12,247 research outputs found
On the mass of the neutron star in V395 Car/2S 0921-630
We report high-resolution optical spectroscopy of the low-mass X-ray binary
V395 Car/2S 0921-630 obtained with the MIKE echelle spectrograph on the
Magellan-Clay telescope. Our spectra are obtained near superior conjunction of
the mass donor star and we exploit the absorption lines originating from the
back-side of the K-type object to accurately derive its rotational velocity.
Using K0-K1 III templates, we find vsini=32.9 +/- 0.8 km/s. We show that the
choice of template star and the assumed limb darkening coefficient has little
impact on the derived rotational velocity. This value is a significant revision
downwards compared to previously published values. We derive new system
parameter constraints in the light of our much lower rotational velocity. We
find M_1=1.44 +/- 0.10 Msun, M_2=0.35 +/- 0.03 Msun, and q=0.24 +/- 0.02 where
the errors have been estimated through a Monte-Carlo simulation. A possible
remaining systematic effect is the fact that we may be over-estimating the
orbital velocity of the mass donor due to irradiation effects. However, any
correction for this effect will only reduce the compact object mass further,
down to a minimum mass of M_1=1.05 +/- 0.08 Msun. There is thus strong evidence
that the compact object in this binary is a neutron star of rather typical mass
and that the previously reported mass values of 2-4Msun were too high due to an
over-estimate of the rotational broadening.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ Letter
Correlation of the Quasi-Periodic Oscillation Frequencies of White Dwarf, Neutron Star, and Black Hole Binaries
Using data obtained in 1994 June/July with the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer
deep survey photometer and in 2001 January with the Chandra X-ray Observatory
Low Energy Transmission Grating Spectrograph, we investigate the
extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) and soft X-ray oscillations of the dwarf nova SS Cyg
in outburst. We find quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) at nu_0 ~ 0.012 Hz and
nu_1 ~ 0.13 Hz in the EUV flux and at nu_0 ~ 0.0090 Hz, nu_1 ~ 0.11 Hz, and
possibly nu_2 ~ nu_0 + nu_1 ~ 0.12 Hz in the soft X-ray flux. These data,
combined with the optical data of Woudt & Warner for VW Hyi, extend the
Psaltis, Belloni, & van der Klis nu_high-nu_low correlation for neutron star
and black hole low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) nearly two orders of magnitude
in frequency, with nu_low ~ 0.08 nu_high. This correlation identifies the
high-frequency quasi-coherent oscillations (so-called ``dwarf nova
oscillations'') of cataclysmic variables (CVs) with the kilohertz QPOs of
LMXBs, and the low-frequency QPOs of CVs with the horizontal branch
oscillations (or the broad noise component identified as such) of LMXBs.
Assuming that the same mechanisms produce the QPOs in white dwarf, neutron
star, and black hole binaries, we find that the data exclude the relativistic
precession model and the magnetospheric and sonic-point beat-frequency models
(as well as any model requiring the presence or absence of a stellar surface or
magnetic field); more promising are models that interpret QPOs as
manifestations of disk accretion onto any low-magnetic field compact object.Comment: 15 pages including 4 encapsulated postscript figures; LaTeX format,
uses aastex.cls; accepted on 2002 July 23 for publication in The
Astrophysical Journa
Positive autoregulation of the transcription factor Pax6 in response to increased levels of either of its major isoforms, Pax6 or Pax6(5a), in cultured cells
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pax6 is a transcription factor essential for normal development of the eyes and nervous system. It has two major isoforms, Pax6 and Pax6(5a), and the ratios between their expression levels vary within narrow limits. We tested the effects of overexpressing either one or other isoform on endogenous Pax6 expression levels in Neuro2A and NIH3T3 cells.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that both isoforms caused an up-regulation of endogenous Pax6 expression in cells with (Neuro2A) or without (NIH3T3) constitutive Pax6 expression. Western blots showed that cells stably transfected with constructs expressing either Pax6 or Pax6(5a) contained raised levels of both Pax6 and Pax6(5a). Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed an increase in levels of <it>Pax6(5a) </it>mRNA in cells containing Pax6-expressing constructs and an increase in levels of <it>Pax6 </it>mRNA in cells containing Pax6(5a)-expressing constructs. The fact that the introduction of constructs expressing only one isoform increased the cellular levels of not only that isoform but also the other indicates that activation of the endogenous <it>Pax6 </it>locus occurred. The ratio between the levels of the two isoforms was maintained close to physiological values. The overexpression of either isoform in neuroblastoma (Neuro2A) cell lines also promoted morphological change and an increase in ÎČ-III-tubulin expression, indicating an increase in neurogenesis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results demonstrate that Pax6 can up-regulate production of Pax6 protein from an entire intact endogenous <it>Pax6 </it>locus in its genomic environment. This adds to previous studies showing that Pax6 can up-regulate reporter expression driven by isolated <it>Pax6 </it>regulatory elements. Furthermore, our results suggest that an important function of positive feedback might be to stabilise the relative levels of Pax6 and Pax6(5a).</p
Spin fluctuations in the stacked-triangular antiferromagnet YMnO3
The spectrum of spin fluctuations in the stacked-triangular antiferromagnet
YMnO3 was studied above the Neel temperature using both unpolarized and
polarized inelastic neutron scattering. We find an in-plane and an out-of-plane
excitation. The in-plane mode has two components just above TN, a
resolution-limited central peak and a Debye-like contribution. The
quasi-elastic fluctuations have a line-width that increases with q like Dq^z
and the dynamical exponent z=2.3. The out-of-plane fluctuations have a gap at
the magnetic zone center and do not show any appreciable q-dependence at small
wave-vectors.Comment: JETP LETTERS, in pres
Mean first-passage times of non-Markovian random walkers in confinement
The first-passage time (FPT), defined as the time a random walker takes to
reach a target point in a confining domain, is a key quantity in the theory of
stochastic processes. Its importance comes from its crucial role to quantify
the efficiency of processes as varied as diffusion-limited reactions, target
search processes or spreading of diseases. Most methods to determine the FPT
properties in confined domains have been limited to Markovian (memoryless)
processes. However, as soon as the random walker interacts with its
environment, memory effects can not be neglected. Examples of non Markovian
dynamics include single-file diffusion in narrow channels or the motion of a
tracer particle either attached to a polymeric chain or diffusing in simple or
complex fluids such as nematics \cite{turiv2013effect}, dense soft colloids or
viscoelastic solution. Here, we introduce an analytical approach to calculate,
in the limit of a large confining volume, the mean FPT of a Gaussian
non-Markovian random walker to a target point. The non-Markovian features of
the dynamics are encompassed by determining the statistical properties of the
trajectory of the random walker in the future of the first-passage event, which
are shown to govern the FPT kinetics.This analysis is applicable to a broad
range of stochastic processes, possibly correlated at long-times. Our
theoretical predictions are confirmed by numerical simulations for several
examples of non-Markovian processes including the emblematic case of the
Fractional Brownian Motion in one or higher dimensions. These results show, on
the basis of Gaussian processes, the importance of memory effects in
first-passage statistics of non-Markovian random walkers in confinement.Comment: Submitted version. Supplementary Information can be found on the
Nature website :
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v534/n7607/full/nature18272.htm
Contributions to the Nearby Stars (NStars) Project: Spectroscopy of Stars Earlier than M0 within 40 parsecs: The Northern Sample I
We have embarked on a project, under the aegis of the Nearby Stars (NStars)/
Space Interferometry Mission Preparatory Science Program to obtain spectra,
spectral types, and, where feasible, basic physical parameters for the 3600
dwarf and giant stars earlier than M0 within 40 parsecs of the sun. In this
paper we report on the results of this project for the first 664 stars in the
northern hemisphere. These results include precise, homogeneous spectral types,
basic physical parameters (including the effective temperature, surface gravity
and the overall metallicity, [M/H]) and measures of the chromospheric activity
