XMM-Newton X-ray Observations of the Wolf-Rayet Binary System WR 147

We present results of a 20 ksec X-ray observation of the Wolf-Rayet (WR) binary system WR 147 obtained with XMM-Newton. Previous studies have shown that this system consists of a nitrogen-type WN8 star plus an OB companion whose winds are interacting to produce a colliding wind shock. X-ray spectra from the pn and MOS detectors confirm the high extinction reported from IR studies and reveal hot plasma including the first detection of the Fe K-alpha line complex at 6.67 keV. Spectral fits with a constant-temperature plane-parallel shock model give a shock temperature kT(shock) = 2.7 keV [T(shock) ~ 31 MK], close to but slightly hotter than the maximum temperature predicted for a colliding wind shock. Optically thin plasma models suggest even higher temperatures, which are not yet ruled out. The X-ray spectra are harder than can be accounted for using 2D numerical colliding wind shock models based on nominal mass-loss parameters. Possible explanations include: (i) underestimates of the terminal wind speeds or wind abundances, (ii) overly simplistic colliding wind models, or (iii) the presence of other X-ray emission mechanisms besides colliding wind shocks. Further improvement of the numerical models to include potentially important physics such as non-equilibrium ionization will be needed to rigorously test the colliding wind interpretation.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figure

Ages of A-type Vega-like stars from uvbyβ\beta Photometry

We have estimated the ages of a sample of A-type Vega-like stars by using Str\"{o}mgren \emph{uvby$\beta} photometric data and theoretical evolutionary tracks. We find that 13 percent of these A stars have been reported as Vega-like stars in the literature and that the ages of this subset run the gamut from very young (50~Myr) to old (1~Gyr), with no obvious age difference compared to those of field A stars. We clearly show that the fractional IR luminosity decreases with the ages of Vega-like stars.Comment: 4pages text, 3 tables, 3 figures, Accepted in Ap

A "hair-raising" history of alopecia areata

YesA 3500‐year‐old papyrus from ancient Egypt provides a list of treatments for many diseases including “bite hair loss,” most likely alopecia areata (AA). The treatment of AA remained largely unchanged for over 1500 years. In 30 CE, Celsus described AA presenting as scalp alopecia in spots or the “windings of a snake” and suggested treatment with caustic compounds and scarification. The first “modern” description of AA came in 1813, though treatment still largely employed caustic agents. From the mid‐19th century onwards, various hypotheses of AA development were put forward including infectious microbes (1843), nerve defects (1858), physical trauma and psychological stress (1881), focal inflammation (1891), diseased teeth (1902), toxins (1912) and endocrine disorders (1913). The 1950s brought new treatment developments with the first use of corticosteroid compounds (1952), and the first suggestion that AA was an autoimmune disease (1958). Research progressively shifted towards identifying hair follicle‐specific autoantibodies (1995). The potential role of lymphocytes in AA was made implicit with immunohistological studies (1980s). However, studies confirming their functional role were not published until the development of rodent models (1990s). Genetic studies, particularly genome‐wide association studies, have now come to the forefront and open up a new era of AA investigation (2000s). Today, AA research is actively focused on genetics, the microbiome, dietary modulators, the role of atopy, immune cell types in AA pathogenesis, primary antigenic targets, mechanisms by which immune cells influence hair growth, and of course the development of new treatments based on these discoveries.Alopecia UK

Numerical study of beam propagation and plasma properties in the neutralizer and the E-RID of the ITER Neutral Beam Injector

International audienceNon-ohmic heating will be used in the experimental nuclear fusion reactor ITER to reach thermonuclear temperatures. Two heating mechanism will be implemented, i.e. microwaves resonant with ion and electron cyclotron frequencies and energetic neutral beam injection, which contributes also to the current drive. Each one of the two neutral beam injector planned for ITER will deliver 16 MW of 1 MeV D0 beam. In the injector, negative ions D− coming from a 40 A negative ion source are electrostatically accelerated to 1 MeV, and stripped of their extra electron by collision with a target gas in a structure known as the neutralizer. Residual charged particles are deflected after the neutralizer in an electrostatic ion dump (E-RID). The ionization of the deuterium buffer gas filling the neutralizer induced by the D− beam creates a rarefied plasma which is expected to efficiently screens the Coulomb repulsion of the beam. Moreover, this plasma can eventually escape from the neutralizer and move back in the accelerator, towards the accelerating grids and the negative ion source. The transport of the beam through the neutralizer and the RID and the related plasma properties were studied using a 3D electrostatic particle-in-cell code called OBI-3 (Orsay Beam Injector 3 dimensional). Particle–particle and particle–wall collisions are treated using the Monte Carlo collision approach. Simulations show that the secondary plasma effectively screens the beam space charge preventing beam transverse expansion. Plasma ions created in the neutralizer form an upstream current with a magnitude of ~0.5% of the negative ion current. Gas breakdown leading to arc formation in the RID was not observed. Finally, results for the propagation of non-ideal beams coming from simulations of the extraction and consecutive acceleration taken from Revel et al 2013 Nucl. Fusion 53 073027 are presented

Thermoelectrical devices based on bismuth-telluride thin films deposited by direct current magnetron sputtering process

International audienc

Convective and radiative heat flux prediction of Huygens's Entry on Titan

The present paper focuses on the convective and radiative heat flux predictions required for the post-delta Flight Acceptance Review consolidation of the Huygens entry profile and, in particular, the desired flight path angle at entry interface. This consolidation effort has concluded on the appropriateness of the probe's thermal protection system design under the nominal and dispersed entry conditions considered and has supported the positive decision for Huygens's release from its carrier, Cassini, in December 2004. The related predictions are based on the atmospheric model of Yelle as implemented during the Huygens recovery effort (2002–2004) by the companies Alcatel and European Aeronautic Defence and Space, Les Mureaux and subsequent variations thereof. The atmospheric model (with emphasis on chemical composition, gravity wave, and wind profiles) has been updated before probe release during the Titan flybys in October 2004 and the final preentry predictions reported here have been performed with the atmospheric model resulting from the observations recorded during the second Titan flyby and the preflight trajectory baselined during the delta Flight Acceptance Review in February 2004. The results obtained clearly support the appropriateness of the thermal protection system design and the decision for probe release