672 research outputs found
Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA): Demonstrating the power of WISE in the study of Galaxy Groups to z < 0.1
Combining high-fidelity group characterisation from the Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey
and source-tailored z < 0.1 photometry from the WISE survey, we present a comprehensive study of the
properties of ungrouped galaxies, compared to 497 galaxy groups (4†NFoF †20) as a function of stellar
and halo mass. Ungrouped galaxies are largely unimodal in WISE color, the result of being dominated
by star-forming, late-type galaxies. Grouped galaxies, however, show a clear bimodality in WISE color,
which correlates strongly with stellar mass and morphology. We find evidence for an increasing earlytype fraction, in stellar mass bins between 1010 .Mstellar . 1011 M , with increasing halo mass. Using
ungrouped, late-type galaxies with star-forming colors (W2âW3>3), we define a star-forming mainsequence (SFMS), which we use to delineate systems that have moved below the sequence (âquenchedâ
for the purposes of this work). We find that with increasing halo mass, the relative number of latetype systems on the SFMS decreases, with a corresponding increase in early-type, quenched systems at
high stellar mass (Mstellar > 1010.5 M ), consistent with mass quenching. Group galaxies with masses
Mstellar < 1010.5 M show evidence of quenching consistent with environmentally-driven processes.
The stellar mass distribution of late-type, quenched galaxies suggests they may be an intermediate
population as systems transition from being star-forming and late-type to the âred sequenceâ. Finally,
we use the projected area of groups on the sky to extract groups that are (relatively) compact for their
halo mass. Although these show a marginal increase in their proportion of high mass and early-type
galaxies compared to nominal groups, a clear increase in quenched fraction is not evident
Amplitude to phase conversion of InGaAs pin photo-diodes for femtosecond lasers microwave signal generation
When a photo-diode is illuminated by a pulse train from a femtosecond laser,
it generates microwaves components at the harmonics of the repetition rate
within its bandwidth. The phase of these components (relative to the optical
pulse train) is known to be dependent on the optical energy per pulse. We
present an experimental study of this dependence in InGaAs pin photo-diodes
illuminated with ultra-short pulses generated by an Erbium-doped fiber based
femtosecond laser. The energy to phase dependence is measured over a large
range of impinging pulse energies near and above saturation for two typical
detectors, commonly used in optical frequency metrology with femtosecond laser
based optical frequency combs. When scanning the optical pulse energy, the
coefficient which relates phase variations to energy variations is found to
alternate between positive and negative values, with many (for high harmonics
of the repetition rate) vanishing points. By operating the system near one of
these vanishing points, the typical amplitude noise level of commercial-core
fiber-based femtosecond lasers is sufficiently low to generate state-of-the-art
ultra-low phase noise microwave signals, virtually immune to amplitude to phase
conversion related noise.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figures, submitted to Applied Physics
The Flare-energy Distributions Generated by Kink-unstable Ensembles of Zero-net-current Coronal Loops
It has been proposed that the million degree temperature of the corona is due
to the combined effect of barely-detectable energy releases, so called
nanoflares, that occur throughout the solar atmosphere. Alas, the nanoflare
density and brightness implied by this hypothesis means that conclusive
verification is beyond present observational abilities. Nevertheless, we
investigate the plausibility of the nanoflare hypothesis by constructing a
magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model that can derive the energy of a nanoflare from
the nature of an ideal kink instability. The set of energy-releasing
instabilities is captured by an instability threshold for linear kink modes.
Each point on the threshold is associated with a unique energy release and so
we can predict a distribution of nanoflare energies. When the linear
instability threshold is crossed, the instability enters a nonlinear phase as
it is driven by current sheet reconnection. As the ensuing flare erupts and
declines, the field transitions to a lower energy state, which is modelled by
relaxation theory, i.e., helicity is conserved and the ratio of current to
field becomes invariant within the loop. We apply the model so that all the
loops within an ensemble achieve instability followed by energy-releasing
relaxation. The result is a nanoflare energy distribution. Furthermore, we
produce different distributions by varying the loop aspect ratio, the nature of
the path to instability taken by each loop and also the level of radial
expansion that may accompany loop relaxation. The heating rate obtained is just
sufficient for coronal heating. In addition, we also show that kink instability
cannot be associated with a critical magnetic twist value for every point along
the instability threshold
Did the London Initiative Zone investment programme affect general practice structure and performance in East London? A time series analysis of cervical screening coverage and asthma prescribing
A programme of incentives was set up in the London Initiative Zones to improve primary care in inner London based on the findings of the Tomlinson Enquiry in 1992. This descriptive study is a 4-y time series analysis of changes in general practice structure in East London as the result of London Initiative Zone investment, and an exploration of the possible effect of investment on practice performance.We used routinely available administrative data for the whole analysis. General practice characteristics and two selected performance indicators: the asthma prophylaxis to bronchodilator ratio and cervical cytology screening rate, for all practices in the East London and the City Health Authority for 4 y, 1993-1996, were used. Both reflect practice efficiency, but relate to different aspects of practice performance. The prescribing indicator is more indicative of the quality of clinical practise, whereas cervical screening coverage relates more to the characteristics of the practice population and to practice organisation. Repeated measures analyses were used to identify trends and to explore the relationship between changes in practice characteristics and performance. Graphical methods were used to compare East London trends with the rest of England.There were significant improvements in practice structure as the consequence of London Initiative Zone investment. There was a positive association with improvements in practice performance, but East London still lagged some way behind national patterns. The findings suggest that while improvements in asthma prescribing follow the national trend, practices have difficulty in achieving and sustaining the 80% target for cervical cytology screening, and that an overall population coverage of 80% may be in doubt.Increased investment in practice staffing may be influential in improving some aspects of performance. However, in common with other inner cities, a greater effort and more innovative strategies may be needed to achieve a standard of performance equal to the best
