Multiple origins for the DLA at zabs=0.313z_\mathrm{abs}=0.313 toward PKS 1127−-145 indicated by a complex dust depletion pattern of Ca, Ti, and Mn

We investigate the dust depletion properties of optically thick gas in and around galaxies and its origin we study in detail the dust depletion patterns of Ti, Mn, and Ca in the multi-component damped Lyman-$\alpha$ (DLA) absorber at $z_\mathrm{abs}=0.313$ toward the quasar PKS 1127$-$145.} We performed a detailed spectral analysis of the absorption profiles of CaII, MnII, TiII, and NaI associated with the DLA toward PKS 1127$-$145, based on optical high-resolution data obtained with the UVES instrument at the Very Large Telescope (VLT). We obtained column densities and Doppler-parameters for the ions listed above and determine their gas-phase abundances, from which we conclude on their dust depletion properties. We compared the Ca and Ti depletion properties of this DLA with that of other DLAs. One of the six analyzed absorption components shows a striking underabundance of Ti and Mn in the gas-phase, indicating the effect of dust depletion for these elements and a locally enhanced dust-to-gas ratio. In this DLA and in other similar absorbers, the MnII abundance follows that of TiII very closely, implying that both ions are equally sensitive to the dust depletion effects. Our analysis indicates that the DLA toward PKS 1127$-$145 has multiple origins. With its narrow line width and its strong dust depletion, component 3 points toward the presence of a neutral gas disk from a faint LSB galaxy in front of PKS 1127$-$145, while the other, more diffuse and dust-poor, absorption components possibly are related to tidal gas features from the interaction between the various, optically confirmed galaxy-group members. In general, the Mn/CaII ratio in sub-DLAs and DLAs possibly serves as an important indicator to discriminate between dust-rich and dust-poor in neutral gas in and around galaxies.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figures, accepted for A&

Bernard Yarnton Mills 1920-2011

Bernie Mills is remembered globally as an influential pioneer in the evolving field of radio astronomy. His contributions with the 'Mills Cross' at the CSIRO Division of Radiophysics and later at the University of Sydney's School of Physics and the development of the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope (MOST) were widely recognised as astronomy evolved in the years 1948-1985 and radio astronomy changed the viewpoint of the astronomer as a host of new objects were discovered

The Role of Funding Programs in Promotion of Best Management Practices for Effective Stream Restoration

Large amounts of money are spent on stream restoration projects across the United States every year. Restoration researchers and professionals commonly recommend a suite of Best Management Practices (BMPs), including project goals, objectives, monitoring, consideration of future conditions, adaptive management, and public reporting of results, which are widely recognized as contributing to effective projects. Studies over the last two decades demonstrated that these BMPs were not consistently incorporated into restoration projects, which highlighted the need to improve practices and for funding programs to incorporate BMPs into funding requirements. I reviewed 28 programs that fund stream restoration in the Rocky Mountain region to determine whether programs require information associated with BMPs in the application and evaluation process and if this varies with funding program size. Additionally, I reviewed budget restrictions and timelines to investigate impediments to achieving BMPs. Previous studies typically found few restoration plans included goals and objectives, but 91% of the current funding programs in my survey required both goals and objectives as part of the application process. The larger (project costs \u3e $300,000) funding programs in this study had more comprehensive BMP requirements: all of the large funding programs required goals, objectives, and public reporting of project results, while none of the smaller (\u3c$25,000 per project) funding programs required consideration for future conditions or adaptive management. Even though post-project monitoring is commonly indicated to be required, many funding timelines are less than two years which is too short to evaluate whether the restoration successfully achieved their objectives. To evaluate project success, smaller funding programs need to expand their BMP requirements. Overall, the field may need to consider alternatives for funding approaches that would better facilitate monitoring and adaptive management

Thermal stress cycling of GaAs solar cells

A thermal cycling experiment was performed on GaAs solar cells to establish the electrical and structural integrity of these cells under the temperature conditions of a simulated low-Earth orbit of 3-year duration. Thirty single junction GaAs cells were obtained and tests were performed to establish the beginning-of-life characteristics of these cells. The tests consisted of cell I-V power output curves, from which were obtained short-circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor, and cell efficiency, and optical micrographs, spectral response, and ion microprobe mass analysis (IMMA) depth profiles on both the front surfaces and the front metallic contacts of the cells. Following 5,000 thermal cycles, the performance of the cells was reexamined in addition to any factors which might contribute to performance degradation. It is established that, after 5,000 thermal cycles, the cells retain their power output with no loss of structural integrity or change in physical appearance

High Resolution BPM Upgrade for the ATF Damping Ring at KEK

A beam position monitor (BPM) upgrade at the KEK Accelerator Test Facility (ATF) damping ring has been accomplished, carried out by a KEK/FNAL/SLAC collaboration under the umbrella of the global ILC R&D effort. The upgrade consists of a high resolution, high reproducibility read-out system, based on analog and processing, and also implements a new automatic gain error correction schema. The technical concept and realization as well as results of beam studies are presented.Comment: 3 pp. 10th European Workshop on Beam Diagnostics and Instrumentation for Particle Accelerators DIPAC 2011, 16-18 May 2011. Hamburg, German

Características das cultivares de trigo recomendadas para cultivo em áreas aptas ao arroz irrigado do Rio Grande do Sul.

bitstream/item/31633/1/comunicado99.pd

Schistosomiasis as a disease of stem cells

Schistosomiasis is a devastating parasitic disease caused by flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. The complex life cycles and developmental plasticity of these parasites have captured the attention of parsitologists for decades, yet little is known on the molecular level about the developmental underpinnings that have allowed these worms to thrive as obligate parasites. Here, we describe basic schistosome biology and highlight how understanding the functions of stem cells in these worms will transform our understanding of these parasites. Indeed, we propose that schistosomiasis is fundamentally as disease of stem cells. We hope this review will attract new interest in the basic developmental biology of these important organisms