636 research outputs found
Evidence for Relativistic Outflows in Narrow-line Seyfert 1 Galaxies
We report the observation of features near 1 keV in the ASCA spectra from
three ``Narrow Line Seyfert 1'' (NLS1) galaxies. We interpret these as oxygen
absorption in a highly relativistic outflow. If interpreted as absorption
edges, the implied velocities are 0.2--0.3c, near the limit predicted by
``line-locking'' radiative acceleration. If instead interpreted as broad
absorption lines, the implied velocities are ~0.57c, interestingly near the
velocity of particles in the last stable orbit around a Kerr black hole,
although a physical interpretation of this is not obvious. The features are
reminiscent of the UV absorption lines seen in broad absorption line quasars
(BALQSOs), but with larger velocities, and we note the remarkable similarities
in the optical emission line and broad band properties of NLS1s and
low-ionization BALQSOs.Comment: 9 pages using (AASTeX) aaspp4.sty and 2 Postscript figures. Accepted
for publication in Astrophysical Journal Letter
Thermal transport of the XXZ chain in a magnetic field
We study the heat conduction of the spin-1/2 XXZ chain in finite magnetic
fields where magnetothermal effects arise. Due to the integrability of this
model, all transport coefficients diverge, signaled by finite Drude weights.
Using exact diagonalization and mean-field theory, we analyze the temperature
and field dependence of the thermal Drude weight for various exchange
anisotropies under the condition of zero magnetization-current flow. First, we
find a strong magnetic field dependence of the Drude weight, including a
suppression of its magnitude with increasing field strength and a non-monotonic
field-dependence of the peak position. Second, for small exchange anisotropies
and magnetic fields in the massless as well as in the fully polarized regime
the mean-field approach is in excellent agreement with the exact
diagonalization data. Third, at the field-induced quantum critical line between
the para- and ferromagnetic region we propose a universal low-temperature
behavior of the thermal Drude weight.Comment: 9 pages REVTeX4 including 5 figures, revised version, refs. added,
typos correcte
Minimal Work Principle and its Limits for Classical Systems
The minimal work principle asserts that work done on a thermally isolated
equilibrium system, is minimal for the slowest (adiabatic) realization of a
given process. This principle, one of the formulations of the second law, is
operationally well-defined for any finite (few particle) Hamiltonian system.
Within classical Hamiltonian mechanics, we show that the principle is valid for
a system of which the observable of work is an ergodic function. For
non-ergodic systems the principle may or may not hold, depending on additional
conditions. Examples displaying the limits of the principle are presented and
their direct experimental realizations are discussed.Comment: 4 + epsilon pages, 1 figure, revte
Minimal work principle: proof and counterexamples
The minimal work principle states that work done on a thermally isolated
equilibrium system is minimal for adiabatically slow (reversible) realization
of a given process. This principle, one of the formulations of the second law,
is studied here for finite (possibly large) quantum systems interacting with
macroscopic sources of work. It is shown to be valid as long as the adiabatic
energy levels do not cross. If level crossing does occur, counter examples are
discussed, showing that the minimal work principle can be violated and that
optimal processes are neither adiabatically slow nor reversible. The results
are corroborated by an exactly solvable model.Comment: 13 pages, revtex, 2 eps figure
The high-mass disk candidates NGC7538IRS1 and NGC7538S
Context: The nature of embedded accretion disks around forming high-mass
stars is one of the missing puzzle pieces for a general understanding of the
formation of the most massive and luminous stars. Methods: Using the Plateau de
Bure Interferometer at 1.36mm wavelengths in its most extended configuration we
probe the dust and gas emission at ~0.3",corresponding to linear resolution
elements of ~800AU. Results: NGC7538IRS1 remains a single compact and massive
gas core with extraordinarily high column densities, corresponding to visual
extinctions on the order of 10^5mag, and average densities within the central
2000AU of ~2.1x10^9cm^-3 that have not been measured before. We identify a
velocity gradient across in northeast-southwest direction that is consistent
with the mid-infrared emission, but we do not find a gradient that corresponds
to the proposed CH3OH maser disk. The spectral line data toward NGC7538IRS1
reveal strong blue- and red-shifted absorption toward the mm continuum peak
position. The red-shifted absorption allows us to estimate high infall rates on
the order of 10^-2 Msun/yr. Although we cannot prove that the gas will be
accreted in the end, the data are consistent with ongoing star formation
activity in a scaled-up low-mass star formation scenario. Compared to that,
NGC7538S fragments in a hierarchical fashion into several sub-sources. While
the kinematics of the main mm peak are dominated by the accompanying jet, we
find rotational signatures from a secondary peak. Furthermore, strong spectral
line differences exist between the sub-sources which is indicative of different
evolutionary stages within the same large-scale gas clump.Comment: 15 pages, 12 figures, accepted for A&
Intermediate temperature dynamics of one-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnets
We present a general theory for the intermediate temperature (T) properties
of Heisenberg antiferromagnets of spin-S ions on p-leg ladders, valid for 2Sp
even or odd. Following an earlier proposal for 2Sp even (Damle and Sachdev,
cond-mat/9711014), we argue that an integrable, classical, continuum model of a
fixed-length, 3-vector applies over an intermediate temperature range; this
range becomes very wide for moderate and large values of 2Sp. The coupling
constants of the effective model are known exactly in terms of the energy gap
above the ground state (for 2Sp even) or a crossover scale (for 2Sp odd).