of our program stars. Observed and derived data presented in this paper are
also available on the project's website at http://stellar.phys.appstate.edu/
Normal ventral telencephalic expression of Pax6 is required for normal development of thalamocortical axons in embryonic mice
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In addition to its well-known expression in dorsal telencephalic progenitor cells, where it regulates cell proliferation and identity, the transcription factor Pax6 is expressed in some ventral telencephalic cells, including many postmitotic neurons. Its functions in these cells are unknown.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We generated a new floxed allele of <it>Pax6 </it>and tested the consequences of a highly specific ventral telencephalic depletion of Pax6. We used the <it>Six3</it><sup><it>A1A2</it></sup>-<it>Cre </it>allele that drives production of Cre recombinase in a specific region of Pax6-expression close to the internal capsule, through which thalamic axons navigate to cerebral cortex. Depletion in this region caused many thalamic axons to take aberrant routes, either failing to turn normally into ventral telencephalon to form the internal capsule or exiting the developing internal capsule ventrally. We tested whether these defects might have resulted from abnormalities of two structural features proposed to guide thalamic axons into and through the developing internal capsule. First, we looked for the early pioneer axons that project from the region of the future internal capsule to the thalamus and are thought to guide thalamocortical axons to the internal capsule: we found that they are present in conditional mutants. Second, we examined the development of the corridor of Islet1-expressing cells that guides thalamic axons through ventral telencephalon and found that it was broader and less dense than normal in conditional mutants. We also examined corticofugal axons that are thought to interact with ascending thalamocortical axons, resulting in each set providing guidance to the other, and found that some are misrouted to lateral telencephalon.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These findings indicate that ventral telencephalic Pax6 is important for formation of the Islet1-expressing corridor and the thalamic and cortical axons that grow through it. We suggest that Pax6 might affect thalamic axonal growth indirectly via its effect on the corridor.</p
The massive neutron star or low-mass black hole in 2S0921-630
We report on optical spectroscopy of the eclipsing Halo LMXB 2S0921-630, that
reveals the absorption line radial velocity curve of the K0III secondary star
with a semi-amplitude K_2=92.89 +/- 3.84 km/s, a systemic velocity
=34.9 +/- 3.3 \kms and an orbital period P_orb of 9.0035 +/- 0.0029 day
(1-sigma). Given the quality of the data, we find no evidence for the effects
of X-ray irradiation. Using the previously determined rotational broadening of
the mass donor, and applying conservative limits on the orbital inclination, we
constrain the compact object mass to be 2.0-4.3 Msolar (1-sigma), ruling out a
canonical neutron star at the 99% level. Since the nature of the compact object
is unclear, this mass range implies that the compact object is either a
low-mass black hole with a mass slightly higher than the maximum neutron star
mass (2.9 Msolar) or a massive neutron star. If the compact object is a black
hole, it confirms the prediction of the existence of low-mass black holes,
while if the object is a massive neutron star its high mass severely constrains
the equation of state of nuclear matter.Comment: Accepted by ApJ
Resonant X-Ray Scattering from URu_{2}Si_{2}
Based on a localized crystal electric field model for the U^{4+} in the
(5f)^2-configuration, we analyze the resonant x-ray scattering spectra around U
M_{IV} and M_{V} edges in URu_{2}Si_{2}, taking full Coulomb and spin-orbit
interactions into account. We consider two level schemes, a singlet model of
Santini and Amoretti and a doublet model of Ohkawa and Shimizu, and assume the
antiferroquadrupolar order and the antiferromagnetic order as candidates for
the ambient pressure phase and the high pressure phase. It is found that the
spectral shapes as a function of photon energy are independent of the assumed
level scheme, but are quite different between the antiferroquadrupole and
antiferromagnetic phases, This may be useful to determine the character of the
ordered phase.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, submitted to JPS
- âŠ