2,926 research outputs found
OVI, NV and CIV in the Galactic Halo: II. Velocity-Resolved Observations with Hubble and FUSE
We present a survey of NV and OVI (and where available CIV) in the Galactic
halo, using data from the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) and the
Hubble Space Telescope (HST) along 34 sightlines. These ions are usually
produced in nonequilibrium processes such as shocks, evaporative interfaces, or
rapidly cooling gas, and thus trace the dynamics of the interstellar medium.
Searching for global trends in integrated and velocity-resolved column density
ratios, we find large variations in most measures, with some evidence for a
systematic trend of higher ionization (lower NV/OVI column density ratio) at
larger positive line-of-sight velocities. The slopes of log[N(NV)/N(OVI)] per
unit velocity range from -0.015 to +0.005, with a mean of
-0.0032+/-0.0022(r)+/-0.0014(sys) dex/(km/s). We compare this dataset with
models of velocity-resolved high-ion signatures of several common physical
structures. The dispersion of the ratios, OVI/NV/CIV, supports the growing
belief that no single model can account for hot halo gas, and in fact some
models predict much stronger trends than are observed. It is important to
understand the signatures of different physical structures to interpret
specific lines of sight and future global surveys.Comment: ApJ in press 43 pages, 22 fig
Three photometric methods tested on ground-based data of Q 2237+0305
The Einstein Cross, Q~2237+0305, has been photometrically observed in four
bands on two successive nights at NOT (La Palma, Spain) in October 1995. Three
independent algorithms have been used to analyse the data: an automatic image
decomposition technique, a CLEAN algorithm and the new MCS deconvolution code.
The photometric and astrometric results obtained with the three methods are
presented. No photometric variations were found in the four quasar images.
Comparison of the photometry from the three techniques shows that both
systematic and random errors affect each method. When the seeing is worse than
1.0", the errors from the automatic image decomposition technique and the Clean
algorithm tend to be large (0.04-0.1 magnitudes) while the deconvolution code
still gives accurate results (1{sigma} error below 0.04) even for frames with
seeing as bad as 1.7". Reddening is observed in the quasar images and is found
to be compatible with either extinction from the lensing galaxy or colour
dependent microlensing. The photometric accuracy depends on the light
distribution used to model the lensing galaxy. In particular, using a numerical
galaxy model, as done with the MCS algorithm, makes the method less seeing
dependent. Another advantage of using a numerical model is that eventual
non-homogeneous structures in the galaxy can be modeled. Finally, we propose an
observational strategy for a future photometric monitoring of the Einstein
Cross.Comment: 9 pages, accepted for publication in A&
Detection of x-rays from galaxy groups associated with the gravitationally lensed systems PG 1115+080 and B1422+231
Gravitational lenses that produce multiple images of background quasars can
be an invaluable cosmological tool. Deriving cosmological parameters, however,
requires modeling the potential of the lens itself. It has been estimated that
up to a quarter of lensing galaxies are associated with a group or cluster
which perturbs the gravitational potential. Detection of X-ray emission from
the group or cluster can be used to better model the lens. We report on the
first detection in X-rays of the group associated with the lensing system PG
1115+080 and the first X-ray image of the group associated with the system
B1422+231. We find a temperature and rest-frame luminosity of 0.8 +/- 0.1 keV
and 7 +/- 2 x 10^{42} ergs/s for PG 1115+080 and 1.0 +infty/-0.3 keV and 8 +/-
3 x 10^{42} ergs/s for B1422+231. We compare the spatial and spectral
characteristics of the X-ray emission to the properties of the group galaxies,
to lens models, and to the general properties of groups at lower redshift.Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ. 17 pages, 5 figures. Minor changes
to tex
Variable Selection and Model Averaging in Semiparametric Overdispersed Generalized Linear Models
We express the mean and variance terms in a double exponential regression
model as additive functions of the predictors and use Bayesian variable
selection to determine which predictors enter the model, and whether they enter
linearly or flexibly. When the variance term is null we obtain a generalized
additive model, which becomes a generalized linear model if the predictors
enter the mean linearly. The model is estimated using Markov chain Monte Carlo
simulation and the methodology is illustrated using real and simulated data
sets.Comment: 8 graphs 35 page
Études expérimentale et analytique des relations entre l'énergie et le parcours développable d'une particule chargée dans un détecteur visuel plastique
On étudie dans le makrofol le seuil d'enregistrement des traces d'ions lourds ainsi que les longueurs de trace développables. Les conditions physicochimiques de développement restant invariantes, on cherche des relations entre le temps d'attaque chimique t et la perte d'énergie spécifique critique Is. On donne des expressions analytiques empiriques du seuil Is et de la longueur développable L, en fonction de la perte spécifique d'énergie I de l'ion incident, pour différents temps d'attaque chimique t
