ABSTRACT
We report the results from a comprehensive study of 74 ultraluminous infrared
galaxies (ULIRGs) and 34 Palomar-Green (PG) quasars within
z
∼
0.3 observed with the
Spitzer
Infrared ...Spectrograph (IRS). The
contribution of nuclear activity to the bolometric luminosity in these systems
is quantified using six independent methods that span a range in wavelength and
give consistent results within ∼±10%–15% on average. This agreement suggests
that deeply buried active galactic nuclei (AGNs) invisible to
Spitzer
IRS but bright in the far-infrared are not common
in this sample. The average derived AGN contribution in ULIRGs is ∼35%–40%,
ranging from ∼15%–35% among “cool”
(
f
25
/
f
60
⩽ 0.2)
optically classified H
ii
-like and LINER ULIRGs to ∼50 and ∼75% among
warm Seyfert 2 and Seyfert 1 ULIRGs, respectively. This number exceeds ∼80% in
PG QSOs. ULIRGs fall in one of three distinct AGN classes: (1) objects with
small extinctions and large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) equivalent
widths are highly starburst-dominated; (2) systems with large extinctions and
modest PAH equivalent widths have larger AGN contributions, but still tend to be
starburst-dominated; and (3) ULIRGs with both small extinctions and small PAH
equivalent widths host AGN that are at least as powerful as the starbursts. The
AGN contributions in class 2 ULIRGs are more uncertain than in the other
objects, and we cannot formally rule out the possibility that these objects
represent a physically distinct type of ULIRGs. A morphological trend is seen
along the sequence (1)–(2)–(3), in general agreement with the standard ULIRG−QSO
evolution scenario and suggestive of a broad peak in extinction during the
intermediate stages of merger evolution. However, the scatter in this sequence,
including the presence of a significant number of AGN-dominated systems prior to
coalescence and starburst-dominated but fully merged systems, implies that black
hole accretion, in addition to depending on the merger phase, also has a strong
chaotic/random component, as in local AGNs.
We report the first detection of 610 and 618 km silicate dust emissions in a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus (AGN), obtained in Spitzer IRS 7-37 km spectroscopy of the type 1 LINER galaxy NGC ...3998. Silicate emissions in AGNs have only recently been detected in several quasars. Our detection counters suggestions that silicate emissions are present only in the most luminous AGNs. The silicate features may be signatures of a dusty "obscuring torus" viewed face-on as postulated for type 1 AGNs. However, the apparently cool (6200 K) dust is inconsistent with theoretical expectations of much hotter torus walls. Furthermore, not all type 1 objects are silicate emission sources. Alternatively, the silicate emission may originate in dust not directly associated with a torus. We find that the long-wavelength ( 20 km) tail of the emission in NGC 3998 is significantly weaker than in the sample of bright QSOs recently presented by Hao et al. The 10 km profile in our NGC 3998 spectrum is inconsistent with "standard" silicate ISM dust. This may indicate differences in the dust composition, grain size distribution, or degree of crystallization. The differences between NGC 3998, QSOs, and Galactic templates suggest that there are significant environmental variations.
This paper documents the application of the Conway–Maxwell–Poisson (COM-Poisson) generalized linear model (GLM) for modeling motor vehicle crashes. The COM-Poisson distribution, originally developed ...in 1962, has recently been re-introduced by statisticians for analyzing count data subjected to over- and under-dispersion. This innovative distribution is an extension of the Poisson distribution. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the application of the COM-Poisson GLM for analyzing motor vehicle crashes and compare the results with the traditional negative binomial (NB) model. The comparison analysis was carried out using the most common functional forms employed by transportation safety analysts, which link crashes to the entering flows at intersections or on segments. To accomplish the objectives of the study, several NB and COM-Poisson GLMs were developed and compared using two datasets. The first dataset contained crash data collected at signalized four-legged intersections in Toronto, Ont. The second dataset included data collected for rural four-lane divided and undivided highways in Texas. Several methods were used to assess the statistical fit and predictive performance of the models. The results of this study show that COM-Poisson GLMs perform as well as NB models in terms of GOF statistics and predictive performance. Given the fact the COM-Poisson distribution can also handle under-dispersed data (while the NB distribution cannot or has difficulties converging), which have sometimes been observed in crash databases, the COM-Poisson GLM offers a better alternative over the NB model for modeling motor vehicle crashes, especially given the important limitations recently documented in the safety literature about the latter type of model.
Thermal images of cold dust in the Central Molecular Zone of the Milky Way, obtained with the far-infrared cameras on board the Herschel satellite, reveal a ~3 X 107 M ring of dense and cold clouds ...orbiting the Galactic center. Using a simple toy model, an elliptical shape having semi-major axes of 100 and 60 pc is deduced. The major axis of this 100 pc ring is inclined by about 40? with respect to the plane of the sky and is oriented perpendicular to the major axes of the Galactic Bar. The 100 pc ring appears to trace the system of stable x 2 orbits predicted for the barred Galactic potential. Sgr A is displaced with respect to the geometrical center of symmetry of the ring. The ring is twisted and its morphology suggests a flattening ratio of 2 for the Galactic potential, which is in good agreement with the bulge flattening ratio derived from the 2MASS data.
