Breaking the law: the M_{bh}-M_{spheroid} mass relations for core-Sersic and Sersic galaxies

The popular log-linear relation between supermassive black hole mass, M_bh, and the dynamical mass of the host spheroid, M_sph, is shown to require a significant correction. Core galaxies, typically with M_bh > 2x10^8 M_Sun and thought to be formed in dry merger events, are shown to be well described by a linear relation for which the median black hole mass is 0.36% - roughly double the old value of constancy. Of greater significance is that M_bh ~ (M_sph)^2 among the (non-pseudobulge) lower-mass systems: specifically, log[M_bh/M_Sun] = (1.92+/-0.38)log[M_sph/7x10^{10}M_Sun] + (8.38+/-0.17). `Classical' spheroids hosting a 10^6 M_Sun black hole will have M_bh/M_sph ~ 0.025%. These new relations (i) bring consistency to the relation M_bh ~ sigma^5 and the fact that L ~ sigma^x with exponent x equal to 5 and 2 for bright (M_B < -20.5 mag) and faint spheroids, respectively, (ii) mimic the non-(log-linear) behavior in the M_bh-(Sersic n) diagram, (iii) necessitate the existence of a previously over-looked M_bh ~ L^{2.5} relation for Sersic (i.e.\ not core-Sersic) galaxies, and (iv) resolve past conflicts (in mass prediction) with the M_bh-sigma relation at the low-mass end. Furthermore, the bent nature of the M_bh-M_sph relation for `classical' spheroids will have a host of important implications that relate to (i) galaxy/black hole formation theories, (ii) searches for the fundamental black hole scaling relation, (iii) black hole mass predictions in other galaxies, (iv) alleged pseudobulge detections, (v) estimates of the black hole mass function and mass density based on luminosity functions, (vi) predictions for space-based gravitational wave detections, (vii) connections with nuclear star cluster scaling relations, (viii) evolutionary studies over different cosmic epochs, (ix) comparisons and calibrations matching inactive black hole masses with low-mass AGN data, and more.Comment: 4.5 pages plus reference

How non-linear scaling relations unify dwarf and giant elliptical galaxies

Dwarf elliptical galaxies are frequently excluded from bright galaxy samples because they do not follow the same linear relations in diagrams involving effective half light radii R_e or mean effective surface brightnesses _e. However, using two linear relations which unite dwarf and bright elliptical galaxies we explain how these lead to curved relations when one introduces either the half light radius or the associated surface brightness. In particular, the curved _e - R_e relation is derived here. This and other previously misunderstood curved relations, once heralded as evidence for a discontinuity between faint and bright elliptical galaxies at M_B ~ -18 mag, actually support the unification of such galaxies as a single population whose structure (i.e. stellar concentration) varies continuously with stellar luminosity and mass.Comment: 4 pages including 2 figures, to appear in "A Universe of dwarf galaxies", Conf. Proc. (Lyon, June 14-18, 2010

Schwarzschild Quantum Fluctuations from Regge-Wheeler Scattering

We apply a multichannel variable phase method to scattering from Regge-Wheeler potentials. Using a reduced version of the WKB subtraction developed by Candelas and Howard, this approach allows for efficient numerical calculations of scattering data for imaginary wave number, making it possible to compute quantum expectation values in a Schwarzschild curved spacetime background through Wick rotation to the imaginary frequency axis. These scattering theory techniques are also potentially applicable to a variety of other problems involving wave propagation in curved spacetime.Comment: 12 pages, 4 .eps figures. v2: fixed typos, added example calculatio

Recoding “Guide on the Side” to collect learner performance data: Collaboration, customization, and assessment

University of Vermont (UVM) libraries use the open-source tutorial platform “Guide on the Side”. This flexible and robust platform for split-screen tutorials provides learners with dynamic, authentic learning experiences. But the out-of-the-box program has a major shortcoming: learners’ performance data is generated in the form of email “certificates”. This poster describes how we collaborated with a UVM Center for Teaching and Learning programmer on the integration of custom code that aggregates and reports this data. It explains how our custom installation now supports the validation of our learning objects and the large-scale assessment of our students’ performance

Movie Moves for Knotted Surfaces with Markings

We present a marked analogue of Carter and Saito's movie theorem. Our definition of marking was chosen to coincide with the markings that arise in link Floer homology. In order to deal with complications arising from certain isotopies, we define three equivalence relations for marked surfaces and work over an equivalence class of marked surfaces when providing our generalization of Carter and Saito's movie theorem.Comment: 16 pages, 9 figure

“The One for the Many” Theme in James Torrance\u27s Theology

The theme of the one for the many is a golden thread weaving its way through the heart of Torrance’s understanding of the Person and atoning work of Jesus Christ. Distinct from a Platonic connotation, it expresses the yearning and relentless determination of the Triune God to reclaim creation from its dysfunction and realize its true destiny in personal union and communion with the Triune God of grace. Anchored in the manifold richness of God’s outgoing love as Father, Son and Spirit, the God’s covenant relationship with Israel is decidedly marked by its commission to be the one for the many in the outworking of God’s redemptive plan. From Israel’s history we find crucially illuminating categories by which to understand the Person and priestly atoning work of the Incarnate Son of God, whose humanity is not merely the instrumental means but the vicarious venue wherein atoning grace is realized for us on our behalf, yet which includes us. The Christian life is not merely imitation of Christ but lifelong response of worship and trusting obedience in God, enabled and sanctified by participation in the One Truly Efficacious Response of Christ made for us in our place. As the One Body of Christ, the Church is called to participate in Christ’s ongoing priestly ministry in loving service to the world

Disproportionate over-representation of Indigenous students in New South Wales government special schools

A significant gap exists in the Australian research literature on the disproportionate over-representation of minority groups in special education. The aim of this paper is to make a contribution to the research evidence-base by sketching an outline of the issue as it presents in Australia’s largest education system in the state of New South Wales. Findings from this research show that Indigenous students are equally represented in special schools enrolling students with autism, physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities, but significantly over-represented in special schools enrolling students under the categories of emotional disturbance, behaviour disorder and juvenile detention. Factors that might influence the disproportionate over-representation of Indigenous children and young people are discussed, and based on these observations, some practical implications for policy and practice are provided

The legal capacity of child-headed households

Article by Graham Ritchie setting out thoughts for a discussion topic for a multi-disciplinary group, aiming not at legal theory but at a signpost for the direction of work to be undertaken by the IALS; the Child Rights Unit of the Department of Law, Free State University, South Africa; and the National University of Lesotho. The article was published in Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London

Out of Sight, Out of Mind/Out of Mind, Out of Site: Schooling and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a diagnostic term now indelibly scored on the public psyche. It is one of the most widely researched topics in the world today. In some quarters, a diagnosis of "ADHD" is regarded with derision. In others, it can be a god-send. It appears the jury is still out with regards to the "truth" of ADHD. As such, the rapid increase in diagnosis over the past fifteen years, coupled with an exponential rise in the prescription of restricted class psychopharmaceuticals has stirred virulent debate. Provoking the most interest, it seems, are questions regarding causality. Typically, these revolve around possible antecedents for "disorderly" behaviour – bad food, bad tv and bad parents. Very seldom is the institution of schooling ever in the line of sight. This paper draws on doctoral research that attempts to investigate this gap by questioning what might be happening in schools how this may be contributing to the definition, recognition and classification of particular children as a particular kind of "disorderly"