13,510 research outputs found
The relationship between dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of PUFA in school-age children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort
Spin-polarized transport and Andreev reflection in semiconductor/superconductor hybrid structures
We show that spin-polarized electron transmission across
semiconductor/superconductor (Sm/S) hybrid structures depends sensitively on
the degree of spin polarization as well as the strengths of potential and
spin-flip scattering at the interface. We demonstrate that increasing the Fermi
velocity mismatch in the Sm and S regions can lead to enhanced junction
transparency in the presence of spin polarization. We find that the Andreev
reflection amplitude at the superconducting gap energy is a robust measure of
the spin polarization magnitude, being independent of the strengths of
potential and spin-flip scattering and the Fermi velocity of the
superconductor.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure
UV+IR Star Formation Rates: Hickson Compact Groups with Swift and Spitzer
We present Swift UVOT (1600-3000A) 3-band photometry for 41 galaxies in 11
nearby (<4500km/s) Hickson Compact Groups (HCGs) of galaxies. We use the
uvw2-band (2000A) to estimate the dust-unobscured component, SFR_UV, of the
total star-formation rate, SFR_T. We use Spitzer MIPS 24-micron photometry to
estimate SFR_IR, the dust-obscured component of SFR_T. We obtain
SFR_T=SFR_UV+SFR_IR. Using 2MASS K_s band based stellar mass, M*, estimates, we
calculate specific SFRs, SSFR=SFR_T/M*. SSFR values show a clear and
significant bimodality, with a gap between low (<~3.2x10^-11 / yr) and high
SSFR (>~1.2x10^-10 / yr) systems. All galaxies with MIR activity index a_IRAC
0) are in the high- (low-) SSFR locus, as expected if high levels of
star-formation power MIR emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
molecules and a hot dust continuum. All elliptical/S0 galaxies are in the
low-SSFR locus, while 22 out of 24 spirals/irregulars are in the high-SSFR
locus, with two borderline cases. We divide our sample into three subsamples
(I, II and III) according to decreasing HI-richness of the parent galaxy group
to which a galaxy belongs. Consistent with the SSFR and a_IRAC bimodality, 12
out of 15 type-I (11 out of 12 type-III) galaxies are in the high- (low-) SSFR
locus, while type II galaxies span almost the full range of SSFR values. Unlike
HCG galaxies, galaxies in a comparison quiescent SINGS sub-sample are
continuously distributed both in SSFR and a_IRAC. Any uncertainties can only
further enhance the SSFR bimodality. These results suggest that an environment
characterized by high galaxy number-densities and low galaxy
velocity-dispersions, such as the one found in compact groups, plays a key role
in accelerating galaxy evolution by enhancing star-formation processes in
galaxies and favoring a fast transition to quiescence.(abridged)Comment: Accepted by ApJ. [8 Tables, 16 Figures. Color figures have reduced
size for ArXiv - emulateapj v. 2/16/10
An Improved Description of the Dielectric Breakdown in Oxides Based on a Generalized Weibull distribution
In this work, we address modal parameter fluctuations in statistical
distributions describing charge-to-breakdown and/or
time-to-breakdown during the dielectric breakdown regime of
ultra-thin oxides, which are of high interest for the advancement of electronic
technology. We reobtain a generalized Weibull distribution (-Weibull), which
properly describes data when oxide thickness fluctuations are
present, in order to improve reliability assessment of ultra-thin oxides by
time-to-breakdown extrapolation and area scaling. The incorporation
of fluctuations allows a physical interpretation of the -Weibull
distribution in connection with the Tsallis statistics. In support to our
results, we analyze data of SiO-based MOS devices obtained
experimentally and theoretically through a percolation model, demonstrating an
advantageous description of the dielectric breakdown by the -Weibull
distribution.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure
Precise radial velocities of giant stars. III. Spectroscopic stellar parameters
Context: A radial velocity survey of about 380 G and K giant stars is ongoing
at Lick observatory. For each star we have a high signal to noise ratio
template spectrum, which we use to determine spectroscopic stellar parameters.
Aim: The aim of this paper is to present spectroscopic stellar parameters, i.e.
effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity and rotational velocity for
our sample of G and K giant stars. Methods: Effective temperatures, surface
gravities and metallicities are determined from the equivalent width of iron
lines. Rotational velocities are determined from the full width at half maximum
(FWHM) of moderate spectral lines. A calibration between the FWHM and total
broadening (rotational velocity and macro turbulence) is obtained from stars in
common between our sample and the sample from Gray (1989). Results: The
metallicity we derive is essentially equal to the literature values, while the
effective temperature and surface gravity are slightly higher by 56 K and 0.15
dex, respectively. Our rotational velocities are comparable with the ones
obtained by Gray (1989), but somewhat higher than the ones obtained by de
Medeiros & Mayor (1999), consistent with the different diagnostics used.
