Black hole variability and the star formation-active galactic nucleus connection : do all star-forming galaxies host an active galactic nucleus?

We investigate the effect of active galactic nucleus (AGN) variability on the observed connection between star formation and black hole accretion in extragalactic surveys. Recent studies have reported relatively weak correlations between observed AGN luminosities and the properties of AGN hosts, which has been interpreted to imply that there is no direct connection between AGN activity and star formation. However, AGNs may be expected to vary significantly on a wide range of timescales (from hours to Myr) that are far shorter than the typical timescale for star formation (gsim100 Myr). This variability can have important consequences for observed correlations. We present a simple model in which all star-forming galaxies host an AGN when averaged over ~100 Myr timescales, with long-term average AGN accretion rates that are perfectly correlated with the star formation rate (SFR). We show that reasonable prescriptions for AGN variability reproduce the observed weak correlations between SFR and L AGN in typical AGN host galaxies, as well as the general trends in the observed AGN luminosity functions, merger fractions, and measurements of the average AGN luminosity as a function of SFR. These results imply that there may be a tight connection between AGN activity and SFR over galaxy evolution timescales, and that the apparent similarities in rest-frame colors, merger rates, and clustering of AGNs compared to "inactive" galaxies may be due primarily to AGN variability. The results provide motivation for future deep, wide extragalactic surveys that can measure the distribution of AGN accretion rates as a function of SFR

Uma forma bidimensional que maximiza a resistência aerodinâmica newtoniana

In a previous work [18, 19] it is investigated, by means of computational simulations, shapes of nonconvex bodies that maximize resistance to its motion on a rare ed medium, considering that bodies are moving forward and at the same time slowly rotating. Here the previous results are improved: we obtain a two-dimensional geometric shape that confers to the body a resistance very close to the supremum value (R = 1:4965 < 1:5). Um corpo bidimensional, apresentando um ligeiro movimento rotacional, desloca-se num meio rarefeito de partículas que colidem com ele de uma forma perfeitamente elástica. Em investigações que os dois primeiros autores realizaram anteriormente [18, 19], procuraram-se formas de corpos que maximizassem a força de travagem do meio ao seu movimento. Dando continuidade a esse estudo, encetam-se agora novas investigações que culminam num resultado que representa um grande avanço qualitativo relativamente aos então alcançados. Esse resultado, que agora se apresenta, consiste numa forma bidimensional que confere ao corpo uma resistência muito próxima do seu limite teórico. Mas o seu interesse não se fica pela maximização da resistência newtoniana; atendendo às suas características, apontam-se ainda outros domínios de aplicação onde se pensa poder vir a revelar-se de grande utilidade. Tendo a forma óptima encontrada resultado de estudos numéricos, é objecto de um estudo adicional de natureza analítica, onde se demonstram algumas propriedades importantes que explicam em grande parte o seu virtuosismo

Uma forma bidimensional que maximiza a resistência aerodinâmica newtoniana

In a previous work [18, 19] it is investigated, by means of computational simulations, shapes of nonconvex bodies that maximize resistance to its motion on a rare ed medium, considering that bodies are moving forward and at the same time slowly rotating. Here the previous results are improved: we obtain a two-dimensional geometric shape that confers to the body a resistance very close to the supremum value (R = 1:4965 < 1:5). Um corpo bidimensional, apresentando um ligeiro movimento rotacional, desloca-se num meio rarefeito de partículas que colidem com ele de uma forma perfeitamente elástica. Em investigações que os dois primeiros autores realizaram anteriormente [18, 19], procuraram-se formas de corpos que maximizassem a força de travagem do meio ao seu movimento. Dando continuidade a esse estudo, encetam-se agora novas investigações que culminam num resultado que representa um grande avanço qualitativo relativamente aos então alcançados. Esse resultado, que agora se apresenta, consiste numa forma bidimensional que confere ao corpo uma resistência muito próxima do seu limite teórico. Mas o seu interesse não se fica pela maximização da resistência newtoniana; atendendo às suas características, apontam-se ainda outros domínios de aplicação onde se pensa poder vir a revelar-se de grande utilidade. Tendo a forma óptima encontrada resultado de estudos numéricos, é objecto de um estudo adicional de natureza analítica, onde se demonstram algumas propriedades importantes que explicam em grande parte o seu virtuosismo