Étude cinématique des événements binaires et ternaires obtenus par bombardement de cibles d'U, Th, Bi, Pb, Au par des deutons de 2,1 GeV
Une étude cinématique de la fission binaire et ternaire induite par des deutons de 2,1 GeV sur des cibles U, Th, Pb, Bi et Au est réalisée à partir des caractéristiques géométriques des traces des fragments des événements enregistrés dans un détecteur solide de traces en géométrie 4π. Moyennant certaines hypothèses, on établit la distribution en rapport de masse et en énergie des fragments. On a pu mettre en évidence qu'une partie des événements binaires dont l'angle projeté sur le plan perpendiculaire à la trajectoire de la particule incidente est différent de 180°, procèdent d'un même type de désintégration que les événements ternaires. De même, l'analyse cinématique des événements ternaires montre une certaine analogie avec le phénomène connu de la tripartition de noyaux lourds comme le californium par exemple, et pourrait expliquer la production d'une partie des isotopes légers et lourds déficients en neutrons attribués à de la fragmentation par les radio-chimistes
New high-technology products for the treatment of haemophilia
This review will focus on new technologies in development that promise to lead to further advances in haemophilia therapeutics. There has been continued interest in the bioengineering of recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) and factor IX (rFIX) with improved function to overcome some of the limitations in current treatment, the high costs of therapy and to increase availability to a broader world haemophilia population. Bioengineered forms of rFVIII, rFIX or alternative haemostatic molecules may ultimately have an impact on improving the efficacy of therapeutic strategies for the haemophilias by improving biosynthesis and secretion, functional activity, half-life and immunogenicity. Preventing and suppressing inhibitors to factor (F) VIII remain a challenge for both clinicians and scientists. Recent experiments have shown that it is possible to obtain anti-idiotypic antibodies with a number of desirable properties: (i) strong binding avidity to FVIII inhibitors; (ii) neutralization of inhibitory activity both in vitro and in vivo ; (iii) cross-reactivity with antibodies from unrelated patients, and (iv) no interference with FVIII function. An alternative, although complementary approach, makes use of peptides derived from filamentous-phage random libraries. Mimotopes of FVIII can be obtained, which bind to the paratope of inhibitory activity and neutralize their activity both in vitro and in vivo . In this paper, we review advanced genetic strategies for haemophilia therapy. Until recently the traditional concept for gene transfer of inherited and acquired haematological diseases has been focused on how best to obtain stable insertion of a cDNA into a target-cell genome, allowing expression of a therapeutic protein. However, as gene-transfer vector systems continue to improve, the requirement for regulated gene transcription and hence regulated protein expression will become more critical. Inappropriate protein expression levels or expression of transferred cDNAs in non-intended cell types or tissues may lead to target-cell toxicity or activation of unwanted host immune responses. Regulated protein expression requires that the transferred gene be transferred with its own regulatory cassette that allows for gene transcription and translation approaching that of the normal gene in its endogenous context. New molecular techniques, in particular the use of RNA molecules, now allow for transcription of corrective genes that mimic the normal state.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/75577/1/j.1365-2516.2004.00996.x.pd
Speeding up Simplification of Polygonal Curves using Nested Approximations
We develop a multiresolution approach to the problem of polygonal curve
approximation. We show theoretically and experimentally that, if the
simplification algorithm A used between any two successive levels of resolution
satisfies some conditions, the multiresolution algorithm MR will have a
complexity lower than the complexity of A. In particular, we show that if A has
a O(N2/K) complexity (the complexity of a reduced search dynamic solution
approach), where N and K are respectively the initial and the final number of
segments, the complexity of MR is in O(N).We experimentally compare the
outcomes of MR with those of the optimal "full search" dynamic programming
solution and of classical merge and split approaches. The experimental
evaluations confirm the theoretical derivations and show that the proposed
approach evaluated on 2D coastal maps either shows a lower complexity or
provides polygonal approximations closer to the initial curves.Comment: 12 pages + figure
Rasmussen aneurysm
A 28-year-old native Romanian homeless man presented to emergency department with two episodes of hemoptysis (estimated 300 ml) in the previous three days. For about two months he had been suffering from a dry cough with concurrent right-sided chest pain, asthenia, weight loss and a slight fever. Clinical examination revealed crepitations over the right lung fields. He was hemodynamically stable and no sign of respiratory distress was detected. Blood tests revealed a high CRP (72 mg/l)
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