The Orbit of the Eclipsing X-ray Pulsar EXO 1722-363

With recent and archival Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) X-ray measurements of the heavily obscured X-ray pulsar EXO 1722-363 (IGR J17252-3616), we carried out a pulse timing analysis to determine the orbital solution for the first time. The binary system is characterized by a_x sin(i) = 101 +/- 3 lt-s and P_orb = 9.7403 +/- 0.0004 days (90% confidence), with the precision of the orbital period being obtained by connecting datasets separated by more than 7 years (272 orbital cycles). The orbit is consistent with circular, and e < 0.19 at the 90% confidence level. The mass function is 11.7 +/- 1.2 M_sun and confirms that this source is a High Mass X-ray Binary (HMXB) system. The orbital period, along with the previously known ~414 s pulse period, places this system in the part of the Corbet diagram populated by supergiant wind accretors. Using previous eclipse time measurements by Corbet et al. and our orbital solution, combined with the assumption that the primary underfills its Roche lobe, we find i > 61 degrees at the 99% confidence level, the radius of the primary is between 21 R_sun and 37 R_sun, and its mass is less than about 22 M_sun. The acceptable range of radius and mass shows that the primary is probably a supergiant of spectral type B0I-B5I. Photometric measurements of its likely counterpart are consistent with the spectral type and luminosity if the distance to the system is between 5.3 kpc and 8.7 kpc. Spectral analysis of the pulsar as a function of orbital phase reveals an evolution of the hydrogen column density suggestive of dense filaments of gas in the downstream wake of the pulsar, with higher levels of absorption seen at orbital phases 0.5-1.0, as well as a variable Fe K_alpha line.Comment: Submitted to ApJ, 11 pages, 11 figure

Rapidly re-computable EEG (electroencephalography) forward models for realistic head shapes

Solution of the EEG source localization (inverse) problem utilizing model-based methods typically requires a significant number of forward model evaluations. For subspace based inverse methods like MUSIC [6], the total number of forward model evaluations can often approach an order of 10{sup 3} or 10{sup 4}. Techniques based on least-squares minimization may require significantly more evaluations. The observed set of measurements over an M-sensor array is often expressed as a linear forward spatio-temporal model of the form: F = GQ + N (1) where the observed forward field F (M-sensors x N-time samples) can be expressed in terms of the forward model G, a set of dipole moment(s) Q (3xP-dipoles x N-time samples) and additive noise N. Because of their simplicity, ease of computation, and relatively good accuracy, multi-layer spherical models [7] (or fast approximations described in [1], [7]) have traditionally been the 'forward model of choice' for approximating the human head. However, approximation of the human head via a spherical model does have several key drawbacks. By its very shape, the use of a spherical model distorts the true distribution of passive currents in the skull cavity. Spherical models also require that the sensor positions be projected onto the fitted sphere (Fig. 1), resulting in a distortion of the true sensor-dipole spatial geometry (and ultimately the computed surface potential). The use of a single 'best-fitted' sphere has the added drawback of incomplete coverage of the inner skull region, often ignoring areas such as the frontal cortex. In practice, this problem is typically countered by fitting additional sphere(s) to those region(s) not covered by the primary sphere. The use of these additional spheres results in added complication to the forward model. Using high-resolution spatial information obtained via X-ray CT or MR imaging, a realistic head model can be formed by tessellating the head into a set of contiguous regions (typically the scalp, outer skull, and inner skull surfaces). Since accurate in vivo determination of internal conductivities is currently not currently possible, the head is typically assumed to consist of a set of contiguous isotropic regions, each with constant conductivity

The X-ray Reflectors in the Nucleus of the Seyfert Galaxy NGC 1068

(abridged) Based on observations of the Seyfert nucleus in NGC1068 with ASCA, RXTE and BeppoSAX, we report the discovery of a flare (increase in flux by a factor of ~1.6) in the 6.7 keV Fe K line component between observations obtained 4 months apart, with no significant change in the other (6.21, 6.4, and 6.97 keV) Fe K_alpha line components. During this time, the continuum flux decreased by ~20%. The RXTE spectrum requires an Fe K absorption edge near 8.6 keV (Fe XXIII - XXV). The spectral data indicate that the 2-10 keV continuum emission is dominated (~2/3 of the luminosity) by reflection from a previously unidentified region of warm, ionized gas located <~ 0.2 pc from the AGN. The remaining ~1/3 of the observed X-ray emission is reflected from optically thick, neutral gas. The inferred properties of the warm reflector (WR) are: size (diameter) ~ 10^{5.5} /cm3, ionization parameter xi approx 10^{3.5} erg cm/s, and covering fraction 0.003 (L_0/10^{43.5} erg/s)^{-1} < (Omega/4 pi) < 0.024 (L_0/10^{43.5})^{-1}, where L_0 is the intrinsic 2-10 keV X-ray luminosity of the AGN. We suggest that the WR gas is the source of the (variable) 6.7 keV Fe line emission, and the 6.97 keV Fe line emission. The 6.7 keV line flare is assumed to be due to an increase in the emissivity of the WR gas from a decrease (by 20-30%) in L_0. The properties of the WR are most consistent with an intrinsically X-ray weak AGN with L_0 approx 10^{43.0} erg/s. The optical and UV emission that scatters from the WR into our line of sight is required to suffer strong extinction, which can be reconciled if the line-of-sight skims the outer surface of the torus. Thermal bremsstrahlung radio emission from the WR may be detectable in VLBA radio maps of the NGC 1068 nucleus.Comment: 39 pages (9 postscript figures) AASTEX, ApJ, accepte

