Near-infrared spectroscopy of PKS 1549-79: a protoquasar revealed?

We present a near-infrared (near-IR) spectrum of the nearby radio galaxy PKS 1549-79 (z = 0.153). These data were taken with the aim of testing the idea that this object contains a quasar nucleus that is moderately extinguished, despite evidence that its radio jet points close to our line of sight. We detect broad Paalpha emission (FWHM 1745 +/- 40 km s(-1)), relatively bright continuum emission, and a continuum slope consistent with a reddened quasar spectrum (3.1 <A(V) <7.3), all emitted by an unresolved point source. Therefore we conclude that we have, indeed, detected a hidden quasar nucleus in PKS 1549-79. Combined with previous results, these observations are consistent with the idea that PKS 1549-79 is a young radio source in which the cocoon of debris left over from the triggering events has not yet been swept aside by circumnuclear outflows.

Modeling the FeK line profiles in type i active galactic nuclei with a compton-thick disk wind

We have modeled a small sample of Seyfert galaxies that were previously identified as having simple X-ray spectra with little intrinsic absorption. The sources in this sample all contain moderately broad components of FeK-shell emission and are ideal candidates for testing the applicability of a Compton-thick accretion disk wind model to active galactic nucleus (AGN) emission components. Viewing angles through the wind allow the observer to see the absorption signature of the gas, whereas face-on viewing angles allow the observer to see the scattered light from the wind. We find that the FeK emission line profiles are well described with a model of a Compton-thick accretion disk wind of solar abundances, arising tens to hundreds of gravitational radii from the central black hole. Further, the fits require a neutral component of FeKa emission that is too narrow to arise from the inner part of the wind, and likely comes from a more distant reprocessing region. Our study demonstrates that a Compton-thick wind can have a profound effect on the observed X-ray spectrum of an AGN, even when the system is not viewed through the flow. © 2012. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved..

Modelling the X-ray spectra of high-velocity outflows from quasars

High-velocity outflows from supermassive black holes have been invoked to explain the recent identification of strong absorption features in the hard X-ray spectra of several quasars. Here, Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculations are performed to synthesize X-ray spectra from models of such flows. It is found that simple, parametric biconical outflow models with plausible choices for the wind parameters predict spectra that are in good qualitative agreement with observations in the 2-10 keV band. The influence on the spectrum of both the mass-loss rate and opening angle of the flow are considered: the latter is important since photon leakage plays a significant role in establishing an ionization gradient within the flow, a useful discriminant between spherical and conical outflow for this and other applications. Particular attention is given to the bright quasar PG 1211+143 for which constraints on the outflow geometry and mass-loss rate are discussed subject to the limitations of the currently available observational data.

Rat clonidine mydriasis model:Imidazoline receptors are not involved

The clonidine mydriasis model in rats has been widely applied in preclinical research to characterize a -adrenoceptor antagonistic properties of drugs. The present study was undertaken to pharmacologically determine if imidazoline I receptors are also involved in this model system. Sigmoid dose-response curves for pupillary dilation were produced in pentobarbital anesthetized rats by intravenous administration of increasing doses of agonists (guanabenz for a -adrenoceptors, clonidine for both a - adrenoceptors and imidazoline I receptors, and rilmenidine for imidazoline I receptors). Two antagonists (RS 79948 for a -adrenoceptors and efaroxan for imidazoline I receptors) were used to antagonize the mydriasis elicited by those three agonists, with antagonistic potencies calculated. In additional experiments, we examined the effect of the selective imidazoline I receptor antagonist, AGN 192403, on clonidine-induced mydriasis. The results showed that pupillary response curves elicited by guanabenz, clonidine and rilmenidine were competitively antagonized by both RS 79948 (0.03-1 mg/kg) and efaroxan (0.03-1 mg/kg) in a dose-related fashion. The potencies of either antagonist against the three agonists were not significantly different. AGN 192403 (5 mg/kg) did not significantly shift the clonidine mydriasis curve. These results suggest that imidazoline I receptors are not functionally involved in the rat clonidine mydriasis model and support this in vivo system as a useful model for studies of a -adrenoceptors. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Line-driven Disk Winds in Activ Galactic Nuclei: The Critical Importance of Ionization and Radiative Transfer

