357 research outputs found
X-Ray Flashes in Recurrent Novae: M31N 2008-12a and the Implications of the Swift Non-detection
Models of nova outbursts suggest that an X-ray flash should occur just after
hydrogen ignition. However, this X-ray flash has never been observationally
confirmed. We present four theoretical light curves of the X-ray flash for two
very massive white dwarfs (WDs) of 1.380 and 1.385 M_sun and for two recurrence
periods of 0.5 and 1 years. The duration of the X-ray flash is shorter for a
more massive WD and for a longer recurrence period. The shortest duration of 14
hours (0.6 days) among the four cases is obtained for the 1.385 M_sun WD with
one year recurrence period. In general, a nova explosion is relatively weak for
a very short recurrence period, which results in a rather slow evolution toward
the optical peak. This slow timescale and the predictability of very short
recurrence period novae give us a chance to observe X-ray flashes of recurrent
novae. In this context, we report the first attempt, using the Swift
observatory, to detect an X-ray flash of the recurrent nova M31N 2008-12a (0.5
or 1 year recurrence period), which resulted in the non-detection of X-ray
emission during the period of 8 days before the optical detection. We discuss
the impact of these observations on nova outburst theory. The X-ray flash is
one of the last frontiers of nova studies and its detection is essentially
important to understand the pre-optical-maximum phase. We encourage further
observations.Comment: 12 pages, including 9 figures and 3 tables. To appear in the
Astrophysical Journa
Who participates in internet-based worksite weight loss programs?
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The reach and representativeness are seldom examined in worksite weight loss studies. This paper describes and illustrates a method for directly assessing the reach and representativeness of a internet-based worksite weight loss program.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A brief health survey (BHS) was administered, between January 2008 and November 2009, to employees at 19 worksites in Southwest Virginia. The BHS included demographic, behavioral, and health questions. All employees were blinded to the existence of a future weight loss program until the completion of the BHS.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The BHS has a participation rate of 66 percent and the subsequent weight loss program has a participation rate of 30 percent. Employees from higher income households, with higher education levels and health literacy proficiency were significantly more likely to participate in the program (p's < .01).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Worksite weight loss programs should include targeted marketing strategies to engage employees with lower income, education, and health literacy.</p
Predictors and patterns of participant adherence to a cortisol collection protocol
Cortisol, a stress-related hormone, has been measured in many psychoimmunological studies via collection of saliva; however, patterns of participant adherence to protocol procedures are rarely described in the literature
Chemical Genetic Screen for AMPKα2 Substrates Uncovers a Network of Proteins Involved in Mitosis
The energy-sensing AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated by low nutrient levels. Functions of AMPK, other than its role in cellular metabolism, are just beginning to emerge. Here we use a chemical genetics screen to identify direct substrates of AMPK in human cells. We find that AMPK phosphorylates 28 previously unidentified substrates, several of which are involved in mitosis and cytokinesis. We identify the residues phosphorylated by AMPK in vivo in several substrates, including protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 12C (PPP1R12C) and p21-activated protein kinase (PAK2). AMPK-induced phosphorylation is necessary for PPP1R12C interaction with 14-3-3 and phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain. Both AMPK activity and PPP1R12C phosphorylation are increased in mitotic cells and are important for mitosis completion. These findings suggest that AMPK coordinates nutrient status with mitosis completion, which may be critical for the organism's response to low nutrients during development, or in adult stem and cancer cells.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant R01-GM068762
Art therapy, arts-based research and transitional stories of domestic violence and abuse
Visual imagery within qualitative research is an established method of gathering data that has parallels to the way in which images are used within art therapy. This paper explores how visual imagery was used to investigate women’s responses to domestic violence and abuse and examines how art therapy principles shaped the development and conducting of that research. Through the use of collage, participants created visual representations of their responses to experiences of domestic violence and abuse. The visual representations were, when combined with spoken words, created stories that reference the past, present and future. The stories created have been termed transitional stories of domestic violence. These stories show that the home has special significance for women as they transition away from domestic violence and plan for their future. The home becomes both a metaphorical and physical manifestation and container of hopes for a harmonious future that often incorporates the desire for the return to the idea of a complete family. This paper will present the findings of the arts-based research conducted, and consider the implications upon art therapy practice of those findings.N
Framing alleged Islamist plots: a case study of British press coverage since 9/11
In the decade post 9/11 , the UK terrorist threat was associated with a series of high profile counter terrorism operations, linked to specific plots. These terrorism related episodes received significant media attention and,
as a consequence, were a visible sign of the contemporary terrorist threat. This paper seeks to identify the dominant frames rendered in news media reporting on these episodes. Through a longitudinal study of UK press coverage, the analysis reveals that two prominent frames were present, an inevitability and preparedness frame, with alleged plots
serving to underline the risk posed by contemporary terrorism,and a belonging and responsibility frame, which cast later episodes as belonging to the Muslim communities disrupted by polic
A Call to Action: Taking the Untenable out of Women Professors’ Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Caregiving Demands
Despite becoming increasingly represented in academic departments, women scholars face a
critical lack of support as they navigate demands pertaining to pregnancy, motherhood, and child
caregiving. In addition, cultural norms surrounding how faculty and academic leaders discuss
and talk about tenure, promotion, and career success have created pressure for women who wish
to grow their family and care for their children, leading to questions about whether it is possible
for these women to have a family and an academic career. The current paper is a call to action
for academia to build structures that support women professors as they navigate the complexities
of pregnancy, the postpartum period, and the caregiving demands of their children. We
specifically call on those of us in I-O psychology, management, and related departments to lead
the way. In making this call, we first present the realistic, moral, and financial cases for why this
issue needs to be at the forefront of discussions surrounding success in the academy. We then
discuss how in the U.S. and elsewhere, an absence of policies supporting women places two
groups of academics—department heads (as the leaders of departments who have discretion
outside of formal policies to make work better for women) and other faculty members (as
potential allies both in the department and within our professional organizations)—in a critical
position to enact support and change. We conclude with our boldest call—to make a cultural
shift that shatters the assumption that having a family is not compatible with academic success.
Combined, we seek to launch a discussion that leads directly to necessary and overdue changes
in how women scholars are supported in academia
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