We describe the characteristics of the rapidly rotating molecular disk in the nucleus of the mildly active galaxy NGC4258. The morphology and kinematics of the disk are delineated by the point-like...Full Text Available
We present new results from BRAVA, a large-scale radial velocity survey of the Galactic bulge, using M giant stars selected from the Two Micron All Sky Survey catalog as targets for the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory 4 m Hydra multi-object spectrograph. The purpose of this survey is to construct a new generation of self-consistent bar models that conform to these observations. We report the dynamics for fields at the edge of the Galactic bulge at latitudes b = -8 deg. and compare to the dynamics at b = -4 deg. We find that the rotation curve V(r) is the same at b = -8 deg. as at b = -4 deg. That is, the Galactic boxy bulge rotates cylindrically, as do boxy bulges of other galaxies. The summed line-of-sight velocity distribution at b = -8 deg. is Gaussian, and the binned longitude-velocity plot shows no evidence for either a (disk) population with cold dynamics or for a (classical bulge) ...
Because Spitzer is an Earth-trailing orbit, losing about 0.1 AU/yr, it is excellently located to perform microlens parallax observations toward the Magellanic Clouds (LMC/SMC) and the Galactic bulge. These yield the so-called ``projected velocity'' of the lens, which can distinguish statistically among different populations. A few such measurements toward the LMC/SMC would reveal the nature of the lenses being detected in this direction (dark halo objects, or ordinary LMC/SMC stars). Cool Spitzer has already made one such measurement of a (rare) bright red-clump source, but warm (presumably less oversubscribed) Spitzer could devote the extra time required to obtain microlens parallaxes for the more common, but fainter, turnoff sources. Warm Spitzer could observe bulge microlenses for 38 days per year, which would permit up to 24 microlens parallaxes per year. This would yield interesting information on the disk mass ...
Through analysis of archival images and photometry from the Spitzer GLIMPSE and MIPSGAL surveys combined with Two Micron All Sky Survey and MSX data, we have identified 488 candidate young stellar objects (YSOs) in the giant molecular cloud M17 SWex, which extends #approx#50 pc southwest from the prominent Galactic H II region M17. Our sample includes >200 YSOs with masses >3 M _s_u_n that will become B-type stars on the main sequence. Extrapolating over the stellar initial mass function (IMF), we find that M17 SWex contains >1.3 x 10"4 young stars, representing a proto-OB association. The YSO mass function is significantly steeper than the Salpeter IMF, and early O stars are conspicuously absent from M17 SWex. Assuming M17 SWex will form an OB association with a Salpeter IMF, these results reveal the combined effects of (1) more rapid circumstellar disk evolution in more massive YSOs and (2) delayed onset of ...
Dusty primordial disks surrounding young low-mass stars are revealing tracers of stellar and planetary formation. The evolution and lifetime of these disks define the boundary conditions of the mechanisms of planet formation. Stellar companions, however, can significantly change this evolution through their tidal interactions. Stellar evolution and planet formation in binaries have to respond to an environment of truncated, quickly disappearing disks--very different compared to an isolated star environment. In order to investigate details of the influence of binarity on circumstellar disk evolution, we obtained adaptive optics supported near-infrared imaging and spectroscopy of the individual components of 22 low-mass binaries in the well-known Orion Nebula Cluster. Brackett gamma emission, which we detect in several systems, is used as a tracer for the presence of an active ...
This paper constructs an analytic framework for calculating the assembly of galacticdisks from the collapse of gas within dark matter halos, with the goal of determining the surface density profiles. Gas parcels (baryons) fall through the potentials of dark matter halos on nearly ballistic, zero energy orbits and collect in a rotating disk. The dark matter halos have a nearly universal form, as determined previously through numerical simulations. The calculation is first carried out for a variety of pre-collapse mass distributions and rotation profiles, including polytropic spheres in hydrostatic equilibrium with the halo potential. The resulting disk surface density profiles have nearly power-law forms, with well-defined edges. This idealized scenario is generalized to include non-spherical starting states and multiple accretion events (due to gas being added to the halo via merger events). This ...
The massive stars in the Galactic center inner arcsecond share analogous properties with the so-called Hot Jupiters. Most of these young stars have highly eccentric orbits, and were probably not formed in-situ. It has been proposed that these stars acquired their current orbits from the tidal disruption of compact massive binaries scattered toward the proximity of the central supermassive black hole. Assuming a binary star formed in a thin gaseous disk beyond 0.1 pc from the central object, we investigate the relevance of disk-satellite interactions to harden the binding energy of the binary, and to drive its inward migration. A massive, equal-mass binary star is found to become more tightly wound as it migrates inwards toward the central black hole. The migration timescale is very similar to that of a single-star satellite of the same mass. The binary's hardening is caused by the formation of spiral tails lagging the stars ...
For purposes of designing targeted cataclysmic variable (CV) detection surveys and interpreting results of other projects with many CV detections such as the ChaMPlane Survey, we have created a model of the CV distribution in the Galaxy. It is modeled as a warped, flared exponential disk with a gaussian vertical distribution. Extinction is based on a detailed Galactic dust and gas model. A luminosity function for CVs is also incorporated, based on a smoothed version of published data. We calculate predicted field detection rates as a function of the limiting magnitude expected for the detecting system (i.e. WIYN/Hydra or NOAO 4m/Mosaic). Monte-Carlo techniques are used to assess statistical fluctuations in these rates. We have created maps of the expected CV distribution for the full non-bulge Galactic plane (20
We present sensitive high angular resolution (0.''57-0.''78) SO, SO_2, CO, C_2H_5OH, HC_3N, and HCOCH_2OH line observations at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths of the young O-type protostar W51 North made with the Submillimeter Array. We report the presence of a large (about 8000 AU) and hot molecular circumstellar disk around this object, which connects the inner dusty disk with the molecular ring or toroid reported recently and confirms the existence of a single bipolar outflow emanating from this object. The molecular emission from the large disk is observed in layers with the transitions characterized by high excitation temperatures in their lower energy states (up to 1512 K) being concentrated closer to the central massive protostar. The molecular emission from those transitions with low or moderate excitation temperatures is found in the outermost parts of the disk and exhibits an inner ...
Surface photometry of bulges and elliptical galaxies is reviewed. The properties of cores and nuclei as revealed by improvements in seeing and the use of CCDs are examined, and newly discovered structural details such as dust, shells, and dynamical subsystems which show the importance of accretion events in galactic evolution are addressed. Improved constraints on galaxy formation resulting from better measurements of parameter scaling laws are discussed, and accurate measurements of departures from elliptical isophotes and of color gradients obtained with CCDs are considered.
A disk formation model during collapse of the protosolar nebula, yielding a low-mass protoplanetary disk is presented. The following subject areas are covered: (1) circumstellar disks; (2) conditions for the formation of stars with disks; (3) early evolution of the protoplanetary disk; and (4) temperature conditions and the convection in the protoplanetary disk.
We report the results of the evaluation of the ``concentration-density'' relation of galaxies in the local universe, taking advantage of the very large and homogeneous data set available from the Las Campanas Redshift Survey (Shectman et al. 1996). This data set consists of galaxies inhabiting the entire range of galactic environments, from the sparsest field to the densest clusters, thus allowing us to study environmental variations without combining multiple data sets with inhomogeneous characteristics. Concentration is quantified by the automatically-measured concentration index $C$, which is a good measure of a galaxy's bulge-to-disk ratio. The environment of the sample galaxies is characterized both by the three-space local galaxy density and by membership in groups and clusters. We find that the distribution of C in galaxy populations varies both with local density and with cluster/group membership: the fraction of centrally-concentrated ...
Two dimensional Fourier spectra of near-infrared images of galaxies provide a powerful diagnostic tool for the detection of spiral arm modulation in stellar disks. Spiral arm modulation may be understood in terms of interference patterns of outgoing and incoming density wave packets or modes. The brightness along a spiral arm will be increased where two wave crests meet and constructively interfere, but will be decreased where a wave crest and a wave trough destructively interfere. Spiral arm modulation has hitherto only been detected in grand design spirals (such as Messier 81). Spiral arm amplitude variations have the potential to become a powerful constraint for the study of galactic dynamics. We illustrate our method in two galaxies: NGC 4062 and NGC 5248. In both cases, we have detected trailing and leading m=2 waves with similar pitch angles. This suggests that the amplification mechanism is the WASER type II. In this mechanism, the bulge ...
The data obtained by the recent modern sky surveys enable detailed studies of the stellar distribution in the multi-dimensional space spanned by spatial coordinates, velocity and metallicity, from the solar neighborhood all the way out to the outer Milky Way halo. While these results represent exciting observational breakthroughs, their interpretation is not simple. For example, traditional decomposition of the thin and thick disks predicts a strong correlation in metallicity and kinematics at $\\sim$1 kpc from the Galactic plane; however, recent SDSS--based work has demonstrated an absence of this correlation for disk stars. Instead, the variation of the metallicity and rotational velocity distributions can be modeled using non--Gaussian functions that retain their shapes and only shift as the distance from the mid--plane increases. To fully contextualize these recent observational results, a detailed comparison with ...
A general relativistic model for the formation and acceleration of lowmass-loaded jets from systems containing accreting black holes is presented. The model is based on previous numerical results and theoretical studies in the Newtonian regime, but modified to include the effects of space-time curvature in the vicinity of the event horizon of a spinning black hole. It is argued that the boundary layer between the Keplerian accretion disk and the event horizon is best suited for the formation and acceleration of the accretion-powered jets in active galactic nuclei and micro-quasars. The model presented here is based on matching the solutions of three different regions: i- a weakly magnetized Keplerian accretion disk in the outer part, where the transport of angular momentum is mediated through the magentorotational instability, ii- a strongly magnetized, advection-dominated and turbulent-free boundary layer (BL) between the ...
In the design of natural gas compressor stations, a check valve is a critical element which is commonly placed on the discharge side of the compressor to prevent reverse flow that can cause serious damage to the compressor itself and other components such as seals and bearings. One of the selection criteria of the check valve for this particular application is the valve flow characteristics in steady flow, and its dynamic characteristics in unsteady flow operation. With regards to steady flow valve characteristics, current models for the determination of the check valve open angle versus mean flow velocity are based on semi-empirical data obtained from water tests, which were found to deviate from measurements involving fluids of relatively higher compressibility. This paper presents results of steady flow testing of an NPS 4 swing-type check valve in air. Mean flow velocities versus disk angles were measured together with several local pressure measurements at the ...
Using a sample of 30,000 quasars from SDSS-DR7, we explore the range of properties exhibited by high-ionization, broad emission lines, such as CIV 1549. Specifically we investigate the anti-correlation between L_UV and emission line EQW (the Baldwin Effect) and the "blueshifting" of high-ionization emission lines. The blueshift of the CIV emission line is nearly ubiquitous, with a mean shift of 810 km/s for radio-quiet (RQ) quasars and 360 km/s for radio-loud (RL) quasars, and the Baldwin Effect is present in both RQ and RL samples. Composite spectra are constructed as a function of CIV emission line properties in attempt to reveal empirical relationships between different line species and the SED. Within a two-component disk+wind model of the broad emission line region (BELR), where the wind filters the continuum seen by the disk component, we find that RL quasars are consistent with being dominated by the ...
A variety of investigations have demonstrated commonalities between the Baldwin (1977) Effect, the blueshifting of CIV emission lines (e.g., Gaskell 1982; Richards et al. 2002), and the L_UV-L_X relationship (e.g., Avni & Tananbaum 1982; Strateva et al. 2005; Steffen et al. 2006); indeed all three of these observational effects may be manifestations of the same underlying (but still uncertain) physics. This commonality is of interest to investigations of accretion disk winds (e.g., Murray et al. 1995; Proga et al. 2000) from active galactic nuclei (AGN) as there is evidence that broad absorption line quasars (BALQSOs) are drawn from a parent sample of quasars that exhibit larger than average CIV blueshifts, weaker than average CIV emission line strengths, and bluer than average (intrinsic) colors. The properties of the absorption troughs appear to be dependent upon these parameters. Thus, it is suggested that not all quasars will host ...
We report the discovery of an active galactic nucleus (AGN) pair in the interacting galaxy system IRAS 20210+1121 at z = 0.056. An XMM-Newton observation reveals the presence of an obscured (N _H #approx# 5 x 10"2"3 cm"-"2), Seyfert-like (L _2_-_1_0_k_e_V = 4.7 x 10"4"2 erg s"-"1) nucleus in the northern galaxy, which lacks unambiguous optical AGN signatures. Our spectral analysis also provides strong evidence that the IR-luminous southern galaxy hosts a Type 2 quasar embedded in a bright starburst emission. In particular, the X-ray primary continuum from the nucleus appears totally depressed in the XMM-Newton band as expected in the case of a Compton-thick absorber, and only the emission produced by Compton scattering ('reflection') of the continuum from circumnuclear matter is seen. As such, IRAS 20210+1121 seems to provide an excellent opportunity to witness a key, early phase in the quasar evolution predicted by the theoretical models of ...
We study the sensitivity to neutrino masses of a Galactic supernova neutrino signal as could be measured with the detectors presently in operation and with future large volume water \\v{C}erencov and scintillator detectors. The analysis uses the full statistics of neutrino events. The method proposed uses the principles of Bayesian inference reasoning and has shown a remarkably independence of astrophysical assumptions. We show that, after accounting for the uncertainties in the detailed astrophysical description of the neutrino signal and taking into account the effects of neutrino oscillations in the supernova mantle, detectors presently in operation can have enough sensitivity to reveal a neutrino mass (or to set upper limits) at the level of 1 eV. This is sensibly better than present results from tritium $\\beta$-decay experiments, competitive with the most conservative limits from neutrinoless double $\\beta$-decay and less precise but ...
Gemini North adaptive optics imaging spectroscopy is presented for the Galactic ultra-compact HII (UCHII) region K3-50A. Data were obtained in the K-band using the Near-infrared Integral Field Spectrograph (NIFS) behind the facility adaptive optics module ALTAIR in natural guide star mode. The NIFS data cube reveals a complex spatial morphology across the 0.1 pc scale of the 3'' UCHII region. Comparison of the nebular emission to Cloudy ionization models shows that the central source must have an effective temperature between about 37000 K and 45000 K with preferred values near 40000 K. Evidence is presented for sharp density variations in the nebula which are interpreted as a clearing of material nearest the central source. High excitation lines of FeIII and SeIV show that the ionization of the nebula clearly changes with distance from the central source. A double lobed kinematic signature (+/- 25 kms) is evident in the Br gamma line map which ...
17-4PH stainless steel was modified by direct current (DC) plasma nitriding and titanium nitride film duplex treatment in this study. The microstructure, wear resistance and corrosion resistance were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), pin-on-disk tribological test and polarization experiment. The results revealed that the DC plasma nitriding pretreatment was in favor of improving properties of titanium nitride film. The corrosion resistance and wear resistance of duplex treatment specimen was more superior to that of only coated titanium nitride film.
17-4PH stainless steel was modified by direct current (DC) plasma nitriding and titanium nitride film duplex treatment in this study. The microstructure, wear resistance and corrosion resistance were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), pin-on-disk tribological test and polarization experiment. The results revealed that the DC plasma nitriding pretreatment was in favor of improving properties of titanium nitride film. The corrosion resistance and wear resistance of duplex treatment specimen was more superior to that of only coated titanium nitride film.
A destructive spondyloarthropathy is reported in four patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for chronic renal disease. In a separate investigation a controlled, prospective radiographic study of the cervical spine revealed this spondyloarthropathy in 4 (15%) of 26 long-term dialysis patients. A single disk level was involved in three patients, and two disc levels were involved in one patient. This spondyloarthropathy correlated with the duration of dialysis but not with the radiographic evidence of renal osteodystrophy or severity of laboratory abnormalities associated with hyperparathyroidism. Three of these four patients also had discovertebral erosions or destruction involving the lumbar spine. Cervical spine flexion views revealed evidence of ligamentous laxity or instability in three (12%) dialysis patients, all with vertebral resorption and disc space narrowing. It is postulated that this instability may ...
Derivations are made for the mass and the mass-turnover time scale of an accretion disk as a function of the accretion rate, the observed disk radius, the non-viscous disk radius, and two parameters. These parameters depend on the effectiveness of viscosity and tidal angular momentum loss. Application is made to DQ Herculis.
This paper addresses the fine-scale axisymmetric structure exhibited in Saturn's A and B-rings. We aim to explain both the periodic microstructure on 150-220m, revealed by the Cassini UVIS and RSS instruments, and the irregular variations in brightness on 1-10km, reported by the Cassini ISS. We propose that the former structures correspond to the peaks and troughs of the nonlinear wavetrains that form naturally in a viscously overstable disk. The latter variations on longer scales may correspond to modulations and defects in the wavetrains' amplitudes and wavelength. We explore these ideas using a simple hydrodynamical model which captures the correct qualitative behaviour of a disk of inelastically colliding particles, while also permitting us to make progress with analytic and semi-analytic techniques. Specifically, we calculate a family of travelling nonlinear density waves and determine their stability properties. ...
Photometric and kinematic observations of the peculiar S0 galaxy IC 4767, the X-galaxy, are presented. At various intensities the bulge of this galaxy looks like a normal spheroidal system with elliptical isophotes, a well-defined rectangle, and a peanut-shaped or X-shaped structure with components aligned at oblique angles to the major axis. The observations reveal a rapidly rotating inner disk of gas and dust which is nearly aligned with the major axis. The presence of gaseous emission alone suggests an accretion event. The stars in the outer regions of the X-component are rotating nearly as rapidly as the gas in the main disk, indicating that they are in relatively circular orbits. The five most prominent peanut-shaped bulges all have several nearby companions, evidence that the peanut deformity is due to interaction between galaxies. An analogy with the formation mechanism proposed for polar-ring galaxies suggests how ...
We present our discovery of a narrow-line Baldwin effect, an anti-correlation between the equivalent width (EW) of a line and the flux of the associated continuum, in 5-20$\\mu$m mid-infared lines from a sample of 68 Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), located at z$<$0.5, observed with the Infrared Spectrograph on the {\\it Spitzer Space Telescope}. Our analysis reveals a clear anti-correlation between the EW of the [SIV] 10.51$\\mu$m, [NeII] 12.81$\\mu$m, and [NeIII] 15.56$\\mu$m lines and their mid-IR continuum luminosities, while the Baldwin effect for [NeV] 14.32$\\mu$m is not as obvious. We suggest that this anti-correlation is driven by the central AGN and not circumnuclear star formation in the host galaxy. We also find that the slope of the narrow-line Baldwin effect in the mid-infrared does not appear to steepen with increasing ionization potential. Examining the dependence of the EW to the Eddington Ratio ($L/L_{Edd}$) we find no strong ...
We investigate how 'extra' or 'excess' central light in the surface brightness profiles of cusp or power-law elliptical galaxies relates to the profiles of ellipticals with cores. The envelopes of cusp ellipticals are established by violent relaxation in mergers acting on stars present in gas-rich progenitor disks, while their centers are structured by the relics of dissipational, compact starbursts. Ellipticals with cores are formed by the subsequent merging of the now gas-poor cusp ellipticals, with the fossil starburst components combining to preserve a dense, compact component in these galaxies as well (although mixing of stars smooths the transition from the outer to inner components in the profiles). By comparing extensive hydrodynamical simulations to observed profiles spanning a broad mass range, we show how to observationally isolate and characterize the relic starburst component in core ellipticals. Our method recovers the younger starburst population, ...
Six patients with diskitis following lumbar disk surgery were investigated by Computed Tomography (CT). Four patients underwent CT in a rather early phase of the disease (5-37 days after the onset of the symptoms): a posterior paravertebral fluid collection was always recognized, while the plain film was normal. Later on (2-4 months), the classical signs of diskitis were evident, with both CT and the plain film. The collection was always present at CT. A reintervention, performed on 3 patients, revealed the purulent content of the collections. It seems reasonable to suggest a relationship between the collection and the subsequent diskitis; the collection is probably an early sign of the disease. Its detection is of grat value, because it could allow an immediate and adequate therapy. The authors stress the usefulness of performing CT in an early phase on this kind of symptomatic patients.
TiB{sub 2} appears to be a promising material for the wear protection in various tribological systems, e.g. the diecasting of Al. This study focuses on the development of titanium boride coatings deposited by PACVD, a deposition method which is most suitable for the coating of substrates with complex shapes. All layers analysed are very smooth and exhibit a quasi-amorphous fracture surface. XRD and TEM analysis indicate a nanocrystalline structure with grain sizes in the order of 2 nm. The diffraction patterns can well be correlated to titanium diboride. WDS reveals an over stoichiometric B/Ti ratio. The layer hardness reaches the value of 33 GPa and the critical load in scratch tests rises to 35 N. Neither 100Cr6 nor Al as a counterpart in pin-on-disk tests leads to wear of the coating. (orig.)
The intercalated disk (ID) is a complex structure that electromechanically couples adjoining cardiac myocytes into a functional syncitium. The integrity of the disk is essential for normal cardiac function,...Full Text Available
We have constructed models for the vertical structure of disks around a black hole of 10/sup 6/ M/sub sun/ at distances from it smaller than the tidal breakup radius. These disks are massive enough that nuclear burning occurs in their central layers.
Broth disk elution procedures represent one of the most practical means for clinical laboratories to perform routine antibiotic susceptibility tests on anaerobic bacteria. The accuracy of five disk...Full Text Available
We present Sauron 2D spectrography of the central 1.5 kpc of the nearby Sey2 galaxy NGC1068, encompassing the well-known NIR inner bar. We have successively disentangled the respective contributions of the ionized gas and stars, thus deriving their 2D distribution and kinematics. The [OIII] and Hbeta emission lines exhibit very different spatial distribution and kinematics, the latter following inner spiral arms with clumps associated with star formation. Strong inwards streaming motions are observed in both the Hbeta and [OIII] kinematics. The stellar kinematics also exhibit clear signatures of a non-axisymmetric tumbling potential, with a twist in both the velocity and h3 fields. We re-examined the long-slit data of Shapiro et al (2003) using pPXF: a strong decoupling of h3 is revealed, and the central decrease in h4 hinted in the Sauron data is confirmed. These data also suggest that NGC1068 is a good candidate for a so-called sigma-drop. We confirm the possible ...
The flux of cosmic ray antiprotons with kinetic energies between /approximately/1 and 15 GeV is /approximately/5 times greater than the flux predicted on the basis of the leaky-box model. This excess is attributed to secondary antineutron production in compact sources. Because the antineutrons are not confined by the magnetic field of the compact source, they leave the interaction site, decay in interstellar space and account for the apparent excess cosmic ray antiproton flux. The escape and decay of neutrons produced in association with the antineutrons is a source of cosmic ray protons. Observations of the angular variation of the intensity and spectral shape of 100 MeV ..gamma..-rays produced by neutron-decay protons in the reaction p + p ..-->.. ..pi../sup 0/ ..-->.. 2..gamma.. could reveal compact-source cosmic ray production sites. COS-B observations of spectral hardening near point sources, and future high-resolution observations of ...
A remarkably simple argument successfully accounts for the rate of star formation in different galaxies. The snag is that the timescale is uncomfortably short.
Extrasolar debris disks that are bright enough to be observed are dense enough to be collision-dominated; i.e., the small grains that produce their infrared excess have collisional lifetimes shorter than their Poynting-Robertson decay times. This paper describes a numerical code for the modeling of such disks, including accretion and gravitational stirring as well as disruptive collisions. A constraint relating the mass of a debris disk and the sizes of the largest embedded bodies to its luminosity is demonstrated. The collisional code is applied to the debris disk around HD 12039, which has been intensively observed by the Spitzer Space Telescope. The evolution in time of the disk's luminosity is computed for a range of initial disk masses and planetesimal sizes. The luminosity at a given age depends on both the initial disk mass and the ...
The stability of accretion disks against short wavelength perturbations is analyzed. The disk is shown to be unstable to slow thermal perturbations propagating in the z-direction for sufficiently high values of the stress parameter ..cap alpha.. and sufficiently low values of the ratio of gas to total pressure. The acoustic flux from the ''middle region'' of the disk is estimated and discussed.
An evolutionary model of dynamical processes in protostellar disks is described and illustrated with graphs of typical results. The effective transport mechanisms are discussed, including thermal convection, nonaxisymmetric gravitational instabilities in the outer regions of disks, and wave propagation. Consideration is then given to the stages of dynamical evolution, FU Ori outburst phenomena, unsteady accretion-disk flows, and nonlinear feedback as a mechanism to modulate mass transfer. The simulations show that mass redistribution is determined by angular-momentum transfer, which in turn is regulated by the effective viscosity generated by convectively driven turbulence. Significant mass transfer occurs as a result of mixing of infalling material with disk gas and is affected by the tidal torque associated with the growth of nonaxisymmetric disturbances in the outer disk. The ...
We study the origin and properties of 'extra' or 'excess' central light in the surface brightness profiles of cusp or power-law elliptical galaxies. Dissipational mergers give rise to two-component profiles: an outer profile established by violent relaxation acting on stars already present in the progenitor galaxies prior to the final stages of the merger, and an inner stellar population comprising the extra light, formed in a compact central starburst. By combining a large set of hydrodynamical simulations with data that span a broad range of profiles at various masses, we show that observed cusp ellipticals appear consistent with the predicted 'extra light' structure, and we use our simulations to motivate a two-component description of the observations that allows us to examine how the properties and mass of this component scale with, e.g., the mass, gas content, and other properties of the galaxies. We show how to robustly separate the physically meaningful extra light and outer, ...
The discovery of an HI cloud with peculiar properties at equatorial coordinates (J2000) ra=07h49m, dec=04d30m is presented. The HI object was detected at 21cm using the 300-m NAIC Arecibo telescope. Subsequent follow-up high-resolution observations with the NRAO Very Large Array (VLA) telescope at L-Band revealed more details about its morphology. The most intriguing aspect of the object is the clear velocity gradient of 1 km/s, which is present in the data, an indication of either rotation or expansion. The gas appears to be cold, and its morphology is somewhat elliptical with clumpy substructure. Assuming disk rotation, the dynamical mass could be determined as a function of distance.Depending on the exact nature of the velocity gradient in the HI cloud, we can reach some preliminary conclusions about the nature of the object. Expansion would imply association with a circumstellar envelope of an evolved AGB star, while in the case of ...
We show that accretion disks, both in the subcritical and supercritical accretion rate regime, may exhibit significant amplitude luminosity oscillations. The luminosity time behavior has been obtained by performing a set of time-dependent 2D SPH simulations of accretion disks with different values of ? and accretion rate. An explanation of this luminosity behavior is proposed in terms of limit-cycle instability: the disk oscillates between a radiation pressure dominated configuration (with a high luminosity value) and a gas pressure dominated one (with a low luminosity value). The origin of this instability is the difference between the heat produced by viscosity and the energy emitted as radiation from the disk surface (the well-known thermal instability mechanism). We support this hypothesis showing that the limit-cycle behavior produces a sequence of collapsing and refilling states of the innermost ...
Recent analyses of the anisotropy of cosmic rays at 10{sup 18} eV (the AGASA and SUGAR data) show significant excesses from regions close to the galactic centre and Cygnus. Our aim is to check whether such anisotropies can be caused by single sources of charged particles. We investigate propagation of protons in two models of the galactic regular magnetic field (with the irregular component included) assuming that the particles are injected by a short-lived discrete source lying in the direction of the galactic centre. We show that apart from a prompt image of the source, the regular magnetic field may cause delayed images at quite large angular distances from the actual source direction. The image is strongly dependent on the time elapsed after ejection of particles and it is also very sensitive to their energy. For the most favourable conditions for particle acceleration by a young pulsar, the predicted fluxes are two to ...
The Galactic Exoplanet Survey Telescope (GEST) will observe a 2 square degree field in the Galactic bulge to search for extra-solar planets using a gravitational lensing technique. This gravitational lensing technique is the only method employing currently available technology that can detect Earth-mass planets at high signal-to-noise, and can measure the frequency of terrestrial planets as a function of Galactic position. GEST's sensitivity extends down to the mass of Mars, and it can detect hundreds of terrestrial planets with semi-major axes ranging from 0.7 AU to infinity. GEST will be the first truly comprehensive survey of the Galaxy for planets like those in our own Solar System.
creating such active galactic nuclei as quasars. Strangely, the center of this fiery whirlpool is offset from the exact center of the galaxy - for a reason that for now remains an...
creating such active galactic nuclei as quasars. Strangely, the center of this fiery whirlpool is offset from the exact center of the galaxy - for a reason that for now remains an...
We calculate the structure of accretion disks around Kerr black holes for accretion rates 0.001 - 10 M_sun/s. Such disks are plausible candidates for the central engine of gamma-ray bursts. Our disk model is fully relativistic and treats accurately microphysics of the accreting matter: neutrino emissivity, opacity, electron degeneracy, and nuclear composition. The neutrino-cooled disk forms above a critical accretion rate that depends on the black hole spin. The disk has the ``ignition'' radius r_ign where neutrino flux rises dramatically, cooling becomes efficient, and the proton-to-nucleon ratio Y_e drops. Other characteristic radii are r_alpha where most of alpha-particles are disintegrated, r_nu where the disk becomes neutrino-opaque, and r_trap where neutrinos get trapped and advected into the black hole. We find r_alpha, r_ign, r_nu, r_trap and show their ...
Susceptibility disks impregnated with 35 different antibiotics were assayed by the current Code of Federal Regulations method and by a new method employing an agar overlay. The new...Full Text Available
A multi-stage, multi-disk type seismic source was developed as a downhole seismic source. The seismic source is an improved version of the downhole seismic source of a system in which an elastic wave is generated by a weight accelerated by restitutive force of a spring striking the upper part of a laminated structure consisted of metal disks and elastic bodies installed in water in a well. Enhancing the vibration exciting efficiency requires impedance radiated from the disks to be increased. The multi-disk structure was adopted because of restrictions on the disk area under the limiting condition of being inside the well. Further limitation has still existed, which led to finally structuring the multi-disk type to a multi-stage construction to increase the radiated impedance. In order to increase average velocity on the radiation surface, mass relationship ...
A flow field and particle trajectory in a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) between two rotating disks in axisymmetric enclosures is investigated using CFD code FLUENT/UNS. The RNG k-{epsilon} model is used as a turbulent model. In this study, the flow field between two disks are symmetric, and the flow field near the enclosure is very complex. Cross stream vectors are shown both for blowing and no blowing from the hub. The larger a particle, the more fast the particle deposits at the walls. In the case of blowing from the hub, the more fast the particle deposits at the walls. (author). 9 refs., 12 figs., 1 tab.
The magnetorheological suspension (MRS) brake is of the monoblock type. The main part of the electromagnetic brake is an electromagnet, between whose poles two MRS disks are placed. For distances between disks of 0.65x10"-"3 m#+-#10%, revolutions of the electric motor, coupled to the electromagnetic brake, ranging between 200 and 1600 rev/min and braking powers of up to 85 W, there are no differences in revolutions between the disks of the electromagnetic brake. For fixed revolutions of the electric motor, the revolution of the parallel disk can be modified continuously by means of the intensity of the magnetic field. In all cases, the quantity of MRS is of 0.35x10"-"3 kg.
The average angle of repose and the packing density of random planar heaps of hard disks falling ballistically onto a sticky base line, where the first layer of disks is quenched in random positions, are computed for heaps with a small fixed number of gaps in the base layer. The results we find appear to be almost independent of the size of the heap and they agree with those obtained from computer simulations of large systems.
Double streamtube codes model the curved blade (Darrieus-type) vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) as a double actuator-disk arrangement (one disk for the upwind half of the rotor and a second disk for the downwind half) and use conservation of momentum pri...
The formation and evolution of the circumstellar disk in unmagnetized molecular clouds is investigated using three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations from the prestellar core until the end of the main accretion phase. In collapsing cloud cores, the first (adiabatic) core with a size of #approx#>3 AU forms prior to the formation of the protostar. At its formation, the first core has a thick disk-like structure and is mainly supported by the thermal pressure. After the protostar formation, it decreases the thickness gradually and becomes supported by the centrifugal force. We found that the first core is a precursor of the circumstellar disk with a size of >3 AU. This means that unmagnetized protoplanetary disk smaller than <3 AU does not exist. Reflecting the thermodynamics of the collapsing gas, at the protostar formation epoch, the first core (or the circumstellar disk) ...
