The Spatial Structure of An Accretion Disk

Based on the microlensing variability of the two-image gravitational lens HE1104-1805 observed between 0.4 and 8 microns, we have measured the size and wavelength-dependent structure of the quasar accretion disk. Modeled as a power law in temperature, T proportional to R^-beta, we measure a B-band (0.13 microns in the rest frame) half-light radius of R_{1/2,B} = 6.7 (+6.2 -3.2) x 10^15 cm (68% CL) and a logarithmic slope of beta=0.61 (+0.21 -0.17) for our standard model with a logarithmic prior on the disk size. Both the scale and the slope are consistent with simple thin disk models where beta=3/4 and R_{1/2,B} = 5.9 x 10^15 cm for a Shakura-Sunyaev disk radiating at the Eddington limit with 10% efficiency. The observed fluxes favor a slightly shallower slope, beta=0.55 (+0.03 -0.02), and a significantly smaller size for beta=3/4.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Ap

Elastic modeling initiative, part III: 3-D computational modeling

A 3-D finite-difference elastic wave propagation code that incorporates a number of advanced computational and physics-based enhancements has been developed. These enhancements include full 3-D elastic, viscoelastic, and topographic modeling (anisotropic capabilities arc being added), low-level optimization, propagating and variable density grids, hybridization, and parallelization. This code takes advantage of high performance computing and massively parallel processing to make 3-D full-physics simulations of seismic problems feasible. This computational tool will be used to generate an elastic subset of the SEG/EAEG acoustic data set. The acoustic and elastic data will be compared to examine pitfalls with traditional processing, and to test the effectiveness of using elastic data as an aid to seismic imaging

A small source in Q2237+0305 ?

Microlensing in Q2237+0305 between 1985 and 1995 (eg. Irwin et al. 1989; Corrigan et al. 1991; Ostensen et al. 1996) has been interpreted in two different ways; as microlensing by stellar mass objects of a continuum source having dimensions significantly smaller than the microlens Einstein radius (ER) (eg. Wambsganss, Paczynski & Schneider 1990; Rauch & Blandford 1991), and as microlensing by very low mass objects of a source as large as 5 ER (Refsdal & Stabell 1993; Haugan 1996). In this paper we present evidence in favour of a small source. Limits on the source size (in units of ER) are obtained from the combination of limits on the number of microlens Einstein radii crossed by the source during the monitoring period with two separate light-curve features. Firstly, recently published monitoring data (Wozniak et al. 2000; OGLE web page) show large variations (~0.8-1.5 magnitudes) between image brightnesses over a period of 700 days or ~15% of the monitoring period. Secondly, the 1988 peak in the image A light-curve had a duration that is a small fraction (<0.02) of the monitoring period. Such rapid microlensing rises and short microlensing peaks only occur for small sources. We find that the observed large-rapid variation limits the source size to be <0.2 ER (95% confidence). The width of the light-curve peak provides a stronger constraint of <0.02 ER (99% confidence). The Einstein radius (projected into the source plane) of the average microlens mass (m) in Q2237+0305 is ER ~ 10^{17}\sqrt{m} cm. The interpretation that stars are responsible for microlensing in Q2237+0305 therefore results in limits on the continuum source size that are consistent with current accretion disc theory.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in M.N.R.A.

Using Estrus-Detection Patches to Vary Time of Insemination Improves Pregnancy Rates Compared with One Single Timed Insemination

Timed artificial insemination (TAI) of beef cows at a predetermined time is a management tool that reduces labor costs associated with conventional heat detection before insemination. Multiple research trials have examined timing of the individual components of the developed protocols associated with TAI. The 7-day CO-Synch + progesterone insert (controlled internal drug release; CIDR) protocol has been shown to initiate ovulation effectively in cycling and noncycling suckled beef cows, often producing pregnancy rates greater than 50% in beef cows. In the current research, we examined using two targeted insemination intervals depending on the occurrence of estrus. We hypothesized that by more closely synchronizing estrus and insemination that pregnancy rates would be increased. We further hypothesized that cows that do not demonstrate estrus and are subjected to a TAI protocol might benefit from an increased interval to insemination

Using Estrus-Detection Patches to Vary Time of Insemination Improves Pregnancy Rates Compared with One Single Timed Insemination

Timed artificial insemination (TAI) of beef cows at a predetermined time is a management tool that reduces labor costs associated with conventional heat detection before insemination. Multiple research trials have examined timing of the individual components of the developed protocols associated with TAI. The 7-day CO-Synch + progesterone insert (controlled internal drug release; CIDR) protocol has been shown to initiate ovulation effectively in cycling and noncycling suckled beef cows, often producing pregnancy rates greater than 50% in beef cows. In the current research, we examined using two targeted insemination intervals depending on the occurrence of estrus. We hypothesized that by more closely synchronizing estrus and insemination that pregnancy rates would be increased. We further hypothesized that cows that do not demonstrate estrus and are subjected to a TAI protocol might benefit from an increased interval to insemination

The Complexities of Managing Gestational Diabetes in Women of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds: A Qualitative Study of Women’s Experiences

