27,416 research outputs found
A Second Shell in the Fornax dSph Galaxy
In the search for tidal structure in Galactic satellite systems, we have
conducted a photometric survey over a 10 square degree area centred on the
Fornax dSph galaxy. The survey was made in two colours, and the resulting
colour-magnitude data were used as a mask to select candidate Fornax RGB stars,
thereby increasing the contrast of Fornax stars to background sources in the
outer regions. Previously, we reported the presence of a shell (age 2 Gyr)
located towards the centre of Fornax. In this contribution we reveal a second
shell, significantly larger than the first, located 1.3 degrees NW from the
centre of Fornax, outside the nominal tidal radius. Moreover, the distribution
of Fornax RGB stars reveals two lobes extending to the spatial limit of our
survey, and aligned with the minor axis and with the two shells. These results
support the hypothesis of a merger between Fornax and a gas-rich companion
approximately 2 Gyr ago.Comment: Four pages,accepted for the Publications of the Astronomical Society
of Australia. Contribution the annual ASA meeting, Brisbane 200
Commutating brushes tested in dc motors in dry argon atmospheres
Test apparatus, procedures, and results are given for dc-motor brushes operating in dry argon. Minimum concentrations of argon impurities are also determined
Radiographic measurements of the trachea in domestic short haired and Persian cats
Tracheal diameter can be assessed from a thoracic radiograph, with assessment of tracheal diameter in dogs based on ratios between tracheal diameter and a skeletal measurement – however reference ranges are not available for the cat. Tracheal narrowing may cause significant clinical problems, although tracheal hypoplasia in dogs may be clinically silent, and is rarely reported in cats (both mesati- and brachycephalic). The tracheal diameter and trachea:thoracic inlet and trachea:rib ratios were calculated for populations of Domestic Short Haired (DSH) (n=68) and Persian (n=40) cats. This gave reference ranges for radiographic tracheal measurements in these breeds. It is proposed that the tracheal diameter in a normal DSH cat should be 18% of the diameter of the thoracic inlet, and compared to 20% in Persian cats
Bounds on the Compactness of Neutron Stars from Brightness Oscillations
The discovery of high-amplitude brightness oscillations at the spin frequency
or its first overtone in six neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries during
type~1 X-ray bursts provides a powerful new way to constrain the compactness of
these stars, and hence to constrain the equation of state of the dense matter
in all neutron stars. Here we present the results of general relativistic
calculations of the maximum fractional rms amplitudes that can be observed
during bursts. In particular, we determine the dependence of the amplitude on
the compactness of the star, the angular dependence of the emission from the
surface, the rotational velocity at the stellar surface, and whether there are
one or two emitting poles. We show that if two poles are emitting, as is
strongly indicated by independent evidence in 4U 1636-536 and KS 1731-26, the
resulting limits on the compactness of the star can be extremely restrictive.
We also discuss the expected amplitudes of X-ray color oscillations and the
observational signatures necessary to derive convincing constraints on neutron
star compactness from the amplitudes of burst oscillations.Comment: 8 pages plus one figure, AASTeX v. 4.0, submitted to The
Astrophysical Journal Letter
Multiple Lifshitz transitions driven by short-range antiferromagnetic correlations in the two-dimensional Kondo lattice model
With a mean field approach, the heavy Fermi liquid in the two-dimensional
Kondo lattice model is carefully considered in the presence of short-range
antiferromagnetic correlations. As the ratio of the local Heisenberg
superexchange coupling to the Kondo coupling increases, the Fermi surface
structure changes dramatically. From the analysis of the ground state energy
density, multiple Lifshitz type phase transitions occur at zero temperature.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, contribution to SCES201
Phase 1 of the automated array assembly task of the low cost silicon solar array project
The results of a study of process variables and solar cell variables are presented. Interactions between variables and their effects upon control ranges of the variables are identified. The results of a cost analysis for manufacturing solar cells are discussed. The cost analysis includes a sensitivity analysis of a number of cost factors
Feasibility study of inlet shock stability system of YF-12
The feasibility of self actuating bleed valves as a shock stabilization system in the inlet of the YF-12 is considered for vortex valves, slide valves, and poppet valves. Analytical estimation of valve performance indicates that only the slide and poppet valves located in the inlet cowl can meet the desired steady state stabilizing flows, and of the two the poppet valve is substantially faster in response to dynamic disturbances. The poppet valve is, therefore, selected as the best shock stability system for the YF-12 inlet
The Automated Array Assembly Task of the Low-cost Silicon Solar Array Project, Phase 2
An advanced process sequence for manufacturing high efficiency solar cells and modules in a cost-effective manner is discussed. Emphasis is on process simplicity and minimizing consumed materials. The process sequence incorporates texture etching, plasma processes for damage removal and patterning, ion implantation, low pressure silicon nitride deposition, and plated metal. A reliable module design is presented. Specific process step developments are given. A detailed cost analysis was performed to indicate future areas of fruitful cost reduction effort. Recommendations for advanced investigations are included
Changes over time in socioeconomic inequalities in breast and rectal cancer survival in England and Wales during a 32-year period (1973-2004): the potential role of health care.
BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic inequalities in cancer survival are well documented but they vary for different cancers and over time. Reasons for these differences are poorly understood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For England and Wales, we examined trends in socioeconomic survival inequalities for breast cancer in women and rectal cancer in men during the 32-year period 1973-2004. We used a theoretical framework based on Victora's 'inverse equity' law, under which survival inequalities could change with the advent of successive new treatments, of varying effectiveness, which are disseminated with different speed among patients of different socioeconomic groups. We estimated 5-year relative survival for patients of different deprivation quintiles and examined trends in survival inequalities in light of major treatment innovations. RESULTS: Inequalities in breast cancer survival (921,611 cases) narrowed steadily during the study (from -10% to -6%). In contrast, inequalities in rectal cancer survival (187,104 cases) widened overall (form -5% to -11%) with fluctuating periods of narrowing inequality. CONCLUSIONS: Trends in socioeconomic differences in tumour or patient factors are unlikely explanations of observed changes over time in survival inequalities. The sequential introduction into clinical practice of new treatments of progressively smaller incremental benefit may partly explain the reduction in inequality in breast cancer survival
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