e-EVN radio detection of Aql X-1 in outburst

The neutron star X-ray binary Aql X-1 is currently in outburst. Using the European VLBI Network (e-EVN) we observed Aql X-1 at 5 GHz in two time-slots: 2013 June 18 between 19:48 - 20:36 UT (MJD 56461.825 - 56461.858), and 2013 June 19 between 02:53 - 05:54 UT (MJD 56462.120 - 56462.246). The two datasets were combined together and then calibrated

An outburst of SS 433 observed on milliarcsecond scale

SS 433 is a high-mass X-ray binary system (XRB) and one of the most persistent sources of relativistic jets in the Milky Way. The object has been intensively studied in radio at arcsecond scales, however the high-resolution observations (i.e. VLBI) are relatively scarce. In 2008 November the system was in outburst. Using the e-VLBI capabilities of the European VLBI Network (EVN) we observed SS 433 for three epochs during the active phase. The data offered a detailed view of the system’s behaviour in outburst at milliarcsecond scales. We used the “kinematic model" (which predicts the position along the jet of any knot ejected at some particular time in the past) to investigate the dynamic parameters of SS 433 and we examined the polarization properties of the ejected material. We report here the preliminary results

Assay of Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolic Compounds in some Romanian and Cypriot Wine

Free radicals have an important role in food and in chemical material degradation, contributing to the occurrence of many human health problems, but the antioxidants can considerably delay or prevent the oxidation of easily oxidable substrates. The present research aimed to assess the antioxidant activity, expressed by the presence of polyphenols, flavonols, flavones, anthocyanidins and flavanols, in several Romanian and Cypriot wines. The wine phenolics content was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) Shimadzu equipped with two chromatographic columns. Higher concentrations were registered in all red wines. The antioxidant activity quantification was carried out by the DPPH method, a simple and cheap approach based on the absorbance decrease determination of the DPPH radical (2,2-diphenyl- 1- picrylhydrazyl) in the presence of antioxidants. The highest antioxidant activity for white wines was determined at ‘Spouriko’ for Cypriot wine from 2013 (EC 50 = 1/38) while for Romanian wines, the highest value was found in a ‘Tămâioasă românească’ (EC50 = 1/58) and for red wines at ‘Maratheftiko’ wine from 2012 (EC50 = 1/680) and in ‘Fetească Neagră’ wine from 2014 (EC50 =1/590). This study provides relevant information to consumers and industry alike regarding the beneficial role wine plays for human health. It also can act as a baseline for choosing a certain product, according to its sanogenic potential

Influence of some fractions isolated from red wine on oxygen cellular consumption

In this study, we carried out the analyse of some polyphenolic fractions obtained from a sample of red wine by solid-liquid repartition. The wine selected sample was obtained by mixing noble wine varieties, with the purpose of realising a great concentration of phenolic compounds. The fractions obtained from this special sample were firstly chemically analysed (total quantity of polyphenols, total quantity of anthocyans, Folin-Ciocâlteu index and permanganate index), and then were correlated with their specific effects on the intensity of oxygen respiratory consumption of the batracian muscle and hepatic cells, carried out by the Warburg micromanometrical method. Different biological effects (values of oxygen cellular consumption) were recorded, according to the type of cells, composition of fractions (polyphenol quantity) and duration of records. The obtained results evidenced a specific influence of the studied fractions on the respiratory and energetic cellular processes, indicating a series of useful pharmacological properties of some wine fractions

Compounds captured in CO2 Tămâioasa românească Wine fermentation

The volatile aromas that are lost during the must's fermentation into wine represent a department that is not very much analysed. The capturing and analysing of the volatile compounds that are trapped in the CO2 flow during gas exhaustion of the fermentation stage are the main objectives of the present study. The Tamaioasa romaneasca grapes, harvest of 2011, were processed according to the aromatic wine technology During fermentation, the volatile aromatic compounds were captured using SPE cartridges attached to the airlocks of the fermentation vessels. After the fermentation ended, the extracts were obtained by washing the bed of the SPE cartridges with 2 mL diclormethane. Gas-chromatography coupled with mass-spectrometry was used to identify the captured compounds. The processing technologies influenced the number and quantity of the captured compounds. Esters (isobutyl acetate) and alcohols, as well as aldehydes and terpenes are found in the exhaust air of the fermentation process. The identified compounds are found in trace quantities

Linking jet emission and X-ray properties in the peculiar neutron star X-ray binary Circinus X-1