Fungal entomopathogens: new insights on their ecology
An important mechanism for insect pest control should be the use of fungal entomopathogens. Even though these organisms have been studied for more than 100 y, their effective use in the field remains elusive. Recently, however, it has been discovered that many of these entomopathogenic fungi play additional roles in nature. They are endophytes, antagonists of plant pathogens, associates with the rhizosphere, and possibly even plant growth promoting agents. These findings indicate that the ecological role of these fungi in the environment is not fully understood and limits our ability to employ them successfully for pest management. In this paper, we review the recently discovered roles played by many entomopathogenic fungi and propose new research strategies focused on alternate uses for these fungi. It seems likely that these agents can be used in multiple roles in protecting plants from pests and diseases and at the same time promoting plant growth
Magnetoluminescence
Pulsar Wind Nebulae, Blazars, Gamma Ray Bursts and Magnetars all contain
regions where the electromagnetic energy density greatly exceeds the plasma
energy density. These sources exhibit dramatic flaring activity where the
electromagnetic energy distributed over large volumes, appears to be converted
efficiently into high energy particles and gamma-rays. We call this general
process magnetoluminescence. Global requirements on the underlying, extreme
particle acceleration processes are described and the likely importance of
relativistic beaming in enhancing the observed radiation from a flare is
emphasized. Recent research on fluid descriptions of unstable electromagnetic
configurations are summarized and progress on the associated kinetic
simulations that are needed to account for the acceleration and radiation is
discussed. Future observational, simulation and experimental opportunities are
briefly summarized.Comment: To appear in "Jets and Winds in Pulsar Wind Nebulae, Gamma-ray Bursts
and Blazars: Physics of Extreme Energy Release" of the Space Science Reviews
serie
Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA): the galaxy stellar mass function to z = 0.1 from the r-band selected equatorial regions
We derive the low-redshift galaxy stellar mass function (GSMF), inclusive of dust corrections, for the equatorial Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA) data set covering 180 deg2. We construct the mass function using a density-corrected maximum volume method, using masses corrected for the impact of optically thick and thin dust. We explore the galactic bivariate brightness plane (MââÎŒ), demonstrating that surface brightness effects do not systematically bias our mass function measurement above 107.5 Mâ. The galaxy distribution in the MâÎŒ plane appears well bounded, indicating that no substantial population of massive but diffuse or highly compact galaxies are systematically missed due to the GAMA selection criteria. The GSMF is fitted with a double Schechter function, with Mâ=1010.78±0.01±0.20Mâ Mâ=1010.78±0.01±0.20Mâ , Ïâ1=(2.93±0.40)Ă10â3h370 Ï1â=(2.93±0.40)Ă10â3h703 Mpcâ3, α1 = â0.62 ± 0.03 ± 0.15, Ïâ2=(0.63±0.10)Ă10â3h370 Ï2â=(0.63±0.10)Ă10â3h703 Mpcâ3 and α2 = â1.50 ± 0.01 ± 0.15. We find the equivalent faint end slope as previously estimated using the GAMA-I sample, although we find a higher value of Mâ Mâ . Using the full GAMA-II sample, we are able to fit the mass function to masses as low as 107.5 âMâ, and assess limits to 106.5 âMâ. Combining GAMA-II with data from G10-COSMOS, we are able to comment qualitatively on the shape of the GSMF down to masses as low as 106âMâ. Beyond the well-known upturn seen in the GSMF at 109.5, the distribution appears to maintain a single power-law slope from 109 to 106.5. We calculate the stellar mass density parameter given our best-estimate GSMF, finding Ωâ=1.66+0.24â0.23±0.97hâ170Ă10â3 Ωâ=1.66â0.23+0.24±0.97h70â1Ă10â3 , inclusive of random and systematic uncertainties
Peanut Can Be Used as a Reference Allergen for Hazard Characterization in Food Allergen Risk Management: A Rapid Evidence Assessment and Meta-Analysis
Regional and national legislation mandates the disclosure of âpriorityâ allergens when present as an ingredient in foods, but this does not extend to the unintended presence of allergens due to shared production facilities. This has resulted in a proliferation of precautionary allergen (âmay containâ) labels (PAL) that are frequently ignored by food-allergic consumers. Attempts have been made to improve allergen risk management to better inform the use of PAL, but a lack of consensus has led to variety of regulatory approaches and nonuniformity in the use of PAL by food businesses. One potential solution would be to establish internationally agreed âreference doses,â below which no PAL would be needed. However, if reference doses are to be used to inform the need for PAL, then it is essential to characterize the hazard associated with these low-level exposures. For peanut, there are now published data relating to over 3000 double-blind, placebo-controlled challenges in allergic individuals, but a similar level of evidence is lacking for other priority allergens. We present the results of a rapid evidence assessment and meta-analysis for the risk of anaphylaxis to a low-level allergen exposure for priority allergens. On the basis of this analysis, we propose that peanut can and should be considered an exemplar allergen for the hazard characterization at a low-level allergen exposure.
