2,160 research outputs found
Ultraviolet Radiation from Evolved Stellar Populations -- I. Models
This series of papers comprises a systematic exploration of the hypothesis
that the far ultraviolet radiation from star clusters and elliptical galaxies
originates from extremely hot horizontal-branch (HB) stars and their post-HB
progeny. This first paper presents an extensive grid of calculations of stellar
models from the Zero Age Horizontal Branch through to a point late in post-HB
evolution or a point on the white dwarf cooling track. We use the term `Extreme
Horizontal Branch' (EHB) to refer to HB sequences of constant mass that do not
reach the thermally-pulsing stage on the AGB. These models evolve after core
helium exhaustionComment: Paper is uuencoded compressed PostScript file. Figures for this paper
are available from through anonymous
ftp://ftp.virginia.edu/public_access/bd4r/uv1fig.u
Particle Acceleration by Fast Modes in Solar Flares
We address the problem of particle acceleration in solar flares by fast modes
which may be excited during the reconnection and undergo cascade and are
subjected to damping. We extend the calculations beyond quasilinear
approximation and compare the acceleration and scattering by transit time
damping and gyroresonance interactions. We find that the acceleration is
dominated by the so called transit time damping mechanism. We estimate the
total energy transferred into particles, and show that our approach provides
sufficiently accurate results We compare this rate with energy loss rate.
Scattering by fast modes appears to be sufficient to prevent the protons from
escaping the system during the acceleration. Confinement of electrons, on the
other hand, requires the existence of plasma waves. Electrons can be
accelerated to GeV energies through the process described here for solar flare
conditions.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, accepted to Ap
Possible High-Redshift, Low-Luminosity AGN Activity in the Hubble Deep Field
In the Hubble Deep Field (HDF), twelve candidate sources of high-redshift (z
> 3.5) AGN activity have been identified. The color selection criteria were
established by passing spectra of selected quasars and Seyfert galaxies
(appropriately redshifted and modified for "Lyman forest" absorption), as well
as stars, observed normal and starburst galaxies, and galaxy models for various
redshifts through the filters used for the HDF observations. The actual
identification of AGN candidates also involved convolving a
Laplacian-of-Gaussian filter with the HDF images, thereby removing relatively
flat galactic backgrounds and leaving only the point-like components in the
centers. Along with positions and colors, estimated redshifts and absolute
magnitudes are reported, with the candidates falling toward the faint end of
the AGN luminosity function. One candidate has been previously observed
spectroscopically, with a measured redshift of 4.02. The number of sources
reported here is consistent with a simple extrapolation of the observed quasar
luminosity function to magnitude 30 in B_Johnson. Implications for ionization
of the intergalactic medium and for gravitational lensing are discussed.Comment: 10 pages LaTex plus 2 separate files (Table 1 which is a two-page
landscape LaTex file; and Figure 6 which is a large (0.7 MB) non-encapsulated
postscript file). Accepted for publication in the Astronomical Journa
Cosmic ray modulation in a random anisotropic magnetic field
Inhomogeneities of the interplanetary magnetic field can be divided into small scale and large scale ones as may be required by the character of the problem of cosmic ray (CR) propagation. CR propagation in stochastic magnetic fields is of diffusion character. The main contribution into the scattering of CR particles is made by their interaction with inhomogeneities of the magnetic field H which have characteristic dimensions 1 of the order of Larmor radius R=cp/eH of particle (p is the absolute value of particle momentum, e is particle charge, c is velocity of light). Scattering of particles on such inhomogeneities leads to their diffusion mostly along a magnetic field with characteristic dimensions of variation in space exceeding the mean free path
Neurological impacts from inhalation of pollutants and the nose–brain connection
The effects of inhaled particles have focused heavily on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Most studies have focused on inhaled metals, whereas less information is available for other particle types regarding the effects on the brain and other extra-pulmonary organs. We review here the key available literature on nanoparticle uptake and transport through the olfactory pathway, the experimental data from animal and in vitro studies, and human epidemiological observations. Nanoparticles (\u3c0.1µm in one dimension) may easily reach the brain from the respiratory tract via sensory neurons and transport from the distal alveoli into the blood or lymph as free particles or inside phagocytic cells. These mechanisms and subsequent biologic responses may be influenced by the chemical composition of inhaled particles. Animal studies with ambient particulate matter and certain other particles show alterations in neuro-inflammatory markers of oxidative stress and central neurodegeneration. Human observations indicate motor, cognitive, and behavioral changes especially after particulate metal exposure in children. Exposure to co-pollutants and/or underlying disease states could also impact both the biokinetics and effects of airborne particles in the brain. Data are needed from the areas of inhalation, neurology, and metal toxicology in experimental and human studies after inhalation exposure. An increased understanding of the neurotoxicity associated with air pollution exposure is critical to protect susceptible individuals in the workplace and the general population
- …