Using an accretion-disk model, accretion disk luminosities are calculated for a grid of black hole masses and accretion rates. It is shown that, as the black-hole mass increases with time, the monochromatic luminosity at a given frequency first increases and then decreases rapidly as this frequency is crossed by the Wien cutoff. The upper limit on the monochromatic luminosity, which is characteristic for a given epoch, constrains the evolution of quasar luminosities and determines the evolultion of the quasar luminosity function. 22 refs.
The problem on change of deuterium abundance in the process of galactic evolution (star evolution, supernova explosions, nucleosynthesis in supermassive objects) is considered. It is shown that the observable deuterium quantity in the interstellar medium must correspond to its cosmological abundance. This conclusion is independent of the rate of accretion of intergalactic gas by Galaxy. The effect of hypothetical pregalactic active objects on cosmological deuterium is small. It is poind out that observations of interstellar deuterium in absorbtion at lambda=91.6 cm are significant.
The Baldwin Effect, a negative correlation between emission-line equivalent width and luminosity in active galactic nuclei, is still of interest as a diagnostic of accretion physics nearly thirty years after its discovery. This review examines recent developments in the study of correlations between line and continuum emission in AGNs, as measured both in ensembles and in individual sources.
A new era for the field of Galactic structure is about to be opened with the advent of wide-area digital sky surveys. In this article, the author reviews the status and prospects for research for 3 new ground-based surveys: the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), the Deep Near-Infrared Survey of the Southern Sky (DENIS) and the Two Micron AU Sky Survey (2MASS). These surveys will permit detailed studies of Galactic structure and stellar populations in the Galaxy with unprecedented detail. Extracting the information, however, will be challenging.
We compare the accretion flow onto the neutron star induced by Roche lobe overflow with that by the overflow from the Be disk, in a zero eccentricity, short period binary with the same mass transfer rate, performing three-dimensional Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics simulations. We find that a persistent accretion disk is formed around the neutron star in both cases. The circularization radius of the material transferred via Roche lobe overflow is larger than that of the material transfered from the Be disk. Thus, the growth of the accretion disk in the former case becomes significantly slower than in the latter case. In both cases, the mass accretion rate is very small and varies little with orbital phase, which is consistent with the observed X-ray behaviour of Be/X-ray binaries with circular orbits (e.g. XTE J1543-568).
Long-term modulation of galactic cosmic rays in interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) turbulence is a fundamental subject for understanding the connection between cosmic ray transport and solar activity. The discovery of a new cosmic ray modulation phenomenon is reported. Analysis of neutron monitor data has revealed that the difference in amplitude of the cosmic ray diurnal anisotropy for IMF sectors directed toward and away from the Sun displays a solar cycle variation. Neutron monitor data recorded at Climax, Deep River, Hyancayo, Kiel, Mt. Washington, and Swarthmore/Newark over the period 1957 to 1988 show that the amplitude difference varied between approximately 0.1 to -0.1 percent, with peaks in 1960, 1972, and 1982. A theoretical expression for this difference was derived from a three-dimensional model. Analysis also showed that the latitudinal density gradient of cosmic rays changed between 1.6 and -1.6 percent/AU with a solar cycle ...
XMM-Newton EPIC observations reveal the population of X-ray sources of the bright Local Group spiral galaxy M 31, a low-star-formation-rate galaxy like the Milky Way, down to a 0.2-4.5 keV luminosity of 4.4E34 erg/s. With the help of X-ray hardness ratios and optical and radio information different source classes can be distinguished. The survey detected 856 sources in an area of 1.24 square degrees. Sources within M 31 are 44 supernova remnants (SNR) and candidates, 18 super-soft sources (SSS), 16 X-ray binaries (XRBs) and candidates, as well as 37 globular cluster sources (GlC) and candidates, i.e. most likely low mass XRBs within the GlC. 567 hard sources may either be XRBs or Crab-like SNRs in M 31 or background AGN. 22 sources are new SNR candidates in M 31 based on X-ray selection criteria. Time variability information can be used to improve the source classification. Two GlC sources show type I X-ray bursts as known from Galactic neutron ...
The disk around AB Aur was imaged and resolved at 24.6\\,$\\mu$m using the Cooled Mid-Infrared Camera and Spectrometer on the 8.2m Subaru Telescope. The gaussian full-width at half-maximum of the source size is estimated to be 90 $\\pm$ 6 AU, indicating that the disk extends further out at 24.6\\,$\\mu$m than at shorter wavelengths. In order to interpret the extended 24.6\\,$\\mu$m image, we consider a disk with a reduced surface density within a boundary radius $R_c$, which is motivated by radio observations that suggest a reduced inner region within about 100 AU from the star. Introducing the surface density reduction factor $f_c$ for the inner disk, we determine that the best match with the observed radial intensity profile at 24.6\\,$\\mu$m is achieved with $R_c$=88 AU and $f_c$=0.01. We suggest that the extended emission at 24.6\\,$\\mu$m is due to the enhanced emission from a wall-like structure ...
A bulge-disk decomposition is made for 737 spiral and lenticular galaxies drawn from a Sloan Digital Sky Survey galaxy sample for which morphological types are estimated. We carry out the bulge-disk decomposition using the growth curve fitting method. It is found that bulge properties, effective radius, effective surface brightness, and also absolute magnitude, change systematically with the morphological sequence; from early to late types, the size becomes somewhat larger, and surface brightness and luminosity fainter. In contrast, disks are nearly universal, their properties remaining similar among disk galaxies irrespective of detailed morphologies from S0 to Sc. While these tendencies were often discussed in previous studies, the present study confirms them based on a large homogeneous magnitude-limited field galaxy sample with morphological types estimated. The systematic change of bulge-to-total ...
We revisit our original papers on the burst mode of accretion by incorporating a detailed energy balance equation into a thin-disk model for the formation and evolution of circumstellar disks around low-mass protostars. Our model includes the effect of radiative cooling, viscous and shock heating, and heating due to stellar and background irradiation. Following the collapse from the prestellar phase allows us to model the early embedded phase of disk formation and evolution. During this time, the disk is susceptible to fragmentation, depending upon the properties of the initial prestellar core. Globally, we find that higher initial core angular momentum and mass content favors more fragmentation, but higher levels of background radiation can moderate the tendency to fragment. A higher rate of mass infall onto the disk than that onto the star is a necessary but not a sufficient ...
We investigate the coupling between rock-size solids and gas during the formation of gas giant planets by disk fragmentation in the outer regions of massive disks. In this study, we use three-dimensional radiative hydrodynamic simulations and model solids as a spatial distribution of particles. We assume that half of the total solid fraction is in small grains and half in large solids. The former are perfectly entrained with the gas and set the opacity in the disk, while the latter are allowed to respond to gas drag forces, with the back reaction on the gas taken into account. To explore the maximum effects of gas-solid interactions, we first consider 10 cm size particles. We then compare these results to a simulation with 1 km size particles, which explores the low-drag regime. We show that (1) disk instability planets have the potential to form large cores due to aerodynamic capturing of rock-size ...
The authors describe a new method which makes it possible to determine the radial distribution of the diffuse component of galactic gamma rays outside the solar circle. They use the observation that a good correlation exists between gamma-ray intensities and total column densities of the local interstellar gas and that the fractional column density of H_2<0.1 HI outside the solar circle. Thus the gamma-ray intensities are shown to be proportional to N(HI). The authors use the kinematics of the HI to determine the distances from which various fractions of the emission originate in the second and third galactic quadrants. Preliminary results of our analysis show that a significant flux of gamma rays originates from distances as large as 18 kpc from the galactic centre. (Auth.).
The possible physical linkage between galactic cosmic rays intensity and the Earth's cloud cover is discussed using the analysis of the first indirect aerosol effect (Twomey effect) and its experimental representation as the dependence of average cloud droplet effective radius on aerosol index characterizing the aerosol concentration in the atmospheric air column of unit section. It is shown that the basic kinetic equation of the Earth's climate energy-balance model is described by the bifurcation equation (with respect to the temperature of the Earth's surface) in the form of fold catastrophe with two governing parameters defining the variations of insolation and Earth's magnetic field (or galactic cosmic rays intensity in the atmosphere), respectively. The principle of hierarchical climatic models construction, which consists in the structural invariance of balance equations of these models evolving on the different time scales, is described. ...
The study of extragalactic planetary nebulae (EPN) is a rapidly expanding field. The advent of powerful new instrumentation such as the PN spectrograph has led to an avalanche of new EPN discoveries both within and between galaxies. We now have thousands of EPN detections in a heterogeneous selection of nearby galaxies and their local environments, dwarfing the combined galactic detection efforts of the last century. Key scientific motivations driving this rapid growth in EPN research and discovery have been the use of the PNLF as a standard candle, as dynamical tracers of their host galaxies and dark matter and as probes of Galactic evolution. This is coupled with the basic utility of PN as laboratories of nebula physics and the consequent comparison with theory where population differences, abundance variations and star formation history within and between stellar systems informs both stellar and galactic evolution. Here ...
Protoplanetary disks start their lives with a dust free inner region where the temperatures are higher than the sublimation temperature of solids. As the star illuminates the innermost particles, which are immersed in gas at the sublimation edge, these particles are subject to a photophoretic force. We examine the motion of dust particles at the inner edge of protoplanetary disks due to photophoretic drag. We find that, in a laminar disk, photophoretic drag increases the size of the inner hole after accretion onto the central body has become subdued. This region within the hole becomes an optically transparent zone containing gas and large dusty particles (>>10 cm), but devoid of, or strongly depleted in, smaller dust aggregates. Photophoresis can clear the inner disk of dust out to 10 AU in less than 1 Myr. At late times, the edge reaches a stable equilibrium between inward drift and ...
Aims: I have analyzed a sample of seven nearby edge-on galaxies observed in the V and K'-band, in order to infer the properties of the dust distribution. Methods: A radiative transfer model, including scattering, have been used to decompose each image into a stellar disk, a bulge, and a dust disk. The parameters describing the distributions have been obtained through standard X^2 minimization techniques. Results: The dust disks fitted to the V-band images are consistent with previous work in literature: the radial scalelength of dust is larger than that for stars (h_d/h_s ~ 1.5); the dust disk has a smaller vertical scalelength than the stellar (z_d/z_s ~ 1/3); the dust disk is almost transparent when seen face-on (central, face-on, optical depth tau_0 =0.5-1.5). Faster radiative transfer models which neglect scattering can produce equivalent fits, with changes in the derived ...
A debris disk is a constituent of any planetary system surrounding a main sequence star. We study whether close stellar encounters can disrupt and strip a debris disk of its planetesimals in the expanding open cluster of its birth. Such stripping would affect the dust production and hence detectability of the disk. We tabulated the fractions of planetesimals stripped off during stellar flybys of miss distances between 100 and 1000 AU and for several mass ratios of the central to passing stars. We then estimated the numbers of close stellar encounters over the lifetime of several expanding open clusters characterized by their initial star densities. We found that a standard disk, with inner and outer radii of 40 and 100 AU, suffers no loss of planetesimals around a star born in a common embedded cluster with star density 20 000 pc^-3. In this environment, a disk loses >97% of its ...
HD 100453 has an IR spectral energy distribution (SED) which can be fit with a power-law plus a blackbody. Previous analysis of the SED suggests that the system is a young Herbig Ae star with a gas-rich, flared disk. We reexamine the evolutionary state of the HD 100453 system by refining its age (based on a candidate low-mass companion) and by examining limits on the disk extent, mass accretion rate, and gas content of the disk environment. We confirm that HD 100453B is a common proper motion companion to HD 100453A, with a spectral type of M4.0V - M4.5V, and derive an age of 10 +/- 2 Myr. We find no evidence of mass accretion onto the star. Chandra ACIS-S imagery shows that the Herbig Ae star has L_X/L_Bol and an X-ray spectrum similar to non-accreting Beta Pic Moving Group early F stars. Moreover, the disk lacks the conspicuous Fe II emission and excess FUV continuum seen in spectra of actively ...
We show that accretion disks, both in the subcritical and supercritical accretion rate regime, may exhibit significant amplitude luminosity oscillations. The luminosity time behavior has been obtained by performing a set of time-dependent 2D SPH simulations of accretion disks with different values of alpha and accretion rate. In this study, to avoid any influence of the initial disk configuration, we produced the disks injecting matter from an outer edge far from the central object. The period of oscillations is 2 - 50 s respectively for the two cases, and the variation amplitude of the disc luminosity is 10^38 - 10^39 erg/s. An explanation of this luminosity behavior is proposed in terms of limit cycle instability: the disk oscillates between a radiation pressure dominated configuration (with a high luminosity value) and a gas pressure dominated one (with a low luminosity value). ...
The combined magnetic braking-ambipolar diffusion problem in weakly ionized, rigidly rotating disks is studied. An analytical solution is presented for a disk whose angular velocity and magnetic yield vectors are aligned with the symmetry axis, illustrating the effects of the relative azimuthal drift of neutrals and ions. The effects of radial drift are added, commenting on the ratio of the characteristic ambipolar diffusion and magnetic braking time scales in high-mass and low-mass disks. A numerical calculation is used to show the combined action of these two processes. 31 references.
The inverse problem of interpreting the SS 433 optical light curves is solved for a geometrically thick model accretion disk around the compact relativistic object: most likely a black hole.
terms of 11) numerical models, 2D SPH simulations, and analytic models. The 1D model was useful for determining the evolution over very long timescales. ...
substrate). Within each group of simulations, three lubricant film thicknesses are studied to examine the effect of varying lubricant thickness. Statistical data are collected from each simulation and presented in this work. Via these data, together with the evolution, of atomic and molecular configurations, a very detailed picture of the properties of this thin film interface is presented. In particular, we conclude that perfluoropolyether lubricant forms distinct molecular layers when confined between two substrates, the rate of heat generation under shearing conditions typical of those in a head-disk interface is insufficient for thermal mechanisms to result directly in lubricant degradation, and mechanical stresses attained in the head-disk interface are unlikely to result in any significant degree of lubricant degradation. This thesis examines the tribology of a head-disk interface in an operating hard ...
We show that accretion disks, both in the subcritical and supercritical accretion rate regime, may exhibit significant amplitude luminosity oscillations. The luminosity time behavior has been obtained by performing a set of time-dependent 2D SPH simulations of accretion disks with different values of ? and accretion rate. An explanation of this luminosity behavior is proposed in terms of limit-cycle thermal instability: the disk oscillates between a radiation pressure dominated configuration (with a high luminosity value) and a gas pressure dominated one (with a low luminosity value). We support this hypothesis showing that the limit-cycle behavior produces a sequence of collapsing and refilling states of the innermost disk region.
The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) started a new phase in August 2008, with new instrumentation and new surveys focused on Galactic structure and chemical evolution, measurements of the baryon oscillation feature in the clustering of galaxies and the quasar Ly{alpha} forest, and a radial velocity search for planets around {approx}8000 stars. This paper describes the first data release of SDSS-III (and the eighth counting from the beginning of the SDSS). The release includes 5-band imaging of roughly 5200 deg{sup 2} in the Southern Galactic Cap, bringing the total footprint of the SDSS imaging to 14,555 deg{sup 2}, or over a third of the Celestial Sphere. All the imaging data have been reprocessed with an improved sky-subtraction algorithm and a final, self-consistent recalibration and flat-field determination. This release also includes all data from the second phase of the Sloan Extension for Galactic Understanding and ...
Galactic open clusters are since long recognized as one of the best tools for investigating the radial distribution of iron and other metals. We employed FLAMES at VLT to collect UVES spectra of bright giant stars in a large sample of open clusters, spanning a wide range of Galactocentric distances, ages, and metallicities. We present here the results for four clusters: Berkeley 20 and Berkeley 29, the two most distant clusters in the sample; Collinder 261, the oldest and the one with the minimum Galactocentric distance; Melotte 66. Equivalent width analysis was carried out using the spectral code MOOG and Kurucz model atmospheres to derive abundances of Fe, Al, Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, Cr, Ni, Ba; non-LTE Na abundances were derived by direct line-profile fitting. We obtain subsolar metallicities for the two anticenter clusters Be 20 ([Fe/H]=-0.30, rms=0.02) and Be 29 ([Fe/H]=-0.31, rms=0.03), and for Mel 66 ([Fe/H]=-0.33, rms=0.03), located in the third ...
Massive particle candidates for dark matter provide a potentially observable signature by virtue of their annihilations in the galactic halo at a known but model-dependent rate. Possible signatures are described, including cosmic ray antiproton and gamma-ray production. (orig.).
We studied the epitaxial growth of iron silicide (#epsilon#-FeSi,#beta#-FeSi_2, and #alpha#-FeSi_2) nanodots on Si (111) substrates by Fe deposition on Si nanodots on Si (111) substrates with ultrathin Si oxide films using reflection high-energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). We formed almost single phase iron silicide nanodots by controlling the Fe deposition conditions; growth temperature, deposition rate, and amount. The #epsilon#-FeSi or #alpha#-FeSi_2 nanodots were epitaxially grown in a dome shape with an average size of #approx#5 nm and an ultrahigh density (>10"1"2 cm"-"2) on the surface. We formed #approx#2-nm high and #approx#8-nm wide #beta#-FeSi_2 nanodots in a dome shape with a density of #approx#5x10"1"1 cm"-"2 on the surface. Cross-sectional TEM images revealed that the #beta#-FeSi_2 growth continued beneath the Si surface. The part of the #beta#-FeSi_2 nanodot beneath the surface ...
Orbital elements are derived from new spectroscopic and photometric observations. The masses and radii are inconsistent with evolutionary tracks for single stars, but neither star fills its Roche lobe. Analysis of the circumstellar Balmer emission lines indicates that the primary is surrounded by an extensive, highly flattened disk of nonuniform density. The velocity gradient in the disk is steeper than that expected from Keplerian motion.
The high-power model of Disk-and Washer (DAW) cavity for electron acceleration is under fabrication. Basic Dimensions of the cavity were determined from aluminum model measurement and electromagnetic field calculation. We have fabricated model made of OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) five times in total. Some details are optimized and corrected, and then the final brazing are proceeding. These model results and present status are described. (author)
Simulations of young stellar systems suggest that planets embedded in a circumstellar disk can produce many distinctive structures, including rings, gaps and spiral arms. This video compares computer simulations of hypothetical systems to an image of system SAO 206462 taken by the Subaru Telescope and its HiCIAO instrument. n nCredit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/NCSA
We present a study of 66 barred, early-type (S0-Sb) disk galaxies, focused on the disk surface brightness profile outside the bar region and the nature of Freeman Type I and II profiles, their origins, and their possible relation to disk truncations. This paper discusses the data and their reduction, outlines our classification system, and presents $R$-band profiles and classifications for all galaxies in the sample. The profiles are derived from a variety of different sources, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (Data Release 5). For about half of the galaxies, we have profiles derived from more than one telescope; this allows us to check the stability and repeatability of our profile extraction and classification. The vast majority of the profiles are reliable down to levels of mu_R ~ 27 mag arcsec^-2; in exceptional cases, we can trace profiles down to mu_R > 28. We can typically follow disk ...
Double streamtube codes model the curved blade (Darrieus-type) vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) as a double actuator-disk arrangement (one disk for the upwind half of the rotor and a second disk for the downwind half) and use conservation of momentum principles to determine the forces acting on the turbine blades and the turbine performance. These models differentiate between the upwind and downwind sections of the rotor and are capable of determining blade loading more accurately than the widely-used single-actuator-disk streamtube models. Additional accuracy may be obtained by representing the turbine as a collection of several streamtubes, each of which is modeled as a double actuator disk. This is referred to as the double-multiple-streamtube model. Sandia National Laboratories has developed a double-multiple streamtube model for the VAWT which incorporates the effects of the ...
Photographic surface photometry in the BV system was carried out two Southern SO's galaxies, NGC 2855 and NGC 6771. B and V isophote maps were obtained as well as geometric and integrated parameters as position angles, inclination, diameters, magnitudes and integrated colors. Each luminosity profile was decomposed into bulge and disk contributions, each component being fitted to convenient laws. For NGC 2855 de Vaucouleurs law described well the bulge whereas the disk showed an exponential distribution. For NGC 6771 the barred nuclear bulge as well as the disk was best fitted by exponential laws. Additional luminosity components due to an inner fragmented ring were identified in NGC 2855 and due to both a quite prominent lens and well defined ring in NGC 6771. In this galaxy the minor axis, oriented almost edge-on, present clues of another luminosity component besides the bulge and the thin disk. For ...
Moderate-resolution, near-infrared spectra between 0.8 and 5.2 #mu#m were obtained for 12 late-type (K0-M3) disk-bearing members of the #approx#5 Myr old Upper Scorpius OB association using SpeX on the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility. For most sources, continuum excess emission first becomes apparent between #approx#2.2 and 4.5 #mu#m and is consistent with that produced by single-temperature blackbodies having characteristic temperatures ranging from #approx#500 to 1300 K. The near-infrared spectra for 5 of 12 Upper Scorpius sources exhibit Pa#gamma#, Pa#beta#, and Br#gamma# emission, indicators of disk accretion. Using a correlation between Pa#beta# and Br#gamma# emission line luminosity and accretion luminosity, mass accretion rates ( M-dot ) are derived for these sources that range from M-dot = 3.5x10"-"1"0 to 1.5 x 10"-"8 M_s_u_n yr"-"1. Merging the SpeX observations with Spitzer Space Telescope mid-infrared (5.4-37.0 #mu#m) spectroscopy ...
Ferroelectric disks, coated with proper electrodes, can easily produce a dense plasma cloud when excited with a high-voltage pulse. This plasma can be a source of either electrons or ions depending on the sign of the extracting field set in front of the disk. We present the behavior of the disks operating at high frequency as emitters of both electrons and ions in two experimental configurations: (a) without and (b) with two screening grids. These two screening grids are inserted when the plasma must be confined within the cathode region. The system is capable of providing ion pulses of a few hundred milliamperes, whose length can range from a hundred nanoseconds to dozen microseconds. The electron pulses of energetic electrons have typically an amplitude higher than a couple of amperes. Tests at MHz repetition rate were positive as for stable operation.
Satellite CMB anisotropy missions and new generation of balloon-borne and ground experiments, make use of complex multi-frequency instruments at the focus of a meter class telescope. Between 70 GHz and 300 GHz, where foreground contamination is minimum, it is extremely important to reach the best trade-off between the improvement of the angular resolution and the minimization of the straylight contamination mainly due to the Galactic emission. We focus here, as a working case, on the 30 and 100 GHz channels of the Planck Low Frequency Instrument (LFI). We evaluate the GSC introduced by the most relevant Galactic foreground components for a reference set of optical configurations. We show that it is possible to improve the angular resolution of 5-7% by keeping the overall GSC below the level of few microKelvin. A comparison between the level of straylight introduced by the different Galactic components for different beam ...
We study the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect potentially generated by relativistic electrons injected from dark matter (DM) annihilation or decay in the Galaxy, and check whether it could be observed by Planck or ALMA, or even imprint the current CMB data as e.g. the specific fluctuation excess claimed from an recent re-analysis of the WMAP-5 data. We focus on high-latitude regions to avoid contamination of the Galactic astrophysical electron foreground, and consider the annihilation or decay coming from the smooth DM halo as well as from subhalos, further extending our analysis to a generic modeling of spikes arising around intermediate-mass-black-holes (IMBHs). We show that all these dark Galactic components are unlikely to produce any observable SZ effect. For a self-annihilating DM particle of 10 GeV with canonical properties, the largest optical depth we find is $\\tau_e \\lesssim 10^{-7}$ for massive isolated subhalos hosting IMBHs. We ...
Diffuse {gamma}-ray emission produced by the interaction of cosmic-ray particles with matter and radiation in the Galaxy can be used to probe the distribution of cosmic rays and their sources in different regions of the Galaxy. With its large field of view and long observation time, the Milagro Gamma Ray Observatory is an ideal instrument for surveying large regions of the Northern Hemisphere sky and for detecting diffuse {gamma}-ray emission at very high energies. Here, the spatial distribution and the flux of the diffuse {gamma}-ray emission in the TeV energy range with a median energy of 15 TeV for Galactic longitudes between 30{sup o} and 110{sup o} and between 136{sup o} and 216{sup o} and for Galactic latitudes between -10{sup o} and 10{sup o} are determined. The measured fluxes are consistent with predictions of the GALPROP model everywhere except for the Cygnus region (l {element_of} [65{sup o}, 85{sup o}]). For the Cygnus region, the ...
PAMELA is a satellite borne experiment designed to study with great accuracy cosmic rays of galactic, solar, and trapped nature in a wide energy range (protons: 80 MeV-700 GeV, electrons 50 MeV-400 GeV). Main objective is the study of the antimatter component: antiprotons (80 MeV-190 GeV), positrons (50 MeV-270 GeV) and search for antinuclei with a precision of the order of $10^{-8}$). The experiment, housed on board the Russian Resurs-DK1 satellite, was launched on June, $15^{th}$ 2006 in a $350\\times 600 km$ orbit with an inclination of 70 degrees. In this work we describe the scientific objectives and the performance of PAMELA in its first two years of operation. Data on protons of trapped, secondary and galactic nature - as well as measurements of the December $13^{th}$ 2006 Solar Particle Event - are also provided.
Nuclear reaction rates and opacity are important parameters in stellar evolution. The input physics in a stellar evolution code determines the main theoretical characteristics of the stellar structure, evolution and nucleosynthesis of a star. For different input physics, in this work we calculate stellar evolution models of very massive first stars during the hydrogen and helium burning phases. We have considered 100 and 200M_sun galactic and pregalactic stars with metallicity Z = 10"-"6 and 10"9, respectively. The results show important differences from old to new formulations for the opacity and nuclear reaction rates, in particular the evolutionary tracks are significantly affected, that indicates the importance of using up to date and reliable input physics. The triple alpha reaction activates sooner for pregalactic than for galactic stars.
We present evidence in favour of a link between the luminosity radiatively dissipated in the central engine of radio-loud Active Galactic Nuclei and the kinetic power in their jets. This piece of evidence is based on the relation we find between the luminosity in broad emission lines and the kinetic power in pc-scale radio jets, for a sample of radio-loud quasars for which suitable data are available in the literature. We find that the ionizing luminosity and the kinetic one are of the same order of magnitude, suggesting that the processes responsible for them are somehow related. A strong magnetic field in equipartition with the radiation field could be responsible for regulating both processes. BL Lac objects seem to follow a similar behaviour, but with comparatively fainter broad line emission.
AbstractThe structural integrity of striated muscle is determined by extra-sarcomere cytoskeleton that includes structures that connect the Z-disks and M-bands of a sarcomere to sarcomeres...Full Text Available
Comparative studies of flocculent and grand-design spirals suggest that density waves are not the predominant trigger of star formation in most galaxies. Implications for chemical evolution are profound. It may be possible to ignore the details of the spiral-wave phenomenon in research aimed at unifying the chemical properties of spiral disks. 16 references.
This paper presents new images and spectroscopy of NGC 34 (Mrk 938) obtained with the du Pont 2.5-m and Baade 6.5-m telescopes at Las Campanas, plus photometry of an HST archival V image. This Mv = -21.6 galaxy has often been classified as a Seyfert 2, yet recently published infrared spectra suggest a dominant central starburst. We find that the galaxy features a single nucleus, a main spheroid containing a blue central disk, and tidal tails indicative of two former disk galaxies. These galaxies appear to have completed merging. The remnant shows three clear optical signs that the merger was gas-rich ("wet") and accompanied by a starburst: (1) It sports a rich system of young star clusters, of which 87 have absolute magnitudes -10.0 > Mv > -15.4. Five clusters with available spectra have ages in the range 0.1-1.0 Gyr, photometric masses between 2x10^6 and 2x10^7 Msun, and are gravitationally bound young globulars. (2) The blue central ...
Present in over 45% of local spirals, boxy and peanut-shaped bulges are generally interpreted as edge-on bars and may represent a key phase in the evolution of bulges. Aiming to test such claims, the kinematic properties of self-consistent 3D N-body simulations of bar-unstable disks are studied. Using Gauss-Hermite polynomials to describe the stellar kinematics, a number of characteristic bar signatures are identified in edge-on disks: 1) a major-axis light profile with a quasi-exponential central peak and a plateau at moderate radii (Freeman Type II profile); 2) a ``double-hump'' rotation curve; 3) a sometime flat central velocity dispersion peak with a plateau at moderate radii and occasional local central minimum and secondary peak; 4) an h3-V correlation over the projected bar length. All those kinematic features are spatially correlated and can easily be understood from the orbital structure of barred disks. They thus ...
This is a study done in collaboration with Deidre Hunter at Lowell Observatory studying star formation in two luminous spiral galaxies NGC 801 and UGC 2885. We used ultra-deep H? images taken at the KPNO 2.1 m telescope. We compare these data to stellar images at various wavelengths and to HI maps to determine the extent of star formation activity into the outer disk in these galaxies and its relationship to the gas and older stars. TW is grateful for an REU internship during the summer of 2010 at Northern Arizona University, funded by NSF through grant AST-1004107.
I present a study of two Herbig Ae stars that are in completely different evolutionary stages: V892 Tau and PV Cep. Using sub-arcsecond interferometric observations obtained with the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy at #lambda# = 1.3 and 2.7 mm, I have for the first time resolved their disks. I deduce that the 5 Myr old V892 Tau has a low dust opacity index #beta# = 1.1 and a disk mass of #approx#0.03 M_s_u_n. These values correspond to the growth of its dust into large, up to centimeters size, structures. In contrast, the very young (a few x10"5 yr) PV Cep has a quite high opacity index #beta# = 1.75 and a more massive disk 0.8 M_s_u_n. PV Cep has the youngest resolved disk around any Herbig Ae star. Unlike the youngest T Tauri and Class 0 stars, which contain large and processed grains, the young Herbig Ae star, PV Cep, disk contains ...
A possibility of generating collimated beams of faster-than-light particles (tachyons) and using them for rocket propulsion is explored. The relativistic rocket equations are derived, and are solved for a single-stage rocket with constant mass flow rate, constant exhaust velocity and no coasting period. The features of these solutions for faster-than-light exhaust velocities are discussed. It is shown that a tachyon drive would not violate the first law of thermodynamics. However, as seen in the Galactic frame, it would violate the second law.
The indirect detection of particle dark matter (DM) is based on the search for anomalous components in cosmic rays (CRs) due to the annihilation of DM pairs in the galactic halo, on the top of the standard astrophysical production. These additional exotic components are potentially detectable at Earth as spectral distortions for the various cosmic radiations: $\\chi + \\chi \\to q \\bar{q}, W^+ W^-, ... \\to \\bar{p}, \\bar{D}, e^+ \\gamma and \
Recent observations of the evolutionary properties of paired and interacting galaxies are reviewed, with special emphasis on their global emission properties and star formation rates. Data at several wavelengths provide strong confirmation of the hypothesis, proposed originally by Larson and Tinsley, that interactions trigger global bursts of star formation in galaxies. The nature and properties of the starbursts, and their overall role in galactic evolution are also discussed.
The contribution of pulsar accelerated nuclei to the cosmic rays inside the Galaxy is calculated assuming that a significant part of the pulsar rotational energy is lost on acceleration of iron nuclei extracted from the surface of the neutron star. Different models of the galactic pulsar population are discussed. It is shown that the best description of the observed cosmic ray spectrum and the mass composition between a few 10{sup 15} eV and a few 10{sup 18} eV is obtained for the model B of Lorimer et al. (1993)
We present an abundance analysis based on high-resolution spectra of 10 stars selected to span the full range in metallicity in the Ursa Minor (UMi) dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy. We find that [Fe/H] for the sample stars ranges from -1.35 to -3.10 dex. Combining our sample with previously published work for a total of 16 luminous UMi giants, we establish the trends of abundance ratios [X/Fe] as functions of [Fe/H] for 15 elements. In key cases, particularly for the #alpha#-elements, these trends resemble those for stars in the outer part of the Galactic halo, especially at the lowest metallicities probed. The neutron-capture elements show an r-process distribution over the full range of Fe metallicity reached in this dSph galaxy. This suggests that the duration of star formation in the UMi dSph was shorter than in other dSph galaxies. The derived ages for a larger sample of UMi stars with more uncertain metallicities also suggest a population dominated by ...
