A Self-Occulting Accretion Disk in the SW Sex Star DW UMa

We present the ultraviolet spectrum of the SW Sex star and nova-like variable DW UMa in an optical low state, as observed with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The data are well described by a synthetic white dwarf (WD) spectrum with T_eff = 46,000 +/- 1000 K, log g = 7.60 +/- 0.15, v*sin(i) = 370 +/- 100 km/s and Z/Z_solar = 0.47 +/- 0.15. For this combination of T_eff and log g, WD models predict M_WD = 0.48 +/- 0.06 M_solar and R_WD = (1.27 +/- 0.18) * 10^9 cm. Combining the radius estimate with the normalization of the spectral fit, we obtain a distance estimate of d = 830 +/-150 pc. During our observations, DW UMa was approximately 3 magnitudes fainter in V than in the high state. A comparison of our low-state HST spectrum to a high-state spectrum obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer shows that the former is much bluer and has a higher continuum level shortward of 1450 A. Since DW UMa is an eclipsing system, this suggests that an optically thick accretion disk rim blocks our view of the WD primary in the high state. If self-occulting accretion disks are common among the SW Sex stars, we can account for (i) the preference for high-inclination systems within the class and (ii) their V-shaped continuum eclipses. Moreover, even though the emission lines produced by a self-obscured disk are generally still double-peaked, they are weaker and narrower than those produced by an unobscured disk. This may allow a secondary line emission mechanism to dominate and produce the single-peaked, optical lines that are a distinguishing characteristic of the SW Sex stars.Comment: 9 pages, including 2 figures; accepted for publication in Astrophysical Journal Letters; New version matches version in press (footnote added to discussion section; figures now use color

Optimization of CMOS at Deep Cryogenic Temperatures

Cryogenic CMOS is a sought-out technology because of its applications to fields like quantum computing and deep space exploration. Though slight advancements have been made within the field of cryogenic CMOS technology, there persists critical challenges that need to resolve to further advance the field. Hence, there is a need to solve challenges like understanding the undesirable effects due to the device physics at cryogenic temperatures such as high threshold voltage, kink-effects, abnormal subthreshold swing etc. and developing reliable circuit models because many rely on analytical modeling. The research models a NMOS ON-current and subthreshold slope at temperatures of 300K and 4K using Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) by applying a single set of calibrated parameters. Additionally, detailing a proposed trap distribution model to reproduce abnormal subthreshold slope observed from 4K to 300K. The research also achieves to introduce an electron and hole mobility model for a wide temperature range since there has not been a unified model developed for silicon carriers from 4K to 300K. Lastly, the research aims to optimize MOSFETs at deep cryogenic temperatures by applying the calibrated parameters

Cardiovascular risk in first degree relatives of patients with premature coronary heart disease

Context: In most parts of the United Kingdom current cardiac services neglect assessment and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in first degree relatives of patients with proven premature coronary heart disease. First degree relatives are at a higher risk than the general population by virtue of shared lifestyle risk and genetic factors to index cases. Objectives: This study aimed to identify first degree relatives of patients with proven coronary heart disease and assess their cardiovascular risk, using various cardiovascular risk assessment tools. We also aimed to assess the effectiveness of cardiovascular risk reduction services on the cardiovascular risk of the individual. Design, Setting, and Participation: A qualitative study was conducted at Sandwell Hospital. 43 participants aged 18- 74years were recruited. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 42(±4). 66% were under the age of 40years. At the baseline appointment 30% of the cohort, had a systolic blood pressure greater than 140mmHg, mean 140(±14.8) mmHg and 28% had a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90mmHg, mean 94(±2.12) mmHg. 82% of south Asians had a BMI greater than 23 Kg/m2. 63% of non south Asians had a BMI greater than <25 Kg/m2. 37%. 61% of the cohort’s total cholesterol was greater than 5mmol/l, mean 7.1(±1.8) mmol/l. 64% had triglycerides greater than 2.0mmol/l, mean 2.75(±0.49) mmol/l. The high density lipoprotein for males, 11% had a level greater than less than 1.0mmol/l, mean 1.2(±0.2) mmol/l, 4% of females had a level less than 1.2mmol/l, mean 1.4(±1) mmol/l. The cardiovascular tools QRISK, ETHRISK CVD, Framingham CVD identified over 10% of the cohort as high risk at the baseline appointment, and at the review appointment there was no change using QRISK. However, ETHRISK CVD and Framingham CVD demonstrated a risk reduction in the cohort. The tools varied in their selection of high risk, moderate risk and low risk. ETHRISK CHD and Framingham CHD and BNF identified 7% as high risk. Referral to specialist services was initiated with 14% referred for investigations, 21% commenced on medication or was altered. 12% of smokers were referred to a smoking cessation services. 25% referred to weight management service. 32% were referred to Cardiologist or Lipidologist. 19% referred to exercise on prescription. Conclusions: The study identified risk factors in individuals who would not conventionally access the current National Health Service Health Checks programme and should therefore be seen as complementary to NHS Health Checks. 66% were under the age of 40years who accessed the service. This population would not be able to access the systematic Health Checks programme provided by the National Health Service. This study therefore, illustrates the benefits of providing a tailored service for young individual’s potentially high risk and susceptible to premature CVD. This service enabled first degree relatives to choose a healthier lifestyle to reduce their risk of cardiovascular event in the future