Analytic and numeric results for dynamic and transport properties are obtained,
including some exact results for the spin-wave damping. Numerous quantitative
predictions for neutron scattering and NMR experiments are made. A general
discussion on the nature of T>0 transport in integrable systems is also
presented: an exact solution of a toy model proves that diffusion can exist in
integrable systems, provided proper care is taken in approaching the
thermodynamic limit.Comment: 38 pages, including 12 figure
Characterizations of how species mediate ecosystem properties require more comprehensive functional effect descriptors
The importance of individual species in mediating ecosystem process and functioning is generally accepted, but categorical descriptors that summarize species-specific contributions to ecosystems tend to reference a limited number of biological traits and underestimate the importance of how organisms interact with their environment. Here, we show how three functionally contrasting sediment-dwelling marine invertebrates affect fluid and particle transport - important processes in mediating nutrient cycling - and use high-resolution reconstructions of burrow geometry to determine the extent and nature of biogenic modification. We find that individual functional effect descriptors fall short of being able to adequately characterize how species mediate the stocks and flows of important ecosystem properties and that, in contrary to common practice and understanding, they are not substitutable with one another because they emphasize different aspects of species activity and behavior. When information derived from these metrics is combined with knowledge of how species behave and modify their environment, however, detailed mechanistic information emerges that increases the likelihood that a species functional standing will be appropriately summarized. Our study provides evidence that more comprehensive functional effect descriptors are required if they are to be of value to those tasked with projecting how altered biodiversity will influence future ecosystems
Translation of evidence-based Assistive Technologies into stroke rehabilitation: Users' perceptions of the barriers and opportunities
Background: Assistive Technologies (ATs), defined as "electrical or mechanical devices designed to help people recover movement", demonstrate clinical benefits in upper limb stroke rehabilitation; however translation into clinical practice is poor. Uptake is dependent on a complex relationship between all stakeholders. Our aim was to understand patients', carers' (P&Cs) and healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experience and views of upper limb rehabilitation and ATs, to identify barriers and opportunities critical to the effective translation of ATs into clinical practice. This work was conducted in the UK, which has a state funded healthcare system, but the findings have relevance to all healthcare systems. Methods. Two structurally comparable questionnaires, one for P&Cs and one for HCPs, were designed, piloted and completed anonymously. Wide distribution of the questionnaires provided data from HCPs with experience of stroke rehabilitation and P&Cs who had experience of stroke. Questionnaires were designed based on themes identified from four focus groups held with HCPs and P&Cs and piloted with a sample of HCPs (N = 24) and P&Cs (N = 8). Eight of whom (four HCPs and four P&Cs) had been involved in the development. Results: 292 HCPs and 123 P&Cs questionnaires were analysed. 120 (41%) of HCP and 79 (64%) of P&C respondents had never used ATs. Most views were common to both groups, citing lack of information and access to ATs as the main reasons for not using them. Both HCPs (N = 53 [34%]) and P&C (N = 21 [47%]) cited Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) as the most frequently used AT. Research evidence was rated by HCPs as the most important factor in the design of an ideal technology, yet ATs they used or prescribed were not supported by research evidence. P&Cs rated ease of set-up and comfort more highly. Conclusion: Key barriers to translation of ATs into clinical practice are lack of knowledge, education, awareness and access. Perceptions about arm rehabilitation post-stroke are similar between HCPs and P&Cs. Based on our findings, improvements in AT design, pragmatic clinical evaluation, better knowledge and awareness and improvement in provision of services will contribute to better and cost-effective upper limb stroke rehabilitation. © 2014 Hughes et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd
Nucleon Spin Fluctuations and Neutrino-Nucleon Energy Transfer in Supernovae
The formation of neutrino spectra in a supernova depends crucially on
strength and inelasticity of weak interactions in hot nuclear matter. Neutrino
interactions with nonrelativistic nucleons are mainly governed by the dynamical
structure function for the nucleon spin density which describes its
fluctuations. It has recently been shown that these fluctuations give rise to a
new mode of energy transfer between neutrinos and nucleons which inside the
neutrinosphere is of comparable or greater importance than ordinary recoil. We
calculate numerically the spin density structure function in the limit of a
dilute, non-degenerate medium from exact two-nucleon wave functions for some
representative nuclear interaction potentials. We show that spectrum and
magnitude of the energy transfer can deviate significantly from those based on
the Born approximation. They are, however, rather insensitive to the particular
nuclear potential as long as it reproduces experimental nucleon scattering
phase shifts at energies up to a few tens of MeV. We also compare with
calculations based on a one-pion exchange potential in Born approximation and
briefly comment on their applicability near the center of a supernova core. Our
study is relevant for numerical simulations of the neutrino spectra emerging
from type-II supernovae.Comment: 11 latex pages, 3 postscript figures included, uses epsf.sty and
revtex.sty in two-column format, submitted to Physical Review
GASKAP -- The Galactic ASKAP Survey
A survey of the Milky Way disk and the Magellanic System at the wavelengths
of the 21-cm atomic hydrogen (HI) line and three 18-cm lines of the OH molecule
will be carried out with the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder
telescope. The survey will study the distribution of HI emission and absorption
with unprecedented angular and velocity resolution, as well as molecular line
thermal emission, absorption, and maser lines. The area to be covered includes
the Galactic plane (|b|< 10deg) at all declinations south of delta = +40deg,
spanning longitudes 167deg through 360deg to 79deg at b=0deg, plus the entire
area of the Magellanic Stream and Clouds, a total of 13,020 square degrees. The
brightness temperature sensitivity will be very good, typically sigma_T ~ 1 K
at resolution 30arcsec and 1 km/s. The survey has a wide spectrum of scientific
goals, from studies of galaxy evolution to star formation, with particular
contributions to understanding stellar wind kinematics, the thermal phases of
the interstellar medium, the interaction between gas in the disk and halo, and
the dynamical and thermal states of gas at various positions along the
Magellanic Stream.Comment: 45 pages, 8 figures, Pub. Astron. Soc. Australia (in press
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