Aim: This study aimed to explore women’s perspectives and experiences concerning how culture impacts the lifestyle management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Methods: Women of any cultural background diagnosed with GDM within the previous 12 months were purposively recruited from two Australian metropolitan hospitals. Data collected using semi-structured interviews (n = 18) and focus groups (n = 15 women in three groups) were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were generated: “cultural beliefs and obligations impact lifestyle management of gestational diabetes”, which describes how some cultures lack awareness about GDM, and modifications or restrictions were viewed as depriving the infant, but sometimes adaptions could be made so that a culturally appropriate meal was suitable for GDM management; “the relationship between cultural foods and gestational diabetes management”, which discusses how important cultural foods may be incompatible with appropriate GDM management, so women worked to find solutions; “gestational diabetes education lacks cultural awareness and sensitivity”, which illustrates how current education fails to address differences in cultural beliefs, language and eating practices. Conclusion: Cultural beliefs, obligations and food practices must be considered when assisting women of CALD backgrounds using lifestyle modification to manage GDM. GDM education must be culturally sensitive and competent and, where possible, be delivered by health professionals of a shared cultural group.Melissa Oxlad, Sharni Whitburn, and Jessica A. Griege

A novel estrus-synchronization program for anestrous and cycling, suckled, beef cows

We used four herds at three Kansas ranches to evaluate the potential of two new estrus synchronization strategies to increase estrus expression and fertility of 911 crossbred suckled beef cows. The treatments included: 1) 100 μg of GnRH and a 6-mg norgestomet ear implant on day -7 and 25 mg of PG F2" and implant removal on day 0 (GnRH+NORG+PG F2"); 2) 100 μg of GnRH on day - 7 and 25 mg of PGF 2" on day 0 (GnRH+PG F2"); and 3 ) (control) 25- mg injections of PG F2" on days -14 and 0; (2×PGF2" control) . The GnRH+NORG+ PGF 2" and GnRH+PGF treatments increased (P<.01) 2" the overall percentages of cows detected in estrus by 49% and 27% and pregnancy rates by 46% and 37%, respectively, over the control group, without altering conception rate. Both treatments increase d the estrus, conception, and pregnancy rates of noncycling cows, compared to controls

Progress of the Felsenkeller shallow-underground accelerator for nuclear astrophysics

Low-background experiments with stable ion beams are an important tool for putting the model of stellar hydrogen, helium, and carbon burning on a solid experimental foundation. The pioneering work in this regard has been done by the LUNA collaboration at Gran Sasso, using a 0.4 MV accelerator. In the present contribution, the status of the project for a higher-energy underground accelerator is reviewed. Two tunnels of the Felsenkeller underground site in Dresden, Germany, are currently being refurbished for the installation of a 5 MV high-current Pelletron accelerator. Construction work is on schedule and expected to complete in August 2017. The accelerator will provide intense, 50 uA, beams of 1H+, 4He+, and 12C+ ions, enabling research on astrophysically relevant nuclear reactions with unprecedented sensitivity.Comment: Submitted to the Proceedings of Nuclei in the Cosmos XIV, 19-24 June 2016, Niigata/Japa

Energetic ion loss diagnostic for the Wendelstein 7-AS stellarator

A diagnostic to measure the loss of energetic ions from the Wendelstein 7-AS (W7-AS) stellarator has been built. It is capable of measuring losses of both neutral beam ions and energetic ions arising from ion cyclotron resonant heating. The probe can measure losses of both clockwise and counterclockwise-going energetic ions simultaneously, and accepts a wide range of pitch angles in both directions. Initial measurements by the diagnostic are reported

Site of semen deposition and fertility in lactating beef cows synchronized with GnRH and PGF2α

Our objective was to determine the effect of site of semen deposition on pregnancy rate in beef cows inseminated at a fixed time or after observed estrus. Cows were synchronized with a combination of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) prostaglandin-F α (PGF). GnRH was injected 7 days before PGF (day 0; first of breeding season). The trial was conducted at two locations, one in Kansas (147 cows) and one in Colorado (313 cows). At each location, cows were assigned to be inseminated after observed estrus (ESTRUS-AI) or at a fixed time (TIMED-AI). Within these two groups, cows either were inseminated in the uterine body (BODY-bred) or in both uterine horns (HORN-bred). Cows in the ESTRUS-AI group were observed for estrus each morning and evening until day 5 afterPGF and then inseminated 12 hr after first detected estrus. Cows in the TIMED-AI group received a second dose of GnRH on day 2 and were inseminated at that time (48 to 56 hr after PGF). Heat response, AI conception rate, and pregnancy rate were analyzed for BODY-bred and HORN-bred cows within each treatment at each location. No differences in these variables occurred between locations, so the results were combined. Within the ESTRUS-AI group, neither conception rate (70% vs. 73%) nor pregnancy rate (39% vs. 40%) was different between BODY-bred and HORN-bred cows respectively. Pregnancy rate within the TIMED-AI group tended (P=.09) to be greater for BODY-bred (53%) compared to HORN-bred (42%) cows. When BODY-bred and HORN-bred treatments were combined, the pregnancy rate of TIMED-AI cows (48%) tended (P=.07) to be greater than that of ESTRUS-AI cows (39%). Timed-insemination resulted in a greater pregnancy rate than inseminating cows according to estrus. No advantage was seen in conception rates when semen was deposited in the uterine horns compared to the uterine body