Large-eddy-simulations are performed for the heat transfer and the wake flow of a thin rotating disk subjected to an outer parallel passing stream of air. Above a critical value for the angular velocity of the disk, heat transfer augmentation sets on. This is strongly related to a flow instability that leads to a periodic vortex generation at the counter-moving disk side. The resulting phenomena are captured by the classical Landau model. For higher angular velocities the wake becomes fully turbulent, and here the transition to turbulence seems to be very abrupt. In this regime, a periodic vortex generation is observable at the co-moving disk side, too. (orig.) [German] Grobstruktur-Simulationen werden fuer die Waermeuebertragung und die Nachlaufstroemung fuer eine duenne rotierende Scheibe in einem aeusseren parallelen Luftstrom durchgefuehrt. Oberhalb eines kritischen Wertes fuer die ...
(abridged) The accretion disk in AGN is expected to produce strong outflows, in particular a UV-line driven wind. Despite providing a good fit to the data, current spectral models of the X-ray spectrum of AGN observed through an accretion disk wind are ad-hoc in their treatment of the properties of the wind material. In order to address these limitations we adopt a numerical computation method that links a series of radiative transfer calculations, incorporating the effect of a global velocity field in a self-consistent manner (XSCORT). We present a series of example spectra from the XSCORT code that allow us to examine the shape of AGN X-ray spectra seen through a wind, for a range of velocity and density distributions, total column densities and initial ionization parameters. These detailed spectral models clearly show considerable complexity and structure that is strongly affected by all these factors. The presence of sharp features in the ...
In order to perform a detailed study of the stellar kinematics in the vertical axis of bars, we obtained high signal-to-noise spectra along the major and minor axes of the bars in a sample of 14 face-on galaxies, and used them to determine the line of sight stellar velocity distribution, parameterized as Gauss-Hermite series. With these data, we developed a diagnostic tool that allows one to distinguish between recently formed and evolved bars, as well as estimate their ages, assuming that bars form in vertically thin disks, recognizable by low values for the vertical velocity dispersion sigma_z. Through N-body realizations of bar unstable disk galaxies we could also check the time scales involved in the processes which give bars an important vertical structure. We show that sigma_z in evolved bars is roughly around 100 Km/s, which translates to a height scale of about 1.4 Kpc, giving support to scenarios in which bulges form through ...
The Department of Energy selected caustic-side solvent extraction (CSSX) as the preferred cesium-removal technology for SRS high-level waste. In the pretreatment step of the CSSX flowsheet, the incoming salt solution, which contains entrained sludge, is contacted with MST to adsorb strontium and selected actinides. An alternative approach replaces MST with the addition of sodium permanganate, strontium nitrate, and hydrogen peroxide. The pretreatment operation then filters the resulting slurry to remove the sludge and MST or manganese oxide and strontium carbonate solids. The filtrate receives further treatment in the solvent extraction system. SRTC personnel coordinated tests using a SpinTek rotary microfilter at the vendor location in FY01. These tests demonstrated a significant improvement - 2.5 to 6 times increase - in performance relative to the conventional cross-flow filter units. Rotary microfilter testing used a filter disk with nominal pore size of either ...
Terrestrial planets form in a series of dynamical steps from the solid component of circumstellar disks. First, km-sized planetesimals form likely via a combination of sticky collisions, turbulent concentration of solids, and gravitational collapse from micron-sized dust grains in the thin disk midplane. Second, planetesimals coalesce to form Moon- to Mars-sized protoplanets, also called "planetary embryos". Finally, full-sized terrestrial planets accrete from protoplanets and planetesimals. This final stage of accretion lasts about 10-100 Myr and is strongly affected by gravitational perturbations from any gas giant planets, which are constrained to form more quickly, during the 1-10 Myr lifetime of the gaseous component of the disk. It is during this final stage that the bulk compositions and volatile (e.g., water) contents of terrestrial planets are set, depending on their feeding zones and the amount of radial mixing ...
We present new semi-analytical models for the formation of disk galaxies with the purpose of investigating the origin of the near-infrared Tully-Fisher (TF) relation. The models assume that disks are formed by cooling of the baryons inside dark halos with realistic density profiles, and that the baryons conserve their specific angular momentum. Only gas with densities above the critical density given by Toomre's stability criterion is considered eligible for star formation, and a simple recipe for supernovae feedback is included. We emphasize the importance of extracting the proper luminosity and velocity measures from the models, something that has often been ignored in the past. The observed K-band TF relation has a slope that is steeper than simple predictions based on dynamical arguments suggest. Taking the stability related star formation threshold densities into account steepens the TF relation, decreases its scatter, and yields gas mass ...
The oxidative dehydrodimerization of propylene to C/sub 3/-dimers (1,5-hexadiene and benzene) has been examined at 600/sup 0/C and atmospheric pressure using a (Bi/sub 2/O/sub 3/)/sub 0.85/(La/sub 2/O/sub 3/)/sub 0.15/ oxide ion-conducting catalyst in a reactor where a catalyst disk separates a feed of propylene in helium from air. The surface of the disk exposed to propylene was reoxidized not by gaseous O/sub 2/, but by the dissociative adsorption and reduction of dioxygen at the oxidant side of the disk, followed by oxide ion conduction to replace spent lattice oxygen. Selectivity to C/sub 3/-dimers when using lattice oxide migration to reoxidize the catalyst was considerably greater than when O/sub 2/ was added to the propylene feed under the same reaction conditions. This result supports the proposal that lattice oxygen is predominantly involved in the selective oxidation of propylene to C/sub 3/-dimers, and ...
In massive star formation (gsim 40 M sun) by core accretion, the direct stellar radiation pressure acting on the dust particles exceeds the gravitational force and interferes with mass accretion at the dust sublimation front, the first absorption site. Ram pressure generated by high accretion rates of 10-3 M sun yr-1 is thought to be required to overcome the direct stellar radiation pressure. We investigate the direct stellar irradiation on the dust sublimation front, including the inner accretion disk structure. We show that the ram pressure of the accretion disk is lower than the stellar radiation pressure at the dust sublimation front. Thus, another mechanism must overcome the direct stellar radiation pressure. We suggest that the inner hot dust-free region is optically thick, shielding the dust sublimation front from direct stellar irradiation. Thus, accretion would not halt at the dust sublimation front, even at lower accretion rates.
The device for removing drilling fines from the well head includes a support disk encompassing the sucker rod of the drilling machine with frame made in the form of a dish with inner conical surface, and overturned truncated cone located in the dish of the support disk with the formation between them of a ring guide slit. In order to improve the effectiveness of removing the drilling fines and convenience of operation by excluding heavy manual auxiliary operations to clean the well head and to move the device from one well to another, it is equipped with a mechanism for suspension with a drive. The inner conical surface of the dish is equipped with slide blocks, while the overturned truncated cone is equipped with projections. The suspension mechanism is made in the form of a hydrocylinder and two pairs of levers connected in pairs by means of hinges. The hinges of each pair of levers are connected to the hydrocylinder, and the levers are ...
Non-axisymmetric forces are presented for 107 spiral galaxies using the 2 Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) images. We apply both Cartesian integration and a polar grid integration utilizing a limited number of azimuthal Fourier components of density. We found that bar strength is independent of the method used to evaluate the gravitational potential. However, the polar method is more suitable for weak and noisy images. Bar strength was found to be sensitive to the Hubble-type dependent scale height of the disk, which has been ignored in the previous studies. On the other hand, the method is rather insensitive to the vertical model of the disk, as long as a same vertical dispersion is assumed, or to the boxy/peanut shaped structure, studied in terms of non-constant vertical scale height along the disk. In the near-IR most galaxies in our sample show non-axisymmetric forces in some level, and 40 percent of them have bars in a ...
Nanoparticle metal oxides offer a wide variety of potential applications in medicine due to the unprecedented advances in nanobiotechnology research. In this work, the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles prepared by mechano-chemical method on the antibacterial activity of different antibiotics was evaluated using disk diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The average size of ZnO nanoparticles was between 20 nm and 45 nm. Although ZnO nanoparticles (500 mg/disk) decreased the antibacterial activity of amoxicillin, penicillin G, and nitrofurantoin in S. aureus, the antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin increased in the presence of ZnO nanoparticles in both test strains. A total of 27% and 22% increase in inhibition zone areas was observed for ciprofloxac...
Microstructure characterization is important for controlling the quality of laser welding. In the present work, a detailed microstructure characterization by transmission electron microscopy was carried out on the laser welding cast Ni-based superalloy K418 turbo disk and alloy steel 42CrMo shaft and an unambiguous identification of phases in the weldment was accomplished. It was found that there are {gamma}-FeCrNiC austenite solid solution dendrites as the matrix, (Nb, Ti) C type MC carbides, fine and dispersed Ni{sub 3} Al {gamma}' phase as well as Laves particles in the interdendritic region of the seam zone. A brief discussion was given for their existence based on both kinetic and thermodynamic principles.
Microstructure characterization is important for controlling the quality of laser welding. In the present work, a detailed microstructure characterization by transmission electron microscopy was carried out on the laser welding cast Ni-based superalloy K418 turbo disk and alloy steel 42CrMo shaft and an unambiguous identification of phases in the weldment was accomplished. It was found that there are #gamma#-FeCrNiC austenite solid solution dendrites as the matrix, (Nb, Ti) C type MC carbides, fine and dispersed Ni_3 Al #gamma#' phase as well as Laves particles in the interdendritic region of the seam zone. A brief discussion was given for their existence based on both kinetic and thermodynamic principles.
The BL Lacertae object PKS 1413+135 is associated with a disk dominated galaxy which heavily absorbs the BL Lac nucleus at optical and X-ray wavelengths. It has been argued whether this galaxy is actually the host galaxy of PKS 1413+135 or whether the BL Lac is a background QSO, gravitationally lensed by the apparent host galaxy. We have obtained deep high resolution H-band images of this unusual BL Lac object using the UKIRT IRCAM3. Our observations show that the BL Lac nucleus is centered within < 0.05 arcsec of the galaxy. Based on this result we assess the probability for the lensing scenario and come to the conclusion that the disk galaxy is indeed the host of PKS 1413+135. The galaxy shows peanut-shaped isophotes, suggesting the presence of a central bar which is a common feature of AGN
The authors consider the dynamics of interacting elastic disks in the plane. This is an experimentally realizable two-dimensional model of dry granular flow where the stresses can be visualized using the photoelastic effect. As the elastic disks move in a vacuum, they interact through collisions with each other and with the surrounding geometry. Because of the finite propagation speed of deformations inside each grain it can be difficult to capture computationally even simple experiments involving just a few interacting grains. The goal of this project is to improve our ability to simulate dense granular flow in complex geometry. They begin this process by reviewing some past work, how they can improve upon previous work. the focus of this project is on capturing the elastic dynamics of each grain in an approximate, computationally tractable, model that can be coupled to a molecular dynamics scheme.
We investigate ordering properties of two-dimensional granular materials using several shapes created by welding ball bearings together. Ordered domains form much more easily in two than in three dimensions, even when configurations lack long-range order. The onset of ordered domains occurs near a packing density of 0.8, a phenomenon observed previously for disks. One of our shapes, the trapezoid, has packings that remain disordered and near the transition density even after annealing by shaking. Although random packings are unstable for disks and many other shapes in two dimensions, trapezoid packings provide an approach to studying two-dimensional randomness. We also find that the rotational symmetry of a shape is an excellent predictor of how easily it orders, and a potential guide to identifying two-dimensional shapes that remain random after annealing.
We demonstrate experimentally that the route to a jammed state for a set of bi-dispersed frictional disks, subjected to uni-axial compression from a random initial unjammed state, consists of a consolidation state, a fragile jammed state, and finally a rigid jammed state. In the consolidation regime, the pressure on the sides increases very slowly with the packing fraction {phi} and there are no detectable stress chains. In the fragile jammed state, stress chains are visible, the pressure increases exponentially with {phi}, and the fraction of moving disks drops exponentially. Eventually, a final regime where particle displacements are below our resolution and the pressure varies approximately linearly with {phi} is reached. We argue that this scenario is generic for ather mal frictional compressed particles.
This paper discusses the results of the absorption-line spectroscopy carried out with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope on the prototypical Sa galaxy NGC 4594 (the Sombrero galaxy). Two conclusions were derived concerning this galaxy. First, at the values of r less than 10 arcsec, there is a well-defined nuclear disk of stars which is not obviously connected to the main disk at larger radii. Second, the mass-to-light ratio, M/L(V), of the galaxy rises abruptly at r values less than 1 arcsec to values of M/L(V) greater than 50, which is at least 10 times as large as the mass-to-light ratios at r values above 2 arcsec. This implies the presence of a central dark mass of a magnitude between 10 to the 8.5th and 10 to the 9.5th solar masses. 54 references.
The central engine of Gamma Ray Bursts is hidden from direct probing with photons mainly due to the high densities involved. Inferences on their properties are thus made from their cosmological setting, energetics, low-energy counterparts and variability. If GRBs are powered by hypercritical accretion onto compact objects, on small spatial scales the flow will exhibit fluctuations, which could in principle be reflected in the power output of the central engine and ultimately in the high energy prompt emission. Here we address this issue by characterizing the variability in neutrino cooled accretion flows through local shearing box simulations with magnetic fields, and then convolving them on a global scale with large scale dynamical simulations of accretion disks. The resulting signature is characteristic, and sensitive to the details of the cooling mechanism, providing in principle a discriminant for GRB central engine properties.
During searches for new optical Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs) in the high resolution, high sensitivity Anglo-Australian Observatory/United Kingdom Schmidt Telescope (AAO/UKST) HAlpha survey of the southern Galactic plane, we uncovered a variety of filamentary and more diffuse, extensive nebular structures in the vicinity of Wolf-Rayet (WR) star 48 (Theta Muscae), only some of which were previously recognised. We used the double-beam spectrograph of the Mount Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatory (MSSSO) 2.3-m to obtain low and mid resolution spectra of selected new filaments and structures in this region. Despite spectral similarities between the optical spectra of WR star shells and SNRs, a careful assessment of the new spectral and morphological evidence from our deep HAlpha imagery suggests that the putative shell of Theta Mus is not a WR shell at all, as has been commonly accepted, but is rather part of a more complex area of ...
In a recent paper by Hooper and Goodenough, data from the Fermi Gamma Ray Telescope was analyzed and an excess of gamma rays was found in the emission spectrum from the Galactic Center Region. Hooper and Goodenough show that the excess can be well explained by 7-10 GeV annihilating dark matter with a power law density profile if the dark matter annihilates predominantly to tau pairs. In this paper we present such a dark matter model by extending the MSSM to include four Higgs doublets and one scalar singlet. A Z2 symmetry is imposed that enforces a Yukawa structure so that the up quarks, down quarks, and leptons each receive mass from a distinct doublet. This leads to an enhanced coupling of scalars to leptons and allows the model to naturally achieve the required phenomenology in order to explain the gamma ray excess. Our model yields the correct dark matter thermal relic density and avoids collider bounds from measurements of the Z width as well as direct ...
Context. Study of open clusters is important not only for learning properties of these objects but also for understanding the process of formation and evolution of stars and the Milky Way. Aims. The paper contains determination of the global (geometrical and physical) characteristics of a large sample of Galactic open clusters from homogeneous near-infrared photometric data and analysis of mutual relations between those characteristics. Methods. The near-infrared JHK photometric data from the 2-Micron All Sky Survey were used to determine new coordinates of the centres, angular sizes and radial density profiles of 849 open clusters in the MilkyWay. Additionally, for 754 of these clusters age, reddening, distance and linear sizes were also derived. The sample contains 140 open clusters which have not been studied before. Results. The analysed sample contains open clusters with ages in the range from 7 Myr to 10 Gyr. The majority of these clusters are located up to 3 ...
Magnetically driven non-stationary acceleration of jets in active galactic nuclei results in the leading parts of the flow being accelerated to much higher Lorentz factors than in the case of steady-state acceleration with the same parameters. The higher Doppler-boosted parts of the flow may dominate the high-energy emission of blazar jets. We suggest that highly variable GeV and TeV emission in blazars is produced by the faster moving leading edges of highly magnetized non-stationary ejection blobs, while the radio data trace the slower-moving bulk flow. Thus, the radio and gamma-ray emission regions have different, but correlated, Doppler factors. High-energy emission is generated, typically within the optically thick core, in the outer parts of the broad-line emission region, avoiding the radiative drag on the faster parts of the flow. The radio emission should correlate with the gamma-ray emission, delayed with frequency-dependent time lag of the order of weeks ...
Measurement of redshifted 21-cm emission from neutral hydrogen promises to be the most effective method for studying the reionisation history of hydrogen and, indirectly, the first galaxies. These studies will be limited not by raw sensitivity to the signal, but rather, by bright foreground radiation from Galactic and extragalactic radio sources and the Galactic continuum. In addition, leakage due to gain errors and non-ideal feeds conspire to further contaminate low-frequency radio obsevations. This leakage leads to a portion of the complex linear polarisation signal finding its way into Stokes I, and inhibits the detection of the non-polarised cosmological signal from the epoch of reionisation. In this work, we show that rotation measure synthesis can be used to recover the signature of cosmic hydrogen reionisation in the presence of contamination by polarised foregrounds. To achieve this, we apply the rotation measure synthesis technique to ...
We review X-ray plasma diagnostics based on the line ratios of He-like ions. Triplet/singlet line intensities can be used to determine electronic temperature and density, and were first developed for the study of the solar corona. Since the launches of the X-ray satellites Chandra and XMM-Newton, these diagnostics have been extended and used (from CV to Si XIII) for a wide variety of astrophysical plasmas such as stellar coronae, supernova remnants, solar system objects, active galactic nuclei, and X-ray binaries. Moreover, the intensities of He-like ions can be used to determine the ionization process(es) at work, as well as the distance between the X-ray plasma and the UV emission source for example in hot stars. In the near future thanks to the next generation of X-ray satellites (e.g., Astro-H and IXO), higher-Z He-like lines (e.g., iron) will be resolved, allowing plasmas with higher temperatures and densities to be probed. Moreover, the so-called satellite ...
In this work we develop a new propagation model for the Galactic cosmic rays based on the GALPROP code, including contributions from dark matter annihilation. The model predicts compatible Galactic diffuse $\\gamma$ ray spectra with EGRET data in all sky regions. It also gives consistent results of the diffuse $\\gamma$ ray longitude and latitude distributions. Further the results for B/C, $^{10}$Be/$^9$Be, proton, electron and antiproton spectra are also consistent with cosmic ray measurements. In the model we have taken a universal proton spectrum throughout the Galaxy without introducing large fluctuation for the proton energy loss is negligible. The dark matter annihilation signals are `boosted' after taking the contribution from subhalos into account. Another interesting feature of the model is that it gives better description of the diffuse $\\gamma$ rays when taking the source distribution compatible with supernova remnants data, which ...
Antideuterons are among the most promising galactic cosmic ray-related targets for dark matter indirect detection. Currently only upper limits exist on the flux, but the development of new experiments, such as GAPS and AMS-02, provides exciting perspectives for a positive measurement in the near future. In this Paper, we present a novel and updated calculation of both the secondary and primary antideuteron fluxes. We employ a two-zone diffusion model which successfully reproduces cosmic-ray nuclear data and the observed antiproton flux. We review the nuclear and astrophysical uncertainties and provide an up to date secondary (i.e. background) antideuteron flux. The primary (i.e. signal) contribution is calculated for generic WIMPs annihilating in the galactic halo: we explicitly consider and quantify the various sources of uncertainty in the theoretical evaluations. Propagation uncertainties, as is the case of antiprotons, are sizeable. ...
Recent X-ray and radio observations have identified a transient low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) located only 0.1 pc in projection from the Galactic center, CXOGC J174540.0-290031. In this paper, we report the detailed analysis of X-ray and infrared observations of the transient and its surroundings. Chandra bservations detect the source at a flux of F_X = 2e-12 erg cm^-2 s^-1 (2-8 keV). After accounting for absorption both in the interstellar medium and in material local to the source, the implied luminosity of the source is only L_X = 4e34 erg/s (2-8 keV; D=8 kpc). However, the diffuse X-ray emission near the source also brightened by a factor of 2. The enhanced diffuse X-ray emission lies on top of a known ridge of dust and ionized gas that is visible infrared images. We interpret the X-ray emission as scattered flux from the outburst, and determine that the peak luminosity of CXOGC J174540.0-290031 was >2e36 erg/s. We suggest that the relatively small observed ...
We report the discovery of a bow shock around the high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) 4U 1907+09 using the Spitzer Space Telescope 24 $\\mu$m data (after Vela X-1 the second example of bow shocks associated with HMXBs). The detection of the bow shock implies that 4U 1907+09 is moving through the space with a high (supersonic) peculiar velocity. To confirm the runaway nature of 4U 1907+09, we measured its proper motion, which for an adopted distance to the system of 4 kpc corresponds to a peculiar transverse velocity of $\\simeq 160 \\pm 115$ km/s, meaning that 4U 1907+09 is indeed a runaway system and supporting the general belief that most of HMXBs possess high space velocities. The direction of motion of 4U 1907+09 inferred from the proper motion measurement is consistent with the orientation of the symmetry axis of the bow shock, and shows that the HMXB is running away from the Galactic plane. We also present the Spitzer images of the bow shock around Vela X-1 (a ...
The energy fed by active galactic nuclei to the surrounding diffuse baryons changes the latter's amount, temperature, and distribution; so in groups and in member galaxies it affects the X-ray luminosity and also the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect. Here we compute how the latter is enhanced by the transient blastwave driven by a shining quasar, and is depressed when the equilibrium is recovered with a depleted density. We constrain such depressions and enhancements with the masses of relic black holes in galaxies and the X-ray luminosities in groups. We discuss how all these linked observables can tell the quasar contribution to the thermal history of the baryons pervading galaxies and groups.
We discuss the advantages which the next generation interferometer SKA (the Square Kilometer Array) will bring for Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) at centimeter wavelengths. With a sensitivity to micro-Jy level flux density, a brightness temperature limit of about 10.000 K, and an expected dynamic range in future VLBI maps of better than 1.000.000, the impact of SKA on the research of compact extragalactic radio sources and their energetic jets will be very strong. We discuss some consequences, including a possible combination of SKA with future space VLBI missions.
The mass distribution of the Sombrero Galaxy, NGC 4594, is calculated in order to investigate the suspicion that the rotational velocity of the galactic gas does not measure the circular velocity in the galaxy. It is shown that the H II rotation velocities are much less than circular in the central 35 arcsec of the galaxy, and that the suspicion is correct. Thus, the H II rotation velocities cannot be used to measure the mass distribution. The absorption-line rotation curve is used to derive the mass distribution, and it is found that the M/L ratio is nearly constant. It is concluded that the visible matter is self-gravitating at least in the central 180 arcsec. 44 references.
The purpose of this investigation is to show that resource to anisotropic compression along a magnetic field is not a necessary condition for star formation within large collapsing interstellar gas clouds. Although such a scenario would certainly eliminate the magnetic field and angular momentum problems associated with isotropically collapsing clouds, it is believed there is sufficient observational theoretical evidence to warrant the present study of magnetically braked, isotropically collapsing gas clouds. It is not attempted to disprove the hypothesis of anisotropic compression, but to offer instead, a reasonable alternative. Angular momentum transfer from magnetically braked, cool interstellar gas clouds of 10"2, 10"3 and 10"4 times the mass of the sun is examined. Magnetic torques acting on a contracting, rotating cloud, permeated by a frozen-in magnetic field coupling the cloud to the galactic field of the surrounding interstellar medium, produce kinks in ...
We solve an R -linear problem for a multiple-connected circular domain in a class of doubly periodic functions in analytic form by a method of functional equations. This problem models transport properties of two-dimensional composite materials made from a collection of disks embedded in an otherwise uniform host.
We solve an R -linear problem for a multiple-connected circular domain in a class of doubly periodic functions in analytic form by a method of functional equations. This problem models transport properties of two-dimensional composite materials made from a collection of disks embedded in an otherwise uniform host.
We have examined in detail the electrochemistry of both n- and p-type single crystal (100) silicon in the porous silicon formation regime using a rotating Si disk apparatus with a Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Our findings impact the use and optimization of buried n- or p-type layer anodization for silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer synthesis. Results are briefly discussed. 3 refs.
Numerical simulations show that box-shaped bulges of edge-on galaxies are not bulges: they are bars seen side-on. Therefore, the two components that are seen in edge-on Sb galaxies such as NGC 4565 are a disk and a bar. But face-on SBb galaxies always show a disk, a bar, and a (pseudo)bulge. Where is the (pseudo)bulge in NGC 4565? We use archival Hubble Space Telescope H-band images and Spitzer Space Telescope 3.6 #mu#m wavelength images, both calibrated to Two Micron All Sky Survey K_s band, to penetrate the prominent dust lane in NGC 4565. We find a high surface brightness, central stellar component that is clearly distinct from the boxy bar and from the disk. Its brightness profile is a Sersic function with index n = 1.55 #+-# 0.07 along the major axis and 1.33 #+-# 0.12 along the minor axis. Therefore, it is a pseudobulge. It is much less luminous than the boxy bar, so the true pseudobulge-to-total luminosity ratio of ...
Very high energy (VHE; >100 GeV) observations of a sample of selected active galactic nuclei (AGN) were performed between January 2005 and April 2007 with the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS), an array of imaging atmospheric-Cherenkov telescopes. Significant detections are reported elsewhere for many of these objects. Here, integral flux upper limits for twelve candidate very high energy (VHE; >100 GeV) gamma-ray emitters are presented. In addition, results from HESS observations of four known VHE-bright AGN are given although no significant signal is measured. For three of these AGN (1ES 1101-232, 1ES 1218+304, and Mkn 501) simultaneous data were taken with the Suzaku X-ray satellite.
Simple, one-zone models for inhomogeneous chemical evolution of the Galactic halo are used to predict the number fraction of zero-metallicity, Population III stars, which currently is empirically estimated at < 4e-4. These analytic models minimize the number of free parameters, highlighting the most fundamental constraints on halo evolution. There are disagreements of at least an order of magnitude between observations and predictions in limiting cases for both homogeneous Simple Model and Simple Inhomogeneous Model (SIM). Hence, this demonstrates a quantitative, unambiguous discrepancy in the observed and expected fraction of Population III stars. We explore how the metallicity distribution of the parent enrichment events f(z_0) drives the SIM and predictions for the Population III fraction. The SIM shows that the previously-identified "high halo" and "low halo" populations are consistent with a continuous evolutionary progression, and therefore may not ...
In this talk, we summarize recent results obtained from the combined neutrino telescopes IceCube and AMANDA. The combined approach, including data taken from both detectors simultaneously, is compared to other analyses that are using IceCube only data. The main benefit of the combined detector is its improved performance at low energies, meaning energies below 1 TeV (close to the energy threshold of the detector). The discussion is focused on the search for extra-terrestrial neutrinos from candidate sources in our Galaxy. Using appropriate cuts, the sensitivity can be optimized for soft spectra neutrino sources. With the resulting data sample, several studies are performed: an unbinned Galactic Plane Scan and a Cygnus region analysis: the Multi Point Source analysis. The current status of these analyses is presented.
Cosmic ray antiprotons provide an important probe for the study of cosmic ray propagation in the interstellar space and to investigate the existence of Galactic dark matter. The ARGO-YBJ experiment is observing the Moon shadow with high statistical significance at an energy threshold of a few hundred GeV. Using all the data collected until November 2009, we set two upper limits on the antip/p flux ratio: 5% at an energy of 1.4 TeV and 6% at 5 TeV with a confidence level of 90%. In the few-TeV range the ARGO-YBJ results are the lowest available, useful to constrain models for antiproton production in antimatter domains.
Dark Matter annihilation (DMA) may yield an excess of gamma rays and antimatter particles, like antiprotons and positrons, above the background from cosmic ray interactions. The excess of diffuse Galactic Gamma Rays from EGRET shows all the features expected from DMA. The new precise measurements of the antiproton and positron fractions from PAMELA are compared with the EGRET excess. It is shown that the charged particles are strongly dependent on the propagation model used. The usual propagation models with isotropic propagation models are incompatible with the recently observed convection in our Galaxy. Convection leads to an order of magnitude uncertainty in the yield of charged particles from DMA, since even a rather small convection will let drift the charged particles in the halo to outer space. It is shown that such anisotropic propagation models including convection prefer a contribution from DMA for the antiprotons, but the rise in the positron fraction, ...
This paper presents a review of the history, motivation and current status of high energy neutrino telescopes. Many years after these detectors were first conceived, the operation of kilometer-cubed scale detectors is finally on the horizon at both the South Pole and in the Mediterranean Sea. These new detectors will perhaps provide us the first view of high energy astrophysical objects with a new messenger particle and provide us with our first real glimpse of the distant universe at energies above those accessible by gamma-ray instruments. Some of the topics that can be addressed by these new instruments include the origin of cosmic rays, the nature of dark matter, and the mechanisms at work in high energy astrophysical objects such as gamma-ray bursts, active galactic nuclei, pulsar wind nebula and supernova remnants.
Using the Galaxy as an example, we study the effect of Formula Not Shown force on the rotational curves of gas and plasma in galaxies. Acceptable model for the galactic magnetic field and plausible physical parameters are used to fit the flat rotational curve for gas and plasma based on the observed baryonic (visible) matter distribution and Formula Not Shown force term in the static MHD equation of motion. We also study the effects of varied strength of the magnetic field, its pitch angle and length scale on the rotational curves. We show that Formula Not Shown force does not play an important role on the plasma dynamics in the intermediate range of distances 6?12?kpc from the centre, whilst the effect is sizable for larger r (r?15?kpc), where it is the most crucial.
Researchers report results from the Low Energy Antiproton Experiment (LEAP), a balloon-borne instrument which was flown in August, 1987. They found a value of 4.2 by 10-6 for the antiproton to proton ratio in the energy range from 120 MeV to 600 MeV at the top of the atmosphere. In particular, this experiment places an upper limit on the flux almost an order of magnitude below the reported flux of Buffington et al. This upper limit allows us to place significant constraints on both the primordial black hole and weakly interacting Majorana Fermion hypothesis, as well as on the low energy processes in more conventional models of galactic cosmic ray antiproton production.
The next decade promises an observational revolution which will change cosmology forever. The precise measurement of the angular anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background should specify to a few percent all of the parameters of the cosmological model which effect astrophysics. The growth of structure will then be determined (but not yet observed) until gravitational collapse becomes highly non-linear and stars, galaxies and active galactic nuclei (AGN) form. These processes are hard to model with basic physics because they are complex and allow a rich variety of expression. Instead observations will determine when the first stars and quasars formed, and how and when galaxies assembled. If we can reconcile the numerous contradictions which characterize the subject today, cosmology will become a mature subject, founded on the agreement between detailed, inclusive and realistic models, which make precise predictions, and the wealth of new data which will come from ...
Abstract Recent work (Schawinski et al.) indicates that star-forming early-type galaxies residing in the blue cloud migrate rapidly to the red sequence within around a Gyr, passing through several phases of increasingly strong active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity in the process. We show that natural depletion of the cold gas reservoir through star formation (i.e. in the absence of any feedback from the AGN) induces a blue-to-red reddening rate that is several factors lower than that observed by Schawinski et al. This is because the gas depletion rate due to star formation alone is too slow, implying that another process needs to be invoked to remove cold gas from the system and accelerate the reddening rate. We develop a simple phenomenological model, in which a fraction of the AGN-s lum...
We present evidence for the existence of two ~35 day clocks in the Her X-1/HZ Her binary system. ~35 day modulations are observed 1) in the Turn-On cycles with two on- and two off-states, and 2) in the changing shape of the pulse profiles which re-appears regularly. The two ways of counting the 35 day cycles are generally in synchronization. This synchronization did apparently break down temporarily during the long Anomalous Low (AL3) which Her X-1 experienced in 1999/2000, in the sense that there must have been one extra Turn-On cycle. Our working hypothesis is that there are two clocks in the system, both with a period of about ~35 days: precession of the accretion disk (the less stable "Turn-On clock") and free precession of the neutron star (the more stable "Pulse profile clock"). We suggest that free precession of the neutron star is the master clock, and that the precession of the accretion disk is basically synchronized to that of the ...
