Quasar Emission Line Variability from Hubble Space Telescope Archive Data

Using the Hubble Space Telescope Archive (HST), flux variations in low-redshift (z \u3c 1.7) quasar spectra were measured and analyzed. Flux variations were measured for the Lyα λ1216 broad emission line (BEL), CIV λ1549 BEL, and continuum emission from the central ionizing source. Quasars and active galactic nuclei (AGN) that have spectral data for at least two points in time to obtain flux ratios were used. Custom Python scripts were written to quicken the process of analyzing raw HST spectral data. The results show a strong correlation to the flux variations for the Lyα BEL and the CIV BEL, and less so for the continuum emission and each BEL. By using this statistical approach and continuing to build up a database of flux variability, information can be obtained that will be useful to modeling quasar activity

Metabolic Responses to a Battling Rope Protocol Performed in the Seated or Stance Positions

Achieving the recommended amount of physical activity is a greater challenge for individuals who are disabled than those who are not disabled. Battling ropes is an intense exercise that has been shown to promote elevation of heart rate and increased oxygen consumption, and may be a beneficial exercise alternative for individuals with disabilities. PURPOSE: To compare the levels of perceived exertion (RPE), oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) responses elicited by a treadmill (TM) or bicycle (BK) VO2 max test with a standing or sitting battling rope protocol (BRP) (TM vs. standing BRP) (BK vs. seated BRP). To examine the associations between the peak RPE, HR and VO2 responses elicited from the two BRP with their respective VO2 max tests (TM vs. standing BRP) (BK vs. seated BRP). METHODS: Forty healthy subjects, 24 females and 16 males, mean age 24.83 years, performed either a ramped VO2 max TM or BK test (respiratory exchange ratio \u3e 1.0). At least 3 days later, the subjects who performed the ramped TM test did the standing BRP, and the subjects who performed the ramped BK test did the sitting BRP. Each BRP (standing and sitting) consisted of 15 seconds of double arm swings, followed by 45 seconds of rest for 10 rounds. The highest recorded RPE, VO2 and HR values (RPE peak, VO2 peak and HR peak, respectively) were recorded after each round. RESULTS: Metabolic responses were significantly lower for the BRP in both sitting (VO2 peak and HR peak: p \u3c .001) and standing (VO2 peak and HR peak: p \u3c .001) as compared to the HR max and VO2 max values derived from the BK and TM tests. The subjects’ RPE peak elicited from the standing and seated BRP was not significantly different from the RPE peak of the TM or BK, respectively. The BRP produced a VO2 peak that was 71.87% (sitting) and 68.37% (standing) of the subjects\u27 VO2 max assessed via the BK and TM protocol, respectively. Moderate correlations were found between the VO2 during the seated (r = .61; p =.003) and standing (r =.43; p =.03) BRP and the BK and TM VO2 max tests, respectively. The HR peak obtained from the BRP done in sitting (r = .52; p = .009) and standing (r = .67; p = .001) had a moderate correlation with the HR max derived from the BK and TM tests. A moderate correlation was found between the RPE peak elicited from the seated BRP and the BK (r = .55; p = .008). A weak correlation was found between the RPE peak from the standing BRP and the TM (r = .18; p = .22). CONCLUSION: Both the seated and standing BRPs demonstrated the capacity to produce acute metabolic responses that may enhance aerobic capacity. Battling ropes may be a low cost, accessible option to improve cardiovascular endurance for individuals who cannot stand or move their lower extremities in a rhythmic manner to conduct aerobic exercise

Snowmass 2021 CMB-S4 White Paper

This Snowmass 2021 White Paper describes the Cosmic Microwave Background Stage 4 project CMB-S4, which is designed to cross critical thresholds in our understanding of the origin and evolution of the Universe, from the highest energies at the dawn of time through the growth of structure to the present day. We provide an overview of the science case, the technical design, and project plan