Feeding Versus Feedback in NGC1068 probed with Gemini NIFS. I. Excitation

We present emission-line flux distributions and ratios for the inner 200pc of the narrow-line region of the Seyfert2 galaxy NGC1068, using observations obtained with the Gemini Near-infrared Integral Field Spectrograph (NIFS) in the J, H and K bands at a spatial resolution of 10pc and spectral resolution of 5300. The molecular gas emission - traced by the K-band H_2 emission lines - outlines an off-centered circumnuclear ring with a radius of 100pc showing thermal excitation. The ionized gas emission lines show flux distributions mostly outlining the previously known [OIII]5007 ionization bicone. But while the flux distributions in the HI and HeII emission lines are very similar to that observed in [OIII], the flux distribution in the [FeII] emission lines is more extended and broader than a cone close to the nucleus, showing a "double bowl" or `hourglass" structure". This difference is attributed to the fact that the [FeII] emission, besides coming from the fully ionized region, comes also from the more extended partially ionized regions, in gas excited mainly by X-rays from the active galactic nucleus. A contribution to the [FeII] emission from shocks along the bicone axis to NE and SW of the nucleus is also supported by the enhancement of the [FeII](1.2570)/[PII](1.1885) and [FeII](1.2570)/Pabeta emission-line ratios at these locations and is attributed to the interaction of the radio jet with the NLR. The mass of ionized gas in the inner 200pc of NGC1068 is MHII~2.2E4 M_Sun, while the mass of the H2 emitting gas is only M_{H2}~29M_Sun. Taking into account the dominant contribution of the cold molecular gas, we obtain an estimate of the total molecular gas mass of Mcold~2E7 M_Sun.Comment: accepeted for publication in MNRA

Broadband ac conductivity of conductor-polymer composites

The electrical conductivity of a composite model system formed by highly structured carbon black (CB) filled, within an amorphous polymer, poly(ethylene terephtalate) composite is studied. The dc conductivity as a function of CB content follows a scaling law of the type σ∝(p−pc)t yielding for the percolation concentration, pc=0.011 and for the exponent, t=2.17. The analysis of the temperature dependence of the conductivity suggests that for temperatures larger than 45 K, conduction can be ascribed to thermal fluctuation induced tunneling of the charge carriers through the insulating layer of polymer separating two CB aggregates. At lower temperatures, conductivity becomes temperature independent, which is typical of conventional tunneling. The frequency dependence of the conductivity is also studied between dc and 109 Hz. By the introduction of a shift factor ap, a procedure for the construction of a master curve based on a “time-length equivalence principle” is proposed. Finally, a model is introduced to describe the frequency dependence of the conductivity of CB-filled composites based on the behavior of charge carriers placed in a fractal object

Laser nanostructuring of polymers: Ripples and applications

Polymer nanostructures and nanopatterns are being profusely used for developing next-generation organic devices with analytical and biological functions and photonic applications. Laser based strategies constitute an advantageous approach for the assembly and control of this type of soft matter nanostructures as they afford the sought versatility and reliability. Recent and on-going research on laser nanostructuring of thin films of synthetic polymers and natural biopolymers will be exemplified by studies on the generation of laser induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) and their use for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) based sensors. © 2012 American Institute of PhysicsFunded by MICINN, Spain, Projects CTQ2010-15680 and MAT2009-07789. MICINN, Spain, Juan de la Cierva contract and an FPI fellowshipPeer Reviewe

Cooperativity of the β-relaxations in aromatic polymers

The measurement of the dielectric loss spectra of a series of copolyesters of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene isophthalate) as a function of temperature in a broad frequency range was presented. The complex temperature behavior of the β relaxation in aromatic copolyesters was also studied. It was observed that the β processes exhibit a complex temperature dependence, showing a clear Arrhenius dependence at temperatures well below the glass transition temperature. The results show that the onset of the glass transition affects markedly to the β relaxation. It was observed that the strength of β relaxation remains nearly constant for all the samples for temperatures below their calorimetric Tg.©2004 The American Physical SocietyMCYT (Grant No. FPA2001-2139), Spain. Ramón y Cajal program of the Spanish MCYT.Peer Reviewe

Dispositivo portamuestras para medidas simultáneas utilizando radiación de sincrotrón

Referencia OEPM: P200001388.-- Fecha de solicitud: 31/05/2000.-- Titular: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC).Dispositivo portamuestras para medidas simultáneas utilizando radiación de sincrotrón (ver figura en archivo de texto adjunto). La presente invención describe el desarrollo de un nuevo prototipo de portamuestras para utilización simultánea en una línea de difracción de rayos-X utilizando la para detección simultánea de dispersión en ángulos altos y bajos y espectroscopia dieléctrica. El prototipo consiste en: (i) dos bloques metálicos con cuatro resistencias calefactoras empotradas que permiten calentar los bloques metálicos y la muestra hasta 350ºC. Uno de los bloques esta atravesado por un tubo en forma de U por el cual circula aire de refrigeración y que al mismo tiempo conecta el bloque principal del portamuestras con la tapa; (ii) dos discos metálicos con orificios efectuados en el centro (electrodos); (iii) dos discos finos de aluminio; (iv) una placa superior (tapa), para cerrar el horno donde se introduce el portamuestras, con las correspondientes conexiones para el cableado.Peer reviewe

Eosinophilic inflammation in allergic asthma

Eosinophils are circulating granulocytes involved in pathogenesis of asthma. A cascade of processes directed by Th2 cytokine producing T-cells influence the recruitment of eosinophils into the lungs. Furthermore, multiple elements including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, chemoattractants such as eotaxin, Clara cells, and CC chemokine receptor (CCR)3 are already directly involved in recruiting eosinophils to the lung during allergic inflammation. Once recruited, eosinophils participate in the modulation of immune response, induction of airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling, characteristic features of asthma. Various types of promising treatments for reducing asthmatic response are related to reduction in eosinophil counts both in human and experimental models of pulmonary allergic inflammation, showing that the recruitment of these cells really plays an important role in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases such asthma.Univ São Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Med, BR-01246 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biol Sci, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biol Sci, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Electrically conductive PTT-block-PTMO/SWCNTs+Graphene Nanoplatelets hybrid nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization

Hybrid Materials 2015; Sitges, Barcelona, Spain, 9 - 13 March 2015The studies were financed by the National Science Centre within project PRELUDE no 2013/11/N/ST8/00404.Peer Reviewe