Context: Our previous models of a giant planet migrating through an inner protoplanet/planetesimal disk find that the giant shepherds a portion of the material it encounters into interior orbits, whilst scattering the rest into external orbits. Scattering tends to dominate, leaving behind abundant material that can accrete into terrestrial planets. Aims: We add to the possible realism of our model by simulating type I migration forces which cause an inward drift, and strong eccentricity and inclination damping of protoplanetary bodies. This extra dissipation might be expected to enhance shepherding at the expense of scattering, possibly modifying our previous conclusions. Methods: We employ an N-body code that is linked to a viscous gas disk algorithm capable of simulating: gas accretion onto the central star; gap formation in the vicinity of the giant planet; type II migration of the giant planet; type I migration of protoplanets; and the ...
We present a kinematic diagnostic for peanut-shaped bulges in nearly face-on galaxies. The face-on view provides a novel perspective on peanuts which would allow study of their relation to bars and disks in greater detail than hitherto possible. The diagnostic is based on the fact that peanut shapes are associated with a flat density distribution in the vertical direction. We show that the kinematic signature corresponding to such a distribution is a minimum in the fourth-order Gauss-Hermite moment $s_4$. We demonstrate our method on $N$-body simulations of varying peanut strength, showing that strong peanuts can be recognized to inclinations $i \\simeq 30\\degrees$, regardless of the strength of the bar. We also consider compound systems in which a bulge is present in the initial conditions as may happen if bulges form at high redshift through mergers. We show that in this case, because the vertical structure of the bulge is not derived from that of the ...
We have examined the momentum expansion of the disk level S-matrix element of two tachyons and two gauge fields to find, up to on-shell ambiguity, the couplings of these fields in the world volume theory of N coincident non-BPS D-branes to all order of {alpha}'. Using the proposal that the action of D-brane-anti-D-brane is given by the projection of the action of two non-BPS D-branes with (-1){sup F{sub L}}, we find the corresponding couplings in the world volume theory of the brane-anti-brane system. Using these infinite tower of couplings, we then calculate the massless pole of the scattering amplitude of one RR field, two tachyons and one gauge field in the brane-anti-brane theory. We find that the massless pole of the field theory amplitude is exactly equal to the massless pole of the disk level S-matrix element of one RR, two tachyons and one gauge field to all order of {alpha}'. We have also found the couplings of four ...
Aerospace gas turbine disks operate in an environment of relatively high stresses caused by centrifugal forces and elevated temperatures. These severe conditions necessitate the need for materials with high temperature strength and good low cycle fatigue resistance. One class of alloys used for this task is the nickel base superalloys, out of which, IN 718 is the most widely used in the aerospace industry. The properties of IN 718 are attributed to the combined effects of the chemistry, heat treatment, and microstructure. The chemistry is tailored not only for solid solution strengthening but also for precipitation hardening developed during heat treatment, which combined with a fine grained microstructure lead to excellent mechanical properties such as low cycle fatigue resistance and elevated temperature strength. The properties of a gas turbine disk are sensitive to the microstructure, in particular the grain size, which is dependent on the ...
A number of agricultural and engineering uses for fixated flue gas desulfurization (FGD) material exist; however, the potential for leaching of hazardous elements has limited widespread application and the processes controlling the leaching of this material are poorly understood. In this study, a flow-through rotating-disk system was applied to elucidate the relative importance of bulk diffusion, pore diffusion, and surface chemical reaction in controlling the leaching of fixated FGD material under pH conditions ranging from 2.2 to 6.8. Changing the hydrodynamics in the rotating disk system did not affect the leaching kinetics at both pH 2.2 and 6.8, indicating that bulk diffusion was not the kinetic-limiting step. Application of the shrinking core model (SCM) to the data suggested a surface reaction-controlled mechanism, rather than a pore diffusion mechanism. The leaching of fixated FGD material increased with decreasing pH, suggesting it can ...
Radon emanation coefficients of 0.02 to 0.55 were measured at moisture contents ranging from dry to saturation in 18 different ores. The emanation coefficients rose from a minimum when dry to a plateau usually starting at 5 to 20 percent of saturation. A model, using measured pore-size distributions, suggested that the radium mineralization may be confined to annular layers about 0.02 micrometers thick around pores. Radon's diffusion coefficient was determined as a function of moisture. The techniques involved comparing a disk's exhalation as a function of time whether or not the disk had a distributed source. The model was free of approximations and included the effects of porosity and adsorption. An increase of diffusion coefficient with moisture for one or two ores was explained in terms of a model's equation for the diffusion coefficient in terms of both volume and surface diffusion. Radon's adsorption ...
We study luminosities of millisecond pulsars in globular clusters by fitting the observed luminosity distribution with single and double power laws. We use simulations to model the observed distribution as the brighter part of some parent distribution for Terzan 5 and try to find a model which simultaneously agrees with the observed diffuse radio flux, total predicted number of pulsars and observed luminosity distribution. We find that wide ranges of parameters for log-normal and power-law distributions give such good models. No clear difference between the luminosity distributions of millisecond pulsars in globular clusters and normal disk pulsars was seen.
The risk analysis was carried out in consideration of conditions prevailing at the Kalkar site analogous to the investigations in phase A of DRS (German Reactor Study). Earthquake design loads include the probabilities of upper deviations of the site intensities to be expected. The calculations of dynamic loads for select buildings are made using models and computational methods. Component analyses were performed analogous to DRS for the supports of large components, supports of the roof construction of the reactor building taking into account support reserves due to plastic work capacity, wall disks in steam generator buildings and switchboard plant buildings. (DG).
We evaluate various disk level four-point functions involving the massless scalar and tachyon vertex operators in the presence of background B-flux in superstring theory. By studying these amplitudes in specific limits, we find couplings of two scalars with two tachyons, and couplings of four tachyons on the world-volume of non-BPS D-branes of superstring theory. They are fully consistent with the non-commutative tachyonic Dirac-Born-Infeld effective action. They also fix the coefficient of T{sup 4} term in the expansion of the tachyon potential around its maximum.
The diameters d/sub r/ of inner ring structures in disk galaxies are used as geometric distance indicators to derive the distances of 453 spiral and lenticular galaxies, mainly in the distance interval 4<#delta#<63 Mpc. The diameters are weighted means from the catalogs to Kormendy, Pedreros and Madore, and the authors. The distances are calculated by means of the two- and three-parameter formulae of Paper II; the adopted mean distance moduli #mu#"0(r) have mean errors from all sources of 0.6--0.7 mag for the well-observed galaxies.
Feasibility of depositing continuous films of nano-porous alumino-silicates, primarily zeolites and MCM-41, on metallic and non-metallic substrates was examined with an aim to develop membranes for separation of gaseous mixtures and also for application as hydrogen storage material. Mesoporous silica was deposited in-side the pores of these nano-porous disks with an aim to develop membranes for selective separations. Our study involves supported zeolite film growth on substrates using in-situ hydrothermal synthesis. Faujasite, Silicalite and Mesoporous silica have been grown on various metallic and non-metallic supports. Metallic substrates used for film growth included anodized titanium, sodium hydroxide treated Titanium, Anodized aluminum, and sintered copper. A non-metallic substrate used was nano-porous aluminum oxide. Zeolite film growth was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (AMRAY 1820) and High Resolution Transmission electron microscope. ...
Mass accretion onto (proto-)stars at high accretion rates M-dot_*> 10"-"4 M_s_u_n yr"-"1 is expected in massive star formation. We study the evolution of massive protostars at such high rates by numerically solving the stellar structure equations. In this paper, we examine the evolution via disk accretion. We consider a limiting case of 'cold' disk accretion, whereby most of the stellar photosphere can radiate freely with negligible backwarming from the accretion flow, and the accreting material settles onto the star with the same specific entropy as the photosphere. We compare our results to the calculated evolution via spherically symmetric accretion, the opposite limit, whereby the material accreting onto the star contains the entropy produced in the accretion shock front. We examine how different accretion geometries affect the evolution of massive protostars. For cold disk accretion at 10"-"3 M_s_u_n yr"-"1, the ...
If (S,h) is an open book with disconnected binding then we can form a new open book (S',h') by capping off one of the boundary components of S with a disk. We define a U-equivariant map on Heegaard Floer homology which sends c^+(S',h') to c^+(S,h), and we discuss various applications. In particular, we compute the 3-dimensional invariant associated to any contact structure with non-vanishing contact invariant which is compatible with a genus one open book with periodic monodromy.
In the present work, using a pad-on-disc-type wear tester, the tribological properties of the pad next to the disk made of cast iron were investigated with changing the substance of the components. As well, micro-structural characterisation of braking pads was performed using scanning electron microscopy and also temperature outcome of the pads was examined at the temperatures of 50-400 "oC in the pressure of 1050 and 3000 kPa. Finally, the effect of environment to the pads was studied in water, salty water, oil and braking liquid media.
A feasibility study test and 3 field trials were performed at Darlington NGS in 1996, 1999 and 2000 on ABB LP turbines. The scope of these trials was to commission in-situ automatic phased array systems capable to inspect blade roots and rotor steeples of L-0 and L-1 rows. GE disk-blade rim attachments were inspected at Bruce B nuclear station, in fall of 1999. The automated ultrasonic phased array technology is capable of high-speed rate and reliable detection and sizing. The capability demonstration was performed on mock-ups and reference blocks, using EDM notches. A custom built UT simulation software: Imagine 3D interfaces with SimScan to generates the spreadsheets/charts with target and probe coordinates and ultrasonic path and angles (refracted and skew) to hit the reference target. Examination of L-0 blade and rotor steeple grooves was performed with 2 phased array systems under networking. Data analysis was done in near-real time. Manual and automatic ...
We present local two-dimensional and three-dimensional hybrid numerical simulations of particles and gas in the midplane of protoplanetary disks (PPDs) using the Athena code. The particles are coupled to gas aerodynamically, with particle-to-gas feedback included. Magnetorotational turbulence is ignored as an approximation for the dead zone of PPDs, and we ignore particle self-gravity to study the precursor of planetesimal formation. Our simulations include a wide size distribution of particles, ranging from strongly coupled particles with dimensionless stopping time #tau#_s #ident to# #OMEGA#t_s_t_o_p = 10"-"4 (where #OMEGA# is the orbital frequency, t_s_t_o_p is the particle friction time) to marginally coupled ones with #tau#_s = 1, and a wide range of solid abundances. Our main results are as follows. (1) Particles with #tau#_s #approx#> 10"-"2 actively participate in the streaming instability (SI), generate turbulence, and maintain the height of the ...
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors, with 1043 failures, are a good example. Also, categorization by size and voltage reveals such frequencies of occurrence as ...
Space particles act on semiconductor devices by creating charges (electrons, holes) in the silicon and the silicon dioxide, and by creating displacement damage. These primary phenomena alter the electrical parameters of MOS and bipolar devices (threshold voltage V_t, mobility #mu#, conductivity #sigma#, current gain #beta#). The dose rate is not important in space (a few rad (Si)/h) but as the durations of space expeditions are on average from seven to twelve years, the total dose is an aggravating factor in the behaviour of the electrical parameters and also in device operation. The total dose effect from the beginning of charge creation (ionization) to the parameter shifts is reviewed. One can note that this effect is permanent because there will almost always be charge creation in space. Another important phenomenon is called the Single Event Upset (S.E.U.) and caused by the heavy ions and the protons which come from the galactic rays. The consequence of S.E.U. ...
We analyze the timing of photons observed by the MAGIC telescope during a flare of the active galactic nucleus Mkn 501 for a possible correlation with energy, as suggested by some models of quantum gravity (QG), which predict a vacuum refractive index {approx_equal}1+(E/M{sub QGn}){sup n}, n=1,2. Parametrizing the delay between {gamma}-rays of different energies as {delta}t={+-}{tau}{sub l}E or {delta}t={+-}{tau}{sub q}E{sup 2}, we find {tau}{sub l}=(0.030{+-}0.012) s/GeV at the 2.5-{sigma} level, and {tau}{sub q}=(3.71{+-}2.57)x10{sup -6} s/GeV{sup 2}, respectively. We use these results to establish lower limits M{sub QG1}>0.21x10{sup 18} GeV and M{sub QG2}>0.26x10{sup 11} GeV at the 95% C.L. Monte Carlo studies confirm the MAGIC sensitivity to propagation effects at these levels. Thermal plasma effects in the source are negligible, but we cannot exclude the importance of some other source effect.
We present ultraviolet through far-infrared (FIR) surface brightness profiles for the 75 galaxies in the Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey (SINGS). The imagery used to measure the profiles includes Galaxy Evolution Explorer UV data, optical images from Kitt Peak National Observatory, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, and Sloan Digital Sky Survey, near-IR data from Two Micron All Sky Survey, and mid- and FIR images from Spitzer. Along with the radial profiles, we also provide multi-wavelength asymptotic magnitudes and several nonparametric indicators of galaxy morphology: the concentration index (C 42), the asymmetry (A), the Gini coefficient (G), and the normalized second-order moment of the brightest 20% of the galaxy's flux (M-bar20). In this paper, the first of a series, we describe the technical aspects regarding the surface photometry, and present a basic analysis of the global and structural properties of the SINGS galaxies at different wavelengths. The homogeneity ...
We present the first 3.8 {micro}m image of the dusty ring surrounding the young binary system GG Tau, obtained with the W. M. Keck II 10m telescope's adaptive optics system. THis is the longest wavelength at which the ring has been detected in scattered light so far, allowing a multi-wavelength analysis of the scattering proiperties of the dust grains present in this protoplanetary disk in combination with previous, shorter wavelengths, HST images. We find that the scattering phase function of the dust grains in the disk is only weakly dependent on the wavelength. This is inconsistent with dust models inferred from observations of the interstellar medium or dense molecular clouds. In particular, the strongly forward-throwing scattering phase function observed at 3.8 {micro}m implies a significant increase in the population of large ({approx}> 1 {micro}m) grains, which provides direct evidence for grain growth in the ring. ...
The interaction of accretion disks with the magnetospheres of young stars can produce X-winds and funnel flows. With the assumption of axial symmetry and steady state flow, the problem can be formulated in terms of quantities that are conserved along streamlines, such as the Bernoulli integral (BI), plus a partial differential equation (PDE), called the Grad-Shafranov equation (GSE), that governs the distribution of streamlines in the meridional plane. The GSE plus BI yields a PDE of mixed type, elliptic before critical surfaces where the flow speed equals certain characteristic wave speeds are crossed and hyperbolic afterward. The computational difficulties are exacerbated by the locations of the critical surfaces not being known in advance. To overcome these obstacles, we consider a variational principle by which the GSE can be attacked by extremizing an action integral, with all other conserved quantities of the problem explicitly included as part of the overall ...
Very good friction and wear measurements are reported for MRCC (metal reinforced carbon composites), made from low-wear non-graphitic carbon matrix with metal-fiber reinforcement. Counterfaces include austenitic and martensitic stainless steels, Si nitride, and alumina. Effects of high load, high temperature, and gaseous environments are reported: removal of humidity, atm. oxygen have little effect on friction, wear for MRCC sliding against ceramic or stainless steel. Wear of Al oxide riders on MRCC is very low, not affected by contact load. 260 C temperatures do not degrade performance of 440-C riders on MRCC disks or raise friction. In small or large sizes, MRCC is made in a single-pass process for about the same volume cost as cast iron. It can survive heating in nitrogen above 1600 C without loss of integrity or major change of dimensions.
We have investigated the microstructure evolutions in the Ti17 near #beta# titanium alloy during heat treatments. The phase transformation has first been studied experimentally by combining X-ray diffraction analysis, electrical resistivity and microscopy observations. From a series of isothermal treatments, a IT diagram has been determined, which takes into account the different morphologies. Then, a Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) model has been successfully used to describe the phase transformation kinetics during either isothermal or cooling treatments. Finally, the coupling of the JMAK model to the finite element software ZeBuLoN allowed us to investigate the evolution of the spatial distribution of the different morphologies during the cooling of an aircraft engine shaft disk after forging.
The coastal ecosystem health assessment is a field of increasing importance. In this paper, a preliminary assessment of ecosystem health in Zhejiang coastal water zone was made, mainly based on remote sensing data and GIS technique. Its spatial and quantitative evaluation was facilitated by the progress of remote sensing and GIS technique development. Firstly, human activities, hydrology and ecosystem problems in the study area were discussed and analyzed. Secondly, from 4 aspects of human stress, physical, chemical and biological responses to anthropogenic activities and natural stress, several indicators such as water transparency (Secchi Disk Depth, SDD), suspended substance concentration, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, active phosphate, chlorophyll, harmful algae bloom, as well as distr...
The reduction of oxygen was studied in 0.1 M KCl at 70 deg. C using the rotating disk electrode (RDE) technique on platinum and electrodeposited ZnO thin film electrodes deposited on platinum substrates. In the absence of Zn{sup 2+} ions in solution, a Tafel slope of 139 mV dec{sup -1} was obtained, a value close to that measured on bare platinum electrode (133 mV dec{sup -1}) and ascribed to the limitation of the reaction rate by the first electron transfer. The main difference between the noble metal and the oxide electrode was a shift of the curves towards more negative potentials. In the presence of Zn{sup 2+} ions, the current density decreased significantly and the Tafel slope was measured at 282 mV dec{sup -1} showing that the electrode was partially blocked by zinc oxide formation reaction intermediates.
The present investigation focuses on the study of design parameters for a generic fan-in-wing configuration. The objective is to evaluate the performance of a fan-in-wing concept in a Short-Take-Off and Landing situation. The results presented are also of interest for transition between hover and a wing-sustained flight for a Vertical Take Off and Landing concept. Steady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes computations using an actuator disk technique are performed. The results show a good agreement with experimental data and simulation results obtained in previous investigations for a generic wind tunnel model. A parametric study is conducted for a more realistic wing planform. For a single fan installed in the wing, the streamwise and spanwise influence on the wing aerodynamics is studied. I...
The present volume on modeling of batteries and fuel cells discusses the significance of the effectiveness factor for flooded porous electrodes, active pore distribution spectroscopy for characterizing porous battery electrodes, the agglomerate model for porous electrodes, and dynamic-performance measurements of battery cells for electric vehicles and other applications. Attention is given to mathematical modeling of a primary zinc/air battery, mathematical modeling of Grace Li-TiS2 cells, modeling of electrocrystallization processes in battery systems, and rotating disk electrode studies in molten Li/K carbonate eutectic. Topics addressed include the variability of nickel oxide cathode dissolution in molten carbonate fuel cells, water transport properties of fuel cell ionomers, modeling water content effects in polymer electrolyte fuel cells, and computer algebra applied in electrochemistry and fuel cell modeling.
We report novel, high-angular resolution interferometric measurements that imply the near-infrared nuclear emission in NGC 4151 is unexpectedly compact. We have observed the nucleus of NGC 4151 at 2.2 microns using the two 10-meter Keck telescopes as an interferometer and find a marginally resolved source ~0.1 pc in diameter. Our measurements rule out models in which a majority of the K band nuclear emission is produced on scales larger than this size. The interpretation of our measurement most consistent with other observations is that the emission mainly originates directly in the central accretion disk. This implies that AGN unification models invoking hot, optically thick dust may not be applicable to NGC 4151.
Much research has been carried out in order to manage structured documents such as SGML documents and to provide powerful query facilities which exploit document structures as well as document contents. In order to perform structure queries efficiently in a structured document management system, an index structure which supports fast document element access must be provided. However, there has been little research on the index structures for structured documents. In this paper, we propose various kinds of new inverted indexing schemes and signature file schemes for efficient structure query processing. We evaluate the storage requirements and disk access time of our schemes and present the analytical and experimental results.
Enterococci are mostly isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs). Increasing antibiotic resistance affects the success rate in empirical treatment, thus makes antibiotic susceptibility tests important. The aim of this study was to determine the species distribution and resistance patterns of Enterococcus strains isolated from urine samples to antibacterial agents including fosfomycin in a teaching hospital, Istanbul. The identification of 100 Enterococcus strains were determined by using conventional methods and API 20 Strep (bioMerieux France). The susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion and Etest. The majority of isolates were E. faecalis (67%), followed by E. faecium (33%). The ratio of E. faecalis to E. faecium was 2.03/1. E. faecalis and E. faecium strains were resi...
Sensitive and quick-response nonlinear inductance characteristics are found for high Tc superconducting (YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-chi/) disk cores at 77K in which soft magnetic BH hysteresis loops are observed. Various quick response magnetic devices such as modulators, amplifiers and sensors are built using these cores. The magnetizing frequency can be set to more than 20 MHz, which is difficult for conventional ferromagnetic bulk materials such as Permalloy amorphous alloys and ferrite. New quick-response fluxgate type magnetic-field sensors are made using ac and dc voltage sources. The former is used for second-harmonic type sensors, while the latter is for voltage-output multivibrator type sensors. Stable and quick-response sensor characteristics were obtained for two-core type multivibrators.
A new fuel-cell electrocatalyst based on highly porous carbonized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) microcellular foam with platinum particles was prepared recently in this laboratory. Its surface morphology, one of the most important aspects of a practical electrocatalyst, has been examined in terms of fractal theory and methods. The fractal dimension of the platinum particles dispersed in porous carbonized PAN foam was determined by using chronometric and rotating-disk-electrode methods in oxygen-saturated solutions. A fractal dimension smaller than 2 was obtained, which was attributed to the partially active nature of the surface of this electrocatalytic material. This value of fractal dimension is also proposed to be considered as a reaction dimension. A reaction dimension smaller than 2 may indicate that not all of the platinum particle surface is accessible to the incoming oxygen molecules.
Stellar rotation velocities and velocity dispersions have been measured along the major and minor axes of NGC 4594 with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. The observations show the kinematic signature of a nuclear disk of stars superposed on the bulge (Fig. 1). Apart from its larger size, this is similar to the nucleus of M31. It rotates rapidly: the apparent rotation curve reaches an inner maximum of V 231 #+-# 7 km s"-"1 at r = 5.''0. The apparent velocity dispersion falls from #sigma# = 250 #+-# 7 km s"-"1 at the center to 181 #+-# 6 km s"-"1 at r = 3.''7. (author).
This study compares two series of solvents for application in aluminum electrolytic capacitors: ethylene glycol (EG) and water mixtures, and ethylene glycol and 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMI.BF4) ionic liquid (IL) mixtures. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were carried out with a previously anodized aluminum disk electrode. Comparative measurements of solution resistance, polarization resistance, AC capacitance, and passive current were made. The results show that EG?IL mixtures with low amounts of IL (10% IL?90% EG v/v) have a low solution resistance. Low values of solution resistance, high values of polarization resistance, small passive current, and uniform capacitance of anodized aluminum in EG?IL mixtures are favorable properties of ...
This paper presents the results of the degree of irreversible changes of dielectric properties of vacuum circuit breakers with CuCr and CuBi contacts before and after short-circuit breaking operations. Tests of dielectric properties were performed on four different types of switching vacuum chamber with RMF electrodes in the form of a spiral disk with slots. The paper describes the configuration of measuring system for determining the dielectric properties of circuit breakers with DC, AC and pulse voltage. It also describes the measuring procedure. The results were analyzed and the experimentally obtained random variable breakdown voltage is found to belong to Weibull distribution in all cases. Based on these results it was found that for the vacuum circuit breakers with CuCr contacts and ...
Observed parameter scaling laws show that lower-luminosity ellipticals have higher central densities and smaller core radii; if they formed by mergers, they are very unlike their progenitors. In the extreme case of M32, the central surface brightness is mu0 less than about 12 V mag/sq arcsec and the core radius is r(c) less than about 0.001 kpc, while plausible progenitor disk galaxies have mu0 of about 22 V mag/sq arcsec and r(c) of about 0.5 kpc. M32 must have formed by a dissipative collapse, whether or not a merger was involved. The cooling diagram also shows that low-luminosity ellipticals formed with more dissipation than high-luminosity ellipticals. Thus the merger picture of galalxy formation requires essential aspects of the dissipative collapse picture. 38 refs.
Statement of problem Even though metal ceramic restorations (MCRs) are widely used by clinicians, the influence of the metal on the color of overlaying porcelain is unknown. Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze the color alterations of different types of metal ceramic alloys during several stages of metal surface preparation and to determine the effect of those changes on the resulting color of opaque porcelain (OP). Material and Methods Seven different types of alloys (3 base metal, 3 noble, and 1 high noble) were used to prepare disk-shaped specimens (1 mm x 10 mm, n=3), followed by OP application (0.1 mm). Lab values of specimens were recorded after different stages of metal surface preparation (ingot, after casting, after oxidation, and after the OP application) in addition...
Ceramic ball bearings of silicon nitride are used for hard disk drive (HDD) spindle motors, to increase seed, reliability and memory capacity of the HDDs. Silicon nitride ceramics have advantages of lightweight, high strength and hardness over the conventional steel for bearings, but is expensive. A new process of high cost performance has been developed for mass production of the small-size ceramic balls. The company plans to apply these bearings to higher devices, e.g., servers, for the time being, and to expand the applicable areas, e.g., common devices and other small-size motors. The ceramic bearings have been developed jointly with Koyo Seiko Co. Ltd. (translated by NEDO)
Microbonding of the CMS Tracker Inner Barrel (TIB) and Tracker Inner Disks (TID) modules was shared among six different Italian Institutes. The organization devised and the infrastructure deployed to handle this task is illustrated. Microbonding specifications and procedures for the different types of TIB and TID modules are given. The tooling specially designed and developed for these types of modules is described. Experience of production is presented. Attained production rates are given. An analysis of the microbonding quality achieved is presented, based on bond strengths measured in sample bond pull tests as well as on rates of bonding failures. Italian Bonding Centers routinely performed well above minimum specifications and a very low global introduced failure rate, at the strip level, of only $\\sim$0.015 \\% is observed.
The cyclic voltammetry indicated that the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) proceeded by the four-electron pathway mechanism on larger Ag particles (174 nm), and that the ORR proceeded by the four-electron pathway and the two-electron pathway mechanisms on finer Ag particles (4.1 nm), simultaneously. The kinetics towards ORR was measured at a rotating disk electrode (RDE) with Ag/C electrode. The number of exchanged electrons for the ORR was found to be close to four on larger Ag particles (174 nm) and close to three on finer Ag particles (4.1 nm). The zinc-air battery with Ag/C catalysts (25.9 nm) was fabricated and examined. (author)
(Boiling site densities and heat-transfer coefficients have been measured for ethanol-water and ethanol-benzene mixtures at 1.01 bar for a heated vertical brass disk. A strong effect of composition on the boiling site density was observed, which was attributed to the nature of the activation of the boiling surface and mass diffusion effects. The boiling heat-transfer coefficient was found to decrease with increasin subcooling, but for the mixtures at a given level of subcooling the decrease was less than that for the single components and azeotropic mixtures.) The heat-transfer coefficient at a given heat flux was seen to be quite insensitive to the very large increase in boiling site density in comparing the pure water and the ethanol-water azeotrope results, leading one to question pool boiling models that predict heat-transfer rates on the basis of boiling site density.
A mobile gamma-ray scanning system has been developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for use in the U.S. Department of Energy's remedial action survey programs. The unit consists of NaI(Tl) detectors housed in a specially equipped van. The system is operator controlled through an on-board minicomputer with data output provided on the computer video screen, strip chart recorders, and an on-line printer. Data storage is provided on floppy disk. Multichannel analysis capabilities are included for qualitative radionuclide identification. A /sup 226/Ra-specific algorithm is currently employed to identify locations containing residual radium-bearing materials.
A mobile gamma-ray scanning system has been developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for use in the U.S. Department of Energy's remedial action survey programs. The unit consists of NaI(Tl) detectors housed in a specially equipped van. The system is operator controlled through an on-board minicomputer with data output provided on the computer video screen, strip chart recorders, and an on-line printer. Data storage is provided on floppy disk. Multichannel analysis capabilities are included for qualitative radionuclide identification. A "2"2"6Ra-specific algorithm is currently employed to identify locations containing residual radium-bearing materials.
We study the high-energy emission of the Galactic black hole candidate GX 339-4 using INTEGRAL/SPI and simultaneous RXTE/PCA data. By the end of January 2007, when it reached its peak luminosity in hard X-rays, the source was in a bright hard state. The SPI data from this period show a good signal to noise ratio, allowing a detailed study of the spectral energy distribution up to several hundred keV. As a main result, we report on the detection of a variable hard spectral feature (>150 keV) which represents a significant excess with respect to the cutoff power law shape of the spectrum. The SPI data suggest that the intensity of this feature is positively correlated with the 25 - 50 keV luminosity of the source and the associated variability time scale is shorter than 7 hours. The simultaneous PCA data, however, show no significant change in the spectral shape, indicating that the source is not undergoing a canonical state transition. We analyzed the broad band ...
In the next decade Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) will be used to test theories predicting changes in the Dark Energy equation of state with time. Ultimately this requires a dedicated space mission like JDEM. SNe Ia are mature cosmological probes --- their limitations are well characterized, and a path to improvement is clear. Dominant systematic errors include photometric calibration, selection effects, reddening, and population-dependent differences. Building on past lessons, well-controlled new surveys are poised to make strides in these areas: the Palomar Transient Factory, Skymapper, La Silla QUEST, Pan-STARRS, the Dark Energy Survey, LSST, and JDEM. They will obviate historical calibrations and selection biases, and allow comparisons via large subsamples. Some systematics follow from our ignorance of SN Ia progenitors, which there is hope of determining with SN Ia rate studies from 0galactic and cluster chemical ...
Magnetic fields correlated on several kiloparsec scales are seen in spiral galaxies. Their origin could be due to the winding up of a primordial cosmological field or due to amplification of a small seed field by a turbulent galactic dynamo. Both options have difficulties: There is no known battery mechanism for producing the required primordial field. Equally the turbulent dynamo may self destruct before being able to produce the large scale field, due to excess generation of small scale power. The current status of these difficulties is discussed. The resolution could depend on the nature of the saturated field produced by the small scale dynamo. We argue that the small scale fields do not fill most of the volume of the fluid and instead concentrate into intermittent ropes, with their peak value of order equipartition fields, and radii much smaller than their lengths. In this case these fields neither drain significant energy from the turbulence nor convert eddy ...
We present a detailed spectral analysis of point-like X-ray sources in the XMM-COSMOS field. Our sample of 135 sources only includes those that have more than 100 net counts in the 0.3-10 keV energy band and have been identified through optical spectroscopy. The majority of the sources are well described by a simple power-law model with either no absorption (76%) or a significant intrinsic, absorbing column (20%).As expected, the distribution of intrinsic absorbing column densities is markedly different between AGN with or without broad optical emission lines. We find within our sample four Type-2 QSOs candidates (L_X > 10^44 erg/s, N_H > 10^22 cm^-2), with a spectral energy distribution well reproduced by a composite Seyfert-2 spectrum, that demonstrates the strength of the wide field XMM/COSMOS survey to detect these rare and underrepresented sources.
In a recent survey of the stellar populations of LINERS and LINER/HII Transition Objects (TOs) we identified a numerous class of nuclei which stand out because of their conspicuous 10^8-9 yr populations. These objects were called ``Young-TOs'', since they all have TO-like emission line ratios. In this paper we investigate the radial variations of spectral properties in Low Luminosity AGN. Our analysis is based on high S/N, 3500-5500 A, long-slit spectra for 47 galaxies. The data probe distances of typically up to 850 pc from the nucleus with a resolution of ~ 100 pc and S/N ~ 30. Stellar population gradients are mapped by the radial profiles of absorption line equivalent widths and colours along the slit. These variations are further analyzed by means of a decomposition of each spectrum in terms of template galaxies representative of very young (<= 10^7 yr), intermediate age (10^8-9 yr) and old (10^10 yr) populations. Our main findings are: (1) Significant stellar population ...
PAMELA is a satellite borne experiment designed to study with great accuracy cosmic rays of galactic, solar, and trapped nature in a wide energy range (protons: 80 MeV-700 GeV, electrons 50 MeV-400 GeV). Main objective is the study of the antimatter component: antiprotons (80 MeV-190 GeV), positrons (50 MeV-270 GeV) and search for antimatter with a precision of the order of $10^{-8}$). The experiment, housed on board the Russian Resurs-DK1 satellite, was launched on June, 15 2006 in a $350\\times 600 km$ orbit with an inclination of 70 degrees. The detector is composed of a series of scintillator counters arranged at the extremities of a permanent magnet spectrometer to provide charge, Time-of-Flight and rigidity information. Lepton/hadron identification is performed by a Silicon-Tungsten calorimeter and a Neutron detector placed at the bottom of the device. An Anticounter system is used offline to reject false triggers coming from the satellite. In self-trigger ...
