63,317 research outputs found
A 2 h periodic variation in the low-mass X-ray binary Ser X-1
No full textSpectroscopy of the low-mass X-ray binary Ser X-1 using the Gran Telescopio Canarias have revealed a ?2 h periodic variability that is present in the three strongest emission lines. We tentatively interpret this variability as due to orbital motion, making it the first indication of the orbital period of Ser X-1. Together with the fact that the emission lines are remarkably narrow, but still resolved, we show that a main-sequence K dwarf together with a canonical 1.4 M? neutron star gives a good description of the system. In this scenario, the most likely place for the emission lines to arise is the accretion disc, instead of a localized region in the binary (such as the irradiated surface or the stream-impact point), and their narrowness is due instead to the low inclination (?10°) of Ser X-1
Relations between x-ray timing features and spectral parameters of galactic black hole x-ray binaries
No full textWe present a study of correlations between spectral and timing parameters for a sample of black hole X-ray binary candidates. Data are taken from GX
339-4, H 1743-322, and XTE J1650-500, as the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer
(RXTE) observed complete outbursts of these sources. In our study we investigate outbursts that happened before the end of 2009 to make use of the high-energy coverage of the HEXTE detector and select observations that
show a certain type of quasi-periodic oscillations (type-C QPOs). The spectral parameters are derived using the empirical convolution model simpl to model the Comptonized component of the emission together with a disc blackbody for the emission of the accretion disc. Additional spectral features, namely a reflection component, a high-energy cut-off, and excess emission at 6.4 keV, are taken into account. Our investigations confirm the known positive
correlation between photon index and centroid frequency of the QPOs and reveal an anti-correlation between the fraction of up-scattered photons and the QPO frequency. We show that both correlations behave as expected in the “sombrero”
geometry. Furthermore, we find that during outburst decay the correlation between photon index and QPO frequency follow a general track, independent of individual outbursts
Shellular SiCN ceramics with integrated structure and function realizing full electromagnetic wave absorption in the X-band
No full textIn this paper, the electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption properties of SiCN ceramics with a shellular structure prepared by 3D printing technology (DLP) at different pyrolysis temperatures were investigated. The research shows that polarization loss and multiple reflections are the principal reasons for the improvement in sample absorption performance. The shellular structure is favorable for the multiple reflections and scattering of electromagnetic wave inside the material. The turbostratic carbon, graphitic carbon and SiC generated by pyrolysis are conducive to improving the dielectric loss of the sample, adjusting its impedance matching performance and improving its absorption performance. The RLmin of SiCN-1200 reaches − 21.12 dB (3.22 mm), and the effective band width is 4.20 GHz, covering the whole X-band. The excellent EMW absorption performance of DLP-SiCN ceramics, together with additive manufacturing, enable the integration of material, structure and function within a single component
Latest results on Jovian disk X-rays from XMM-Newton
No full textWe present the results of a spectral study of the soft X-ray emission (0.2–2.5 keV) from low-latitude (‘disk’) regions of Jupiter. The data were obtained during two observing campaigns with XMM-Newton in April and November 2003. While the level of the emission remained approximately the same between April and the first half of the November observation, the second part of the latter shows an enhancement by about 40% in the 0.2–2.5 keV flux. A very similar, and apparently correlated increase, in time and scale, was observed in the solar X-ray and EUV flux.
The months of October and November 2003 saw a period of particularly intense solar activity, which appears reflected in the behavior of the soft X-rays from Jupiter's disk. The X-ray spectra, from the XMM-Newton EPIC CCD cameras, are all well fitted by a coronal model with temperatures in the range 0.4–0.5 keV, with additional line emission from Mg XI (1.35 keV) and Si XIII (1.86 keV): these are characteristic lines of solar X-ray spectra at maximum activity and during flares.
The XMM-Newton observations lend further support to the theory that Jupiter's disk X-ray emission is controlled by the Sun, and may be produced in large part by scattering, elastic and fluorescent, of solar X-rays in the upper atmosphere of the planet
New performing GC columns with unmatched separation capabilities
No full textGas chromatography (GC) is widely used for qualitative and quantitative analysis in numerous fields, such as petroleum, chemical industry, agriculture, environmental protection, medicine, and so on, due to its high
versatility, high selectivity, simplicity of use, analysis speed, and low sample consumption. The column is the heart of a GC instrumentation, which allows the analyte separation and their recognition and quantification. Commercial columns do not always allow a complete peak separation when compounds (i.e., isomers) are very
similar in molecular weight, polarity, and vapor pressure. The choice of the correct stationary phase, with high selectivity towards target analytes, is the key to obtaining the required chromatographic separation and the subsequent qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Considering the rapid polymer science development and the growing demand for new columns with
improved resolution capabilities, in this work novel stationary phases for capillary GC have been designed, synthesized, and characterized in terms of polarity range, resolution, column efficiency, thermal stability, filmforming properties, and support-deactivating capacity1-5. The separation features of these novel stationary phases allow high-resolution performances for a wide range of compounds, like aromatic anilines, xylenes, aromatic amines, halogenated benzenes, and aromatic aldehydes, with marked capabilities toward isomer separations.References:
[1] T. Sun, M. Ba, Y. Song, W. Li, Y. Zhang, Z. Cai, S. Hu, X. Liu, D. Nardiello, M. Quinto, Analytica Chimica Acta, 2024, 1291, art. no. 342221.
[2] T. Sun, R. Chen, Q. Huang, M. Ba, Z. Cai, H. Chen, Y. Qi, H. Chen, X. Liu, D. Nardiello, M. Quinto, Analytica
Chimica Acta, 2023, 1251, art. no. 340979.