Sedentary time (ST) and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) are associated with cardiometabolic health. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is also implicated but often overlooked in health ...recommendations. This study assessed the relationships between ST, MVPA, CRF, and cardiometabolic health in highly active older individuals. 125 healthy amateur cyclists aged 55 to 79 years had their ST and MVPA levels assessed by actigraphy over a 7‐day period. CRF was assessed using a maximal effort cycle ergometry test to determine VO2max with results normalized to both body mass and fat‐free mass measured by DXA. Markers of cardiometabolic risk (blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Insulin, HOMA IR, blood pressure, and body fat) were assessed and used to determine cumulative cardiometabolic risk. Multiple linear regression was used to assess ST, MVPA, and CRF associations with cardiometabolic health with the relationship between activity levels and CRF determined. CRF was associated with training volume (P = .003), but not ST or MVPA. A high CRF was associated with lower cumulative cardiometabolic risk, body fat percentage, triglyceride, and HDL levels (P < .05 in all cases). MVPA was negatively associated with body fat percentage, while ST was not associated with any marker of cardiometabolic risk when adjusting for activity levels. An association between CRF and cardiometabolic risk even in a group of older individuals with high fitness levels highlights the importance that CRF may have in maintaining health.
In 1993, Chitayat
, reported a newborn with hyperphalangism, facial anomalies, and bronchomalacia. We identified three additional families with similar findings. Features include bilateral accessory ...phalanx resulting in shortened index fingers; hallux valgus; distinctive face; respiratory compromise.
To identify the genetic aetiology of Chitayat syndrome and identify a unifying cause for this specific form of hyperphalangism.
Through ongoing collaboration, we had collected patients with strikingly-similar phenotype. Trio-based exome sequencing was first performed in Patient 2 through Deciphering Developmental Disorders study. Proband-only exome sequencing had previously been independently performed in Patient 4. Following identification of a candidate gene variant in Patient 2, the same variant was subsequently confirmed from exome data in Patient 4. Sanger sequencing was used to validate this variant in Patients 1, 3; confirm paternal inheritance in Patient 5.
A recurrent, novel variant NM_006494.2:c.266A>G p.(Tyr89Cys) in
was identified in five affected individuals: de novo (patient 1, 2 and 3) and inherited from an affected father (patient 4 and 5). p.Tyr89Cys is an aromatic polar neutral to polar neutral amino acid substitution, at a highly conserved position and lies within the functionally important ETS-domain of the protein. The recurrent
c.266A>C p.(Tyr89Cys) variant causes Chitayat syndrome.
variants have previously been associated with complex craniosynostosis. In contrast, none of the patients with the c.266A>G p.(Tyr89Cys) variant have craniosynostosis.
We report the molecular aetiology of Chitayat syndrome and discuss potential mechanisms for this distinctive phenotype associated with the p.Tyr89Cys substitution in
.
Context. The HIFI instrument on the Herschel Space Observatory performed over 9100 astronomical observations, almost 900 of which were calibration observations in the course of the nearly four-year ...Herschel mission. The data from each observation had to be converted from raw telemetry into calibrated products and were included in the Herschel Science Archive. Aims. The HIFI pipeline was designed to provide robust conversion from raw telemetry into calibrated data throughout all phases of the HIFI missions. Pre-launch laboratory testing was supported as were routine mission operations. Methods. A modular software design allowed components to be easily added, removed, amended and/or extended as the understanding of the HIFI data developed during and after mission operations. Results. The HIFI pipeline processed data from all HIFI observing modes within the Herschel automated processing environment as well as within an interactive environment. The same software can be used by the general astronomical community to reprocess any standard HIFI observation. The pipeline also recorded the consistency of processing results and provided automated quality reports. Many pipeline modules were in use since the HIFI pre-launch instrument level testing. Conclusions. Processing in steps facilitated data analysis to discover and address instrument artefacts and uncertainties. The availability of the same pipeline components from pre-launch throughout the mission made for well-understood, tested, and stable processing. A smooth transition from one phase to the next significantly enhanced processing reliability and robustness.
This study determined the disposition of irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate (CPT-11) after i.v. infusion of 125 mg/m(2) (100 microCi) (14)CCPT-11 in eight patients with solid tumors. Mean +/- S.D. ...recovery of radioactivity in urine and feces was 95.8 +/- 2.7% (range 92.2-100.3%, n = 7) of dose. Radioactivity in blood, plasma, urine, and feces was determined for at least 168 h after dosing. Fecal excretion accounted for 63.7 +/- 6.8 (range 54.2-74.9%, n = 7) of dose, whereas urinary excretion accounted for 32.1 +/- 6.9% (range 21.7-43.8%; n = 7) of dose. One patient with a biliary T-tube excreted 30.1% of dose in bile, 14.2% in feces, and 48.2% in urine. Quantitative radiometric HPLC revealed that CPT-11 was the major excretion product in urine, bile, and feces. Aminopentane carboxylic acid (APC) and SN-38 glucuronide (SN-38G) were the most significant metabolites in urine and bile, whereas SN-38 and NPC, a primary amine metabolite, were relatively minor excretion products. SN-38 and APC were the most significant metabolites in feces. The relatively higher amount of SN-38 in feces compared with bile is presumably due to hydrolysis of SN-38G to SN-38 by enteric bacterial beta-glucuronidases. There was close correspondence between quantitative fluorescence HPLC and mass balance findings. CPT-11 was the major circulating component in plasma (55% of the mean radiochemical area under the curve), and CPT-11, SN-38, SN-38G, and APC accounted for 93% of the mean radiochemical AUC. These results show that the parent drug and its three major metabolites account for virtually all CPT-11 disposition, with fecal excretion representing the major elimination pathway.
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