We study the stellar and dust properties of a well-defined sample of local elliptical galaxies to investigate the relationship between host galaxy properties and nuclear activity. We select a complete sample of 45 ellipticals from the Palomar spectroscopic survey of nearby galaxies, which includes 20 low-luminosity active galactic nuclei classified as LINERs and 25 inactive galaxies. Using a stellar population synthesis method, we compare the derived stellar population properties of the LINER versus the inactive subsamples. We also study the dust and stellar surface brightness distributions of the central regions of these galaxies using high-resolution images obtained with the {\\it Hubble Space Telescope}. Relative to the inactive subsample, ellipticals hosting LINERs share similar total optical and near-infrared luminosity, central stellar velocity dispersions, and nuclear stellar populations as judged from their luminosity-weighted ages and metallicities. ...
We numerically investigate whether and how gaseous ejecta from AGB stars can be converted into new stars within originally massive star clusters (MSCs) in order to understand the origin of multiple stellar populations in globular clusters (GCs). We adopt a scenario in which (i) MSCs with masses of M_s can be formed from high-mass, high-density giant molecular clouds (GMCs) in their host galactic building blocks embedded in dark matter halos at high redshifts and (ii) their evolution therefore can be significantly influenced by M_s, their initial locations, and physical properties of their hosts. Our 3D hydrodynamical simulations show that gaseous ejecta from AGB stars can be retained within MSCs and consequently converted into new stars very efficiently in the central regions of MSCs, only if M_s exceed a threshold mass (M_th) of ~10^6 M_sun. The new stars can correspond to the ``second generation (SG)'' of stars with higher Na and lower O abundances observed in ...
The X-ray spectra of {approx}200 AGN collected from Swift-BAT were analyzed to test the Unified Model for AGN. Specifically, the photon indices, high energy cutoffs, and reflection components of Sy1 and Sy2 were compared. Under the Unified Model, the photon indices and reflection components for Sy1 should be larger than Sy2 and the high energy cutoffs should be the same. Fitting a simple power law model to the sample spectra proved to be insufficient. The PEXRAV model fit the spectra of the Sy1 and Sy2 significantly better, indicating that a reflection component and/or high energy cutoff exists as the Unified Model expects. Using both the simple power law and PEXRAV models it was concluded that in the population studied, Sy1 had a larger photon index than Sy2, as expected by the Unified Model. For Sy1 and Sy2, the reflection components were found to be compatible, but given the large errors, this finding cannot be said to be evidence against the Unified Model. However, it was concluded ...
We propose the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) as an alternative method for locating periodic orbits in a three--dimensional (3D) model of barred galaxies. We develop an appropriate scheme that transforms the problem of finding periodic orbits into the problem of detecting global minimizers of a function, which is defined on the Poincar\\'{e} Surface of Section (PSS) of the Hamiltonian system. By combining the PSO method with deflection techniques, we succeeded in tracing systematically several periodic orbits of the system. The method succeeded in tracing the initial conditions of periodic orbits in cases where Newton iterative techniques had difficulties. In particular, we found families of 2D and 3D periodic orbits associated with the inner 8:1 to 12:1 resonances, between the radial 4:1 and corotation resonances of our 3D Ferrers bar model. The main advantages of the proposed algorithm is its simplicity, its ability to work using function values solely, as well as its ability to ...
We present the general properties of the far-ultraviolet (FUV; 1370-1720A) continuum background over most of the sky, obtained with the Spectroscopy of Plasma Evolution from Astrophysical Radiation instrument (SPEAR, also known as FIMS), flown aboard the STSAT-1 satellite mission. We find that the diffuse FUV continuum intensity is well correlated with N_{HI}, 100 $\\mu$m, and H-alpha intensities but anti-correlated with soft X-ray. The strongest correlation is with the H-alpha emission, and the correlation of the diffuse background with the direct stellar flux is weaker than the correlation with other parameters. The continuum spectra are relatively flat. However, a weak softening of the FUV spectra toward some sight lines, mostly at high Galactic latitudes, is found not only in direct-stellar but also in diffuse background spectra. The diffuse background is relatively softer that the direct stellar spectrum. We also find that the diffuse FUV background averaged ...
Primordial black holes are unique probes of cosmology, general relativity, quantum gravity and non standard particle physics. They can be considered as the ultimate particle accelerator in their last (explosive) moments since they are supposed to reach, very briefly, the Planck temperature. Upper limits on the primordial black hole number density of mass $M_{\\star} = 5 10^{14}$ g, the Hawking mass (born in the big-bang terminating their life presently), is determined comparing their predicted cumulative $\\gamma$-ray emission, galaxy-wise, to the one observed by the EGRET satellite, once corrected for non thermal $\\gamma$-ray background emission induced by cosmic ray protons and electrons interacting with light and matter in the Milky Way. A model with free gas emissivities is used to map the Galaxy in the 100 MeV photon range, where the peak of the primordial black hole emission is expected. The best gas emissivities and additional model parameters are obtained by fitting the EGRET ...
Cosmic ray antiprotons provide an important probe for the study of cosmic-ray propagation in the interstellar space and to investigate the existence of Galactic dark matter. Cosmic rays are hampered by the Moon, therefore a deficit of cosmic rays in its direction is expected (the so-called "Moon shadow"). The Earth-Moon system acts as a magnetic spectrometer. In fact, due to the geomagnetic field the center of the Moon shifts westward by an amount depending on the primary cosmic ray energy. Paths of primary antiprotons are therefore deflected in an opposite sense in their way to the Earth. This effect allows, in principle, the search of antiparticles in the opposite direction of the observed Moon shadow. The ARGO-YBJ experiment, in stable data taking since November 2007 with an energy threshold of a few hundreds of GeV, is observing the Moon shadow with high statistical significance. Using about 1 year data, an upper limit of the antip/p flux ratio in the few-TeV ...
The narrow emission line spectra of active galactic nuclei are not accurately described by simple photoionization models of single clouds. Recent Hubble Space Telescope images of Seyfert 2 galaxies show that these objects are rich with ionization cones, knots, filaments, and strands of ionized gas. Here we extend to the narrow line region the ``locally optimally emitting cloud'' (LOC) model, in which the observed spectra are predominantly determined by powerful selection effects. We present a large grid of photoionization models covering a wide range of physical conditions and show the optimal conditions for producing many of the strongest emission lines. We show that the integrated narrow line spectrum can be predicted by an integration of an ensemble of clouds, and we present these results in the form of diagnostic line ratio diagrams making comparisons with observations. We also predict key diagnostic line ratios as a function of distance from the ionizing ...
PAMELA is a satellite borne experiment designed to study with great accuracy cosmic rays of galactic, solar, and trapped nature in a wide energy range protons: 80 MeV-700 GeV, electrons 50 MeV-400 GeV). Main objective is the study of the antimatter component: antiprotons (80 MeV-190 GeV), positrons (50 MeV-270 GeV) and search for antimatter with a precision of the order of 10^-8). The experiment, housed on board the Russian Resurs-DK1 satellite, was launched on June, 15, 2006 in a 350*600 km orbit with an inclination of 70 degrees. The detector is composed of a series of scintillator counters arranged at the extremities of a permanent magnet spectrometer to provide charge, Time-of-Flight and rigidity information. Lepton/hadron identification is performed by a Silicon-Tungsten calorimeter and a Neutron detector placed at the bottom of the device. An Anticounter system is used offline to reject false triggers coming from the satellite. In self-trigger mode the ...
In a recent study of a search for enhancements from the galactic center with muons at sea level using the TUPI muon telescope, we have found several ground level enhancements (GLEs) as very sharp peaks above the count rate background. This paper reports a consistent analysis of two GLEs observed in December 2003 and detected after an up-grade of the data acquisition system, which includes a noise filter and which allows us to verify that the GLEs are not mere background fluctuations. The main target of this study is a search for the origin of the GLEs. The results show that one of them has a strong correlation with a solar flare, while the other has an unknown origin, because there is neither a satellite report of a solar flare, nor prompt X-ray emission, and nor a excess of nuclei during the raster scan where the GLE was observed. Even so, two possibilities are analyzed: the solar flare hypothesis and the gamma ray burst (GRB) hypothesis. We show, by using the ...
Anti-proton and positron Galactic cosmic ray (GCR) spectra are among the key targets for indirect detection of dark matter (DM). The boost factors, corresponding to an enhancement of the signal|linked to the clumpiness properties of the dark matter distribution|, have been taken as high as thousands in the past. The dramatic impact of these boost factors for indirect detection of antiparticles, for instance with the PAMELA satellite or the coming AMS-02 experiment, asks for their detailed calculation. We take into account the state-of-the-art results of high resolution N-body dark matter simulations to calculate the most likely energy dependent boost factors|linked to the GCR propagation properties|, for anti-protons and positrons. The results from extreme, but still possible, configurations of the clumpy dark matter component is also discussed. Starting from the mass and space distributions of sub-halos, the anti-proton and positron propagators are used to ...
From this vast subject, I will pick out and review three specific topics, namely the formation and evolution of bars, the formation of bulges, and the evolution during multiple major mergers. Bars form naturally in galactic discs. Their evolution is driven by the exchange of angular momentum within the galaxy. This is emitted mainly by near-resonant material in the inner disc (bar), and is absorbed by near-resonant material in the outer disc and in the halo. As a result of this, the bar becomes stronger and rotates slower. Bulges are not a homogeneous class of objects. Based on their formation history, one can distinguish three types. Classical bulges are mainly formed before the actual disc component, from collapses or mergers and the corresponding dissipative processes. Boxy/peanut bulges are parts of bars seen edge-on. Finally, disc-like bulges are formed by the inflow of material to the center due to bar torques. Major mergers bring strong and fast evolution ...
Some models for quantum gravity (QG) violate Lorentz invariance and predict an energy dependence of the speed of light, leading to a dispersion of high-energy gamma-ray signals that travel over cosmological distances. Limits on the dispersion from short-duration substructures observed in gamma-rays emitted by gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) at cosmological distances have provided interesting bounds on Lorentz invariance violation (LIV). Recent observations of unprecedentedly fast flares in the very-high energy gamma-ray emission of the active galactic nuclei (AGNs) Mkn 501 in 2005 and PKS 2155-304 in 2006 resulted in the most constraining limits on LIV from light-travel observations, approaching the Planck mass scale, at which QG effects are assumed to become important. I review the current status of LIV searches using GRBs and AGN flare events, and discuss limitations of light-travel time analyses and prospects for future instruments in the gamma-ray domain.
We compare N-body simulations of isolated galaxies performed in both frameworks of modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) and Newtonian gravity with dark matter (DM). We have developed a multigrid code able to efficiently solve the modified Poisson equation derived from the Lagrangian formalism AQUAL. We take particular care of the boundary conditions that are a crucial point in MOND. The 3-dimensional dynamics of initially identical stellar discs is studied in both models. In Newtonian gravity the live DM halo is chosen to fit the rotation curve of the MOND galaxy. For the same value of the Toomre parameter (Q_T), galactic discs in MOND develop a bar instability sooner than in the DM model. In a second phase the MOND bars weaken while the DM bars continue to grow by exchanging angular momentum with the halo. The bar pattern speed evolves quite differently in the two models: there is no dynamical friction on the MOND bars so they keep a constant pattern speed while the ...
We model the transport of cosmic ray nuclei in the Galaxy by means of a new numerical code. Differently from previous numerical models we account for a generic spatial distribution of the diffusion coefficient. We found that in the case of radially uniform diffusion, the main secondary/primary ratios (B/C, N/O and sub-Fe/Fe) and the modulated antiproton spectrum match consistently the available observations. Convection and re-acceleration do not seem to be required in the energy range we consider: $1 \\le E \\le 10^3$ GeV/nucleon. We generalize these results accounting for radial dependence of the diffusion coefficient, which is assumed to trace that of supernova remnants. While this does not affect the prediction of secondary/primary ratios, the simulated longitude profile of the diffuse $\\gamma$-ray emission is significantly different from the uniform case and may agree with EGRET measurements without invoking {\\it ad hoc} assumptions on the galactic gas ...
Yet designed to measure charged component of the cosmic rays, the foreseen Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) could also release {gamma}-ray studies, in the energy range from GeV to TeV, using the tracker system, for {gamma}-rays converted in e{sup +}e{sup -} pair, and the electromagnetic calorimeter. In the first part of the thesis are described the calibrations and the performances of the engineering model of the calorimeter, obtained from the analysis of data taken during a test-beam performed at CERN in July 2002. In the second part of the thesis, the AMS-02 discovery potential for {gamma}-astrophysics is presented. While exposure maps of the {gamma}--sky are computed for one year of data taking with the {gamma}--detectors, the acceptance of the calorimeter is obtained from Monte-Carlo simulations. The AMS-02 potential is then estimated for signals from the Vela pulsar and for some supersymmetric signals from the Galactic Center. (author)
We have derived elemental abundances for a sample of nine IRAS sources with colours similar to those of post-AGB stars. For IRAS 01259+6823, IRAS 05208-2035, IRAS 04535+3747 and IRAS 08187-1905 this is the first detailed abundance analysis based upon high resolution spectra. Mild indication of s-processing for IRAS 01259+6823, IRAS 05208-2035 and IRAS 08187-1905 have been found and a more comprehensive study of s-process enhanced objects IRAS 17279-1119 and IRAS 22223+4327 have been carried out. We have also made a contemporary abundance analysis of the high galactic latitude supergiants BD+39 4926 and HD 107369. The former is heavily depleted in refractories and estimated [Zn/H] of -0.7 dex most likely gives initial metallicity of the star. For HD 107369 the abundances of alpha and Fe-peak elements are similar to those of halo objects and moderate deficiency of s-process elements is seen. IRAS 07140-2321 despite being a short period binary with circumstellar shell ...
We present the X-ray properties of a sample of 17 radio sources observed with the Chandra X-ray Observatory as part of a project aimed at studying the X-ray emission from their radio jets. In this paper, we concentrate on the X-ray properties of the unresolved cores. The sample includes 16 quasars (11 core-dominated and 5 lobe-dominated) in the redshift range z=0.30--1.96, and one low-power radio-galaxy at z=0.064. No diffuse X-ray emission is present around the cores of the quasars, except for the nearby low-power galaxy that has diffuse emission on a scale and with a luminosity consistent with other FRIs. No high-amplitude, short-term variability is detected within the relatively short Chandra exposures. However, 1510-089 shows low-amplitude flux changes with a timescale of $\\sim$25 minutes. The X-ray spectra of the quasar cores are generally well described by a single power law model with Galactic absorption. However, in six quasars we find soft X-ray excess ...
We estimate binary compact object merger detection rates for LIGO, including the binaries formed in ellipticals long ago. Specifically, we convolve hundreds of model realizations of elliptical- and spiral-galaxy population syntheses with a model for elliptical- and spiral-galaxy star formation history as a function of redshift. Our results favor local merger rate densities of 4\\times 10^{-3} {Mpc}^{-3}{Myr}^{-1} for binary black holes (BH), 3\\times 10^{-2} {Mpc}^{-3}{Myr}^{-1} for binary neutron stars (NS), and 10^{-2} {Mpc}^{-3}{Myr}^{-1} for BH-NS binaries. Mergers in elliptical galaxies are a significant fraction of our total estimate for BH-BH and BH-NS detection rates; NS-NS detection rates are dominated by the contribution from spiral galaxies. Using only models that reproduce current observations of Galactic NS-NS binaries, we find slightly higher rates for NS-NS and largely similar ranges for BH-NS and BH-BH binaries. Assuming a detection signal-to-noise ...
The COBE data on cosmic background radiation (CBR) isotropy and spectrum are generally considered to be explicable only in the context of the Big Bang theory and to be confirmation of that theory. However, this data can also be explained by an alternative, non-Big Bang model which hypothesizes an intergalactic radio-absorbing and scattering medium. Dense, force-free magnetic filaments generated by quasars, active galactic nuclei and Herbig-Haro objects can remain stable in the intergalactic medium for many Gy. They will be opaque to radiation with wavelengths longer than 100--400 microns, and essentially transparent to shorter wavelengths. They are thus capable of thermalizing and isotropizing the cosmic background radiation, and of accounting for the observed decrease of radio luminosity of galaxies within increasing distance from earth. A simple, inhomogeneous model of such an absorbing medium can reproduce both the isotropy and spectrum of the CBR within the ...
Accretion processes in quasars and active galactic nuclei are still poorly understood, especially as far as the connection between observed spectral properties and physical parameters is concerned. Quasars show an additional degree of complexity compared to stars that is related to anisotropic emission/obscuration influencing the observed properties in most spectral ranges. This complicating factor has hampered efforts to define the equivalent of an Hertzsprung-Russel diagram for quasars. Even if it has recently become possible to estimate black hole mass and Eddington ratio for sources using optical and UV broad emission lines, the results are still plagued by large uncertainties. Nevertheless, robust trends are emerging from multivariate analysis of large spectral datasets of quasars. A firm observational basis is being laid out by accurate measurements of broad emission line properties especially when the source rest-frame is known. We consider the most widely ...
BackgroundLate-onset sepsis in the premature infant is frequently revealed by severe, unusual and recurrent bradycardias. In view of the high morbidity and mortality...Full Text Available
A questionnaire survey undertaken among 142 schoolteachers in North Staffordshire revealed most of the respondents did not feel confident when teaching children who had epilepsy and a minority considered...Full Text Available
the revealed stage of T Tauri star evolution, is only a mere shadow of its former self. Once primary accretion starts, one has the (poorly quantified) ...
Evolution in Space Radio Telescopes Reveal Youngest Stellar Corpse Gas Clouds in Whirlpool Galaxy Yield Important Clues Supporting Theory on Spiral Arms Starbust-driven Winds...
The invention of the microscope disclosed a whole new world, that of the hitherto invisibly small. Histologic evidence as revealed by the microscope has become a cornerstone of medical diagnosis, and...Full Text Available
The rapidly emerging science of epigenetics and epigenomic medicine promises to reveal novel insights into the susceptibility to and the onset and progression of epileptic disorders. Epigenetic...Full Text Available
14C-dated Holocene coastal uplift, conventional and satellite geodetic measurements, and coseismic and aseismic fault slip reveal the pattern of distributed deformation at Taiwan resulting...Full Text Available
This study investigates the effect of solid and liquid lubrication on friction and wear performance of silicon nitride (Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}) and cast iron. The solid lubricant was a thin silver film ({approx}2 {mu}m thick) produced on Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} by ion-beam-assisted deposition. A high-temperature polyol-ester-base synthetic oil served as the liquid lubricant. Friction and wear tests were performed with pin-on-disk and oscillating-slider wear test machines at temperatures up to 300{degrees}C. Without the silver films, the friction coefficients of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}/Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} test pairs were 0.05 to 0.14, and the average wear rates of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} pins were {approx}5 x 10{sup -8} mm{sup 3} N{sup -1}. The friction coefficients of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}/cast iron test pairs ranged from 0.08 to 0.11, depending on test temperature. The average specific wear rates of cast iron pins were {approx}3 x 10{sup -7} mm{sup 3} N{sup -1} m{sup -1}. However, ...
Exploratory experiments of laser welding cast Ni-based superalloy K418 turbo disk and alloy steel 42CrMo shaft were conducted. Microstructure of the welded seam was characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Mechanical properties of the welded seam were evaluated by microhardness and tensile strength testing. The corresponding mechanisms were discussed in detail. Results showed that the laser-welded seam had non-equilibrium solidified microstructures consisting of FeCr{sub 0.29}Ni{sub 0.16}C{sub 0.06} austenite solid solution dendrites as the dominant and some fine and dispersed Ni{sub 3}Al {gamma}' phase and Laves particles as well as little amount of MC short stick or particle-like carbides distributed in the interdendritic regions. The average microhardness of the welded seam was relatively uniform and lower than that of the base metal due to partial ...
Exploratory experiments of laser welding cast Ni-based superalloy K418 turbo disk and alloy steel 42CrMo shaft were conducted. Microstructure of the welded seam was characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Mechanical properties of the welded seam were evaluated by microhardness and tensile strength testing. The corresponding mechanisms were discussed in detail. Results showed that the laser-welded seam had non-equilibrium solidified microstructures consisting of FeCr_0_._2_9Ni_0_._1_6C_0_._0_6 austenite solid solution dendrites as the dominant and some fine and dispersed Ni_3Al #gamma#' phase and Laves particles as well as little amount of MC short stick or particle-like carbides distributed in the interdendritic regions. The average microhardness of the welded seam was relatively uniform and lower than that of the base metal due to partial dissolution and ...
Two-phase air-water flows in a microscale fractal-like flow network were experimentally studied and results were compared to predictions from existing macroscale void fraction correlations and flow regime maps. Void fraction was assessed using (1) two-dimensional analysis of high-speed images (direct method) and (2) experimentally determined using gas velocities (indirect method). Fixed downstream-to-upstream length and width ratios of 1.4 and 0.71, respectively, characterize the five-level flow network. Channels were fabricated in a 38 mm diameter silicon disk, 250 {mu}m deep disk with a terminal channel width of 100 {mu}m. A Pyrex top allowed for flow visualization. Superficial air and water velocities through the various branch levels were varied from 0.007 m/s to 1.8 m/s and from 0.05 m/s to 0.42 m/s, respectively. Two-phase flow regime maps were generated for each level of the flow network and are well predicted by the Taitel and Dukler ...
Two-phase air-water flows in a microscale fractal-like flow network were experimentally studied and results were compared to predictions from existing macroscale void fraction correlations and flow regime maps. Void fraction was assessed using (1) two-dimensional analysis of high-speed images (direct method) and (2) experimentally determined using gas velocities (indirect method). Fixed downstream-to-upstream length and width ratios of 1.4 and 0.71, respectively, characterize the five-level flow network. Channels were fabricated in a 38 mm diameter silicon disk, 250 ?m deep disk with a terminal channel width of 100 ?m. A Pyrex top allowed for flow visualization. Superficial air and water velocities through the various branch levels were varied from 0.007 m/s to 1.8 m/s and from 0.05 m/s to 0.42 m/s, respectively. Two-phase flow regime maps were generated for each level of the flow network and are well predicted by the Taitel and Dukler model. ...
Some motor operated valves now have higher torque switch settings due to regulatory requirements to ensure valve operability with appropriate margins at design basis conditions. Verifying operability with these settings imposes higher stem loads during periodic inservice testing. These higher test loads increase stresses in the various valve internal parts which may in turn increase the fatigue usage factors. This increased fatigue is judged to be a concern primarily in the valve disks, seats, yokes, stems, and stem nuts. Although the motor operators may also have significantly increased loading, they are being evaluated by the manufacturers and are beyond the scope of this study. Two gate valves representative of both relatively weak and strong valves commonly used in commercial nuclear applications were selected for fatigue analyses. Detailed dimensional and test data were available for both valves from previous studies at the Idaho National Engineering ...
Because of questions regarding current density and inductance estimates of the Atlas oil transmission line in the region where the vertical plates connect to the disk line, calculations using the 3D FE program Flux3d were initiated. Flux3d inductance values are nearly that estimated by D. Scudder. Calculations for three base designs of E. Ballard and D. Pierce were completed where several variations for each base design were used to determine the important parameters affecting inductance and to check inductance consistency. Flux3d showed for the first base design a very high current density of 36MA/m at the connection between the vertical and horizontal ground plates resulting in a magnetic pressure of 120 kpsi. The second base design modified this connection to reduce the current density to 20MA/m and 36 kpsi and for design 3 current density is 17MA/m. Maximum current density on the hot plates is 20MA/m for all 3 designs. These values assumed 1.2MA per VTL or ...
This report summarizes the results and activities funded by this three-year award. The principal goal of this project was to determine the thermal conductivity in clusters of galaxies. Intracluster plasmas possess chaotic magnetic fields. Since charged particles are constrained to move primarily along magnetic field lines, the topology of intracluster magnetic fields slows particle diffusion relative to the non-magnetized case, thereby reducing the thermal conductivity. Our first approach to this problem was to employ the static-magnetic-field approximation. In reality, intracluster magnetic field lines are constantly moving, since they are advected by turbulent intracluster motions. The turbulent velocities, however, are much smaller than the rapid speeds of thermal electrons, which make the dominant contribution to the thermal conductivity. In the static-field approximation, one neglects turbulent motions of field lines, and calculates the diffusion coefficient of thermal electrons ...
For several decades, ceramic matrix composite have been attracted attention in advanced structural and tribological applications. Advanced structural ceramics are presently used in diverse tribological applications such as tips for ballpoint pens, precision instrument bearings and cutting tools inserts. Design and selection of ceramics for these applications require reliable data on the effects of temperature, load and environment on the tribological behavior of these ceramics. In the present work, #alpha#-sialon matrix composites reinforced with different amounts of #beta#-sialon fibers were produced with the aim of improving their toughness to increase the industrial applications. The wear properties of #alpha#-sialon matrix composites were evaluated by carried out wear tests using a pin-on-disk tribometer under dry conditions. The #alpha#-sialon matrix composites were manufactured by slip casting and sintered by uniaxial hot pressing. Scanning electron ...
In this two chapter report, instrumentation used to collect seismic data is described. This data acquisition system has two parts: (1) portable anolog seismic recorders and related ``hand-held-testers`` (HHT) and (2) portable digitizing units. During the anolog recording process, ground motion is sensed by a 2-Hz vertical-component seismometer. The voltage output from the seismometer is split without amplification and sent to three parallel amplifier circuit boards. Each circuit board amplifiers the seismic signal in three stages and then frequency modulates the signal. Amplification at the last two stages can be set by the user. An internal precision clock signal is also frequency modulated. The three data carrier frequencies, the clock carrier frequency, and a tape-speed compensation carrier frequency are summed and recorded on a recorded on a cassette tape. During the digitizing process, the cassette tapes are played back and the signals are demultiplexed and demodulated. An ...
Titanium alloys are characterized by poor tribological properties, and the traditional use of titanium alloys has been restricted to nontribological applications. The deposition of a well adherent diamond coating is a promising way to solve this problem. In this study, the tribological properties of diamond-coated titanium were studied using a pin-on-disk tribometer, and the results were compared with those of pure titanium and plasma nitrided titanium. The tribological behavior of pure titanium was characterized by high coefficient of friction and rapid wear of materials. Plasma nitriding improved the wear resistance only under low normal load; however, this hardened layer was not efficient in improving the wear resistance and the friction properties under high normal load. Diamond coating on pure titanium improved the wear resistance of titanium significantly. Surface profilometry measurement indicated that little or no wear of the diamond coating occurred under ...
Thermal diffusivity was measured with a laser flash method up to 2000 K for UO_2 pellets irradiated in a commercial reactor. Measurements were done on micro samples of disks (2 mm diameter) or regular prisms (1.5 or 2 mm square cross sections). Thermal diffusivity degraded on extending burnup in agreement with reported values for UO_2 irradiated in test reactors, and it showed hysteresis during the laser flash experiments. Thermal diffusivity began to recover above 750 K and almost completely recovered above 1400 K, which corresponded with the reported radiation damage recovery. The obtained data were in agreement with predictions applying the thermal conductivity expression for irradiated UO_2 proposed by Amaya and Hirai. The sample experiencing power ramp showed higher thermal diffusivity than that of the base irradiated sample and had no obvious hysteresis. This suggested that the radiation damage which degraded thermal conductivity accumulated mainly during ...
UBVRI CCD surface photometry and color gradients are presented for 10 central dominant galaxies (CDGs), comprising gE, D, and cD morphological types and covering the range of Bautz-Morgan cluster types. The mean magnitude of the color gradients to a radius of 20 kpc is in agreement with those found in recent CCD studies of bright ellipticals in Virgo. The size of the gradients are consistent with N-body model predictions in which these galaxies are formed or enhanced by merger events. Parameters such as ellipticity, position angle of the major axis, and deviation from ellipticity for eight single-nucleus CDGs are also given. All galaxies show large changes in ellipticity and position angle with radius, and can be considered similar to Kormendy's T3 class of galaxies, in which tidal effects on isophotal structure are very probable. Three out of eight single-nucleus CDGs, NGC 1399, NGC 6876 and IC 1860, show evidence of isochromal flattening inside 10 kpc. Five (three boxy, two ...
We study the spectral and temporal behavior of the High Mass X-ray Binary A 0535+26 during a `pre-outburst flare' which took place ~5 d before the peak of a normal (type I) outburst in August/September 2005. We compare the studied behavior with that observed during the outburst. We analyse RXTE observations that monitored A 0535+26 during the outburst. We complete spectral and timing analyses of the data. We study the evolution of the pulse period, present energy-dependent pulse profiles both at the initial pre-outburst flare and close to outburst maximum, and measure how the cyclotron resonance-scattering feature (hereafter CRSF) evolves. We present three main results: a constant period P=103.3960(5)s is measured until periastron passage, followed by a spin-up with a decreasing period derivative of Pdot=(-1.69+/-0.04)x10^(-8)s/s at MJD 53618, and P remains constant again at the end of the main outburst. The spin-up provides evidence for the existence of an accretion ...
We present a large set of merger simulations of early-type disc galaxies with mass ratios of 1:1 and 3:1 and 10% of the total disc mass in gas. In contrast to the collisionless case equal-mass mergers with gas do not result in very boxy remnants which is caused by the suppression of box orbits and the change of the projected shape of minor-axis tube orbits in the more axisymmetric remnants. The isophotal shape of 3:1 remnants and the global kinematic properties of 1:1 and 3:1 remnants are only weakly affected by the presence of gas. 1:1 remnants are slowly rotating whereas 3:1 remnants are fast rotating and discy. The shape of the stellar LOSVD is strongly influenced by gas. The LOSVDs of collisionless remnants have broad leading wings while their gaseous counterparts show steep leading wings, more consistent with observations of elliptical galaxies. We show that this change is also caused by the suppressed populating of box orbits and it is amplified by the formation of extended gas ...
We present new 12CO J=3-2 and HCN J=3-2 molecular line maps of the region surrounding the young star AR 6 using the 15 metre James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. AR 6 was previously found to be a double source with both components exhibiting several characteristics of FU Orionis (FUor) eruptive variable stars. Our data indicates that AR 6, like FU Orionis itself, does not possess a CO outflow and likewise, does not show evidence for large amounts of molecular g as in its circumstellar environment. We conclude that from the near-IR to the sub-mm, AR 6 is similar to FU Orionis in several respects. We interpret the lack of significant dust and molecular gas in the circumstellar environment of AR 6, together with the large near-IR thermal excess, as evidence that the sources have exhausted their natal envelopes, that they have at least small hot circumstellar disks, and that they are more evolved than Class I protostars. This, in itself, suggests that, since FUor eruptions ...
We explore the relationship between the hard X-ray photon index $\\Gamma$ and the Eddington ratio (\\xi=L_{X}(0.5-25 keV)/L_{Edd}) in six XRBs. We find that different XRBs follow different anti-correlations between $\\Gamma$ and $\\xi$ when $\\xi$ is less than a critical value, while they follow the same positive correlation when $\\xi$ is larger than the critical value. This anti-correlation and positive correlation are also found in LLAGNs and QSOs respectively, and the anti-correlation and positive correlation of different XRBs roughly converge to the same point ($\\log \\xi=-2.1, \\Gamma=1.5$), which may correspond to the accretion mode transition, since that the anti-correlation and positive correlation are consistent with the prediction of ADAFs and standard disk/corona system respectively. The traditional low/hard state are divided into two parts by the cross point $\\log \\xi\\sim-2.1$, i.e., faint-hard state in the anti-correlation part and bright-hard ...
We investigate the influence of lunar-like satellites on the infrared orbital light curves of Earth-analog extra-solar planets. Such light curves will be obtained by NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) and ESA's Darwin missions as a consequence of repeat observations to confirm the companion status of a putative planet. We use an energy balance model to calculate disk-averaged infrared (bolometric) fluxes from planet-satellite systems over a full orbital period (one year). The satellites are assumed to lack an atmosphere, have a low thermal inertia like that of the Moon and span a range of plausible radii. The planets are assumed to have thermal and orbital properties that mimic those of the Earth while their obliquities and orbital longitudes of inferior conjunction remain free parameters. Even if the gross thermal properties of the planet can be independently constrained (e.g. via spectroscopy or visible-wavelength detection of specular glint from a surface ...
