X-ray and Radio Follow-up Observations of High-Redshift Blazar Candidates in the Fermi-LAT Unassociated Source Population

We report on the results of X-ray and radio follow-up observations of two GeV gamma-ray sources 2FGL J0923.5+1508 and 2FGL J1502.1+5548, selected as candidates for high-redshift blazars from unassociated sources in the {\it Fermi} Large Area Telescope Second Source Catalog. We utilize the Suzaku satellite and the VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry (VERA) telescopes for X-ray and radio observations, respectively. For 2FGL J0923.5+1508, a possible radio counterpart NVSS J092357+150518 is found at 1.4 GHz from an existing catalog, but we do not detect any X-ray emission from it and derive a flux upper limit $F_{\rm 2-8 keV} <$ 1.37 $\times$ 10$^{-14}$ erg cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$. Radio observations at 6.7 GHz also result in an upper limit of $S_{\rm 6.7 GHz}$ $<$ 19 mJy, implying a steep radio spectrum that is not expected for a blazar. On the other hand, we detect X-rays from NVSS J150229+555204, the potential 1.4 GHz radio counterpart of 2FGL J1502.1+5548. The X-ray spectrum can be fitted with an absorbed power-law model with a photon index $\gamma$=1.8$^{+0.3}_{-0.2}$ and the unabsorbed flux is $F_{\rm 2-8 keV}$=4.3$^{+1.1}_{-1.0}$ $\times$ 10$^{-14}$ erg cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$. Moreover, we detect unresolved radio emission at 6.7 GHz with flux $S_{\rm 6.7 GHz}$=30.1 mJy, indicating a compact, flat-spectrum radio source. If NVSS J150229+555204 is indeed associated with 2FGL J1502.1+5548, we find that its multiwavelength spectrum is consistent with a blazar at redshift $z \sim 3-4$.Comment: 24 pages, 7 figures, 6 tables, accepted for publication in Ap

An Interactive Modeling Support System (IMSS)

A computer-assisted mathematical modeling method that emphasizes the interaction between analysts and computers is presented. It combines algebraic and graph-theoretic approaches to extract a trade-off between human mental models and models based on the use of data collected from the system under study. The method is oriented to the modeling of the so-called "gray box" systems which often involve human behavioral aspects and also knowledge of the experts in relevant fields. By recursive dialogues with the computer, the modeler finds a system model which can be nonlinear with respect to descriptive variables. The structure of the computer program packages is also presented

Toward Advanced Computer-Assisted Modeling

A mathematically elaborated modeling method alone cannot develop useful models of large-scale systems that involve human activities. What is needed as input to the model-building process, besides measurement data, is the knowledge of experts in relevant fields. The problem is, then, what types of knowledge should or can be included in the modeling process and, more important, how do we manage them. The interactive method of data handling (IMDH) presented in this paper develops linear models of complex systems through recursive interaction with the computer, systematically introducing the expert's knowledge about the structure of the underlying system. It should be emphasized that the more one repeats dialogues with the computer, the more effectively knowledge can be used to develop and refine the model

Raft-derived tau-associated vesicles

Aims: Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), a cardinal pathological feature of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are primarily composed of hyper‐phosphorylated tau protein. Recently, several other molecules, including flotillin‐1, phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] and cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), have also been revealed as constituents of NFTs. Flotillin‐1 and PtdIns(4,5)P2 are considered markers of raft microdomains, whereas CDK5 is a tau kinase. Therefore, we hypothesized that NFTs have a relationship with raft domains and the tau phosphorylation that occurs within NFTs. Methods: We investigated six cases of AD, six cases of other neurodegenerative diseases with NFTs and three control cases. We analysed the PtdIns(4,5)P2‐immunopositive material in detail, using super‐resolution microscopy and electron microscopy to elucidate its pattern of expression. We also investigated the spatial relationship between the PtdIns(4,5)P2‐immunopositive material and tau kinases through double immunofluorescence analysis. Results: Pretangles contained either paired helical filaments (PHFs) or PtdIns(4,5)P2‐immunopositive small vesicles (approximately 1 μm in diameter) with nearly identical topology to granulovacuolar degeneration (GVD) bodies. Various combinations of these vesicles and GVD bodies, the latter of which are pathological hallmarks observed within the neurons of AD patients, were found concurrently in neurons. These vesicles and GVD bodies were both immunopositive not only for PtdIns(4,5)P2, but also for several tau kinases such as glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and spleen tyrosine kinase. Conclusions: These observations suggest that clusters of raft‐derived vesicles that resemble GVD bodies are substructures of pretangles other than PHFs. These tau kinase‐bearing vesicles are likely involved in the modification of tau protein and in NFT formation

A model for the formation energies of alanates and boranates

We develop a simple model for the formation energies (FEs) of alkali and lkaline earth alanates and boranates, based upon ionic bonding between metal cations and (AlH4)- or (BH4)- anions. The FEs agree well with values obtained from first principles calculations and with experimental FEs. The model shows that details of the crystal structure are relatively unimportant. The small size of the (BH4)- anion causes a strong bonding in the crystal, which makes boranates more stable than alanates. Smaller alkali or alkaline earth cations do not give an increased FE. They involve a larger ionization potential that compensates for the increased crystal bonding.Comment: 3 pages, 2 figure

Thermodynamic and Transport Properties of CeMg2Cu9 under Pressure

We report the transport and thermodynamic properties under hydrostatic pressure in the antiferromagnetic Kondo compound CeMg2Cu9 with a two-dimensional arrangement of Ce atoms. Magnetic specific heat Cmag(T) shows a Schottky-type anomaly around 30 K originating from the crystal electric field (CEF) splitting of the 4f state with the first excited level at \Delta_{1}/kB = 58 K and the second excited level at \Delta_{2}/kB = 136 K from the ground state. Electric resistivity shows a two-peaks structure due to the Kondo effect on each CEF level around T_{1}^{max} = 3 K and T_{2}^{max} = 40 K. These peaks merge around 1.9 GPa with compression. With increasing pressure, Neel temperature TN initially increases and then change to decrease. TN finally disappears at the quantum critical point Pc = 2.4 GPa.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figure