Accretion disk winds are thought to produce many of the characteristic features seen in the spectra of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and quasi-stellar objects (QSOs). These outflows also represent a natural form of feedback between the central supermassive black hole and its host galaxy. The mechanism for driving this mass loss remains unknown, although radiation pressure mediated by spectral lines is a leading candidate. Here, we calculate the ionization state of, and emergent spectra for, the hydrodynamic simulation of a line-driven disk wind previously presented by Proga & Kallman. To achieve this, we carry out a comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation of the radiative transfer through, and energy exchange within, the predicted outflow. We find that the wind is much more ionized than originally estimated. This is in part because it is much more difficult to shield any wind regions effectively when the outflow itself is allowed to reprocess and redirect ionizing photons. As a result, the calculated spectrum that would be observed from this particular outflow solution would not contain the ultraviolet spectral lines that are observed in many AGN/QSOs. Furthermore, the wind is so highly ionized that line driving would not actually be efficient. This does not necessarily mean that line-driven winds are not viable. However, our work does illustrate that in order to arrive at a self-consistent model of line-driven disk winds in AGN/QSO, it will be critical to include a more detailed treatment of radiative transfer and ionization in the next generation of hydrodynamic simulations.

Line-driven radiative outflows in luminous quasars

An analysis of ≃19 500 narrow (≲200 km s^-1) CIV λλ1548.2,1550.8 absorbers in ≃34 000 Sloan Digital Sky Survey quasar spectra is presented. The statistics of the number of absorbers as a function of outflow velocity shows that in approximately two-thirds of outflows, with multiple C IV absorbers present, absorbers are line-locked at the 500 km s^-1 velocity separation of the C IV absorber doublet; appearing as 'triplets' in the quasar spectra. Line-locking is an observational signature of radiative line-driving in outflowing material, where the successive shielding of 'clouds' of material in the outflow locks the clouds together in outflow velocity. Line-locked absorbers are seen in both broad absorption line (BAL) quasars and non-BAL quasars with comparable frequencies and with velocities out to at least 20 000 km s^-1. There are no detectable differences in the absorber properties and the dust content of single C IV doublets and line-locked C IV doublets. The gas associated with both single and line-locked CIV absorption systems includes material with a wide range of ionization potential (14-138 eV). Both single and line-locked CIV absorber systems show strong systematic trends in their ionization as a function of outflow velocity, with ionization decreasing rapidly with increasing outflow velocity. Initial simulations, employing CLOUDY, demonstrate that a rich spectrum of line-locked signals at various velocities may be expected due to significant opacities from resonance lines of Li-, He- and H-like ions of O, C and N, along with contributions from He II and HI resonance lines. The simulations confirm that line-driving can be the dominant acceleration mechanism for clouds with N(H I) ≃ 10¹⁹ cm^-2.

Ultraluminous Supernovae as a New Probe of the Interstellar Medium in Distant Galaxies

