 52 previously recognized pyroclastic deposits and 16 new potential candidates were revealed across the portion of Mercury's surface observed by MASCS. The method also exposed extended areas such as the High-Reflectance Red Plains (HRP) in Asparangi Planitia, Borealis Planitia, and the floor of Rembrandt crater, in addition to Intermediate Terrains (IT) and Intermediate Plains (IP).Nathair Facula, Agwo Facula, Abeeso Facula and an unnamed facula that we termed “Facula 5” show a redder UV slope than most of the recognized pyroclastic deposits, possibly associated with fine regolith and/or a minor amount of Fe or C-phases in the minerals composing the facula.Among the 16 new bright and red areas, 6 potential candidates strongly suggest a nature connected to explosive volcanism and could be considered as pyroclastic deposits.

Limit Equilibrium Method for the Slope Stability Analysis of Coal Mining at PT. Kalimantan Prima Nusantara

Various problems on a slope can be influenced by several factors such as slope geometry and also the property value of the slope. The polemic regarding the exhibition conducted on the mining business license of PT. Kalimantan Prima Nusantara which has an area of 1500 hectares. PT. Kalimantan Prima Nusantara, there is a coal mining company located in Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan. The slope conditions in the mining area require attention to the stability of the slopes due to the lithological conditions of the research area found types of sedimentary rocks in terms of engineering geology or rock mass weathering class into the rock category. highly weathered – rock that is completely weathered. The purpose of this study is to analyze the mine slopes at GT-01 – GT-02 (South block pit) GT-03 – GT-04 (Central block pit), GT-05 – GT-06 (North block pit). The research used the balance limit method or the Bishop's method to see whether the shear strength on a slope (shear strength) has a high or low safety value. This is based on kinetic analysis by relying on inputs such as cohesion, bulk density, and internal shear angle. The results of this study indicate that the condition of the rock layers on the slopes are dominated by sedimentary materials such as claystone, siltstone and sandstone. The overall slope shows a slope angle of 35°-50 ° and based on the results of the analysis of the condition of the slopes on GT-01 to GT-06 it shows a stable condition with an average factor value of FK =>2.

Marra Wonga: Archaeological and contemporary First Nations interpretations of one of central Queensland’s largest rock art sites

A large sandstone rock art site, Marra Wonga, near Barcaldine, central Queensland, is the focus of this paper. This 160-metre-long rock shelter is estimated to have over 15,000 petroglyphs, which are mostly animal tracks, lines, grooves and drilled holes, as well as 111 hand-related and object stencils. There is also a cluster of human-shaped foot petroglyphs on the floor of the shelter, some with six or more toes. Unique compositions on the shelter wall include seven large, engraved star-like designs with central engraved pits and large, engraved snake-like designs running across and through other petroglyphs. We describe and discuss some of the features of Marra Wonga from archaeological (etic) and ethnographic (emic) perspectives, especially in terms of the significance of a petroglyph of an anthropomorph, seven star-like designs seemingly made as part of a composition, the large snake-like designs, and six-toed human feet. Today, Marra Wonga is a teaching site used to tell important cultural stories that are connected to many other places through the imagery and Dreaming Tracks, as well as a tourist destination managed by the Yambangku Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development Aboriginal Corporation (YACHATDAC), with whom we partnered for this research.

Dendritické vrtby v miskách ramenonožců ze středního devonu (eifelu) pražské pánve (Barrandien, Česká republika)

Three ichnospecies of dendritic borings (Clionolithes cf. cervicornis, C. isp. A, and C. isp. B) were observed in abundant brachiopod shells in the Třebotov Formation (lowermost Eifelian, zone Polygnathus partitus) in two Prague localities (Praha-Holyně, “V rokli”, and Praha-Barrandov, street “K Barrandovu”). Borings are generally small-sized, of about 1 mm, but they can reach up to 4 mm. Borings are preserved inside thick translucent walls of brachiopods smooth shells (Trigonatrypa holynensis, Xenomartinia monoseptoides and Clorinda sp.). Borings are very frequent (almost in all examined shells), but never pass through a whole wall thickness of a brachiopod. Two or even more borings, commonly of a different type, are preserved on an individual shell. Both valves of articulated specimen may be bored, while the shell interior is devoid of borings neither shows any response to the boring activity such as uneven internal biomineralization. Majority of tunnels bores inside the shell wall, and the borings are opened by small irregular central pit. As more than a half of examined shells were infected, bioerosion likely had a negative impact on the shell preservation. Our study shows that the brachiopod infestation was selective. Only thick calcitic shells were bored, while thinner shells or exopunctate brachiopods (Holynatrypa, Peridalejina, Prokopia) were not a target of the borers. Similarly, crinoid and other echinoderm ossicles do not show any signs of a boring. A different dendritic boring referred to as Clionolithes radicans was observed on a shell of brachiopod coming from the Acanthopyge Limestone (Choteč Formation, Eifelian) from Zadní Kobyla locality near Koněprusy. The stellate trace is substantially larger (4.3 mm × 2.8 mm) than borings from the Třebotov Limestone, with deep and externally open canals. Borings from the Třebotov Limestone come from so-called “white beds”. These soft beds originated by weathering of a hard limestone, leaving loose generally small bioskeletal remains of echinoderms, gastropods, brachiopods, ostracods, dacryoconarids and other invertebrate groups. Dacryoconarid shells and crinoid ossicles dominate. The life assemblage occupied a deeper weakly hypoxic perireef environment below the fotic zone. The dendritic boring from the Acanthopyge Limestone comes from a completely different environment. Associated diverse and generally large brachiopods, fragmented fenestrate bryozoans and abraded tabulate and rugose corals (including Calceola sandalina) indicate a shallow-water highenergy reef environment. This is the first report of dendritic borings from the Eifelian of the Prague Basin. It confirms not only so far unknown presence of their borers in the area, but also reveals that their activity can be observed in the weakly lithified Devonian limestones in the area.

Distribution Patterns and Ecological Niches of the Red-tongued Pit Viper (<i>Gloydius ussuriensis</i>) and the Central Asian Pit Viper (<i>Gloydius intermedius</i>) in Cheonmasan Mountain, South Korea

Studies on the distribution of species are important to understanding the interspecific ecological niche and habitat selection through geographic environmental information. Particularly, vipers in the same genus have been an important topic because they show differences in the preferred geographical environment, depending on the distance of the phylogenetic relationship. This study investigated the geographical environment of red-tongued pit vipers (Gloydius ussuriensis) and Central Asian pit vipers (Gloydius intermedius) in the mountainous area, Cheonmasan Mountain County Park, South Korea, from April 2012 to October 2014, to understand the relationships among their habitat characteristics and ecological niche. Red-tongued pit vipers mainly lived in low altitude, wet valley areas with a low solar reflectance, while Central Asian pit vipers inhabited high altitude, dry land with large amounts of sunshine. As a result, our study supports that the ecological niche of red-tongued pit vipers and Central Asian pit vipers, inhibiting in Cheonmasan Mountain was overlapped low according to the majority of geographical environmental variables. The differentiated diet preference might be took into consideration as one of the potential key factors to the ecological niche differentiation among two species.