Intubation: Difficult Airway

This chapter focuses on the difficult airway algorithm during the intubation process. The current published recommendations will address the definition of the difficult airway, steps by which to secure the airway, and when to employ a surgical airway in the form of tracheotomy or cricothyrodotomy. Finally, the role of the Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon will be highlighted in the difficult airway team which should be multidisciplinary when handling airway concerns in a hospital. Overall, the goals of this chapter are to educate the reader on how to critically analyze and decide on the means to adopt a difficult airway algorithm in their own institution(s)

On the Superposition of Generalized Counting Processes

In this paper, we study the merging of independent generalized counting processes (GCPs). First, we study the merging of finite number of independent GCPs and then extend it to the countably infinite case. It is observed that the merged process is a GCP with increased arrival rates. Some distributional properties of the merged process are obtained. It is shown that a packet of jumps arrives in the merged process according to Poisson process. An application to industrial fishing problem is discussed

Lipophilic profiling of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench seedlings vis-à-vis Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) larvae reveals involvement of biomarkers in sorghum-stem borer interactions

95-108Lipophilic metabolites play important role in the developmental process of insects, however, still there is no clarity on their involvement in plant resistance. Therefore, we carried out the lipophilic profile of host sorghum genotype seedlings and the Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) larvae, to understand the role and contribution of certain lipophilic metabolites in sorghum plant defense against the dreaded pest, spotted stem borer, C. partellus. There were variations in the form of presence or absence, along with significant differences in lipophilic metabolites across sorghum genotypes and the C. partellus larvae. The significantly higher contents of myristic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eicosanoic acid and behenic acid in resistant sorghum genotypes; and linolenic acid, methyl 3-methoxytetradecanoate, myristic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, lathosterol and squalene in C. partellus larvae were significantly lower than those fed on susceptible genotype, indicating their role in insect-plant biochemical disruptions. Myristic acid, methyl 3-methoxy-tetradecanoate, stearic acid, squalene, fucosterol, hexacontane, tetrapentacontane, palmitic acid, l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexa-decanoate, 2-pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl, lignoceric acid and stigmasterol in sorghum seedlings contributed to 60 to 100% variability in various biological and resistance parameters of C. partellus. However, myristic acid, linoleic acid, margaric acid, methyl 14-methylhexadecanoate, methyl 3-methoxytetradecanoate, stearic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, eicosanoic acid, gamma-ergostenol, cholesterol, lathosterol, squalene, 1-triacontanol and n-pentadecanol in C. partellus larvae contributed to 64 to 100% variability in various biological and resistance parameters of C. partellus. The myristic acid, methyl 3-methoxytetradecanoate, palmitic acid, stearic acid and squalene present in both host plant and the test insect, contributed significantly to explain variability in resistance against C. partellus, thus could be used as biomarkers for sorghum-stem borer interactions