We introduce a novel search technique that can identify trans-Neptunian objects in three to five exposures of a pointing within a single Hubble Space Telescope (HST) orbit. The process is fast enough to allow the discovery of candidates soon after the data are available. This allows sufficient time to schedule follow-up observations with HST within a month. We report the discovery of 14 slow-moving objects found within 50 of the ecliptic in archival data taken with the Wide Field Channel of the Advanced Camera for Surveys. The luminosity function of these objects is consistent with previous ground-based and space-based results. We show evidence that the size distribution of both high and low inclination populations is similar for objects smaller than 100 km, as expected from collisional evolution models, while their size distribution differs for brighter objects. We suggest that the two populations formed in different parts of the protoplanetary disk and after ...
In recent years intergranular stress corrosion cracking has occurred world-wide in the shrink-fitted discs of low pressure turbine rotors made of low alloy steels. Only in a few cases steam impurities such as NaOH, Na_2CO_3, Na_2SO_4, H_2S or NaCl, which initiate SCC, could be found. To clarify the SCC-behaviour experiments on turbine disc steels with different chemical compositions and yield strength were performed in high purity water. The results show, that chemical composition has no effect on the crack initiation. Under high purity water conditions no crack initiation due to stress corrosion cracking is observed on the steel with a yield strength of 850 N/mm"2. On the steel with a yield strength of 1250 N/mm"2 which is not used in service, crack initiation occurs in pure water. But if sharp cracks already exist, crack propagation occurs in both cases. The investigations showed, that stress corrosion cracking of turbine discs can be prevented by a good water chemistry with a cation ...
Hard X-ray/gamma-ray spectrometers aboard two interplanetary spacecraft, Ulysses and Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO), and two near-Earth spacecraft, Yohkoh and Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO/BATSE), are currently in operation. A unique set of circumstances have permitted the observation of the 15 November 1991 (2238 UT) flare by all the four instruments. This intense flare (GOES class X 1.5) was associated with the bright (3B) H-alpha flare located on the disk (S13, W19) in the active region 6919. At the time of the flare, the Ulysses and PVO spacecraft were located respectively 101[degree] and 52[degree] west of the Sun-Earth line. Thus the view angles for the PVO and Ulysses instruments were quite different from those of the near-Earth instruments on GRO and Yohkoh. The preliminary photon energy spectra observed by the four instruments at different times during the flare will be presented and their implications regarding the directivity of hard X-ray sources in ...
Central velocity dispersions and rotation curves to radii of approx.5 kpc have been measured for 32 galaxies, mostly field S0's. Our rotation curves confirm the result of Kormendy and Illingworth that the bulges of S0 galaxies are in rapid rotation, with enough rotational kinetic energy to account for their flattenings. The V/sigma-ellipticity relation we find for S0 bulges is compared with similar data for elliptical galaxies from Davies et al. We conclude that (1) faint SO bluges and elliptical galaxies (M/sub B/ fainter than -20.5) are both consistent with oblate rotators with isotropic velocity dispersions (although in our sample, S0 bluges are flatter, on the average, than ellipticals) and (2) bright S0 bulges, -22.0disk galaxies and ellipticals did not ...
Fabrication of diffused titanium optical guides on a LiNbO/sub 3/ crystal substrate requires precise quality assurance. Light couplers in particular must be positioned within micron specifications. This requirement is the reason that the width of lines detected during microscopic inspection of the crystal is such an important parameter for quality evaluation. To assist in the inspection of these optical guides, a line width estimation program has been developed for an IBM PC based microscope inspection system. A digital image processing approach is used to develop an algorithm which can be tailored by the user for specific signal and noise characteristics. Default filter parameters, which can be updated and saved interactively by the user, are stored in a file on disk. The final program can be executed stand-alone or through a commercially available, menu-driven, image processing software package. Details concerning the implementation of this program are presented ...
The Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute has conducted a piping reliability test program to demonstrate the safety and reliability of light water reactor primary piping. In this program, pipe fatigue test, leak-before-break (LBB) verification test and pipe rupture test were carried out to examine the integrity of piping, to verify the LBB and to demonstrate the effectiveness of protective measures against jet impingement and pipe whip loads under a pipe rupture event.In the pipe fatigue test, a procedure to predict the fatigue crack growth was developed, and the integrity of piping during the plant service life was evaluated. In the LBB verification test, the pipe fracture test and the leak rate test were performed to verify the LBB in the primary piping.In the pipe rupture test, the influence of jet impingement on the target disk and the deformation behavior of whipping pipe and restraint were investigated. Using the test results, the jet impingement behavior ...
We report on recent progress and improvements in the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth of mid-infrared lasers and using a high speed rotating disk reactor (RDR). The devices contain AlAsSb active regions. These lasers have multi-stage, type I InAsSb/InAsP quantum well active regions. A semi-metal GaAsSb/InAs layer acts as an internal electron source for the multi-stage injection lasers and AlAsSb is an electron confinement layer. These structures are the first MOCVD multi-stage devices. Growth in an RDR was necessary to avoid the previously observed Al memory effects found in conventional horizontal reactors. A single stage, optically pumped laser yielded improved power (greater than 650 mW/facet) at 80K and 3.8um. A multi-stage 3.8-3.9um laser structure operated up to T=170K. At 80K, peak power greater than 100mW and a high slope- efficiency were observed in gain guided lasers.
Laser guide star systems based on Rayleigh scattering require some means to deal with the flash of low altitude laser light that follows immediately after each laser pulse. These systems also need a fast shutter to isolate the high altitude portion of the focused laser beam to make it appear star-like to the wavefront sensor. We describe how these tasks are accomplished with UnISIS, the Rayleigh laser guided adaptive optics system at the Mt. Wilson Observatory 2.5-m telescope. We use several methods: a 10,000 RPM rotating disk, dichroics, a fast sweep and clear mode of the CCD readout electronics on a 10 $\\mu$s timescale, and a Pockel's cell shutter system. The Pockel's cell shutter would be conventional in design if the laser light were naturally polarized, but the UnISIS 351 nm laser is unpolarized. So we have designed and put into operation a dual Pockel's cell shutter in a unique bow tie arrangement.
Highly resistant, high-transmittance woodceramic thin films were prepared using rf magnetron sputtering of a woodceramic disk in argon plasma. A film series was deposited based on substrate temperature, which was varied from 50 to 500 degree C. The film's electrical and optical properties depended on substrate temperature. Films deposited below 300 degree C were insulative, {rho}>10{sup 10} {omega} {center_dot} cm. Films deposited at 50 degree C had a density of 1.9-2.2 g/cm{sup 3} comparable to that of single crystal graphite. Below 200 degree C, films had higher transmittance than typical DLC films in the visible and infrared region. Infrared C-H absorption spectrum was observed by Ft-IR and there exist two types of bonding corresponding to sp{sup 2} or SP{sup 3}. (author)
We discuss the possibility of extending solid state laser technology to high average power and of improving the efficiency of such lasers sufficiently to make them reasonable candidates for a number of demanding applications. A variety of new design concepts, materials, and techniques have emerged over the past decade that, collectively, suggest that the traditional technical limitations on power (a few hundred watts or less) and efficiency (less than 1%) can be removed. The core idea is configuring the laser medium in relatively thin, large-area plates, rather than using the traditional low-aspect-ratio rods or blocks. This presents a large surface area for cooling, and assures that deposited heat is relatively close to a cooled surface. It also minimizes the laser volume distorted by edge effects. The feasibility of such configurations is supported by recent developments in materials, fabrication processes, and optical pumps. Two types of lasers can, in principle, utilize this ...
Sandia National Laboratories is currently involved in the optimization of a Plane Shock Generator Explosive Lens (PSGEL). The PSGEL component consists of a detonator, explosive, brass cone and tamper housing. The purpose of the PSGEL component is to transmit a plane shock wave through the 4340 steel bulkhead (wave separator) which has a ferro-electric (PZT)ceramic disk attached to the opposite surface of the steel bulkhead. The planar shock wave depolarizes the PZT 65/35 ferro-electric ceramic to produce an electrical output. One aspect of the optimization program involves the possible replacement of 4340 steel with PH13-8Mo steel for the bulkhead. These materials, as well as the PZT 65/35 ferro-electric ceramic and the brass for the cone, required the stock characterization with respect to Hugoniot parameters. The work presented here gives the shock Hugoniot values for these four materials and documents their measurements.
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are attractive because of their high conversion efficiency, low pollution, lightweight, and high power density. A major area of challenges is the design and engineering of active, robust, and low-cost electrocatalysts. This report discusses recent findings of our investigations of the design and nano-engineering of platinum-vanadium-iron catalysts for use in PEMFC. The membrane electrode assembly was prepared using nano-engineered PtVFe nanoparticles with controlled composition and size supported on carbon as cathode electrocatalysts. The electrocatalytic activity and stability of the catalysts have been characterized by both rotating disk electrode and membrane electrode assembly measurements. The trimetallic catalysts have been shown to exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance in PEMFC in comparison with commercial platinum catalysts. The results exhibited a good agreement between obtained these two types of ...
Micron scale silicon nitride (SiNx) microdisk optical resonators fabricated on a silicon wafer are demonstrated with Q = 3.6 x 10^6 (finesse = 5 x 10^4) and an effective mode volume of 15 (\\lambda / n)^3 at wavelengths \\lambda ~ 852 nm resonant with the D2 transition manifold of cesium. A dilute hydrofluoric wet etch is shown to provide sensitive tuning of the microdisk optical resonances, and robust mounting of a fiber taper provides efficient fiber optic coupling to the SiNx microdisk cavities while allowing unfettered optical access for laser cooling and trapping of atoms. Initial measurement of a hybrid atom-cavity chip indicates that cesium adsorption on the surface of the SiNx microdisks results in significant red-detuning of the disk resonances. A technique for parallel integration of multiple (10) microdisks with a single optical fiber taper is also demonstrated.
We present moderate resolution spectroscopy of extraplanar diffuse ionized gas (EDIG) emission in the edge-on spiral galaxy NGC 4302. The spectra were obtained with the SparsePak integral field unit (IFU) at the WIYN Observatory. The spectra are used to construct position-velocity (PV) diagrams at several ranges of heights above the midplane. Azimuthal velocities are directly extracted from the PV diagrams using the envelope tracing method, and indicate an extremely steep dropoff in rotational velocity with increasing height, with magnitude ~30 km/s/kpc. We find evidence for a radial variation in the velocity gradient on the receding side. We have also performed artificial observations of galaxy models in an attempt to match the PV diagrams. The results of a statistical analysis also favor a gradient of ~30 km/s/kpc. We compare these results with an entirely ballistic model of disk-halo flow, and find a strong dichotomy between the observed kinematics and those ...
Aliasing, or sharing, is prominent in many domains, denoting that two differently-named objects are in fact identical: a change in one object (memory cell, circuit terminal, disk block) is instantly reflected in the other. Languages for modelling such domains should let the programmer explicitly define the sharing among objects or expressions. A DSL compiler may find other identical expressions and share them, implicitly. Such common subexpression elimination is crucial to the efficient implementation of DSLs. Sharing is tricky in embedded DSL, since host aliasing may correspond to copying of the underlying objects rather than their sharing. This tutorial summarizes discussions of implementing sharing in Haskell DSLs for automotive embedded systems and hardware description languages. The technique has since been used in a Haskell SAT solver and the DSL for music synthesis. We demonstrate the embedding in pure Haskell of a simple DSL with a language form for ...
If the first (PopIII) stars were very massive, their final fate is to collapse into very massive black holes. Once a proto-black hole has formed into the stellar core, accretion continues through a disk. It is widely accepted, although not confirmed, that magnetic fields drive an energetic jet which produces a burst of TeV neutrinos by photon-meson interaction, and eventually breaks out of the stellar envelope appearing as a Gamma Ray Burst (GRB). Based on recent numerical simulations and neutrino emission models, we predict the expected neutrino diffuse flux from these PopIII GRBs and compare it with the capabilities of present and planned detectors as AMANDA and IceCube. If beamed into 1% of the sky, we find that the rate of PopIII GRBs is $\\le 4 \\times 10^6$ yr$^{-1}$. High energy neutrinos from PopIII GRBs could dominate the overall flux in two energy bands [$10^4 - 10^5$] GeV and [$10^5 - 10^6$] GeV of neutrino telescopes. The enhanced sensitivities of ...
Graphite fluoride (CF{sub x}) is investigated as an additive for WS{sub 2} thin films to reduce its sensitivity to moisture. The films are grown onto hardened 440C stainless steel disks by pulsed laser deposition using the 248 nm line from an excimer laser. Substrate temperature and additive concentration are varied to control film chemistry and crystal structure. The effect of relative humidity (i.e., < 1 to 85% RH) on friction is evaluated. Coatings grown at RT from targets with a low concentration of CF{sub x} exhibit ultra-low friction (ULF) behavior in dry air (i.e., {mu} {<=} 0.01), but friction increases with RH. Mechanisms for the ULF behavior are proposed which suggest that further reductions in friction are possible. Films grown at 300 C or with higher concentrations of CF{sub x} are relatively insensitive to humidity, but have more typical friction coefficients ({mu} {<=} 0.04) in dry air. (orig.)
We present results of near--IR long-slit spectroscopy in the J and K bands of the Seyfert 2 galaxies NGC 2110 and Circinus, investigating the gaseous distribution, excitation, reddening and kinematics. In NGC 2110, the emission line ratio [FeII]/Pa beta increases towards the nucleus (to ~ 7). The nuclear [Fe II]1.257 (microns) and Pa beta lines are broader (FWHM ~ 500 km/s) than the H2 (2.121) line (FWHM ~ 300 km/s). Both these results suggest that shocks, driven by the radio jet, are an important source of excitation of [Fe II]. The H2 excitation appears to be dominated by X-rays from the nucleus. In Circinus, both [FeII]/Pa beta and H2/Br gamma decrease from ~ 2 at 4 arcsec from the nucleus to nuclear values of ~ 0.6 and ~ 1, respectively, suggesting that the starburst dominates the nuclear excitation, while the AGN dominates the excitation further out (r > 2 arcsec). For both galaxies, the gaseous kinematics are consistent with circular rotation in the plane of the ...
Binary mass transfer via Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF) is a key channel for producing stripped-envelope Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars and may be critical to account for SN Ib/c progenitors. RY Scuti is an extremely rare example of a massive binary star caught in this brief but important phase. Its toroidal nebula indicates equatorial mass loss during RLOF, while the mass-gaining star is apparently embedded in an opaque accretion disk. RY Scuti's toroidal nebula has two components: an inner ionised double-ring system, and an outer dust torus that is twice the size of the ionised rings. We present two epochs of Lband Keck NGS-AO images of the dust torus, plus three epochs of HST images of the ionised gas rings. Proper motions show that the inner ionised rings and the outer dust torus came from two separate ejection events roughly 130 and 250 yr ago. This suggests that RLOF in massive contact binaries can be accompanied by eruptive and episodic burst of mass loss, reminiscent of ...
Type 440C stainless steel is a high-C, high-Cr martensitic steel used in applications requiring high hardness and wear resistance in combination with moderate corrosion resistance. Typical applications include precision aerospace bearings and critical components in computer disk drives. The properties of passive films formed on 440C steel were investigated using advanced electrochemical techniques with a view to establishing a method to measure film stability directly in the passivation baths. Electrochemical measurements were sensitive to the passive film properties and were able to quantify the effect of cooling rate on passive film stability. The techniques used included linear polarization, AC impedance, small amplitude cyclic voltammetry, and coulostatic transient measurements. These provided results that exhibited excellent agreement with the AC impedance technique providing the most information about the interfacial reactions. It was found that the full ...
A duplex surface treatment technique based on calorizing and plasma nitriding was developed to improve the wear and oxidation resistance of H13 steel at high temperatures. The effects of the relative thickness of the calorized layer to the depth of plasma nitriding on the wear and oxidation properties at temperatures up to 900 C were investigated in this work. High-temperature wear tests were performed at 500 C with dry conditions in open air using a ball-on-disk type tribotest machine. Isothermal oxidation tests were performed at 900 C for up to 100 h under controlled atmosphere. The results indicated that the specimens with a calorized layer as an intermediate phase between the surface duplex layer and the base metal showed higher wear and oxidation resistance than the specimens with a nitrided layer alone. During exposure to elevated temperatures, the aluminum in the calorized layer diffused to the surface and formed an aluminum oxide layer. This oxide layer ...
To understand evolutionary and environmental effects during the formation of high-mass stars, we observed three regions of massive star formation at different evolutionary stages that reside in the same natal molecular cloud. Methods. The three regions S255IR, S255N and S255S were observed at 1.3 mm with the Submillimeter Array (SMA) and followup short spacing information was obtained with the IRAM 30m telescope. Near infrared (NIR) H + K-band spectra and continuum observations were taken for S255IR with VLT-SINFONI to study the different stellar populations in this region. The combination of millimeter (mm) and near infrared data allow us to characterize different stellar populations within the young forming cluster in detail. While we find multiple mm continuum sources toward all regions, their outflow, disk and chemical properties vary considerably. The most evolved source S255IR exhibits a collimated bipolar outflow visible in CO and H2 emission, the outflows ...
A miniature, high-voltage, thermally activated battery has been developed. This battery weighs 41 grams, occupies a volume of 16.4 cu cm, and contains two separate 500-v channels, each designed to charge a 5.25 microfarad capacitor within 300 milli-seconds and remain operational under a 640-kohm load for a minimum of 28 seconds over the temperature range from +16 to +71 C. The electrochemical system utilizes a calcium anode, LiCl-KCl molten salt electrolyte, a CaCrO4-K2CrO4 mixture as the depolarizer or active cathode material, and an iron cathode. The depolarizer and electrolyte, along with a silica binder, are formed into homogeneous pellets, and these pellets are stacked alternately with calcium-iron bimetal disks in beryllium oxide tubes to form cell stacks. The cells are activated by an iron-potassium perchlorate pyrotechnic heat source external to the BeO tubes.
We present ultraviolet spectra of Mira's companion star from the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) instrument on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The companion is generally assumed to be a white dwarf surrounded by an accretion disk fed by Mira's wind, which dominates the UV emission from the system. The STIS UV spectrum is dominated by numerous, narrow H2 lines fluoresced by H I Ly-alpha, which were not detected in any of the numerous observations of Mira B by the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE). The high temperature lines detected by IUE (e.g., C IV 1550) still exist in the STIS spectrum but with dramatically lower fluxes. The continuum fluxes in the STIS spectra are also much lower, being more than an order of magnitude lower than ever observed by IUE, and also an order of magnitude lower than fluxes observed in more recent HST Faint Object Camera objective prism spectra from 1995. Thus, the accretion rate onto Mira B was apparently ...
Delta Scorpii is a double giant Be star in the forefront of the Scorpio, well visible to the naked eye, being normally of magnitude 2.3. In the year 2000 its luminosity rose up suddenly to the magnitude 1.6, changing the usual aspect of the constellation of Scorpio. This phenomenon has been associated to the close periastron of the companion, orbiting on a elongate ellipse with a period of about 11 years. The periastron, on basis of high precision astrometry, is expected to occur in the first decade of July 2011, and the second star of the system is approaching the atmosphere of the primary, whose circumstellar disk has a H-alpha diameter of 5 milliarcsec, comparable with the periastron distance. The preliminary results of a photometric campaign, here presented in the very days of the periastron, show an irregular behavior of the star's luminosity, which can reflect some shocks between material around the two stars. The small luminosity increasement detected in the ...
A total of 10 samples disks of 2024-T3 aluminum and 4130 ferrous steel were exposed to rocket-triggered lightning currents at the Kennedy Space Center test site in Florida during the summer of 1990. The experimental configuration was arranged so that the samples were not exposed to the preliminary streamer, wire-burn, or following currents that are associated with an upward-initiated rocket-triggered flash but which are a typical of naturally initiated lightning. Return-stroke currents and continuing currents actually attaching to the sample were measured, augmented by close-up video recordings of approximately 3 feet of the channel above the sample and by 16-mm movies with 5-ms resolution. From these data it was possible to correlate individual damage spots with streamer, return-stroke, and continuing currents that produced them. Substantial penetration of 80-mil aluminum was produced by a continuing current of submedian amplitude and duration, and full ...
Surface oxide films were grown on 99.99% copper and brass (copper-zinc alloy, Cu77Zn21Al2) in 0.1 mol L{sup -1} borax solution at open circuit potential and were characterized using various experimental techniques. The composition of the passive films formed in situ on the different materials was studied using differential reflectance spectroscopy. The thickness of the oxide layers on copper and brass was compared by chronopotentiometric curves and potentiodynamic reductions. The electrical properties of each oxide were analyzed by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Their influence on the oxygen reduction reaction was also investigated using voltammetry hydrodynamic tools such as the rotating disk electrode. The results show that the incorporation of Zn to Cu in brass changes the composition and the thickness of the surface film. The films grown on brass tend to be thicker but less resistive and Zn compounds incorporate to the film. This is supported ...
The sliding friction and wear behaviour of different steel qualities were investigated with and without lubrication conditions. Steel qualities tested are normally used in the overhead conveyor system of many industrial fields, like the automotive sector. Sliding wear tests have been conducted by means of a pin-on-disk machine. A 100Cr6 steel similar to that used within the overhead conveyor trolleys has been employed as a pin. Friction coefficient values obtained under lubrication conditions were three times smaller than those obtained without lubrication. The mechanism that controls wear behaviour under lubrication conditions is an abrasive one and the wear values obtained are almost worthless. On the other hand, mechanism controlling wear during non lubrication tests, was a combination of abrasion and adhesion. (Author) 20 refs.
We present results of a study of large-scale neutral hydrogen (HI) gas in nearby radio galaxies. We find that the early-type host galaxies of different types of radio sources (compact, FR-I and FR-II) appear to contain fundamentally different large-scale HI properties: enormous regular rotating disks and rings are present around the host galaxies of a significant fraction of low power compact radio sources, while no large-scale HI is detected in low power, edge-darkened FR-I radio galaxies. Preliminary results of a study of nearby powerful, edge-brightened FR-II radio galaxies show that these systems generally contain significant amounts of large-scale HI, often distributed in tail- or bridge-like structures, indicative of a recent galaxy merger or collision. Our results suggest that different types of radio galaxies may have a different formation history, which could be related to a difference in the triggering mechanism of the radio source. If confirmed by larger ...
We have used HST/FOS to study faint UV stars in the core of the nearby globular cluster NGC 6397. We confirm the presence of a 4th cataclysmic variable (CV) in NGC 6397 (CV 4), and we use the photometry of Cool et al. (1998) to present evidence that CVs 1--4 all have faint disks and probably low accretion rates. By combining these results with new UV spectra of CV 1 and the published spectra of Grindlay et al. (1995) we present new evidence that CVs 1--3 may be DQ Her systems, and we show that CV 4 may either be a dwarf nova or another magnetic system. Another possibility is that the CVs could be old novae in hibernation between nova eruptions. We also present the first spectrum of a member of a new class of UV bright stars in NGC 6397. These faint, hot stars do not vary, unlike the CVs, and are thus denoted as ``non-flickerers'' (NFs). Like the CVs, their spatial concentration is strongly concentrated toward the cluster center. Using stellar atmosphere models we ...
This report describes a microcomputer-based, single-project financial analysis program: BREEDER. BREEDER is a user-friendly model designed to facilitate frequent and rapid analyses of the financial implications associated with alternative design and financing strategies for electric generating plants and large-scale prototype breeder (LSPB) reactors in particular. The model has proved to be a useful tool in establishing cost goals for LSPB reactors. The program is available on floppy disks for use on an IBM personal computer (or IBM look-a-like) running under PC-DOS or a Kaypro II transportable computer running under CP/M (and many other CP/M machines). The report documents version 1.5 of BREEDER and contains a user's guide. The report also includes a general overview of BREEDER, a summary of hardware requirements, a definition of all required program inputs, a description of all algorithms used in performing the construction-period and operation-period ...
This paper describes Fuji computed radiography (FCR) of Fuji Film for NDT (non-destructive testing). Imaging plate (IP) is a two-dimensional detector of X-ray, and shows higher photographic sensitivity than X-ray film. The output emission of IP provides a good linear relationship to X-ray intensity in a wide intensity range. When this emission can be digitized, the X-ray intensity can be also digitized. IP is applied to NDT as an inspection using X-ray. FCR provides higher photographic sensitivity than the conventional X-ray film method, which results in one-fifth to one-twentieth of irradiation time. Images with stable density can be obtained independent of the intensity. Since IP has a wide dynamic range, the variation of X-ray intensity of 1:500 can be expressed in a single image by single shot. High density record including 1000 images can be done using a 5.25 inch optical disk through the digital image processing and the electrical quantification. The ...
We present new results from accurate and fully general-relativistic simulations of the coalescence of unmagnetized binary neutron stars with various mass ratios. The evolution of the stars is followed through the inspiral phase, the merger and prompt collapse to a black hole, up until the appearance of a thick accretion disk, which is studied as it enters and remains in a regime of quasi-steady accretion. Although a simple ideal-fluid equation of state with \\Gamma=2 is used, this work presents a systematic study within a fully general relativistic framework of the properties of the resulting black-hole--torus system produced by the merger of unequal-mass binaries. More specifically, we show that: (1) The mass of the torus increases considerably with the mass asymmetry and equal-mass binaries do not produce significant tori if they have a total baryonic mass M_tot >~ 3.7 M_sun; (2) Tori with masses M_tor ~ 0.2 M_sun are measured for binaries with M_tot ~ 3.4 ...
Advanced structural ceramics are presently used in several tribological applications, such as precision instrument bearings, automotive engine parts and cutting tools inserts. Design and selection of advanced ceramics for these applications require reliable data on the effects of temperature, load and environment on the tribological behaviour of these materials. In the present work, the friction and wear behaviour of colloidally processed and pressureless sintered sialon ceramics with phase (#alpha#) have been studied, aiming at increasing #alpha#-sialon in industrial applications as cutting tools. The friction and wear behaviour of sialon ceramics against steel DIN-Ck45K were investigated using a pin-on-disk tribometer under dry sliding conditions at room temperature, in order to eliminate the contribution of lubricant. The experiments were performed with a constant sliding velocity of 0.5 m/s and a contact stress of 2.85 MPa for 2000 m of sliding distance. ...
We report on the results of a simultaneous monitoring campaign employing eight Chandra X-ray (0.5-10 keV) and six VLA/EVLA (8.4 GHz) radio observations of NGC 4051 over seven months. Evidence for compact jets is observed in the 8.4 GHz radio band; This builds on mounting evidence that jet production may be prevalent even in radio-quiet Seyferts. Assuming comparatively negligible local diffuse emission in the nucleus, the results also demonstrate an inverse correlation of L_radio proportional to L_X-ray ^(-0.72+/-0.04) . Current research linking the mass of supermassive black holes and stellar-mass black holes in the "low/hard" state to X-ray luminosities and radio luminosities suggest a "fundamental plane of accretion onto black holes" that has a positive correlation of L_radio proportional to L_X-ray^(0.67+/-0.12) . Our simultaneous results differ from this relation by more than 11 sigma, indicating that a separate mode of accretion and ejection may operate in this system. A review of ...
We use the bulge Sersic index n and bulge-to-total mass ratio (B/T) to explore the fundamental question of how bulges form. We perform two-dimensional bulge-disk-bar decomposition on H-band images of 143 bright, high-mass (M _* #>=# 1.0 x 10"1"0 M _s_u_n) low-to-moderately inclined (i < 70"0) spirals. Our results are as follows. (1) Our H-band bar fraction (#approx#58%) is consistent with that from ellipse fits. (2) 70% of the stellar mass is in disks, 10% in bars, and 20% in bulges. (3) A large fraction (#approx#69%) of bright spirals have B/T#<=# 0.2, and #approx#76% have low n #<=# 2 bulges. These bulges exist in barred and unbarred galaxies across a wide range of Hubble types. (4) About 65% (68%) of bright spirals with n #<=# 2 (B/T #<=# 0.2) bulges host bars, suggesting a possible link between bars and bulges. (5) We compare the results with predictions from a set of #LAMBDA#CDM models. In the models, a high-mass spiral ...
BackgroundPuccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is a fungal pathogen causing stripe rust, one of the most important wheat diseases worldwide. The...Full Text Available
Auditory neurons in the superior colliculus (SC) respond preferentially to sounds from restricted directions to form a map of auditory space. The development of this representation is shaped...Full Text Available
Forward and reverse genetic experiments have both played important roles in revealing critical aspects of mammalian signal transduction pathways in cell culture experiments. Only recently have we begun...Full Text Available
Research reported here reveals that the reduction of CO{sub 2} emissions into the atmosphere, is mainly dependent on the decrease of the use of fossil fuels, but also on the development of environment-friendly technology and greening of the environment. 2 refs.
BackgroundDinoflagellates are unicellular, often photosynthetic protists that play a major role in the dynamics of the Earth's oceans and climate. Sequencing of dinoflagellate nuclear...Full Text Available
The bovine syncytial virus, a member of the retroviral subfamily Spumavirinae, causes a persistent, asymptomatic infection in cattle. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the viral genome revealed two overlapping...Full Text Available
The temperature dependence of the dislocation mobility threshold is investigated on the basis of a dislocation model suggested by Frenkel-Kontorova. The critical value is obtained for the stress/temperature, corresponding to the dislocation depinning from its equilibrium position. The universal behaviour of a barrier height at finite stress and temperature is revealed and investigated.
Assessments of drinking water safety rely on the assumption that ingestion represents the principal route of exposure. A review of the experimental literature revealed that skin penetration rates for...Full Text Available
A community health survey of 438 individuals was taken to detect health problems related to high voltage electrical transmission among an adjacent residential population. Results revealed no significant...Full Text Available
BackgroundHigh complexity is considered a hallmark of living systems. Here we investigate the complexity of temporal gene expression patterns using the concept of Permutation Entropy...Full Text Available
BackgroundSensitization to house dust mite allergens is strongly correlated with asthma. Der p 7 elicits strong IgE antibody and T-cell responses in mite allergic...Full Text Available
How does complex social behavior evolve? What are the developmental building blocks of division of labor and specialization, the hallmarks of insect societies? Studies have revealed the developmental...Full Text Available
Assembly of infectious adenovirus particles requires seven functionally redundant elements at the left end of the genome, termed A repeats, that direct packaging of the DNA. Previous studies revealed...Full Text Available
Previous studies have revealed marked differences in the incidence of leukemia between rats and mice exposed to 1,3-butadiene that do not appear to be readily explained on the basis of pharmacokinetics...Full Text Available
This presentation from the 2006 PTEC Conference presents education research on topics in thermodynamics. Student responses to conceptual thermodynamics questions, and the conceptions they reveal, are presented. Tutorial materials developed to help students gain a better understanding of the topic are also presented.
SUMMARYThe cytolytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells is regulated by inhibitory receptors that detect the absence of self molecules on target cells. Structural studies of...Full Text Available
... M. Taylor, T. Kurt Kyser. (2009) Feather isotope analysis discriminates age-classes of Western, Least, and Semipalmated sandpipers when plumage ... ...