We present the Pan-STARRS1 discovery and light curves, and follow-up MMT and Gemini spectroscopy of an ultraluminous supernova (ULSN; dubbed PS1-11bam) at a redshift of z = 1.566 with a peak brightness of M UV ≈ -22.3 mag. PS1-11bam is one of the highest redshift spectroscopically confirmed SNe known to date. The spectrum exhibits broad absorption features typical of previous ULSNe (e.g., C II, Si III), and strong and narrow Mg II and Fe II absorption lines from the interstellar medium (ISM) of the host galaxy, confirmed by an [O II]λ3727 emission line at the same redshift. The equivalent widths of the Fe II λ2600 and Mg II λ2803 lines are in the top quartile of the quasar intervening absorption system distribution, but are weaker than those of gamma-ray burst intrinsic absorbers (i.e., GRB host galaxies). We also detect the host galaxy in pre-explosion Pan-STARRS1 data and find that its UV spectral energy distribution is best fit with a young stellar population age of τ* ≈ 15-45 Myr and a stellar mass of M * ≈ (1.1-2.6) × 109 M ⊙ (for Z = 0.05-1 Z ⊙). The star formation rate inferred from the UV continuum and [O II]λ3727 emission line is ≈10 M ⊙ yr-1, higher than in previous ULSN hosts. PS1-11bam provides the first direct demonstration that ULSNe can serve as probes of the ISM in distant galaxies. The depth and red sensitivity of PS1 are uniquely suited to finding such events at cosmologically interesting redshifts (z ~ 1-2); the future combination of LSST and 30 m class telescopes promises to extend this technique to z ~ 4.

Evaluaci??n de la sintomatolog??a negativista desafiante en ni??os de seis a ocho a??os : concordancia entre padres y maestros

Resumen tomado de la publicaci??n

Reflexions al voltant del xoc de civilitzacions. 'Reflexiones acerca del choque de civilizaciones'

Resumen tomado parcialmente de la revista

La primera universidad del Caribe colombiano. Un modelo ilustrado para América Colonial

Este trabajo se propone analizar el proceso de organización y aprobación del Colegio-Universidad de San Pedro Apóstol, que se aprobó por Cédula Real, en 1806, en la Villa de Mompox. Se demostrará cómo esta institución presenta la característica de tener una constitución de carácter ilustrado, que fue elaborada por Eloy Valenzuela. Por otra parte, la aprobación, por parte del rey, del nuevo colegio-universidad, dependió de la influencia política de don Pedro Pinillos y del dinero que le dio éste a la Corona española.El artículo se fundamenta en la metodología de la historia social de la educación, basada en fuentes primarias, fundamentalmente del Archivo General de la Nación. Colombia (AGN) y del Archivo General de Indias de España (AGI).-----This work analyzes the organization and the approval of the school-University of Saint Peter Apostle by Royal Order in 1806 in the Ville of Mompox. It will demostrate how that institution presents the characteristic of having an Enlightered Constitution, made by Eloy Valenzuela. On the other hand, the approval, by the King the new school-university depended on the political influence of Dn. Pedro Pinillos and the money gave to the Spanish crown. This paper is based on the method of social history of education, it is documented in primary sources of the Archivo General de la Nación in Colombia and the Archivo General de Indias.

¿Cómo vivir bien con EPOC? Beneficios y guía práctica para hacer ejercicio

La EPOC (Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica) es una enfermedad crónica progresiva causada por la inhalación de partículas nocivas presentes principalmente en el humo del cigarrillo y en el humo de la leña, los cuales ocasionan un daño irreversible en el funcionamiento del aparato respiratorio y generan muchas consecuencias a nivel físico, mental y social en la persona que la padece, síntomas como la disnea o dificultad para respirar y la fatiga, afectan la capacidad funcional del individuo progresivamente y en ocasiones llegan a comprometer la realización de las actividades de la vida diaria, como bañarse, alimentarse y pueden limitar al individuo para desempeñarse dentro de su círculo familiar y social; esto puede conducir a la persona con EPOC a una discapacidad inminente con dependencia y aislamiento. Por fortuna, el conocimiento de la enfermedad, que avanza cada día, ha permitido conocer aspectos del tratamiento que pueden llevar a que los individuos con esta patología tengan alivio y control de sus síntomas y puedan vivir activamente y con la mejor calidad de vida posible.