On the nature of ferromagnetism in diluted magnetic semiconductors: GaAs:Mn, GaP:Mn

A microscopic Hamiltonian for interacting manganese impurities in diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS) is derived. It is shown that in p -type III-V DMS the indirect exchange between Mn impurities has similarities with the Zener mechanism in transition metal oxides. Here the mobile holes and localized states near the top of the valence band play the role of unoccupied oxygen orbitals which induce ferromagnetism. The Curie temperature estimated from the proposed kinematic exchange agrees with recent experiments on GaAs:Mn. The model is also applicable to the GaP:Mn system.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures. Submitted to Europhysics Letters, June 25, 200

Two-dimensional body of maximum mean resistance

A two-dimensional body, exhibiting a slight rotational movement, moves in a rarefied medium of particles which collide with it in a perfectly elastic way. In previously realized investigations by the first two authors, Plakhov & Gouveia (2007, Nonlinearity, 20), shapes of nonconvex bodies were sought which would maximize the braking force of the medium on their movement. Giving continuity to this study, new investigations have been undertaken which culminate in an outcome which represents a large qualitative advance relative to that which was achieved earlier. This result, now presented, consists of a two-dimensional shape which confers on the body a resistance which is very close to its theoretical supremum value. But its interest does not lie solely in the maximization of Newtonian resistance; on regarding its characteristics, other areas of application are seen to begin to appear which are thought to be capable of having great utility. The optimal shape which has been encountered resulted from numerical studies, thus it is the object of additional study of an analytical nature, where it proves some important properties which explain in great part its effectiveness.Comment: Accepted (April 16, 2009) for publication in the journal "Applied Mathematics and Computation

Formation of Ceramide/Sphingomyelin Gel Domains in the Presence of an Unsaturated Phospholipid: A Quantitative Multiprobe Approach

AbstractTo better understand how ceramide modulates the biophysical properties of the membrane, the interactions between palmitoyl-ceramide (PCer) and palmitoyl-sphingomyelin (PSM) were studied in the presence of the fluid phospholipid palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) in membrane model systems. The use of two fluorescent membrane probes distinctly sensitive to lipid phases allowed a thorough biophysical characterization of the ternary system. In these mixtures, PCer recruits POPC and PSM in the fluid phase to form extremely ordered and compact gel domains. Gel domain formation by low PCer mol fraction (up to 12mol %) is enhanced by physiological PSM levels (∼20–30mol % total lipid). For higher PSM content, a three-phase situation, consisting of fluid (POPC-rich)/gel (PSM-rich)/gel (PCer-rich) coexistence, is clearly shown. To determine the fraction of each phase a quantitative method was developed. This allowed establishing the complete ternary phase diagram, which helps to predict PCer-rich gel domain formation and explains its enhancement through PSM/PCer interactions

Stromal targets for fluorescent-guided oncologic surgery

Pre-operative imaging techniques are essential for tumor detection and diagnosis, but offer limited help during surgery. Recently, the applicability of imaging during oncologic surgery has been recognized, using near-infrared fluorescent dyes conjugated to targeting antibodies, peptides, or other vehicles. Image-guided oncologic surgery (IGOS) assists the surgeFon to distinguish tumor from normal tissue during operation, and can aid in recognizing vital structures. IGOS relies on an optimized combination of a dedicated fluorescent camera system and specific probes for targeting. IGOS probes for clinical use are not widely available yet, but numerous pre-clinical studies have been published and clinical trials are being established or prepared. Most of the investigated probes are based on antibodies or peptides against proteins on the membranes of malignant cells, whereas others are directed against stromal cells. Targeting stroma cells for IGOS has several advantages. Besides the high stromal content in more aggressive tumor types, the stroma is often primarily located at the periphery/invasive front of the tumor, which makes stromal targets particularly suited for imaging purposes. Moreover, because stroma up-regulation is a physiological reaction, most proteins to be targeted on these cells are “universal” and not derived from a specific genetic variation, as is the case with many upregulated proteins on malignant cancer cells