Background: In North America and Europe, 80% of invasive skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma while 20% are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In contrast, African studies reveal a preponderance...Full Text Available
The brain maintains internal models of its environment to interpret sensory inputs and prepare actions. While behavioral studies demonstrated that these internal models are optimally adapted...Full Text Available
Early on, intriguing biological activities were found associated with the EETs using in vitro systems. Although the EETs other than the 5,6-isomer, are quite stable chemically,...Full Text Available
alpha-actinins are actin microfilament crosslinking proteins. Vertebrate actinins fall into two classes: the broadly-expressed actinins 1 and 4 (actn1 and actn4)...Full Text Available
The specific white matter location of all the spinal pathways conveying penile input to the rostral medulla is not known. Our previous studies using rats demonstrated the loss of low but not high threshold...Full Text Available
Hibernators are unique among mammals in their ability to survive extended periods of time with core body temperatures near freezing and with dramatically reduced heart, respiratory, and metabolic rates...Full Text Available
The anatomy of the labyrinth and the structure of the macula utriculi of the teleost fish (burbot) Lota vulgaris was studied by dissection, phase contrast, and electron microscopy....Full Text Available
The sequence information available for homeodomains reveals that salt bridges connecting pairs 19/30, 31/42, and 17/52 are frequent, whereas aliphatic residues at these sites are rare and mainly restricted...Full Text Available
A recent EPA-sponsored study of sediment and seafood contamination in Quincy Bay revealed elevated levels of several complex organic pollutants frequently of concern in human health assessments. A seafood...Full Text Available
A 4.5-year-old Holstein-Friesian cow underwent surgery because of left abomasal displacement. Intra-operative palpation of the pyloric region revealed a phytobezoar. The abomasum containing the phytobezoar...Full Text Available
BackgroundSynonymous sites are freer to vary because of redundancy in genetic code. Messenger RNA secondary structure restricts this freedom, as revealed by previous findings in...Full Text Available
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in clinical material cannot replicate efficiently in vitro until it has adapted by mutation. Consequently, wild-type HCMV differ fundamentally from the passaged strains...Full Text Available
We have established a cartilaginous fish cell line [Squalus acanthias embryo cell line (SAE)], a mesenchymal stem cell line derived from the embryo of an elasmobranch, the spiny dogfish...Full Text Available
We reviewed 9 cases of pyogenic spondylodiscitis following percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). Microbiologic cultures revealed 6 causative organisms. Five patients were managed conservatively...Full Text Available
Earlier studies of white London busmen revealed that the ischaemic heart disease experience of conductors is better than that of drivers. Various factors which might be related to this difference have...Full Text Available
Some strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum have the ability to catabolize indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Examination of this catabolism in strain 110 by in vivo experiments has revealed an enzymatic activity...Full Text Available
Experimental metastases in the brain of mice are infiltrated by microglia, and parabiosis experiments of green fluorescent protein (GFP+) and GFP- mice revealed that these microglia...Full Text Available
Electrophoretic analysis of protein variation at the coagulation F13B locus has previously revealed three alleles, with alleles 1, 2, and 3 each being at high frequency in European,...Full Text Available
To confirm that Mycobacterium tuberculosis chaperonin 10 (Cpn10) is secreted outside the live bacillus, infected macrophages were examined by electron microscopy. This revealed that...Full Text Available
Vulnerability to abused drugs is influenced by multiple genes unique to each drug as well as to risk genes for polydrug abuse. If several inbred mouse strains respond to different drugs similarly,...Full Text Available
The identification of predictive biomarkers is at the core of modern toxicology. So far, a number of approaches have been proposed. These rely on statistical inference of toxicity response from either...Full Text Available
Sibling Paenibacillus dendritiformis bacterial colonies grown on low-nutrient agar medium mutually inhibit growth through secretion of a lethal factor. Analysis of secretions reveals...Full Text Available
A 30-year-old man with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Kaposi's sarcoma had a palpable thyroid mass and cervical lymphadenopathy. Nuclear medicine and ultrasound scans revealed multiple thyroid nodules. Results of biopsy showed Kaposi's sarcoma metastatic to the thyroid.
Hematopoiesis is the cumulative result of intricately regulated signaling pathways that are mediated by cytokines and their receptors. Studies conducted over the past 10 to 15 years have revealed that...Full Text Available
[Leu]- and [Met]enkephalin from thoracic ganglia of the shore crab Carcinus maenas have been purified to homogeneity by a reversed-phase HPLC procedure. Automated gas-phase sequencing revealed a primary...Full Text Available
Marine sediments are frequently covered by mats of the filamentous Beggiatoa and other large nitrate-storing bacteria that oxidize hydrogen sulfide using either oxygen or nitrate, which...Full Text Available
The gram-negative plant-pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria is the causative agent of bacterial spot disease in pepper and tomato plants, which leads to economically...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp) is the causative agent of the human disease melioidosis. To understand the evolutionary mechanisms...Full Text Available
Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, the third most common mycobacterial disease after tuberculosis and leprosy. It is an emerging infectious disease that...Full Text Available
Bovine embryos can be generated by in vitro fertilization or somatic nuclear transfer; however, these differ from their in vivo counterparts in many aspects and exhibit a higher proportion of developmental...Full Text Available
Transcription factors drive organogenesis, from the initiation of cell fate decisions to the maintenance and implementation of these decisions. The Drosophila embryonic salivary gland...Full Text Available
The role of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) in the regulation of pheromone biosynthesis of several female moth species is well elucidated, but its role in the males has been a...Full Text Available
BackgroundEpidemiological studies showed that physical exercise, specifically moderate lifelong training, is protective against cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Most experimental...Full Text Available
BackgroundNew technology allows more precise definition of structural alterations of all retinal layers although it has not been used previously in cases of optic...Full Text Available
Data reveal that sodium pentobarbital anesthesia does not depress glucose uptake of neutrophils stimulated by the addition of live E. coli. E. coli viability was reduced equally in blood obtained before and after sodium pentobarbital anesthesia. Pre- and ...
Rumen-cannulated cows (n = 4) were fed successively silage made from either conventional or genetically modified (GM) maize. Results revealed no effects of GM maize on the dynamics...Full Text Available
Analysis of gestation length in an obstetric population of indigenous African women revealed a mean pregnancy duration of 274.8 days, which is similar to values recorded in women of African descent...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe transcription factor Pax6 is essential for the development of the central nervous system and it exerts its multiple functions by regulating the expression of downstream...Full Text Available
Many pathogens colonize different anatomical sites, but the selective pressures contributing to survival in the diverse niches are poorly understood. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is...Full Text Available
BACKGROUND AND AIMS:In view of increasing therapeutic efficacy, the delivery of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral treatment is expected to increase. Yet practical experience reveals...Full Text Available
A 23-year-old woman presented to our hospital with nonspecific pain in the abdomen. She underwent radiological investigations, which revealed a solid and cystic mass in the tail end of the pancreas....Full Text Available
AbstractX-ray diffraction analysis of pressure-induced structural changes in the Aequorea yellow fluorescent protein Citrine reveals the structural basis for the continuous...Full Text Available
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated to play key roles in normal physiological functions, and altered expression of specific miRNAs has been associated with a number of diseases. It is of great interest...Full Text Available
BackgroundInterest in lycopene metabolism and regulation is growing rapidly because accumulative studies have suggested an important role for lycopene in human health promotion....Full Text Available
BackgroundStructured noncoding RNAs perform many functions that are essential for protein synthesis, RNA processing, and gene regulation. Structured RNAs can be detected by comparative...Full Text Available
Computer-assisted analysis revealed a striking sequence similarity between the putative 24-kDa protein (p24) encoded by open reading frame (ORF) 5 of beet yellows closterovirus and the coat protein...Full Text Available
This study examined the genetic basis of hypertension and renal disease in Dahl SS/Mcwi (Dahl Salt-Sensitive) rats using a complete chromosome substitution panel of consomic rats in which each of the...Full Text Available
Molecular analysis of the amo gene cluster in Nitrosococcus oceani revealed that it consists of five genes, instead of the three known genes, amoCAB....Full Text Available
DYF-13, originally identified in C. elegans within a collection of dye-filling chemosensory mutants, is one of several proteins that have been classified as putatively involved...Full Text Available
In Iran, microscopic examination of skin scrapings from 2202 individuals with clinically diagnosed cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions revealed the presence of amastigotes in 1123 cases (51.0%). Bacteriological...Full Text Available
We used tryptophan auxotrophs of the dicot Arabidopsis thaliana (wall cress) to determine whether tryptophan has the capacity to serve as a precursor to the auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Quantitative...Full Text Available
BackgroundHistone post-translational modifications are critical for gene expression and cell viability. A broad spectrum of histone lysine residues have been identified in yeast...Full Text Available
During formation of the optic projection in astray/robo2 mutant zebrafish, optic axons exhibit rostro-caudal pathfinding errors, ectopic midline crossing and...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe successful interaction of bacterial pathogens with host tissues requires the sensing of specific chemical and physical cues. The human gut contains a huge number of...Full Text Available
A correlation investigation was carried out on the series of atomic coordinates (MPV) and temperature factor (T {sub f}), respectively for human hemoglobin and HIV-1 protease protein main chains. The MPV series revealed resemblances to the corresponding T {sub f} series. Each minor or major peak in a series had a corresponding peak in the related series. This brings a qualitative evidence for the connection of the two parameters. The series were further subjected to spectral and detrended fluctuation analysis which all revealed long-range correlation properties. This combined analysis revealed that the data were controlled both by the correlation of stationary fluctuation and trends or non-stationary contribution to correlation. The correlation of all MPV series was found to be much less sensitive to ligand binding than the corresponding T {sub f} series. Thus the long-range correlation properties of the protein main chain ...
A correlation investigation was carried out on the series of atomic coordinates (MPV) and temperature factor (T _f), respectively for human hemoglobin and HIV-1 protease protein main chains. The MPV series revealed resemblances to the corresponding T _f series. Each minor or major peak in a series had a corresponding peak in the related series. This brings a qualitative evidence for the connection of the two parameters. The series were further subjected to spectral and detrended fluctuation analysis which all revealed long-range correlation properties. This combined analysis revealed that the data were controlled both by the correlation of stationary fluctuation and trends or non-stationary contribution to correlation. The correlation of all MPV series was found to be much less sensitive to ligand binding than the corresponding T _f series. Thus the long-range correlation properties of the protein main chain structure and ...
KLF1 regulates a diverse suite of genes to direct erythroid cell differentiation from bipotent progenitors. To determine the local cis-regulatory contexts and transcription factor networks...Full Text Available
BackgroundProteins may evolve through the recruitment and modification of discrete domains, and in many cases, protein action can be dissected at the domain level. PDZ domains are...Full Text Available
Recent health care policies and regulations have impacted the manner in which patient data – especially protected health information (PHI) – are handled in both the clinical...Full Text Available
Picocyanobacteria of the genus Synechococcus are important contributors to marine primary production and are ubiquitous in the world's oceans. This genus is genetically diverse, and...Full Text Available
A search for homologs of the Bacillus subtilis PhoP response regulator in the group A streptococcus (GAS) genome revealed three good candidates. Inactivation of one of these, recently...Full Text Available
Results of a survey conducted by Concawe on 75 oil refineries in Europe show that the total quantity of waste requiring disposal in 1986 was 0.5 million metric tons. This quantity of waste is but 0.13% of the total refinery throughput of 387 million metric tons during 1986. The survey revealed a wide range of disposal costs, depending on the particular properties of the waste and local conditions. A summary of total waste generation and how the waste is disposed of is shown. Details on the types of waste disposed, the disposal methods used, and the costs of disposal are detailed in this excerpt from the Concawe survey.
Attention is paid to the production mechanisms of light scalars that reveal their nature. We reveal the chiral shielding of the \\sigma(600) meson. We show that the kaon loop mechanism of the \\phi radiative decays, ratified by experiment, points to the four-quark nature of light scalars. We show also that the light scalars are produced in the two photon collisions via four-quark transitions in contrast to the classic P wave tensor q\\bar q mesons that are produced via two-quark transitions $\\gamma\\gamma\\to q\\bar q$. The history of spontaneous breaking of symmetry in quantum physics is discussed in Appendix.
Analysis of data on seedling traits from 20 diverse genotypes revealed significant differences fro most of the seedling traits. Significant estimates of broad-sense heritability were observed for VI, ERI, FRTW, DRTW and R/S ratio. Genetic advance was maximum for VI,ERI and E%. The correlation of VI with ERI and R/S ratio was negative and significant, whereas it was positive and significant with E%, FSHW and DSHW. Characterization of the sorghum genotypes according to Anderson's Metro glyph Statistics revealed five different groups for seedling trails. (authors)
In this paper, we review some of the work our group has done in the past few years to obtain the electron self-energy of high temperature superconductors by analysis of angle-resolved photoemission data. We focus on three examples which have revealed: (1) a d-wave superconducting gap, (2) a collective mode in the superconducting state, and (3) pairing correlations in the pseudogap phase. In each case, although a novel result is obtained which captures the essence of the data, the conventional physics used leads to an incomplete picture. This indicates that new physics needs to be developed to obtain a proper understanding of these materials.
Characterization and performance testing of a prototype DWPF Melter No.2 Dome Heater Bus Bar are described. The prototype bus bar was designed to address the design features of the existing system which may have contributed to water leaks on Melter No.1. Performance testing of the prototype revealed significant improvement over the existing design in reduction of both bus bar and heater connection maximum temperature, while characterization revealed a few minor design and manufacturing flaws in the bar. The prototype is recommended as an improvement over the existing design. Recommendations are also made in the area of quality control to ensure that critical design requirements are met.
This contribution analyzes elastic-backscatter lidar data and temperature and humidity profiles from radiosondes acquired in Barcelona in July 1992. Elastic-backscatter lidar data reveal the distribution of aerosols within the volume of atmosphere scanned. By comparing this information with temperature and humidity profiles of the atmosphere at a similar time, we are able to asses de relationship among aerosol distribution and atmospheric stability or water content, respectively. Comparisons have shown how lidar`s revealed layers of aerosols correspond to atmospheric layers with different stability condition and water content.
We derive improved versions of the relations between supermassive black hole mass (M _B_H) and host-galaxy bulge velocity dispersion (#sigma#) and luminosity (L; the M-#sigma# and M-L relations), based on 49 M _B_H measurements and 19 upper limits. Particular attention is paid to recovery of the intrinsic scatter (#epsilon#_0) in both relations. We find log(M _B_H/M _s_u_n) = #alpha# + #beta#log(#sigma#/200 km s"-"1) with (#alpha#, #beta#, #epsilon#_0) = (8.12 #+-# 0.08, 4.24 #+-# 0.41, 0.44 #+-# 0.06) for all galaxies and (#alpha#, #beta#, #epsilon#_0) = (8.23 #+-# 0.08, 3.96 #+-# 0.42, 0.31 #+-# 0.06) for ellipticals. The results for ellipticals are consistent with previous studies, but the intrinsic scatter recovered for spirals is significantly larger. The scatter inferred reinforces the need for its consideration when calculating local black hole mass function based on the M-#sigma# relation, and further implies that there may be substantial selection bias in studies of the ...
We study the line widths in the [O III]#lambda#5007 and H#alpha# lines for two groups of planetary nebulae in the Milky Way bulge based upon spectroscopy obtained at the Observatorio Astronomico Nacional in the Sierra San Pedro Martir (OAN-SPM) using the Manchester Echelle Spectrograph. The first sample includes objects early in their evolution, having high H#beta# luminosities, but [O III]#lambda#5007/H#beta# < 3. The second sample comprises objects late in their evolution, with He II #lambda#4686/H#beta#>0.5. These planetary nebulae represent evolutionary phases preceding and following those of the objects studied by Richer et al. in 2008. Our sample of planetary nebulae with weak [O III]#lambda#5007 has a line width distribution similar to that of the expansion velocities of the envelopes of asymptotic giant branch stars and shifted to systematically lower values as compared to the less evolved objects studied by Richer et al. The sample with strong He II #lambda#4686 has a ...
We use UV/optical and X-ray observations of 272 radio-quiet Type 1 active galactic nuclei and quasars to investigate the C IV Baldwin Effect (BEff). The UV/optical spectra are drawn from the Hubble Space Telescope, International Ultraviolet Explorer and Sloan Digital Sky Survey archives. The X-ray spectra are from the Chandra and XMM-Newton archives. We apply correlation and partial-correlation analyses to the equivalent widths (EWs), continuum monochromatic luminosities, and ?ox, which characterizes the relative X-ray to UV brightness. The EW of the C IV ?1549 emission line is correlated with both ?ox and luminosity. We find that by regressing l?(2500 A) with EW(C IV) and ?ox, we can obtain tighter correlations than by regressing l?(2500 A) with only EW(C IV). Both correlation and regression analyses imply that l?(2500 A) is not the only factor controlling the changes of EW(C IV); ?ox (or, equivalently, the soft X-ray emission) plays a fundamental role in the ...
We study the dynamical evolution of globular clusters containing primordial binaries, including full single and binary stellar evolution using our Monte Carlo cluster evolution code updated with an adaptation of the single and binary stellar evolution codes SSE and BSE from Hurley et al. We describe the modifications that we have made to the code. We present several test calculations and comparisons with existing studies to illustrate the validity of the code. We show that our code finds very good agreement with direct N-body simulations including primordial binaries and stellar evolution. We find significant differences in the evolution of the global properties of the simulated clusters using stellar evolution compared with simulations without any stellar evolution. In particular, we find that the mass loss from the stellar evolution acts as a significant energy production channel simply by reducing the total gravitational binding energy and can significantly prolong the initial core ...
I present a promising route to harmonize distance measurements based on clump giants and RR Lyrae stars. This is achieved by comparing the brightness of these distance indicators in three environments: the solar neighborhood, Galactic bulge and Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). As a result of harmonizing the distance scales in the solar neighborhood and Baade's Window, I derive the new absolute magnitude of RR Lyrae stars, M{sub v}(RR) at [Fe/H] = -1.6 (0.59 {+-} 0.05, 0.70 {+-} 0.05). Being somewhat brighter than the statistical parallax solution, but fainter than typical results of the main sequence fitting to Hipparcos data, these values of M{sub V}(RR) favor intermediate or old ages of globular clusters. Harmonizing the distance scales in the LMC and Baade's Window, I show that the most likely distance modulus to the LMC, {mu}{sub LMC} is in the range 18.24 - 18.44. The Hubble constant of about 70 km/s/Mpc reported by the HST Key Project is based ...
New stellar models which track the production and destruction of "3He (and D) have been evolved for a range of stellar masses (0.65#<=#M/M_c_i_r_c_l_e_-_d_o_t#<=#100), metallicities (0.01#<=#Z/Z_c_i_r_c_l_e_-_d_o_t#<=#1), and initial (main-sequence) "3He mass fractions (10"-"5#<=#X_3_,_M_S#<=#10"-"3). Armed with the "3He yields from these stellar models we have followed the evolution of D and "3He using a variety of chemical evolution models with and without infall of primordial or processed material. Production of new "3He by the lower mass stars overwhelms any reasonable primordial contributions and leads to predicted abundances in the presolar nebula and/or the present interstellar medium in excess of the observationally inferred values. This result, which obtains even for zero primordial D and "3He, and was anticipated by Rood, Steigman, ampersand Tinsley is insensitive to the choice of chemical evolution model; it is driven by the large "3He yields from low-mass ...
The recently observed X-ray synchrotron emission from four supernova remnants (SNRs) has strengthened the evidence that cosmic-ray electrons are accelerated in SNRs. We show that if this is indeed the case, the local electron spectrum will be strongly time-dependent, at least above roughly 30 GeV. The time dependence stems from the Poisson fluctuations in the number of SNRs within a certain volume and within a certain time interval. As far as cosmic-ray electrons are concerned, the Galaxy looks like actively bubbling Swiss cheese rather than a steady, homogeneously filled system. Our finding has important consequences for studies of the Galactic diffuse gamma-ray emission, for which a strong excess over model predictions above 1 GeV has recently been reported. While these models relied on an electron injection spectrum with index 2.4 (chosen to fit the local electron flux up to 1 TeV), we show that an electron injection index of around 2.0 would (1) be consistent ...
We investigate the possibility of kaon condensation in the dense interior of neutron stars through the s-wave interaction of kaons with nucleons. We include nucleon-nucleon interactions by using simple parametrizations of realistic forces, and include electrons and muons in #beta#-equilibrium. The equation of state above the condensate threshold is derived in the mean field approximation. The conditions under which kaon condensed cores undergo a transition to quark matter containing strange quarks are also established.The critical density for kaon condensation lies in the range (2.3-5.0)#rho#_0, where #rho#_0=0.16 fm"-"3 is the equilibrium density of nuclear matter. The critical density depends largely on the value of the strangeness content of the proton, the size of which is controversial. For too large a value of the strangeness content, matter with a kaon condensate is not sufficiently stiff to support the lower limit of 1.44 M_o_e_d_o_t for a neutron star. Kaon condensation ...
Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and quasars (QSOs) appear to emit roughly equal energy per decade from radio to gamma-ray energies (e.g. Ramaty and Ligenfelter 1982). This argues strongly for a nonthermal radiation mechanism (see Rees 1984). In addition, statistical studies have indicated that the spectra of these objects in the IR-UV and 2 to 50 keV x-ray band, can be fitted very well with power laws of specific indices. These spectral indices do not seem to depend on the luminosity or morphology of the objects (Rothschild et al. 1983; Malkan 1984), and any theory should account for them in a basic and model independent way. If shocks accelerate relativistic protons via the first-order Fermi mechanism (e.g. Axfor 1981), the radiating electrons can be produced as secondaries throughout the source by proton-proton (p-p) collisions and pion decay, thus eliminating Compton losses (Protheroe and Kazanas 1983). As shown by Kazanas (1984), if relativistic electrons are ...
CORAL-I was an experimental, zero-power, fast-spectrum, high-enriched metal uranium reactor that operated from 1968 until 1988 at the former Junta de Energia Nuclear (JEN), CIEMAT at present. The critical measurements performed at the startup of the reactor are being evaluated as part of the International Critical Safety Benchmark Evaluation Program (ICSBEP) and proposed to be included in its 2001 edition. Additionally, the measurement of the mass reactivity coefficient is compared with MCNP4B calculations. This measurement allows one to perform the approach to critical without the need of a previous control rod calibration, thus enhancing the safety of such an approach. This technique can also be applied to other reactor types. CORAL-I (Ref. 1) is a 90% enriched metal uranium reactor domestically designed and manufactured in the experimental facilities of JEN, now CIEMAT, in Madrid, Spain. The enriched uranium was supplied by the International Atomic Energy Agency as metal ingots and ...
This is the final report of a three-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Nature uses chlorophyll and other porphyrinic pigments to capture and transfer light energy as a preliminary step in photosynthesis. The design of synthetic assemblies of light harvesting and energy directing pigments has been explored through synthesis and characterization of porphyrin oligomers. In this project, pigment electronic and vibrational structures have been explored by electrochemistry and dynamic and static optical measurements. Transient absorption data reveal energy transfer between pigments with lifetimes on the order of 20--200 picoseconds, while Raman data reveal that the basic porphyrin core structure is unperturbed relative to the individual monomer units. These two findings, along with an extensive series of experiments on the oxidized oligomers, reveal that ...
In this study, Cu{sub 2}O/Cu composite particles were synthesized using an innovative chemical reduction method without any template and surfactant. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the product mainly consisted of Cu{sub 2}O phase coexisting with a Cu phase. FE-SEM images showed that the octahedral shaped particles were Cu{sub 2}O. The electrochemical performance of the Cu{sub 2}O/Cu particles was investigated with regards to the working electrode material in alkaline solution. The particles had a maximum discharge capacity of 222.9 mAh/g at a discharge current density of 60 mA/g and a high value of 109.1 mAh/g after 50 charge-discharge cycles. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the reaction between Cu{sub 2}O and Cu is the major electrochemical reaction during the charging and discharging process. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the formation of Cu{sub 2}O on the surface of Cu particles ...
We present the 24 #mu#m rest-frame luminosity function (LF) of star-forming galaxies in the redshift range 0.0 #<=# z #<=# 0.6 constructed from 4047 spectroscopic redshifts from the AGN and Galaxy Evolution Survey of 24 #mu#m selected sources in the Booetes field of the NOAO Deep Wide-Field Survey. This sample provides the best available combination of large area (9 deg"2), depth, and statistically complete spectroscopic observations, allowing us to probe the evolution of the 24 #mu#m LF of galaxies at low and intermediate redshifts while minimizing the effects of cosmic variance. In order to use the observed 24 #mu#m luminosity as a tracer for star formation, active galactic nuclei (AGNs) that could contribute significantly at 24 #mu#m are identified and excluded from our star-forming galaxy sample based on their mid-IR spectral energy distributions or the detection of X-ray emission. Optical emission line diagnostics are considered for AGN identification, ...
We present a detailed investigation of SBS 1150+599A, a close binary star hosted by the planetary nebula PN G135.9+55.9 (TS 01). The nebula, located in the Galactic halo, is the most oxygen-poor known to date and is the only one known to harbor a double degenerate core. We present XMM-Newton observations of this object, which allowed the detection of the previously invisible component of the binary core, whose existence was inferred so far only from radial velocity (RV) and photometric variations. The parameters of the binary system were deduced from a wealth of information via three independent routes using the spectral energy distribution (from the infrared to X-rays), the light and RV curves, and a detailed model atmosphere fitting of the stellar absorption features of the optical/UV component. We find that the cool component must have a mass of 0.54 #+-# 0.2 M_s_u_n, an average effective temperature, T_e_f_f, of 58,000 #+-# 3000 K, a mean radius of 0.43 #+-# ...
New sets of cross sections for the production of krypton isotopes from targets of Rb, Sr, Y, and Zr were constructed primarily on the bases of experimental excitation functions for Kr production from Y. These cross sections were used to calculate galactic-cosmic-ray and solar-proton production rates for Kr isotopes in the moon. Spallation Kr data obtained from ilmenite separates of rocks 10017 and 10047 are reported. Production rates and isotopic ratios for cosmogenic Kr observed in ten well-documented lunar samples and in ilmenite separates and bulk samples from several lunar rocks with long but unknown irradiation histories were compared with predicted rates and ratios. The agreements were generally quite good. Erosion of rock surfaces affected rates or ratios for only near-surface samples, where solar-proton production is important. There were considerable spreads in predicted-to-observed production rates of /sup 83/Kr, due at least in part to uncertainties in ...
The Polarized Gamma-ray Observer (PoGOLite) is a balloon-borne instrument that will measure gamma-ray polarization in the energy range 25-80 keV from astronomical sources such as pulsars, accretion discs and jets from active galactic nuclei. The two additional parameters provided by such observations, polarization angle and degree, will allow these objects to be studied in a new way, providing information about their emission mechanisms and geometries. The instrument measures azimuthal scattering angles of photons within a close packed array of phoswich detector cells (PDCs) based on coincident detection of Compton scattering and photoelectric absorption. Each PDC comprises three different scintillating components and combines photon detection, active collimation and bottom anticoincidence into one single unit. The three parts are viewed by a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and pulse shape discrimination is used to identify signals from dierent parts. Surrounding the ...
Monthly sampling of slightly alkaline arsenic-rich stream in the Mokrsko gold deposit revealed seasonal variations in dissolved Zn, Cu, As and Mo. Concentrations of trace metal cations (Zn, Cu) increased as much as 330 and 178%, respectively, from minimum mean values at autumn to maximum mean values at spring. In contrast, concentrations of trace element oxyanions (As, Mo) revealed opposite seasonal pattern with increase to 189% (As) and 123% (Mo) during summer?autumn, indicating that in-stream biogeochemical process(es) played the main role in controlling the seasonal variations of these trace elements. The trace elements were mainly scavenged by low crystalline Mn oxyhydroxide and Fe oxyhydroxide (ferrihydrite). Results are consistent with sorption and coprecipitation processes controlli...
Several recent studies have documented that non-human primates can individuate objects according to property and/or kind information in much the same way as human infants do from around one year of age when they begin to acquire language. Some studies suggest, however, that only some properties are used for the individuation of food items: color, but not shape. The present study investigated whether these findings reveal a true competence problem with shape properties in the food domain or whether they merely reveal a performance problem (e.g., lack of attention to shapes). We tested 25 great apes (chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas) in two food individuation tasks. We manipulated subjects? experience with differences in color and shape properties of food items. Results indicated (i) that a...
Premature Failure of a Riata Defibrillator Lead. A 63-year-old woman with a St. Jude Medical Riata 1570 right ventricular lead complained of intermittent hiccups 2 months after implant. Interrogation revealed elevated pacing threshold and diaphragmatic stimulation. Pacing and shock lead impedances remained stable. No inappropriate sensing was noted. Fluoroscopic examination of the lead revealed a thin radio-opaque wire seen between the 2 defibrillator coils away from the main body of the lead. After extraction, a tear in the insulation of the lead was noted allowing the inner wire to protrude. This case illustrates a novel mechanism of insulation failure without inappropriate sensing or impedance change.-(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 1070-1072, September 2011)
Synthesis, morphology, structural and optical characteristics of SiC NWs and SiC/C nanocomposites with an inverse opal lattice have been investigated. The samples were prepared by carbothermal reduction of silica (SiC NWs) and by thermo-chemical treatment of opal matrices (SiC/C) filled with carbon compounds which was followed by silicon dioxide dissolution. It was shown that the nucleation of SiC NWs occurs at the surface of carbon fibers felt. It was observed three preferred growth direction of the NWs: [111], [110] and [112]. HRTEM studies revealed the mechanism of the wires growth direction change. SiC/C- HRTEM revealed in the structure of the composites, except for silicon carbide, graphite and amorphous carbon, spherical carbon particles containing concentric graphite shells (onion-like particles).
This paper reports the use of molecular methods to characterize the coprophilous fungal communities (CFC) that inhabit the dung of four species of mammalian herbivores at two sites, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) in New Mexico and Wind Cave National Park (WCNP) in South Dakota. Results reveal that CFC from domesticated cattle (Bos taurus) at SNWR, and bison (Bison bison) and black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) at WCNP were diverse but dominated primarily by members within eight taxonomic orders, including the rarely cultured and anaerobic order Neocallimastigales. In addition, 7.7% (138 of 1,788) of the sequences obtained from all dung samples were at least 97% similar to root-associated fungal (RAF) sequences previously described from blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis...
Transmission electron microscopy studies on solution-annealed Alloy 800 revealed small (100-200 nm), spherical-shaped titanium carbide (face centered cubic structure) and large (200 nm-5 #mu#m), faceted titanium nitride (hexagonal structure) particles randomly distributed in the austenite matrix. The volume fraction of former particles was found to be greater than that of the latter. Corrosion studies of the alloy in acidic, chlorides and acidic chloride environments at room temperature indicated that the passivity of Alloy 800 was adversely affected by the addition Cl"- ions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the surface film formed on the alloy at the onset of passivity consisted of Cr"3"+ (as Cr_2O_3), without any Fe"3"+/Fe"2"+ or Ni"2"+. Scanning electron microscopy studies indicated initiation of pitting at large, faceted particles, not at small, spherical-shaped ones.
A concentric reducer tube, which was a part of the top exit roughing hydraulic descaler in a hot strip mill failed prematurely under working pressure. A detailed metallurgical investigation comprising physical examination, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis was carried out to find out the genesis of the failure. Physical examination revealed cracks located symmetrically around the circumference of the tube that ran along its full length, up to the weld beads at both ends. Optical microscopy of etched samples revealed a banded ferrite-pearlite structure and the existence of forging folds near the change-in-section(160? fillets). Cracks were found to initiate from these forging folds. No structural abnormalities were found in the weld beads and...
A rare case of primary splenic cyst is shown in a young woman who had a left subcostal abdominal pain. Abdominal echography and CT scan revealed a cyst of the anterior aspect of the spleen. A sorologic test for hidatic disease was negative. On the basis of a presumed diagnostic of nonparasitic cyst, the patient was referred to a laparoscopic decapsulation with excision of the cysts wall not covered by splenic tissue. The patient was discharged 24 hours later. Histological report revealed epidermoid cyst. The laparoscopic approach has being recently considered an effective and less invasive alternative in the treatment of splenic diseases. We demonstrated that it should be considered for the treatment of splenic cysts present in a superficial location, with the advantage of organ preservation. (author)
The subscale Varestraint test has been used to determine the relative hot cracking susceptibility of the fusion zone in four commercial heats of alloy 800. Although all four heats were susceptible to cracking, one heat exhibited a significant increase in cracking relative to the other three. Optical metallography revealed that nearly all the cracking was localized along fusion zone grain boundaries. Microprobe analysis of the grain boundaries detected high concentrations of titanium, silicon, and niobium resulting from partitioning during solidification. The fusion zone hot cracking mechanism in alloy 800 involves the complex interaction of titanium, silicon, niobium, and carbon along the solidification boundaries. SEM and Auger analyses of the hot crack fracture surfaces revealed the presence of (Ti, Nb)-rich carbides, suggesting that these particles precipitate from the liquid which solidifies last on the fracture surface. 23 references.
Irradiation processing of food in the prepackaged form may affect chemical and physical properties of the plastic packaging materials. The effect of #gamma#-irradiation doses (2.5-10.0 kGy) on polypropylene (PP)-based retortable food packaging materials, were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis, which revealed the changes happening to these materials after irradiation. The mechanical properties decreased with irradiation while oxygen transmission rate (OTR) was not affected significantly. Colour measurement indicated that Nylon 6 containing multilayer films became yellowish after irradiation. Thermal characterization revealed the changes in percentage crystallinity.
