ASCA observations of the galactic bulge hard x-ray source GRS 1758--258

GRS 1758-258 is one of the few persistent hard X-ray emitters (E>100 keV) in the Galaxy. Using the ASCA satellite, we have obtained the first detailed data on GRS 1758-258 in the 1-10 keV range, where previous observations were affected by confusion problems caused by the nearby strong source GX5-1. The spectrum is well described by a power law with photon index 1.7 without strong Fe emission lines. A prominent soft excess, as observed with ROSAT when the hard X-ray flux was in a lower intensity state, was not detected. However, the presence of a soft spectral component, accounting for at most 5% of the 0.1-300 keV flux, cannot be excluded. The accurate measurement of interstellar absorption (N_H=(1.5+-0.1) x 10^22 cm -2) corresponds to an optical extinction which definitely excludes the presence of a massive companion.Comment: 7 pages, AAS latex [11pt,aaspptwo,flushrt,tighten], + 1.ps figure Accepted for pubblication in ApJ, 09 02 96 Also available at http://fy.chalmers.se/~haardt/personal/curr.html Figures 1 and 2 available upon request at [email protected]

Gauge/gravity duality and the interplay of various fractional branes

We consider different types of fractional branes on a Z_2 orbifold of the conifold and analyze in detail the corresponding gauge/gravity duality. The gauge theory possesses a rich and varied dynamics, both in the UV and in the IR. We find the dual supergravity solution which contains both untwisted and twisted 3-form fluxes, related to what are known as deformation and N=2 fractional branes respectively. We analyze the resulting RG flow from the supergravity perspective, by developing an algorithm to easily extract it. We find hints of a generalization of the familiar cascade of Seiberg dualities due to a non-trivial interplay between the different types of fractional branes. We finally consider the IR behavior in several limits, where the dominant effective dynamics is either confining, in a Coulomb phase or runaway, and discuss the resolution of singularities in the dual geometric background.Comment: 38 pages + appendices, 15 figures; v2: refs added and typos correcte

Platelet Rich Plasma for Regenerative Medicine Treatment of Bovine Ovarian Hypofunction

Recent studies on cull cows have shown that ovarian abnormalities, particularly ovarian insufficiency, are the main cause of reproductive failure. The aim of this study was to treat bovine ovarian failure with intraovarian administration of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP), which is rich in growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines that could stimulate follicular growth and steroidogenesis. Twelve cows with ovarian hypofunction were enrolled in the study and they were randomly allocated in control group (CTR) and treated group (six animal for group). In the treated group, only five animals received the PRP treatment because intraovarian administration was hindered in one by a rectovaginal fistula. Animals of control group were treated by intraovarian administration of physiological solution. In the 4 weeks after PRP injection, a mild to strong increase in progesterone (PRG) concentrations was detected in four of the five cows treated. Artificial insemination (AI) resulted in four pregnancies that are still ongoing (7th month). Intraovarian administration of PRP improved ovarian function after 2 months of treatment. This effect may be due to reduction of follicular atresia or to revitalization of dormant oocytes allowing restoration of fertility