Statistical Analysis of Multiplex Brain Gene Expression Images

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to investigate 9,000 gene expression patterns from brains of both normal mice and mice with a pharmacological model of Parkinson's disease (PD). The data set was obtained using voxelation, a method that allows high-throughput acquisition of 3D gene expression patterns through analysis of spatially registered voxels (cubes). This method produces multiple volumetric maps of gene expression analogous to the images reconstructed in biomedical imaging systems. The ANOVA model was compared to the results from singular value decomposition (SVD) by using the first 42 singular vectors of the data matrix, a number equal to the rank of the ANOVA model. The ANOVA was also compared to the results from non-parametric statistics. Lastly, images were obtained for a subset of genes that emerged from the ANOVA as significant. The results suggest that ANOVA will be a valuable framework for insights into the large number of gene expression patterns obtained from voxelation.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45422/1/11064_2004_Article_454311.pd

ASCA Observations of "Type 2" LINERs: Evidence for a Stellar Source of Ionization

We present ASCA observations of LINERs without broad H$\alpha$ emission in their optical spectra. The sample of "type 2" LINERs consists of NGC 404, 4111, 4192, 4457, and 4569. We have detected X-ray emission from all the objects except for NGC 404; among the detected objects are two so-called transition objects (NGC 4192 and NGC 4569), which have been postulated to be composite nuclei having both an HII region and a LINER component. The images of NGC 4111 and NGC 4569 in the soft (0.5-2 keV) and hard (2-7 keV) X-ray bands are extended on scales of several kpc. The X-ray spectra of NGC 4111, NGC 4457 and NGC 4569 are well fitted by a two-component model that consists of soft thermal emission with $kT\sim0.65$ keV and a hard component represented by a power law (photon index $\sim$ 2) or by thermal bremsstrahlung emission ($kT\sim$ several keV). The extended hard X-rays probably come from discrete sources, while the soft emission most likely originates from hot gas produced by active star formation in the host galaxy. We have found no clear evidence for the presence of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the sample. If an AGN component is the primary ionization source of the optical emission lines, then it must be heavily obscured with a column density significantly larger than $10^{23}$ cm$^{-2}$. Alternatively, the optical emission could be ionized by a population of exceptionally hot stars.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, emulateapj.sty, Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journa

An X-ray Spectral Survey of Radio-Loud AGN With ASCA

We present a uniform and systematic analysis of the 0.6-10 keV X-ray spectra of radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGN) observed by ASCA. The sample 10 BLRGs, 5 QSRs, 9 NLRGs, and 10 RGs. At soft X-rays, about half of the NLRGs and all of the RGs exhibit a thermal plasma component, with a bimodal distribution of temperatures and luminosities, suggesting an origin either in a surrounding cluster or loose group or in a hot corona. At energies above 2 keV, a hard power-law component is detected in 90% of cases. The power-law photon indices and luminosities in BLRGs, QSRs, and NLRGs are similar, consistent with orientation-based unification schemes. Significant excess cold absorption is detected in most NLRGs, but also in some BLRGS and QSRs, which was somewhat unexpected. In contrast to Seyfert galaxies, only one object showss the signature of a warm absorber. The nuclear X-ray luminosity is correlated with the luminosity of the [O III] emission line, the FIR emission at 12 microns, and the lobe radio power at 5 GHz. The Fe K line is detected in 50% of BLRGs, one QSR, and a handful of NLRGs. This sample also includes 6 Weak Line Radio Galaxies (WLRGs). Their spectra WLRGs can be generally decomposed into a soft thermal component with hard absrorbed power-law component, which is significantly flatter than any other radio-loud AGNs. Their intrinsic luminosities are two orders of magnitude lower than in other sources of the sample. An interesting possibility is that WLRGs represent an extreme population of radio galaxies in which the central black hole is accreting at a rate well below the Eddington rate.Comment: To appear in the Astrophysical Journal. 72 pages, including many tables and figures. Fig 1 is separate, in TIFF format. Postscript version of fig 1 and postscript version of entire preprint can be obtained from http://www.astro.psu.edu/users/mce/preprint_index.htm