A 33-year-old male of proven fertility suffered six attacks of malaria while resident in an African country. For this he received anti-malarial drugs. Semen analysis performed after the fourth attack, and repeated during the following 2 years after his return to Israel, revealed severe oligozoospermia, necrozoospermia and occasionally even azoospermia. Immunological examination of the patient revealed an inverse ratio of T-cell subsets and mast cell degranulation in response to palludrin. Twenty-five months after the last attack of malaria a significant improvement was found in semen quality and there was an increase in the ratio of T-helper to T-suppressor cytotoxic cells. These observations indicate that although malaria and its treatment may affect spermatogenesis, recovery may be expected eventually. PMID:3500921
The goal of the present study was to describe the clinical, haematological and ultrasonographic findings and treatment of 17 cattle with pyelonephritis. Fifteen cattle had an abnormal general condition, which varied in severity; five animals had signs of colic. The urine was brownish-red in 11 animals and cloudy in 13. Clumps of purulent material were seen in the urine of nine animals and clots of blood in two. The specific gravity was lower than normal in 13 animals and ranged from 1.005 to 1.020. A urine test strip revealed protein in 16 animals, blood in 16 and leukocytes in 12. Bacteriological examination of urine yielded Corynebacterium renale in 11 animals, Arcanobacter pyogenes in two and Escherichia coli in one. Rectal examination revealed abnormalities of the urinary tract in 11 a...
High purity W and W-0.9La2O3 (wt.%) nanopowders were produced by a wet chemical route. The precursor was prepared by the reaction of ammonium paratungstate (APT) with lanthanum salt in aqueous solutions. High resolution electron microscopy investigations revealed that the tungstate particles were coated with oxide precipitates. The precursor powder was reduced to tungsten metal with dispersed lanthanum oxide. Powders were consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1300 and 1400degreeC to suppress grain growth during sintering. The final grain size relates to the SPS conditions, i.e. temperature and heating rate, regardless of the starting powder particle size. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that oxide phases were mainly accumulated at grain boundaries while the tungsten matrix ...
In the present work, bulk amorphous and nanocrystalline Al83Fe17 alloys were obtained by consolidation of mechanically alloyed powders. Mechanical alloying of Al-17% Fe powder mixture yielded powder with an amorphous structure. Thermal behaviour of the milling product was examined using differential scanning calorimetry. This investigation revealed that the amorphous phase crystallised above 380^oC. The amorphous powder was compacted under a pressure of 7.7GPa in different conditions: at 380^oC for 600s and at 1000^oC for 180s. Structural investigations of the bulk material revealed that the amorphous structure was retained after consolidation process applied at 380^oC. Compaction under high pressure at 1000^oC caused crystallisation of the amorphous phase and appearance of metastable nano...
UO/sub 2/(OH)xReO/sub 4/xH/sub 2/O, UO/sub 2/(OH)ReO/sub 4/x0.5H/sub 2/O and UO/sub 2/(OH)ReO/sub 4/ were produced and their physical and chemical properties were studied for the first time. The chemical analysis was carried out and pycnometric density of the initial crystallohydrate and basic uranyl anhydrous perrhelate wos determined. The two-step mechanism of the dehydration of uranyl hydroxoperrhenate monohydrate was revealed. Values of interplane distances were calculated for a number of roentgenogram lines of the basic uranyl perrhenate and its crystallohydrates. IR spectra of all revealed compounds in the region of 4000-250 cm/sup -1/ were studied.
We have employed Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis to study the microstructural evolution of acrylic latex stabilised with a novel polysaccharide derived from agricultural waste. The analysis revealed that the micro structure of the latex in the 'wet' state consists of individual particles and clusters. Upon evaporation a discontinuous film is formed, with voids present within its structure, which is inconsistent with the conventional descriptions of film formation. Further ESEM examination of 'dry' specimens revealed that aging resulted in the formation of dendritic structures on the surfaces of the latex films, which EDX analysis confirmed to have been formed via crystallisation of salt. The experimental evidence suggests that the clusters, which are part of the structure of the latex, may act as nucleation centres that would allow the dendrites to ...
A simple and rapid method is described for the determination of major and trace elements in rock and sediment samples by wavelength dispersive XRF. Sample measured were made from cellulose powder pressed into 4 cm diameter aluminium ring 0.4 t cm/sup -2/, and then 1 g of powdered sample (0.08 g cm/sup -2/) was placed on the disk and repressed at 1.6 t cm/sup -2/. X-ray measurements were performed for total XRF intensity (I/sub p/) at the characteristic line of each element and background intensity (I/sub b/) in vicinity of the line. The correction of matrix effect was achieved by X-ray intensity ratio of peak to background for each element. Eight standard rock samples from Geological Survey of Japan were used as standard materials, and linear calibration curves were obtained by the plot of I/sub p/ - I/sub b/ vs. concentration for Ca, Na and Pb and by the plot of I/sub p//I/sub b/ ratio vs. concentration for Si, Fe, Ti, K, P, Cl, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Sr and Ba, ...
A simple and rapid method is described for the determination of major and trace elements in rock and sediment samples by wavelength dispersive XRF. Sample measured were made from cellulose powder pressed into 4 cm diameter aluminium ring 0.4 t cm"-"2, and then 1 g of powdered sample (0.08 g cm"-"2) was placed on the disk and repressed at 1.6 t cm"-"2. X-ray measurements were performed for total XRF intensity (I_p) at the characteristic line of each element and background intensity (I_b) in vicinity of the line. The correction of matrix effect was achieved by X-ray intensity ratio of peak to background for each element. Eight standard rock samples from Geological Survey of Japan were used as standard materials, and linear calibration curves were obtained by the plot of I_p - I_b vs. concentration for Ca, Na and Pb and by the plot of I_p/I_b ratio vs. concentration for Si, Fe, Ti, K, P, Cl, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Sr and Ba, respectively. The relative standard ...
The lignite used for Phase I of the project was a Texas lignite from the Martin Lake mine obtained from the stockpile for the Martin Lake Power Plant of the Texas Utilities Generating Company. The power requirements for the fluid-energy mill were determined from the measured steam (or air) temperatures, pressures and pressure drops and the lignite flow rate. The instrument locations for the tests are shown on Figure 1. All of the instruments were connected to a microcomputer via an analog input interface board. Data were recorded on disks periodically throughout the tests. Appropriate calibration procedures were followed to assure that reliable data were being obtained. The combined grinding/drying tests were conducted in Vicksbuth, MS at Ergon, Inc.'s fluid-energy-mill facility. both steam and air were used as grinding fluids. With steam, tests were used as grinding fluids. With steam, tests were run with the following temperatures maintained inside the ...
The interdiffusion behaviour of MCrAlY-coats on polycrystalline and single-crystalline materials of a similar composition (IN 738 LC/SC 16)shows similar interdiffusion characteristics. TCF-tests, where stress is generated by temperature and sample geometry at the edges of a disk-shaped sample, show that it is possible to differentiate betwee crack resistance of coated and uncoated samples. This method is also suitable for screening tests with different coat thicknesses. Coating of the edge area must, however, be done with great diligence in order to prevent coat thickness variation as results would then not be reproducable. Contrary to TCF (thermal cycle fatigue) TMF-tests (thermal mechanical fatigue)allow to set the stress states that one wishes to test. This method is therefore well suited for testing under operating conditions.(orig.) [German] Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde gezeigt, dass das Interdiffusionsverhalten von MCrAlY-Schichten auf polykristallinen bzw. ...
Mixed-conducting ceramic oxides have potential uses in high-temperature electrochemical applications such as solid oxide fuel cells, advanced batteries, sensors, and oxygen-permeable membranes. The Sr-Fe-Co-O system combines high electronic/ionic conductivity with appreciable oxygen permeability at elevated temperatures. Dense ceramic membranes made of this material can be used to separate high-purity oxygen from air without the need for external electrical circuitry, or to partially oxidize methane to produce syngas. Samples of Sr{sub 2}Fe{sub 3{minus}x}Co{sub x}O{sub y} (with x = 0, 0.6, 1.0, and 1.4) were prepared by solid-state reaction in atmospheres with various oxygen partial pressures (pO{sub 2}) and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electrical conductivity measurements. Phase components of the samples are dependent on cobalt concentration and synthesis pO{sub 2}. Total conductivity increases with increasing temperature and cobalt ...
Stellar rotation and velocity-dispersion measurements are presented for the bulge components of the SBO galaxies NGC 1023, 2859, 2950, 4340, 4371, and 7743. The kinematics of nine SB bulges with data available are compared with bulges of unbarred galaxies studied by Kormendy and Illingworth. All of the SB bulges are found to rotate at least as rapidly as oblate-spheroid dynamical models which are flattened by rotation. This result confirms the conclusion of Kormendy and Illingworth that bulges rotate very rapidly. Six SB bulges found by Kormendy and Koo to be triaxial rotate even more rapidly than the oblate models. In this respect, they resemble published n-body models of bars. That is, triaxial bulges are dynamically like bars and unlike elliptical galaxies, which are also believed to be triaxial, but which rotate slowly. Measured velocity anisotropies are found to be consistent with these conclusions. Two ordinary bulges whose rotation is well described by isotropic modes have a ...
The rapid circularization and synchronization of the stellar components in an eccentric binary system at the onset of Roche lobe overflow is a fundamental assumption common to all binary stellar evolution and population synthesis codes, even though the validity of this assumption is questionable both theoretically and observationally. Here we calculate the evolution of the orbital elements of an eccentric binary through the direct three-body integration of a massive particle ejected through the inner Lagrangian point of the donor star at periastron. The trajectory of this particle leads to three possible outcomes: direct accretion onto the companion star within a single orbit, self-accretion back onto the donor star within a single orbit, or a quasi-periodic orbit around the companion star, possibly leading to the formation of a disk. We calculate the secular evolution of the binary orbit in the first two cases and conclude that direct impact accretion can increase ...
The friction and wear properties of glass fiber reinforced composites of nylons (nylon 6, nylon 66 and nylon 46) with different crystallinities due to their molecular structures were investigated by sliding them with alumina ceramics and using a pin-on-disk friction machine. The friction coefficients of the glass fiber reinforced nylons in oil were lower and more stable than those in air from the initial stage of friction. The transfer of nylon matrix to adhere onto the alumina surface in air was so much greater than in oil that the alumina surface could not be recognized. Consequently, a different between the friction and wear properties in air and in oil was resulted. Reinforcement of nylons with glass fiber remarkably improved their friction properties in oil by its lubricating action, while the wears were rather high contrary to what was expected. This tendency was conspicuous for nylon 46 with high crystallinity. Breakage and extracting of glass fibers from ...
Core radii and central surface brightnesses of bulges and elliptical galaxies are measured using CCD photometry obtained with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (scale = 0''.22 pixel"-"1; seeing = 0''.45--1''.0 FWHM). The correlations between core parameters are derived and compared for ellipticals, bulges, dwarf spheroidal galaxies, dwarf irregular galaxies, and globular clusters. The results are as follows. 1. Ihe data confirm the existence of well-defined correlations between the core parameters of elliptical galaxies. More luminous ellipticals have larger core radii r/sub c/ and lower central surface brightnesses #mu#/sub 0v/. Galaxies with larger core radii have larger central velocity dispersions. The small, bright core of M32 is normal for a galaxy of M/sub B/ = -15.2. Radio ellipticals and brightest cluster galaxies satisfy the correlations. 2. The bulges of disk galaxies are basically similar to elliptical galaxies. Their cores have slightly smaller r/sub ...
From January 2008 to December 2009, 433 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains were examined to determine the serotype distribution and susceptibility to selected antibiotics. About 50% of them were invasive isolates. The strains were isolated from patients of all age groups and 33.55% were isolated from children below 5 years. The majority was isolated from blood (48.53%) and other sterile specimens (6.30%). Community acquired pneumonia (41.70%) is the most common diagnosis followed by sepsis (9.54%). Serotyping was done using Pneumotest Plus-Kit and antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined by modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and measurement of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using E-test strip. Ten most common serotypes were 19F (15.02%), 6B (10.62%), 19A (6.93%), 14 (6.70%), 1 (5.08%), 6A (5.08%), 23F (4.85%), 18C (3.93%), 3 (2.08%) and 5 (1.85%). Penicillin MIC ranged between ? 0.012-4 ?g/ml with MIC?? of 1 ?g/ml. Penicillin resistant rate is ...
The calibration of cylindrical detectors using different types of radioactive sources is a matter of routine. The most accurate method, that of experiment, is limited by several factors when the energy interval is broad, requiring a relatively large number of primary standards, implying considerable investment of money and time. Several other techniques can be used instead, including Monte Carlo simulations and semi-empirical methods. Calculations based on the first technique require good definition of the geometry and materials, including the dead layer and window thickness together with an accurate set of cross-sections. The second technique requires two different types of experimental input, the first being from use of sources emitting cascade {gamma} rays and the second from use of sources emitting isolated {gamma} rays in order to cover the wide energy range and provide coincidence-summing corrections, respectively. Here, we introduce a new theoretical approach based on the Direct ...
Although caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to increase lifespan in various animal models, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not yet been revealed. We developed an in vitro...Full Text Available
Davidsons paratactic account of indirect speech exploits the fact that `that' can be either a demonstrative pronoun or a subordinating conjunction. Davidson thinks that the fact that it is plausible to think that it inherited the latter function from the former lends support to his account. However, in other languages the two functions are performed by unrelated words, which makes the account impossible to apply to them. I argue that this shows that, rather than revealing the underlying form of indirect reports, the account reflects only a quirk of English.
Hyperosmotic stress is known to significantly enhance net uptake of inorganic ions into plant cells. Direct evidence for cell turgor recovery via such a mechanism, however, is still lacking. In the...Full Text Available
A rare, true aneurysm of a branch of the right subclavian artery is described. Transcatheter coil embolization of the feeder artery was successful in obliterating blood flow into the aneurysm and the mass reduced in size. However, the aneurysm reenlarged over the next week of follow-up due to development and enlargement of the collateral vascular network. Extirpation of the aneurysm was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a true aneurysm. PMID:11833847
Reasons were revealed for the fresh water resistance of sediments of hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile obtained from interaction of it with Fe/sup 3 +/, Ca/sup 2 +/ and Cu/sup 2 +/ cations which are in the saline solutions of these metals.
A community health survey of 438 individuals was taken to detect health problems related to high voltage electrical transmission among an adjacent residential population. Results revealed no significant or consistent relationships between exposure to a high voltage DC power line and the perceived health problems that were measured. The sample was not, however, large enough to draw statistically significant conclusions regarding possible health effects with a very low incidence.
The evolution of a family of airfoil sections designed to be used as blade elements of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is described. This evolution consists of extensive computer simulation, wind tunnel testing and field testing. The process reveals that significant reductions in system costs-of-energy and increases in fatigue lifetime may be expected for VAWT systems using these blade elements.
By dissolution of iron (2) carbonate in rhenium acid iron (2) perrhenate of the Fe(ReO/sub 4/)/sub 2/x4H/sub 2/O composition is obtained. By the method of thermal analysis the limits of tetra-, dihydrate and anhydrous iron (2) perrhenate stability are revealed. By means of X ray phase and IR spectroscopic analysis methods modification of structure in the process of synthesized salt dehydration is shown.
Structure of ferrite in drawn pearlitic steel containing 0.9 mass% C was investigated with X-ray diffraction technique using synchrotron radiation. In the detailed analysis of diffraction peaks of ferrite during the drawing process, it was experimentally revealed that the transformation of ferrite from bcc to bct due to the supersaturation of carbon in ferrite of heavily drawn pearlitic steel.
Structure of ferrite in drawn pearlitic steel containing 0.9 mass% C was investigated with X-ray diffraction technique using synchrotron radiation. In the detailed analysis of diffraction peaks of ferrite during the drawing process, it was experimentally revealed that the transformation of ferrite from bcc to bct due to the supersaturation of carbon in ferrite of heavily drawn pearlitic steel.
Matrilin-1 is expressed predominantly in cartilage and co-localizes with matrilin-3 with which it can form hetero-oligomers. We recently described novel structural and functional features of the matrilin-3...Full Text Available
There are about fifty SET domain protein methyltransferases (PMTs) in the human genome, that transfer a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) to substrate lysines on histone tails or other peptides. A number of structures in complex with cofactor, substrate, or inhibitors revealed the mechanisms of substrate recognition, methylation state specificity, and chemical inhibition. Based on these structures, we review the structural chemistry of SET domain PMTs, and propose general concepts towards the development of selective inhibitors.
α7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChR) form Ca2+-permeable homopentameric channels modulating cortical network activity and cognitive processing....Full Text Available
BackgroundLand plant genomes contain multiple members of a eukaryote-specific gene family encoding proteins with pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) motifs. Some PPR proteins were shown...Full Text Available
High-spin states in {sup 202}Pb and {sup 203}Pb have been investigated by in-beam {gamma}-ray spectroscopy following the reaction {sup 198}Pt({sup 9}Be,xn). A search for magnetic rotational bands in these isotopes confirmed one of the two bands previously assigned to {sup 202}Pb and revealed a new band in this isotope. No evidence for magnetic rotation has been found in {sup 203}Pb. (orig.)
Literature summarizing a study on the Saudi Arabian solar controlled environment agriculture system is presented. Specifications and performance requirements for the system components are revealed. Detailed performance and cost analyses are used to determine the optimum design. A preliminary design of an engineering field test is included. Some weather data are provided for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (BCS)
The addition of titanium to eutectic braze compositions causes these alloys to readily wet and bond to A1N ceramics. Electron microscopic characterizations of the metal-ceramic interfaces reveal the presence of TiN, along with other Ti- and Al-containing phases. The formation of such interfacial reaction products is an additional thermodynamic driving force for the creation of useful metal-ceramic bonds. 12 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
Histone H3 mRNAs were found in polyA(+) fractions of total RNA prepared from alfalfa plants, calli and somatic embryos. The sequence analysis of cDNAs revealed the presence of a polyA tail on independent...Full Text Available
DescriptionThe recent sequencing of the complete genomes of several streptomycete species revealed the presence of a large number of cryptic' secondary metabolic gene clusters, and led to the realisation that these organisms have the ability to produce many more natural products than had previously been recognised. One of the aims of our work is to identify the physiological signals and regulatory mechanisms responsible for the activation of these 'cryptic' pathways, thus unleashing the full biosynthetic p [continued...
After slow progress in the efforts to develop phase plates for electron microscopes, functional phase plate using thin carbon film has been reported recently. It permits collecting high-contrast images...Full Text Available
Several Mg-Y binary ribbons with Y content up to {approx}17.9 at.% were fabricated by melt-spinning. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the phase structure changes with increasing Y content from extended solid solution to partially amorphous, and then fully intermetallic Mg{sub 24}Y{sub 5}. Anodic potentiodynamic polarization performed in 0.01 M NaCl electrolyte (pH=12) revealed improved anodic passivity behavior compared to pure Mg for all the Mg-Y alloys. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the improved passivity of Mg-Y was more related to the elemental oxidation state rather than the concentration of the surface components. To study the effect of Cl{sup -} ion on the passivity behavior, anodic potentiodynamic and potentiostatic polarization were performed on Mg-17.9 at.% Y in alkaline (pH=12) NaCl electrolytes containing Cl{sup -} ion in the concentration range from 0.00 to 0.50 M. The passive films ...
Several Mg-Y binary ribbons with Y content up to #approx#17.9 at.% were fabricated by melt-spinning. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the phase structure changes with increasing Y content from extended solid solution to partially amorphous, and then fully intermetallic Mg_2_4Y_5. Anodic potentiodynamic polarization performed in 0.01 M NaCl electrolyte (pH=12) revealed improved anodic passivity behavior compared to pure Mg for all the Mg-Y alloys. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the improved passivity of Mg-Y was more related to the elemental oxidation state rather than the concentration of the surface components. To study the effect of Cl"- ion on the passivity behavior, anodic potentiodynamic and potentiostatic polarization were performed on Mg-17.9 at.% Y in alkaline (pH=12) NaCl electrolytes containing Cl"- ion in the concentration range from 0.00 to 0.50 M. The passive films formed in 0.01 M ...
Plantago ovata Forsk - an economically important medicinal plant - was analyzed for trace elements and chlorophyll in a study of the effects of gamma radiation on physiological responses of the seedlings. Proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique was used to quantify trace elements in unirradiated and gamma-irradiated plants at the seedling stage. The experiments revealed radiation-induced changes in the trace element and chlorophyll concentrations.
Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements are made in horizontal planes in a simplified scale model of a spray dryer using water as fluid. The sample rate was sufficient to resolve phenomena at lower frequencies. Data reveal asymmetric velocity fields in both mean fields and dynamics. Data were analysed using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD). An important periodic event is an elongation of the jet core cross section that results in a downstream displacement of the jet towards the chamber wall.
Positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed on a case of neuro-Behcet's syndrome. In accordance with the clinical signs, FDG PET (using /sup 18/F-labeled 2-F-2'-desoxyglucose) revealed disseminated storage defects in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Focal regions of enhanced signal intensity were demonstrated in the parietal white matter of the cerebrum in T2-weighted images and in the brain stem by MRI. (orig.).
A 13.1-kb DNA fragment carrying Pseudomonas denitrificans cob genes has been sequenced. The nucleotide sequence and genetic analysis revealed that this fragment contained five different cob genes named...Full Text Available
It is shown that low-frequency elastic vibrations of near-surface planar defects cause high-frequency ultrasonic radiation in surrounding air. The frequency conversion mechanism is concerned with contact nonlinearity of the defect vibrations and provides efficient generation of air-coupled higher-order ultraharmonics, ultrasubharmonics, and combination frequencies. The nonlinear air-coupled ultrasonic emission is applied for location and high-resolution imaging of damage-induced defects in a variety of solid materials.
We exploit theoretically a class of rectangular cylindrical devices for noise shielding by using acoustic metamaterials. The function of noise shielding is justified by both the far-field and near-field full-wave simulations based on the finite element method. The enlargement of equivalent acoustic scattering cross sections is revealed to be the physical mechanism for this function. This work makes it possible to design a window with both noise shielding and air flow. (electromagnetism, optics, acoustics, heat transfer, classical mechanics, and fluid dynamics)
Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-{gamma} (PPAR{gamma}) regulates metabolic homeostasis and adipocyte differentiation, and it is activated by oxidized and nitrated fatty acids. Here we report the crystal structure of the PPAR{gamma} ligand binding domain bound to nitrated linoleic acid, a potent endogenous ligand of PPAR{gamma}. Structural and functional studies of receptor-ligand interactions reveal the molecular basis of PPAR{gamma} discrimination of various naturally occurring fatty acid derivatives.
Recent GWAS studies focused on uncovering novel genetic loci related to AD have revealed associations with variants near CLU, CR1, PICALM and BIN1....Full Text Available
Frequency response measurements are used to determine the carrier lifetime of 1.3-..mu..m InGaAsP buried heterostructure lasers between 1 mA and threshold. The data confirm previous results on the radiative and Auger recombination coefficients and reveal the presence of a nonradiative current which dominates at low currents and contributes 4 mA at threshold.
We reported three cases of acute intracranial tuberculosis including miliary tuberculosis, basal meningitis, tuberculomas and neuritis of cranial nerves. All patients had native and contrast enhanced CT and MRI scans. MRI revealed more granulomas and a better imaging contrast in the detection of basal meningitis. Neuritis was diagnosed only with the MRI. MRI scans should be prefered as the imaging procedure in clinically presumed intracranial tuberculosis. (orig.).
Mice lacking Kv1.1 Shaker-like potassium channels encoded by the Kcna1 gene exhibit severe seizures and die prematurely. The channel is widely expressed in...Full Text Available
Energy spectra of the Bragg reflection of the Moessbauer ..gamma..-radiation from the /sup 57/Fe/sub 3/BO/sub 6/ weakly ferromagnetic monocrystal are studied. A strong effect of the interference transitions in iron nuclei, being in non-equivalent positions, on the spectra form is revealed. The measurement results are compared with theoretical calculations.
Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) nanopowders with chemical compositions x/65/35 PLZT (x = 6 - 10 mol%) were prepared by sol-gel method. PLZT ceramics was obtained by the conventional sintering method and utilizing the hot pressing method. The investigations of dielectric and ferroelectric measurements of as obtained PLZT ceramics have revealed the influence of lanthanum concentration on the properties of PLZT electroceramics. (author)
The influence of MeV electrons irradiation on the gate oxide layers of hydrogenated polysilicon thin film transistors (TFTs) was investigated by measuring gate leakage currents and threshold voltages. The experimental data revealed a decrease of oxide trap density and increase of positive oxide charge. Improvement in the interface roughness and in the oxide quality near the bottom interface was observed.
The influence of MeV electrons irradiation on the gate oxide layers of hydrogenated polysilicon thin film transistors (TFTs) was investigated by measuring gate leakage currents and threshold voltages. The experimental data revealed a decrease of oxide trap density and increase of positive oxide charge. Improvement in the interface roughness and in the oxide quality near the bottom interface was observed.
We have performed precision measurements in a magneto-optical trap of the 7P1/2 hyperfine structure of the isotopes 209-210Fr. The ratio of these hyperfine constants to the previously measured 7S1/2 ground state values reveals a significant hyperfine anomaly. This anomaly results from the different radial dependence of the electron density in the two atomic levels. The measurements are sensitive to changes in the radial distribution of the neutron magnetism.
In this work, the ability of a number of Zr-containing intermetallic compounds with the Zr{sub 2}Me stoichiometry, including Zr{sub 2}Fe, Zr{sub 2}Ni, Zr{sub 2}Co and Zr{sub 4}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 0.6}, to participate in the Hydrogenation-Disproportionation-Desorption-Recombination process was investigated, revealing for the first time that the HDDR route can be employed successfully for all these compounds. 24 refs.
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal degenerations caused by mutations in at least 45 genes. Using homozygosity mapping, we identified a ∼4 Mb homozygous region...Full Text Available
BackgroundEstrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) are transcription factors (TFs) that mediate estrogen signaling and define the hormone-responsive phenotype...Full Text Available
We have isolated the human prointerleukin 1 (proIL-1) beta gene from leukocyte and fetal liver libraries. The nucleotide sequence and its gene organization reveals that the proIL-1 beta gene is composed...Full Text Available
BackgroundCotton fiber development undergoes rapid and dynamic changes in a single cell type, from fiber initiation, elongation, primary and secondary wall biosynthesis, to fiber...Full Text Available
BackgroundCotton, with a large genome, is an important crop throughout the world. A high-density genetic linkage map is the prerequisite for cotton genetics and breeding. A genetic...Full Text Available
The properties of Mn-doped GaAs layers grown by laser deposition were investigated with measurements of Hall effect and magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). The electrical and magnetic parameters of the layers were defined by growth temperature and quantity of sputtered Mn. It was shown that room-temperature ferromagnetism is revealed by MOKE and, after ruby laser 25 ns pulse annealing, by Hall effect measurements.
Previous studies reveal that dark-induced closure of Samanea leaflets is accompanied by H+ secretion from flexor motor cells. We now report that flexor tissue excised in...Full Text Available
The purpose of this study was to reveal the mechanism of wafer touch polishing using a high purity colloidal silica slurry containing organic surfactants such as hydroxyl-ethyl cellulose. The effect of the surfactant concentration on wafer touch polishing was studied to improve the roughness of wafer surfaces after polishing. The haze level and the micro-roughness decreased with decreasing surfactant concentration.
In this paper, we extend the diversity and multiplexing tradeoff (DMT) analysis from point-to-point channels to cellular systems to evaluate the impact of inter-cell interference on the system reliability and efficiency. Fundamental tradeoff among diversity order, multiplexing gain and inter-cell interference intensity is characterized to reveal the capability of multiple antennas in cellular systems. And the detrimental effects of the inter-cell interference on the system performance of diversity and multiplexing is presented and analyzed.
The proteins encoded by polar-localized mRNAs play an important role in cell fate specification along the anteroposterior axis of the Drosophila embryo. The only maternally synthesized mRNA known previously...Full Text Available
For verification of cow fertility a /sup 3/H radioimmunoassay of progesterone in milk and blood plasma was developed. It is of high specificity and accuracy as well. Extraction of progesterone from milk was facilitated by application of alcohol. Suggested differences in milk and plasma progesterone levels between pregnant and nonpregnant cows could be revealed.
Brucellosis is a common worldwide zoonotic disease. Cutaneous manifestations are not specific and affect 1-14% of patients with brucellosis. Here, we describe 49-year-old female with fever and a diffuse maculopapular rash due to Brucella melitensis infection. Histopathology of skin biopsy revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis; positive blood cultures for B. melitensis established the diagnosis of brucellosis. We provide a review of the relevant literature. PMID:21772606
A 21-year-old male patient was transferred to the emergency room of our hospital after suffering seat belt abdominal injury in a traffic accident. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a massive hematoma...Full Text Available
BackgroundATRX is a tightly-regulated multifunctional protein with crucial roles in mammalian development. Mutations in the ATRX gene cause ATR-X syndrome, an X-linked...Full Text Available
The biological activity of coir fibre, coir ash and their components were investigated in vitro by measuring the haemolytic activity and macrophage cytotoxicity. In vivo studies carried out by injecting guinea pigs intratracheally with coir fibres resulted in resolving granulomas. The observed haemolytic activity and macrophage cytotoxicity was more marked with coir ash compared with coir fibres. Chemical analysis of coir ash revealed the presence of toxic chemical constituents in appreciable amounts. PMID:6283694
The goal of the present study was to describe the clinical, haematological and ultrasonographic findings and treatment of 17 cattle with pyelonephritis. Fifteen cattle had an abnormal general condition, which varied in severity; five animals had signs of colic. The urine was brownish-red in 11 animals and cloudy in 13. Clumps of purulent material were seen in the urine of nine animals and clots of blood in two. The specific gravity was lower than normal in 13 animals and ranged from 1.005 to 1.020. A urine test strip revealed protein in 16 animals, blood in 16 and leukocytes in 12. Bacteriological examination of urine yielded Corynebacterium renale in 11 animals, Arcanobacter pyogenes in two and Escherichia coli in one. Rectal examination revealed abnormalities of the urinary tract in 11 animals; there was dilatation of the left ureter and/or enlargement of the left kidney in eight cases, and dilatation of the right ureter and/or enlargement of ...
The results obtained by studying double-front extensive air showers in which more than 107 particles are contained and in which the fronts are separated by a time interval of #DELTA#t #approx# 100 ns are presented. Serious difficulties in explaining 'delayed' showers are revealed. In this connection, a hypothesis that the 'leading' showers are initiated by tachyons produced in the first interaction of primary particles is proposed.
Surveys of the antigenic properties of a wide range of variants of the H3N2 (Hong Kong) influenza virus subtype have revealed complex patterns of variants cocirculating during each of the main epidemic...Full Text Available
A series of translocation break points found in a subset of human acute leukemias have one of the breaks on human chromosome 11q23. This region has recently been cloned and a large gene, ALL-1, with...Full Text Available
We identify emission lines of post-iron peak elements in very high signal-to-noise spectra of a sample of planetary nebulae. Analysis of lines from ions of Kr and Xe reveals enhancements in most of the PNe, in agreement with the theories of s-process in AGB star. Surprisingly, we did not detect lines from Br even though s-process calculations indicate that it should be produced with Kr at detectable levels.
Environmental and occupational exposures to heavy metals such as methylmercury (MeHg) and cadmium (Cd) pose significant health risks to humans, including neurotoxicity. The underlying mechanisms of...Full Text Available
The electronic structure of UPd_3 has been determined by means of XPS and BIS experiments. The core level line shapes and the valence band spectra of occupied and empty states clearly reveal the localized character of the 5f electrons in this actinide compound. From these spectra their Coulomb correlation energy is found to be about 2 eV. (author).
Based on our cryogenic FT-IR spectroscopic studies of hydrogen bonds in cholic acid, the two-dimensional FT-IR spectroscopy was applied to enhance our understanding of the hydrogen bonds. Fine spectral structures were revealed by asynchronous 2D FT-IR spectra. The co-relationship among various bands was discussed according to the synchronous 2D FT-IR spectra. .
Defects are produced in zinc by 6.1 MeV #alpha#-particle irradiation at 4.2 K and the subsequent recovery between 4.2 and 22 K. No evidence is found for free migration of an interstitial in the temperature range investigated. The recovery spectra reveal a series of substages which are ascribed to recombination of close Frenkel pairs. (author).