X-ray properties of an Unbiased Hard X-ray Detected Sample of AGN

The SWIFT gamma ray observatory's Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) has detected a sample of active galactic nuclei (AGN) based solely on their hard X-ray flux (14-195 keV). In this paper, we present for the first time {\it XMM-Newton} X-ray spectra for 22 BAT AGNs with no previously analyzed X-ray spectra. If our sources are a representative sample of the BAT AGN, as we claim, our results present for the first time global X-ray properties of an unbiased towards absorption (n$_H = 0.03$), AGN sample. We find 9/22 low absorption (n$_H < 10^{23}$ cm$^{-2}$), simple power law model sources, where 4 of these sources have a statistically significant soft component. Among these sources, we find the presence of a warm absorber statistically significant for only one Seyfert 1 source, contrasting with the ASCA results of \citet{rey97} and \citet{geo98}, who find signatures of warm absorption in half or more of their Seyfert 1 samples at similar redshifts. Additionally, the remaining sources (14/22) have more complex spectra, well-fit by an absorbed power law at $E > 2.0$ keV. Five of the complex sources are classified as Compton-thick candidates. Further, we find four more sources with properties consistent with the hidden/buried AGN reported by Ueda {\it et al.} (2007). Finally, we include a comparison of the {\it XMM-Newton} EPIC spectra with available SWIFT X-ray Telescope (XRT) observations. From these comparisons, we find 6/16 sources with varying column densities, 6/16 sources with varying power law indices, and 13/16 sources with varying fluxes, over periods of hours to months. Flux and power law index are correlated for objects where both parameters vary.Comment: 39 pages, 16 figures, accepted to Ap

Do Differing Levels of Boldness Influence the Success of Translocation? : A Pilot Study on Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris)

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Levelling Up Learning: Exploring the Impact of Gamification in Flipped Classrooms

In recent years, the integration of gamification into educational settings has garnered significant attention as a means to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. By leveraging gamified elements such as points and leaderboards, educators aim to promote active participation, motivation, and deeper understanding among students. This study investigates the effects of gamification on student engagement in a flipped classroom environment. The findings suggest that gamification strategies, when effectively implemented, can have a positive impact on student motivation and engagement. This paper concludes with recommendations for educators, potential challenges such as superficial engagement and demotivation, and future directions for research to address these challenges and further explore the potential of gamification in fostering student success

Galaxy Cluster Pressure Profiles as Determined by Sunyaev Zel'dovich Effect Observations with MUSTANG and Bolocam I: Joint Analysis Technique

We present a technique to constrain galaxy cluster pressure profiles by jointly fitting Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect (SZE) data obtained with MUSTANG and Bolocam for the clusters Abell 1835 and MACS0647. Bolocam and MUSTANG probe different angular scales and are thus highly complementary. We find that the addition of the high resolution MUSTANG data can improve constraints on pressure profile parameters relative to those derived solely from Bolocam. In Abell 1835 and MACS0647, we find gNFW inner slopes of $\gamma = 0.36_{-0.21}^{+0.33}$ and $\gamma = 0.38_{-0.25}^{+0.20}$, respectively when $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are constrained to 0.86 and 4.67 respectively. The fitted SZE pressure profiles are in good agreement with X-ray derived pressure profiles.Comment: 12 pages, 12 figures. Submitted to Ap

Suzaku Observations of Active Galactic Nuclei Detected in the Swift/BAT Survey: Discovery of "New Type" of Buried Supermassive Black Holes

We present the Suzaku broad band observations of two AGNs detected by the Swift/BAT hard X-ray (>15 keV) survey that did not have previous X-ray data, Swift J0601.9-8636 and Swift J0138.6-4001. The Suzaku spectra reveals in both objects a heavily absorbed power law component with a column density of NH =~ 10^{23.5-24} cm^{-2} that dominates above 10 keV, and an intense reflection component with a solid angle >~ $2\pi$ from a cold, optically thick medium. We find that these AGNs have an extremely small fraction of scattered light from the nucleus, <~ 0.5% with respect to the intrinsic power law component. This indicates that they are buried in a very geometrically-thick torus with a small opening angle and/or have unusually small amount of gas responsible for scattering. In the former case, the geometry of Swift J0601.9-8636 should be nearly face-on as inferred from the small absorption for the reflection component. The discovery of two such objects in this small sample implies that there must be a significant number of yet unrecognized, very Compton thick AGNs viewed at larger inclination angles in the local universe, which are difficult to detect even in the currently most sensitive optical or hard X-ray surveys.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ Lette

Myeloid sarcoma without circulating leukemia mimicking gastrointestinal malignancy and lymphoma

We present an unusual case of myeloid sarcoma with ascites and abdominal pain in which initial clinical, laboratory, and imaging studies suggested a gastrointestinal malignancy or lymphoma. Subsequent detection of leukemic ascites and blasts in a gastric, small bowel, and skin biopsy supported a diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma. Bone marrow biopsy revealed 15% blasts, and cytogenetics with an inversion 16 rearrangement was diagnostic of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Positron emission tomography-computed tomography performed at presentation to stage a presumptive lymphoma found later utility in following the burden of extramedullary disease. Standard AML induction chemotherapy resulted in complete remission and was followed by three rounds of high dose cytarabine consolidation. The patient unfortunately relapsed leading to re-induction followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation. This report describes the presentation, assessment, and management of myeloid sarcoma