Statistical Properties of Random Banded Matrices with Strongly Fluctuating Diagonal Elements

The random banded matrices (RBM) whose diagonal elements fluctuate much stronger than the off-diagonal ones were introduced recently by Shepelyansky as a convenient model for coherent propagation of two interacting particles in a random potential. We treat the problem analytically by using the mapping onto the same supersymmetric nonlinear $\sigma-$model that appeared earlier in consideration of the standard RBM ensemble, but with renormalized parameters. A Lorentzian form of the local density of states and a two-scale spatial structure of the eigenfunctions revealed recently by Jacquod and Shepelyansky are confirmed by direct calculation of the distribution of eigenfunction components.Comment: 7 pages,RevTex, no figures Submitted to Phys.Rev.

Two-Staged Sacral Neuromodulation for the Treatment of Nonobstructive Urinary Retention:A Multicenter Study Assessing Predictors of Success

Objectives: The aims of this study were to 1) determine the success rate of the tined lead test phase in patients with nonobstructive urinary retention (NOUR), 2) determine predictive factors of a successful test phase in patients with NOUR, and 3) determine long-term treatment efficacy and satisfaction in patients with NOUR. Materials and Methods: The first part was a multicenter retrospective study at two centers in The Netherlands. Patients with NOUR received a four-week tined lead test phase. Success was defined as a ≥50% reduction of clean intermittent catheterization frequency or postvoid residual. We analyzed possible predictors of success with multivariable logistic regression. Second, all patients received a questionnaire to assess efficacy, perceived health (Patient Global Impression of Improvement), and treatment satisfaction. Results: This study included 215 consecutive patients (82 men and 133 women) who underwent a tined lead test phase for the treatment of NOUR. The success rate in women was significantly higher than in men, respectively 62% (83/133) and 22% (18/82, p &lt; 0.001). In women, age per ten years (odds ratio [OR] 0.74, 95% CI: 0.59–0.93) and a history of psychiatric illness (OR 3.92, 95% CI: 1.51–10.2), including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), significantly predicted first stage sacral neuromodulation (SNM) success. In men, age per ten years (OR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25–0.72) and previous transurethral resection of the prostate and/or bladder neck incision (OR 7.71, 95% CI: 1.43–41.5) were significant predictors of success. Conversely, inability to void during a urodynamic study (for women, OR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.35–1.78; for men, OR 3.06, 95% CI: 0.83–11.3) was not predictive of success. Of the patients with a successful first stage, 75% (76/101) responded to the questionnaire at a median follow-up of three years. Of these patients, 87% (66/76) continued to use their SNM system, and 92% (70/76) would recommend SNM to other patients. Conclusions: A history of psychiatric illness, including PTSD, in women with NOUR increased the odds of first stage SNM success 3.92 times. A previous transurethral resection of the prostate and/or bladder neck incision in men increased the odds of success 7.71 times. In addition, a ten-year age increase was associated with an OR of 0.43 in men and 0.74 in women, indicating a 2.3- and 1.3-times decreased odds of success, respectively.</p

The use of field indentation microprobe in measuring mechanical properties of welds

A field indentation microprobe (FIM) was conceived for evaluating the structural integrity of metallic components (including base metal, welds, and heat-affected zones) in situ in a nondestructive manner. The FIM consists of an automated ball indentation (ABI) unit for determining the mechanical properties (yield strength, flow properties, estimates of fracture toughness, etc.) and a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) unit (consisting of ultrasonic transducers and a video camera) for determining the physical properties such as crack size, material pileup around indentation, and residual stress presence and orientation. The laboratory version used in this work performs only ABI testing. ABI tests were performed on stainless steel base metal (type 316L), heat-affected zone, and welds (type 308). Excellent agreement was obtained between yield strength and flow properties (true-stress/true-plastic-strain curve) measured by the ABI tests and those from uniaxial tensile tests conducted on 308 stainless steel welds, thermally aged at 343/degree/C for different times, and on the base material. 4 refs., 17 figs