La Francmasoner??a francesa y la cuesti??n escolar : 1830-1880

En este art??culo se defiende que poco antes de la Restauraci??n, una fracci??n minoritaria de la Francmasoner??a consideraba que su papel era difundir la instrucci??n y definir los fundamentos de una moral alejada de los dogmas religiosos. Esta corriente, animada por de??stas e ide??logos agn??sticos se vio reforzada por el crecimiento del movimiento republicano y del socialismo ut??pico dentro de la Instituci??n, as?? como por un reclutamiento parcial llevado a cabo por la misma entre el proletariado. Se concluye que tras la ca??da de la monarqu??a, la Francmasoner??a estuvo demasiado ocupada en proyectos de reformas internas para poder abordar un proyecto educativo de conjunto.

Vivencia tranquila del tiempo

Se realiza una reflexi??n sobre el tiempo en la escuela, considerando su relatividad y la diferente apreciaci??n que tienen del tiempo ni??os y adultos. En las primeras edades el tiempo tiene mucha importancia, sobretodo el respeto de los propios procesos de vida, a sus ritmos, a sus necesidades y a sus tiempos. Las bases pedag??gicas del proyecto educativo deben de ser s??lidas y consecuentes con el respeto y la autonom??a que necesitan las criaturas para satisfacer sus necesidades aut??nticas y as?? poder tomar decisiones sin la directividad de los adultos. En la Escola dels Encants un aspecto que desde el principio ha atra??do ha sido c??mo gestionar el tiempo, ajunt??ndolo a las necesidades de los ni??os, de manera que permita una buena acogida de familias y criaturas, para ser m??s respetuosos con respecto al desarrollo de cada ni??o y sus propios procesos internos. Para dar respuesta a esta necesidad se empieza el d??a entrando de manera relajada y proponiendo una incorporaci??n aut??noma y progresiva de los ni??os y ni??as a los ambientes de aprendizaje. Los ambientes son espacios preparados por las maestras con un mobiliario, unos materiales y una ambientaci??n que invitan a la criatura a hacer, a vivir y a sentir. En los ambientes, ni??os y ni??as aprenden a construir nuevos significados de la realidad que les rodea a partir de la exploraci??n del entorno, de la experimentaci??n, de la interpretaci??n y del razonamiento. La metodolog??a se fundamenta en la manera de vivir, de funcionar, de aprender y de estar de las criaturas y quiere dar respuesta a sus intereses, que van mostrando y descubriendo a trav??s de la actividad espont??nea de cada d??a.

La adaptaci??n cognitivo-ling????stica del alumno y del profesor con un soporte pedag??gico cl??sico versus inform??tico

Resumen en ingl??s

El Modelo de Ciencia integrada en el currículo de Primer Ciclo de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria.

Los objetivos principales del proyecto son ofrecer a los alumnos una visión global en ciertos aspectos de su aprendizaje, evitando la dispersión de conocimientos y que sepan relacionar unas materias con otras a partir de contenidos comunes. Otros objetivos son unificar la metodología de trabajo y los procedimientos de evaluación de las materias de 1õ y 2õ de ESO; programar los contenidos de forma globalizada, pero sin olvidar las distintas proyecciones que ofrece cada asignatura; realizar unidades didácticas globalizadas de manera que los alumnos trabajen contenidos diversos pero interrelacionados entre sí y crear un calendario de Temas Transversales para aplicar en el aula a través de cada área. La metodología se basa en el análisis de las Programaciones de los distintos Departamentos y de los Principios Metodológicos del Proyecto Educativo. Así, se consigue la unificación de conceptos, procedimientos, actitudes, criterios de evaluación y actividades para el desarrollo de las unidades didácticas 'Mi Pueblo' y 'El Triángulo de Oro'. Otro aspecto importante es la presentación del Calendario de Temas Transversales con las actividades que los Departamentos incluyen en sus Programaciones al principio del curso. En general, la evaluación del proyecto ha sido muy positiva, por el grado de implicación que se ha conseguido dentro del Centro.