391 research outputs found
2D systems feedback compensation: an approach based on commutative linear transformations
AbstractAlgebraic properties of a pair of commutative matrices associated with an ideal in R[z1, z2] are exploited for characterizing the closed loop polynomial variety of a 2D system. Also algorithms are given to find under what constraints the closed loop variety can be assigned and to compute the MFD of a compensator
An XMM-Newton and NuSTAR study of IGR J18214-1318: a non-pulsating high-mass X-ray binary with a neutron star
IGR J18214-1318, a Galactic source discovered by the International Gamma-Ray
Astrophysics Laboratory, is a high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) with a supergiant
O-type stellar donor. We report on the XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations that
were undertaken to determine the nature of the compact object in this system.
This source exhibits high levels of aperiodic variability, but no periodic
pulsations are detected with a 90% confidence upper limit of 2% fractional rms
between 0.00003-88 Hz, a frequency range that includes the typical pulse
periods of neutron stars (NSs) in HMXBs (0.1-10 s). Although the lack of
pulsations prevents us from definitively identifying the compact object in IGR
J18214-1318, the presence of an exponential cutoff with e-folding energy
keV in its 0.3-79 keV spectrum strongly suggests that the compact
object is an NS. The X-ray spectrum also shows a Fe K emission line and
a soft excess, which can be accounted for by either a partial-covering absorber
with cm which could be due to the
inhomogeneous supergiant wind, or a blackbody component with
keV and km, which may originate
from NS hot spots. Although neither explanation for the soft excess can be
excluded, the former is more consistent with the properties observed in other
supergiant HMXBs. We compare IGR J18214-1318 to other HMXBs that lack
pulsations or have long pulsation periods beyond the range covered by our
observations.Comment: 15 pages, 12 figures, 4 table
Chandra Observations of Eight Sources Discovered by INTEGRAL
We report on 0.3-10 keV observations with the Chandra X-ray Observatory of
eight hard X-ray sources discovered within 8 degrees of the Galactic plane by
the INTEGRAL satellite. The short (5 ks) Chandra observations of the IGR source
fields have yielded very likely identifications of X-ray counterparts for three
of the IGR sources: IGR J14091-6108, IGR J18088-2741, and IGR J18381-0924. The
first two have very hard spectra in the Chandra band that can be described by a
power-law with photon indices of Gamma = 0.6+/-0.4 and -0.7(+0.4)(-0.3),
respectively (90% confidence errors are given), and both have a unique near-IR
counterpart consistent with the Chandra position. IGR J14091-6108 also displays
a strong iron line and a relatively low X-ray luminosity, and we argue that the
most likely source type is a Cataclysmic Variable (CV), although we do not
completely rule out the possibility of a High Mass X-ray Binary. IGR
J18088-2741 has an optical counterpart with a previously measured 6.84 hr
periodicity, which may be the binary orbital period. We also detect five cycles
of a possible 800-950 s period in the Chandra light curve, which may be the
compact object spin period. We suggest that IGR J18088-2741 is also most likely
a CV. For IGR J18381-0924, the spectrum is intrinsically softer with Gamma =
1.5(+0.5)(-0.4), and it is moderately absorbed, nH = (4+/-1)e22 cm-2. There are
two near-IR sources consistent with the Chandra position, and they are both
classified as galaxies, making it likely that IGR J18381-0924 is an Active
Galactic Nucleus (AGN). For the other five IGR sources, we provide lists of
nearby Chandra sources, which may be used along with further observations to
identify the correct counterparts, and we discuss the implications of the low
inferred Chandra count rates for these five sources.Comment: Accepted by ApJ, 14 page
National differences in screening programmes for cardiovascular risks could obstruct understanding of cardiovascular prevention studies in Europe
Introduction In North-West Europe, cardiovascular disease is still a major cause of death and despite several efforts (e.g. European guidelines and conferences) cardiovascular risk factors are still inconsistently diagnosed and treated. Methods We evaluated the first consultations of patients in two cardiovascular referral clinics in France and the Netherlands, while evaluating the differences in national guidelines and between the profiles of patients at their first consultation. Results Notable differences exist between the two locally used guidelines in their programmes of cardiovascular risk assessment and their definition of LDL-cholesterol target levels. With regard to the LDL-cholesterol levels, more patients are 'on target' when using the French guideline than when using the Dutch guideline. Evaluation of the patient's profile at first presentation showed that the LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the Dutch patients (n=77) compared with the French patients (n=119). Dutch patients used significantly more statins than French patients. Conclusion Despite the small study population included in this study, we found that comparison of daily care (as part of a primary prevention programme) is rather difficult due to several national differences in the approach to patients. All these factors combined should be taken into account, when discussing and extrapolating results obtained from analysis of cardiovascular prevention programmes
An in-and-out-the-lab Raman spectroscopy study on street art murals from Reggio Emilia in Italy
The street art murals ‘The Big Mother’ by Gola Hundun, the ‘Big Sacral Bird’ by Kenor, the ‘Oriental Carpet” by H101 and “The Economy Subdues You” by Zosen, belonging to the Cooperative Popular Houses of Mancasale and Coviolo in Reggio Emilia (Italy), were investigated by the use of various mobile Raman spectrometers coupled to different lasers and by micro-Raman spectroscopy on selected samples. The study was made necessary by the evident fading of many colours, despite the young age of the paintings, realized in 2010. The first step of the investigation, realized by the on-site campaign, was the identification of the materials, and in particular of the dyes. The main chromophores were identified as polycyclic, monoazo- and disazo- organic pigments, with inorganic compounds as bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) together with the extensive presence of rutile (TiO2). The second step was devoted to the study of the degradation mechanism affecting the colourful layers of the murals. It required the use of laboratory micro-spectrometers and was carried out on a reduced set of samples, selected during the in-situ campaign. This combination of on-site and laboratory Raman spectroscopy allowed the obtaining of the complete identification of the palette used by the different artists in a single day of measurements, in a complete non-destructive day. In addition, it was possible to minimize the number of samples required for the study of the degradation process. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.
Multi-technique characterization of glass mosaic tesserae from Villa di Teodorico in Galeata (Italy)
Several glass mosaic tesserae were found during the archeological excavations at the Villa di Teodorico in Galeata (Forl\uec-Cesena, Emilia Romagna, Italy), dated to early sixth century AD. This work reports the results of an archeometrical investigation realized through a multi-technique approach on 16 tesserae. The aims of the study were the determination of the glass composition, the characterization of coloring and opacifying agents, and the definition of the technological processes involved. The glass matrix and the dispersed crystallites were characterized in detail through micro-Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction analyses. Micro-Raman spectroscopy was proven to be very effective in the analysis of complex objects, providing information on the structure and composition of the glass and on the nature of the opacifying agents and the crystalline colorants. UV\u2013visible\u2013NIR diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry with optic fibers was helpful to identify the metal ions used as chromophores. The different hues were obtained by means of dispersed ions as well as crystalline compounds and metal nanoparticles. A large variety of opacifying agents was detected. Results were compared with data of contemporary mosaics within the same geographical area
Crystal structure of samarium nickel tetraaluminide, SmNiAl4
Abstract Al4NiSm, orthorhombic, Cmcm (no. 63), a = 4.0948(6) Å, b = 15.582(3) Å, c = 6.610(1) Å, V = 421.8 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.028, wRobs(F2) = 0.074, T = 293 K
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