Discovery of a wandering radio jet base after a large X-ray flare in the blazar Markarian 421

We investigate the location of the radio jet bases ("radio cores") of blazars in radio images, and their stationarity by means of dense very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations. In order to measure the position of a radio core, we conducted 12 epoch astrometric observation of the blazar Markarian 421 with the VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry at 22 GHz immediately after a large X-ray flare, which occurred in the middle of 2011 September. For the first time, we find that the radio core is not stationary but rather changes its location toward 0.5 mas downstream. This angular scale corresponds to the de-projected length of a scale of $10^5$ Schwarzschild radii (Rs) at the distance of Markarian~421. This radio-core wandering may be a new type of manifestation associated with the phenomena of large X-ray flares.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, has been published in ApJ Letter

ALMA Science Verification Data: Millimeter Continuum Polarimetry of the Bright Radio Quasar 3C 286

We present full-polarization observations of the compact, steep-spectrum radio quasar 3C~286 made with the ALMA at 1.3~mm. These are the first full-polarization ALMA observations, which were obtained in the framework of Science Verification. A bright core and a south-west component are detected in the total intensity image, similar to previous centimeter images. Polarized emission is also detected toward both components. The fractional polarization of the core is about 17\%, this is higher than the fractional polarization at centimeter wavelengths, suggesting that the magnetic field is even more ordered in the millimeter radio core than it is further downstream in the jet. The observed polarization position angle (or EVPA) in the core is $\sim$\,$39^{\circ}$, which confirms the trend that the EVPA slowly increases from centimeter to millimeter wavelengths. With the aid of multi-frequency VLBI observations, we argue that this EVPA change is associated with the frequency-dependent core position. We also report a serendipitous detection of a sub-mJy source in the field of view, which is likely to be a submillimeter galaxy.Comment: 10 pages, 9 figures, Accepted for publication in the Ap

Drivers' visual attention to in-vehicle displays: effects of display location and road types

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Okazaki (Japan)http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/1061/2/90851.0001.001.pd

Development of a posture detector using a flex sensor

In this digital age, many people spend hours every day looking at their cell phones and computers. Overuse of these devices can result in users\u27 posture deterioration. Poor postures not only detract from a person\u27s appearance but can also lead to chronic back discomfort and inflammation. Even though everyone knows the detrimental effects of poor postures, it is difficult for them to correct their bad habits. This is because poor postures are gradually developed, and they are usually related to a person\u27s lifestyle. The purpose of this project was to embed a poor posture detector (a posture coach) into clothing so that users could wear it unobtrusively and comfortably. Its functions were to detect and alert users of poor postures, to help the users maintain proper postures continuously, and to help users correct their habits related to bad postures

Limb-Brightened Jet of 3C 84 Revealed by the 43-GHz Very-Long-Baseline-Array Observation

We present a study of sub-pc scale radio structure of the radio galaxy 3C 84/NGC 1275 based on the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) data at 43 GHz. We discover a limb-brightening in the "restarted" jet associated with the 2005 radio outburst. In the 1990s, the jet structure was ridge-brightening rather than limb-brightening, despite the observations being done with similar angular resolution. This indicates that the transverse jet structure has changed recently. This change in the morphology shows an interesting agreement with the $\gamma$-ray flux increase, i.e., the $\gamma$-ray flux in 1990s was at least seven times lower than the current one. One plausible explanation for the limb-brightening is the velocity structure of the jet in the context of the stratified jet, which is a successful scenario to explain the $\gamma$-ray emission in some active galactic nuclei (AGNs). If this is the case, the change in apparent transverse structure might be caused by the change in the transverse velocity structure. We argue the possibility that the transition from ridge-brightening to limb-brightening is related to the $\gamma$-ray time variability on the timescale of decades. We also discuss the collimation profile of the jet.Comment: 22 pages, 4 figures, Accepted for Publication in Ap

Phenotypic and Genotyping Study of Aspergillus Niger: Molecular Detection of Calmodulin, 18srRNA and Pepsin like Protease Genes Based on Multiplex PCR

Aims: Aspergillosis can be diagnosed using PCR. For this purpose, the genes encoding the 18S rRNA, Calmodulin and Pepsin-like protease genes of Aspergillus niger, were elucidated. Genus specific sequences could be identified in region of 18S rRNA. Methodology: 24 fungal strains were isolated from different localities of Al-Hillah city. Isolates were screened for glucose oxidase production using submerged fermentation and molecular techniques like 18S rRNA. DNA was isolated and amplified using PCR. Gene sequencing was done and homology analysis was studied. Rate of glucose oxidase production was also analyzed. Results: The method described in this study represents a rapid and reliable procedure to assess the presence in food products of two ochratoxigenic species of section Nigri. Glucose oxidase hyper producing isolate was identified as A. niger strain. The F17 strain gave best reproducible results (87. 5±0.05U/g of cell mass) after 72 h. of fermentation at 30ºC and at a medium pH of 7.2.The 18srDNA  was used to detect A. niger was very affective. The identification and isolation of tannase gene from A. niger which is considered as an important bioreactor and industrial fungus were reported Conclusion: Our results revealed that Glucose oxidase was produced naturally by A. niger in large quantity instead of using other manipulation techniques of genetic. The PCR technique we have used appears to be adequate to study a large group of microorganisms (fungi) and it help to identify risk of pathogenicity of aspergillosis. Keywords:Aspergillus niger, Calmodulin, Pepsin-like protease, 18S rRNA, aspergillosis,  Tannase