We present the results of simultaneous X-ray and radio observations of the peculiar Z-type neutron star X-ray binary Cir X-1, observed with the Rossi X-ray timing explorer satellite and the Australia Telescope Compact Array in 2000 October and 2002 December. We identify typical Z source behaviour in the power density spectra as well as characteristic Z patterns drawn in an X-ray hardness-intensity diagram. Power spectra typical of bright atoll sources have also been identified at orbital phases after the periastron passage, while orbital phases before the periastron passage are characterized by power spectra that are typical neither of Z nor of atoll sources. We investigate the coupling between the X-ray and the radio properties, focusing on three orbital phases when an enhancement of the radio flux density has been detected, to test the link between the inflow (X-ray) and the outflow (radio jet) to/from the compact object. In two out of three cases we associate the presence of the radio jet to a spectral transition in the X-rays, although the transition does not precede the radio flare, as detected in other Z sources. An analogous behaviour has recently been found in the black hole candidate GX 339-4. In the third case, the radio light curve shows a similar shape to the X-ray light curve. We discuss our results in the context of jet models, considering also black hole candidates.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRA

Cercetări privind producerea băuturilor de tip bitter

The present study has as main objective the evaluation of the methods of obtaining a bitter type curative beverage to evaluate the possibility of superior utilization of the medicinal plants. Aromatic and condimentary plants have been used. Among the plants used: Angelica archangelica, artichoke (Cynara scolymus), basil (Ocimum basilicum), Thymus serpyllum, Achillea millefolium, Juniperus communis, Hyssopus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Origanum vulgare, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mentha piperita, Melissa officinalis and Fir resin. The variants used were V1 -sweetening sugar, V2 -sweetening with liquorice V3 -unsweetened and V4 -alcohol of 50 %vol. The analyzes were performed according to scientific literature. Alcoholic strength, pH, phenolic compounds and sensory analysis were evaluated. The study shows that it is appropriate to prepare an herbal beverage. The medicinal plants used imprinted the beverage with hints of wild flowers, coniferous trees and other aromaticplants. The liquorice sweetened variant was the most appreciated by the taster

The effect of different techniques of maceration-fermentation on the phenolic composition of red wines

Grapes, the quintessential quality factor in winemaking, are found in certain areas of the globe where viticulture thrives. The quality of wine products is directly influenced by the quality of the grapes, their process technology, the care and the quality of the premises and equipment used, as well as the conditions for the storage and use of the wines. In most red wine-making processes, it is preferred that the maceration process is accompanied by the fermentation process, as increase in the alcohol content favours the intensification of the extraction process. For this reason, both processes are combined in a single technological operation known as maceration-fermentation. The largest amount of polyphenolic compounds of wine, anthocyanins and tannins comes from the solid parts of the grapes ‒ the skins and seeds, and these have a decisive influence on the phenolic character of wines. Maceration is a fractional extraction which leads to the dissolution of the useful components of the grapes, which give the flavour, colour and taste typical of red wine. The aim of this research was to analyse the effect of different techniques of macerationfermentation on the phenolic composition of red wines obtained from Merlot, Pinot noir and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties in Copou-Iasi vineyard compared to red wines obtained from the same varieties in Murfaltar vineyard, located in the northeast and south of Romania, respectively. Wines obtained by maceration-fermentation in rotating tanks have higher values of the Folin-Ciocâlteu index (wines obtained from Pinot noir) in contrast to those obtained by the classical maceration-fermentation technique (wines obtained from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon). Keywords: maceratio

Black Hole Powered Nebulae and a Case Study of the Ultraluminous X-ray Source IC342 X-1

We present new radio, optical, and X-ray observations of three Ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) that are associated with large-scale nebulae. We report the discovery of a radio nebula associated with the ULX IC342 X-1 using the Very Large Array (VLA). Complementary VLA observations of the nebula around Holmberg II X-1, and high-frequency Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) and Very Large Telescope (VLT) spectroscopic observations of NGC5408 X-1 are also presented. We study the morphology, ionization processes, and the energetics of the optical/radio nebulae of IC342 X-1, Holmberg II X-1 and NGC5408 X-1. The energetics of the optical nebula of IC342 X-1 is discussed in the framework of standard bubble theory. The total energy content of the optical nebula is 6 x 10^52 erg. The minimum energy needed to supply the associated radio nebula is 9.2 x 10^50 erg. In addition, we detected an unresolved radio source at the location of IC342 X-1 at VLA scales. However, our Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations using the European VLBI Network likely rule out the presence of any compact radio source at milli-arcsecond (mas) scales. Using a simultaneous Swift X-ray Telescope measurement, we estimate an upper limit on the mass of the black hole in IC342 X-1 using the "fundamental plane" of accreting black holes and obtain M_BH < (1.0\pm0.3) x 10^3 M_Sun. Arguing that the nebula of IC342 X-1 is possibly inflated by a jet, we estimate accretion rates and efficiencies for the jet of IC342 X-1 and compare with sources like S26, SS433, IC10 X-1.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in Ap