Resumen:
La legislaciĂłn regional y nacional exige la divulgaciĂłn de alĂ©rgenos "prioritarios" cuando estĂĄn presentes como ingrediente en los alimentos, pero esto no se extiende a la presencia involuntaria de alĂ©rgenos debido a instalaciones de producciĂłn compartidas. Esto ha dado lugar a una proliferaciĂłn de etiquetas de precauciĂłn para alĂ©rgenos ("pueden contener") (PAL) que los consumidores alĂ©rgicos a los alimentos suelen ignorar. Se han hecho intentos para mejorar la gestiĂłn del riesgo de alĂ©rgenos para informar mejor el uso de PAL, pero la falta de consenso ha llevado a una variedad de enfoques regulatorios y a la falta de uniformidad en el uso de PAL por parte de las empresas alimentarias. Una posible soluciĂłn serĂa establecer âdosis de referenciaâ acordadas internacionalmente, por debajo de las cuales no se necesitarĂa PAL. Sin embargo, si se van a utilizar dosis de referencia para informar la necesidad de PAL, entonces es esencial caracterizar el peligro asociado con estas exposiciones de bajo nivel. Para el manĂ, ahora hay datos publicados relacionados con mĂĄs de 3000 desafĂos doble ciego controlados por placebo en individuos alĂ©rgicos, pero falta un nivel similar de evidencia para otros alĂ©rgenos prioritarios. Presentamos los resultados de una evaluaciĂłn rĂĄpida de la evidencia y un metanĂĄlisis del riesgo deanafilaxia a una exposiciĂłn a alĂ©rgenos de bajo nivel para alĂ©rgenos prioritarios. Sobre la base de este anĂĄlisis, proponemos que el cacahuete puede y debe considerarse un alĂ©rgeno ejemplar para la caracterizaciĂłn del peligro en una exposiciĂłn a un alĂ©rgeno de bajo nivel.Instituto de InvestigaciĂłn de TecnologĂa de AlimentosFil: Turner, Paul J. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Patel, Nandinee. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Ballmer-Weber, Barbara K. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Ballmer-Weber, Barbara K. ClĂnica de DermatologĂa y AlergologĂa. Kantonsspital; Suiza.Fil: Baumert, Joe L. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Blom, W. Marty. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Brooke-Taylor, Simon. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Brough, Helen. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Brough, Helen. King's College London. Departamento de Alergia PediĂĄtrica; Reino Unido.Fil: Campbell, Dianne E. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Campbell, Dianne E. TecnologĂas DBV. Montrouge; Francia.Fil: Chen, Hongbing. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Chinthrajah, R. Sharon. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Crevel, RenĂ© W.R. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Dubois, Anthony E.J. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Ebisawa, Motohiro. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Elizur, Arnon. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Elizur, Arnon. Universidad de Tel Aviv. Facultad de Medicina Sackler. Departamento de PediatrĂa; Israel.Fil: Gerdts, Jennifer D. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Gowland, M. Hazel. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Houben, Geert F. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Hourihane, Jonathan O.B. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Knulst, AndrĂ© C. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: La Vieille, SĂ©bastien. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: LĂłpez, MarĂa Cristina. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Mills, E.N. Clare. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Polenta, Gustavo Alberto. Instituto Nacional de TecnologĂa Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de InvestigaciĂłn TecnologĂa de Alimentos; Argentina.Fil: Polenta, Gustavo Alberto. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Purington, Natasha. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Said, MarĂa. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Sampson, Hugh A. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Sampson, Hugh A. Escuela de Medicina Icahn. DivisiĂłn de Alergia e InmunologĂa PediĂĄtricasen. Nueva York. Estados Unidos de AmĂ©rica.Fil: Schnadt, Sabine. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Södergren, Eva. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Södergren, Eva. ThermoFisher Scientific; Suecia.Fil: Taylor, Stephen L. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Remington, Benjamin C. Imperial College London. Instituto Nacional del CorazĂłn y los Pulmones; Reino Unido.Fil: Remington, Benjamin C. Grupo BV. ConsultorĂa Remington; Holanda
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