Conclusions: We are able to determine spectroscopic stellar parameters for
about 380 G and K giant stars in a uniform way (112 stars are being analysed
spectroscopically for the first time). For stars available in the literature,
we find reasonable agreement between literature values and values determined in
the present work. In addition, we show that the metallicity enhancement of
companion hosting stars might also be valid for giant stars, with the
planet-hosting giants being 0.13 +/- 0.03 dex (i.e. 35 +/- 10%) more metal-rich
than our total sample of stars.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figures, 4 tables, accepted for publication by Astronomy
and Astrophysic
Green's function probe of a static granular piling
We present an experiment which aim is to investigate the mechanical
properties of a static granular assembly. The piling is an horizontal 3D
granular layer confined in a box, we apply a localized extra force at the
surface and the spatial distribution of stresses at the bottom is obtained (the
mechanical Green's function). For different types of granular media, we observe
a linear pressure response which profile shows one peak centered at the
vertical of the point of application. The peak's width increases linearly when
increasing the depth. This green function seems to be in -at least- qualitative
agreement with predictions of elastic theory.Comment: 9 pages, 3 .eps figures, submitted to PR
Element abundances in the metal rich open cluster NGC6253
We have carried out a big FLAMES survey of 10 Galactic open clusters aiming
at different goals. One of them is the determination of chemical abundances, in
order to put constraints on the radial metallicity gradient in the disk and its
evolution. One of the sample clusters is the very metal rich NGC 6253. We have
obtained UVES high resolution spectra of seven candidate cluster members (from
the turn off up to the red clump) with the goal of determining the chemical
composition of NGC 6253 and to investigate its origin and role in the
interpretation of the radial metallicity gradient in the disk. Equivalent width
analysis and spectral synthesis were performed using MOOG and Kurucz model
atmospheres. We derived abundances of Fe, alpha- and Fe-peak elements, the
light element Na and the s-process element Ba. Excluding two likely non-members
and the clump giant, whose metallicity from equivalent widths is overestimated,
we find an average [Fe/H]=+0.36+/-0.07 (rms) for the cluster. For most of the
other elements we derive solar abundance ratios.Comment: accepted by A&A (02/01/2007), 21 pages, 11 ps figure
Theory of electrical spin injection: Tunnel contacts as a solution of the conductivity mismatch problem
Theory of electrical spin injection from a ferromagnetic (FM) metal into a
normal (N) conductor is presented. We show that tunnel contacts (T) can
dramatically increase spin injection and solve the problem of the mismatch in
the conductivities of a FM metal and a semiconductor microstructure. We also
present explicit expressions for the spin-valve resistance of FM-T-N- and
FM-T-N-T-FM-junctions with tunnel contacts at the interfaces and show that the
resistance includes both positive and negative contributions (Kapitza
resistance and injection conductivity, respectively).Comment: 4 pages, to appear in Phys. Rev. B (rapid communications
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A new interpretation of total column BrO during Arctic spring
Emission of bromine from sea-salt aerosol, frost flowers, ice leads, and snow results in the nearly complete removal of surface ozone during Arctic spring. Regions of enhanced total column BrO observed by satellites have traditionally been associated with these emissions. However, airborne measurements of BrO and O3 within the convective boundary layer (CBL) during the ARCTAS and ARCPAC field campaigns at times bear little relation to enhanced column BrO. We show that the locations of numerous satellite BrO "hotspots" during Arctic spring are consistent with observations of total column ozone and tropopause height, suggesting a stratospheric origin to these regions of elevated BrO. Tropospheric enhancements of BrO large enough to affect the column abundance are also observed, with important contributions originating from above the CBL. Closure of the budget for total column BrO, albeit with significant uncertainty, is achieved by summing observed tropospheric partial columns with calculated stratospheric partial columns provided that natural, short-lived biogenic bromocarbons supply between 5 and 10 ppt of bromine to the Arctic lowermost stratosphere. Proper understanding of bromine and its effects on atmospheric composition requires accurate treatment of geographic variations in column BrO originating from both the stratosphere and troposphere. Copyright 2010 by the American Geophysical Union
Adverse childhood experiences and suicide attempts in morbidly obese adults
Introdução: As tentativas de suicĂdio surgem frequentemente associadas a problemas alimentares, tanto anorexia quanto bulimia. Do mesmo modo, tem-se verifi cado uma elevada ocorrĂŞncia de suicĂdio entre obesos. Investigações tĂŞm mostrado que a adversidade na infância pode ser um fator de
risco para as tentativas de suicĂdio.
Objetivos: Caracterizar e compreender a relação entre experiĂŞncias de adversidade na infância e tentativas de suicĂdio em 100 obesos mĂłrbidos
candidatos a cirurgia bariátrica.
Métodos: Um total de 100 pacientes foram selecionados de setembro de 2007 a outubro de 2007 e de janeiro de 2008 a janeiro de 2009, sendo que 20 pacientes eram do sexo feminino. A média de idade era de 38,89±9,87 anos, e a média do peso máximo era de 136,43±14 kg. O Questionário da
História de Adversidade na Infância foi utilizado para avaliar experiências adversas.
Resultados: 88% dos pacientes relataram a existência de pelo menos uma experiência de adversidade na infância, e 25% relataram já ter realizado pelo menos
uma tentativa de suicĂdio. A adversidade na infância esteve associada a um risco aumentado para realizar tentativas de suicĂdio (odds ratio = 2,026).
Conclusão: Esses dados devem ser levados em consideração na avaliação e no acompanhamento desses pacientes.Introduction: Suicide attempts are often associated with eating disorders, both anorexia and bulimia. Likewise, a high incidence of suicide has been
observed among obese patients. Previous studies have shown that adverse experiences in childhood may be a risk factor for suicide attempts.
Objectives: To characterize and to understand the relationship between adverse experiences and suicide attempts in 100 morbidly obese patients
referred for bariatric surgery.
Methods: A total of 100 patients were selected from September 2007 to October 2007 and from January 2008 to January 2009. Of these, 20 patients
were females. Mean age was 38.89±9.87 years, and mean maximum weight was 136.43±14 kg. The Portuguese version of the Family ACE (Adverse
Childhood Experiences) Questionnaire was used to assess the occurrence of adverse events.
Results: 88% of the patients reported the existence of at least one adverse experience in childhood, and 25% reported at least one previous suicide
attempt. Adversity in childhood was associated with an increased risk for suicide attempts (odds ratio = 2.026).
Conclusion: These data should be taken into account in the assessment and monitoring of these patients.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT); (SFRH/BD/37069/2007)
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