[3] T. Sun, R. Chen, Q. Huang, M. Ba, Z. Cai, S. Hu, X. Liu, D. Nardiello, M. Quinto, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2022, 14 50, pp. 56132-56142
[4] R. Chen, Z. Cai, W. Li, Q. Huang, D. Nardiello, M. Quinto, X. Liu, S. Hu, T. Sun, Chemistry and Biodiversity, 2022,
19, art. no. e202200829
[5] Q. Huang, Z. Cai, R. Chen, W. Zhang, D. Nardiello, M. Quinto, X. Liu, S. Hu, T. Sun, Microchemical Journal, 2022,
183, art. no. 10808
Small scale energy release driven by supergranular flows on the quiet Sun
No full textIn this article we present data and modelling for the quiet Sun that strongly suggest a ubiquitous small-scale atmospheric heating mechanism that is driven solely by converging supergranular flows.
A possible energy source for such events is the power transfer to the plasma via the work done on the magnetic field by photospheric convective flows, which exert drag of the footpoints of magnetic structures. In this paper we present evidence of small scale energy release events driven directly by the hydrodynamic forces that act on the magnetic elements in the photosphere, as a result of supergranular scale flows. We show strong spatial and temporal correlation between quiet Sun soft X-ray emission (from <i>Yohkoh</i> and <i>SOHO</i> MDI-derived flux removal events driven by deduced photospheric flows.
We also present a simple model of heating generated by flux submergence, based on particle acceleration by converging magnetic mirrors.
In the near future, high resolution soft X-ray images from XRT on the <i>Hinode</i> satellite will allow definitive, quantitative verification of our results
INNOVATIVE PILLAR[6]ARENE-BASED STATIONARY PHASES FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC ANALYSES
No full textIn this work, the synthesis, fabrication, and characterization of new stationary phases based on pillar[6]arene derivative modified by long alkyl chains (P6A-C10) for high-resolution gas chromatographic (GC) analyses are reported. Pillar[n]arenes are a new class of macrocyclic hosts that can accommodate specific guests due to their highly symmetrical and rigid pillar architectures with π-electron rich cavities. Quantum chemistry calculations have been performed, showing a difference in non-covalent interactions with the P6A-C10 pillar framework, which leads to specific selectivity for aromatic compounds. The GC columns prepared with these innovative stationary phases exhibited a medium polarity, and good reproducibility for run-to-run, day-to-day, and column-to-column analyses [1], demonstrating great potential as new stationary phases in separation science. Furthermore, peculiar advantages are achieved if compared with the commercial HP-5, HP-35, DB-17, and PEG-20M columns, showing unmatched resolving capabilities toward chloroaniline, bromoaniline, iodoaniline, toluidine, and xylene isomers [2].
References:
1. Sun, T., Chen, R., Huang, Q., Ba, M., Cai, Z., Hu, S., Liu, X., Nardiello, D., & Quinto, M., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 14 (2022) 56132−56142.
2. Sun, T., Chen, R., Huang, Q., Ba, M., Cai, Z., Chen, H., Qi, Y., Chen, H., Liu, X., Nardiello, D., & Quinto, M., Anal. Chim. Acta 1251 (2023) 340979
SunSmart? Skin cancer knowledge and preventive behaviour in a British population representative sample
No full textThe incidence of skin cancer has risen rapidly in the UK over the last 20 years, prompting public health organizations to try and raise awareness of the dangers of sun exposure and the need to practice sun-safe behaviour. This study aimed to assess baseline levels of sun-safe knowledge and behaviour in a British population-representative sample, prior to the launch of Cancer Research UK's 'SunSmart' campaign. A face-to-face survey was conducted through the Office for National Statistics as part of their Omnibus survey. In total, 1848 men and women aged 18 and over were interviewed. Knowledge of what to do to reduce skin cancer risk was modest. Two-thirds mentioned avoiding the sun by seeking shade, 50% mentioned covering up and only 43% said to use high factor sunscreen. Practice of sun-safe behaviours was also poor, with only one-third saying they sought shade, covered up or used high factor sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun. Men and those from lower socioeconomic groups were least informed and least likely to report using sun-protective behaviours. Increases in both knowledge and use of appropriate sun-protective behaviours are needed if skin cancer incidence rates are to decrease
Superficial X-ray therapy of lip cancer after chronic excessive sun exposure of a 47-year-old autistic painter
No full textA 47-year-old autistic painter developed lip cancer after chronic excessive sun exposure. As she feared sun withdrawal during inpatient surgical excision, she refused this first-line treatment and therefore received outpatient X-ray therapy. The reason why she developed premature lip cancer and refused to stay in a hospital and the way she illustrated her "sun addiction" in her pictures is presented. Two years later she was free of recurrence. She has remained a sun worshipper until now, but after X-ray therapy she used daily sunscreens with very high sun protection factors, which attenuated the actinic damage. Considering the specific personality of the autistic painter, outpatient radiation therapy was a good alternative to inpatient surgery
Optimal control of Markovian jump systems via a neural network-based ADP iterative algorithm
No full textAdaptive dynamic programming (ADP) technique is adopted in this work to investigate the optimal control problem of Markovian jump systems. By utilizing Bellman's optimality principle, a discrete Hamilton Jacobi Bellman (HJB) equation is established to design the optimal controller for the system under consideration. Then, based on value iteration, a new ADP algorithm is proposed for finding the solution of the established HJB equation. It is proven that the iterative solution sequence generated by the developed ADP iterative approach under zero initial values is monotonically convergent. Neural networks are constructed to accomplish the presented value iteration ADP algorithm. At last, simulation researches for two Markovian jump systems demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed optimal control method
- …