Barramundi origins : Determining the contribution of stocking to the barramundi catch on Queensland’s east coast

Researchers from Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, James Cook University, and the University of Western Australia tested a range of otolith-based and genetic methods to identify hatchery-born from wild-born Barramundi. The project took place in the Dry Tropics region, where extensive historical and ongoing impoundment stocking (release of hatchery-born Barramundi into freshwater bodies) may be contributing to the downstream wild-capture marine and estuarine fishery. Fish samples were collected from the commercial and recreational wild-capture marine and estuarine fishery in 2019 and 2020, following the major Townsville floods in February 2019. The team identified a cost-effective means of using trace elements in fish otoliths to reliably distinguish hatchery-origin from wild-origin fish, measure the contribution of stocked fish to the wild population, and assess the sustainability of the wild-capture fishery

Object Relations in the Museum: A Psychosocial Perspective

This article theorises museum engagement from a psychosocial perspective. With the aid of selected concepts from object relations theory, it explains how the museum visitor can establish a personal relation to museum objects, making use of them as an ‘aesthetic third’ to symbolise experience. Since such objects are at the same time cultural resources, interacting with them helps the individual to feel part of a shared culture. The article elaborates an example drawn from a research project that aimed to make museum collections available to people with physical and mental health problems. It draws on the work of the British psychoanalysts Donald Winnicott and Wilfred Bion to explain the salience of the concepts of object use, potential space, containment and reverie within a museum context. It also refers to the work of the contemporary psychoanalyst Christopher Bollas on how objects can become evocative for individuals both by virtue of their intrinsic qualities and by the way they are used to express personal idiom

Pulse phase resolved analysis of the HMXB Cen X-3 over two binary orbits

We present a detailed analysis of observations of the high mass X-ray binary Cen X-3 spanning two consecutive binary orbits performed with the RXTE satellite in early March 1997. The PCA and HEXTE light curves both show a clear reduction in count rate after mid-orbit for both binary revolutions. We therefore analyze two broad band spectra for each orbit, before and after mid-orbit. Consistent with earlier observations these four joint PCA and HEXTE spectra can be well described using a phenomenological pulsar continuum model, including an iron emission line and a cyclotron resonance scattering feature. While no strong spectral variations were detected, the second half of orbit 2 shows a tendency toward being softer and more strongly absorbed. In order to follow the orbital phase-dependent evolution of the spectrum in greater detail, we model spectra for shorter exposures, confirming that most spectral parameters show either a gradual or sudden change for the second half of the second orbit. A comparison with a simple wind model indicates the existence of an accretion wake in this system. We also present and discuss high resolution pulse profiles for several different energy bands, as well as their hardness ratios. PCA and HEXTE spectra were created for 24 phase bins and fitted using the same model as in the phase averaged case. Systematic pulse phase-dependent variations of several continuum and cyclotron line parameters were detected, most notably a significant increase of the cyclotron line energy during the early rise of the main peak, followed by a gradual decrease. We show that applying a simple dipole model for the magnetic field is not sufficient to describe our data.Comment: 12 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Ap

Non-Gaussianity in the Very Small Array CMB maps with Smooth-Goodness-of-fit tests

(Abridged) We have used the Rayner & Best (1989) smooth tests of goodness-of-fit to study the Gaussianity of the Very Small Array (VSA) data. Out of the 41 published VSA individual pointings dedicated to cosmological observations, 37 are found to be consistent with Gaussianity, whereas four pointings show deviations from Gaussianity. In two of them, these deviations can be explained as residual systematic effects of a few visibility points which, when corrected, have a negligible impact on the angular power spectrum. The non-Gaussianity found in the other two (adjacent) pointings seems to be associated to a local deviation of the power spectrum of these fields with respect to the common power spectrum of the complete data set, at angular scales of the third acoustic peak (l = 700-900). No evidence of residual systematics is found in this case, and unsubstracted point sources are not a plausible explanation either. If those visibilities are removed, a cosmological analysis based on this new VSA power spectrum alone shows no differences in the parameter constraints with respect to our published results, except for the physical baryon density, which decreases by 10 percent. Finally, the method has been also used to analyse the VSA observations in the Corona Borealis supercluster region (Genova-Santos et al. 2005), which show a strong decrement which cannot be explained as primordial CMB. Our method finds a clear deviation (99.82%) with respect to Gaussianity in the second-order moment of the distribution, and which can not be explained as systematic effects. A detailed study shows that the non-Gaussianity is produced in scales of l~500, and that this deviation is intrinsic to the data (in the sense that can not be explained in terms of a Gaussian field with a different power spectrum).Comment: 14 pages, 7 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRA