scholarly journals In-depth study of long-term variability in the X-ray emission of the Be/X-ray binary system AX J0049.4−7323

2018 ◽  
Vol 614 ◽  
pp. A34 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Ducci ◽  
P. Romano ◽  
C. Malacaria ◽  
L. Ji ◽  
E. Bozzo ◽  
...  

AX J0049.4−7323 is a Be/X-ray binary in the Small Magellanic Cloud hosting a ~750 s pulsar which has been observed over the last ~17 years by several X-ray telescopes. Despite numerous observations, little is known about its X-ray behaviour. Therefore, we coherently analysed archival Swift, Chandra, XMM-Newton, RXTE, and INTEGRAL data, and we compared them with already published ASCA data, to study its X-ray long-term spectral and flux variability. AX J0049.4−7323 shows a high X-ray variability, spanning more than three orders of magnitudes, from L ≈ 1.6 × 1037 erg s−1 (0.3−8 keV, d = 62 kpc) down to L ≈ 8 × 1033 erg s−1. RXTE, Chandra, Swift, and ASCA observed, in addition to the expected enhancement of X-ray luminosity at periastron, flux variations by a factor of ~270 with peak luminosities of ≈2.1 × 1036 erg s−1 far from periastron. These properties are difficult to reconcile with the typical long-term variability of Be/XRBs, traditionally interpreted in terms of type I and type II outbursts. The study of AX J0049.4−7323 is complemented with a spectral analysis of Swift, Chandra, and XMM-Newton data which showed a softening trend when the emission becomes fainter, and an analysis of optical/UV data collected by the UVOT telescope on board Swift. In addition, we measured a secular spin-up rate of Ṗ = (−3.00 ± 0.12) × 10−3 s day−1, which suggests that the pulsar has not yet achieved its equilibrium period. Assuming spherical accretion, we estimated an upper limit for the magnetic field strength of the pulsar of ≈3 × 1012 G.

2020 ◽  
Vol 643 ◽  
pp. A62
Author(s):  
V. Doroshenko ◽  
V. Suleimanov ◽  
S. Tsygankov ◽  
J. Mönkkönen ◽  
L. Ji ◽  
...  

We report on the deep observations of the “bursting pulsar” GRO J1744–28, which were performed with XMM-Newton and aimed to clarify the origin of its X-ray emission in quiescence. We detect the source at a luminosity level of ∼1034 erg s−1 with an X-ray spectrum that is consistent with the power law, blackbody, or accretion-heated neutron star atmosphere models. The improved X-ray localization of the source allowed us to confirm the previously identified candidate optical counterpart as a relatively massive G/K III star at 8 kpc close to the Galactic center, implying an almost face-on view of the binary system. Although we could only find a nonrestricting upper limit on the pulsed fraction of ∼20%, the observed hard X-ray spectrum and strong long-term variability of the X-ray flux suggest that the source is also still accreting when not in outburst. The luminosity corresponding to the onset of centrifugal inhibition of accretion is thus estimated to be at least two orders of magnitude lower than previously reported. We discuss this finding in the context of previous studies and argue that the results indicate a multipole structure in the magnetic field with the first dipole term of ∼1010 G, which is much lower than previously assumed.


1997 ◽  
Vol 163 ◽  
pp. 289-299
Author(s):  
P. C. Joss ◽  
S. Rappaport

AbstractGRO J1744–28 is the first known X-ray source to display both bursts and periodic pulsations. This source may thus provide crucial clues that will lead to an understanding of the differences in the nature of the X-ray variability among accreting neutron stars. We deduce that the magnetic field of the neutron star is relatively weak (~ 8 × 1010G) but, nevertheless, sufficiently strong to funnel the accretion flow onto the magnetic polar caps and suppress the thermonuclear flashes that would otherwise give rise to type I X-ray bursts. We also present a series of interrelated arguments which demonstrate that the observed bursts are of type II and probably result from an instability associated with the interaction of the neutron-star magnetic field with the inner edge of the accretion disk. From these results, we infer that X-ray pulsars, GRO J1744–28, the Rapid Burster, and the type I X-ray bursters may form a sequence of possible behaviors among accreting neutron stars, with the strength of the magnetic field serving as the crucial parameter that determines the mode of X-ray variability. The companion star in the GRO J1744–28 binary system is probably a very low-mass (~ 0.2M⊙) giant that is in the final stages of losing its hydrogen-rich envelope. We have carried out binary evolution calculations which show that (1) if the mass of the giant was ~ 1M⊙when mass transfer onto the neutron star commenced, then the orbital period and the core mass of the giant have increased from ~ 1 to ~ 11.8 days and from ~ 0.15 to ~ 0.21M⊙, respectively, during the mass-transfer epoch, which has lasted for ~ 8 × 108yr, (2) the present long-term average X-ray luminosity is ~ 4 × 1036ergs s−1, which is at least two orders of magnitude lower than the luminosity at the peak of the transient outburst, and (3) the predicted long-term equilibrium rotation rate of the neutron star is remarkably close to the observed pulse rate. The transient nature of GRO J1744–28 may well be related to the final stages of dissipation of the envelope of the giant companion.


2000 ◽  
Vol 175 ◽  
pp. 713-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio Negueruela ◽  
Atsuo T. Okazaki

AbstractWe present a new scenario for the behaviour of Be/X-ray binaries based on long-term multiwavelength monitoring and the decretion disc model. The circumstellar discs of the primaries are truncated because of the tidal and resonant effect of the neutron star. The geometry of the systems and the value of viscosity determine the presence or absence of Type I X-ray outbursts. The interaction of a strongly disturbed disc with the neutron star originates Type II X-ray and optical outbursts.


2019 ◽  
Vol 628 ◽  
pp. A83 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Cova ◽  
F. Gastaldello ◽  
D. R. Wik ◽  
W. Boschin ◽  
A. Botteon ◽  
...  

Aims. We present the results of a joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observation (200 ks) of the galaxy cluster Abell 523 at z = 0.104. The peculiar morphology of the cluster radio halo and its outlier position in the radio power P(1.4 GHz) – X-ray luminosity plane make it an ideal candidate for the study of radio and X-ray correlations and for the search of inverse Compton (IC) emission. Methods. We constructed bi-dimensional maps for the main thermodynamic quantities (i.e., temperature, pressure and entropy) derived from the XMM observations to describe the physical and dynamical state of the cluster’s intracluster medium (ICM) in detail. We performed a point-to-point comparison in terms of surface brightness between the X-ray and radio emissions to quantify their morphological discrepancies. Making use of NuSTAR’s unprecedented hard X-ray focusing capability, we looked for IC emission both globally and locally after properly modeling the purely thermal component with a multi-temperature description. Results. The thermodynamic maps obtained from the XMM observation suggest the presence of a secondary merging process that could be responsible for the peculiar radio halo morphology. This hypothesis is supported by the comparison between the X-ray and radio surface brightnesses, which shows a broad intrinsic scatter and a series of outliers from the best-fit relation, corresponding to those regions that could be influenced by a secondary merger. The global NuSTAR spectrum can be explained by purely thermal gas emission, and there is no convincing evidence that an IC component is needed. The 3σ upper limit on the IC flux in the 20−80 keV band is in the [2.2−4.0] × 10−13 erg s−1 cm−2 range, implying a lower limit on the magnetic field strength in the B >  [0.23 − 0.31] μG range. Locally, we looked for IC emission in the central region of the cluster radio halo finding a 3σ upper limit on the 20−80 keV nonthermal flux of 3.17 × 10−14 erg s−1 cm−2, corresponding to a lower limit on the magnetic field strength of B ≳ 0.81 μG.


1991 ◽  
Vol 44 (20) ◽  
pp. 11302-11306 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Peter ◽  
E. Deleporte ◽  
J. M. Berroir ◽  
C. Delalande ◽  
J. M. Hong ◽  
...  

1975 ◽  
Vol 53 (20) ◽  
pp. 2998-3004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Radley ◽  
Leonard Wallace Reeves

The nematic regions of the ternary phase diagram for alkali metal decyl sulfates/decanol/D2O have been investigated. The lithium detergent system has a very restricted region of type I nematic phase which orients parallel to the magnetic field with a long time constant. The sodium detergent also forms a rather restricted nematic region which may be type II, oriented perpendicular to the magnetic field or type I oriented parallel to the magnetic field, depending on the decanol content. The rubidium and potassium detergents were insufficiently soluble to form phases while the cesium detergent forms a very extensive type II nematic phase region with wide variations in water contents and with decanol between 2 and 7 wt.%. It is clear that the cesium decyl sulfate system has considerable advantage over the sodium detergent in forming nematic phases for use as orienting media for small molecules and ions in n.m.r. studies.The partially averaged nuclear quadrupole coupling constants of Li-7, Na-23, and Cs-133 in ions and D-2 in the D2O have been used as the primary tool in investigating the phase behavior. Quadrupole couplings have been reduced to unit quadrupole moment for the nucleus. The resultant quantity "Es" in Hz b−1 reflects the strongly increasing electric field gradient induced in the monatomic ions by the nematic medium in going from Li+ to Cs+. The partially averaged quadrupole splittings which appear for the alkali metal ions in these uniaxial media are the result of distortion of the spherical symmetry of the ion and should not be interpreted in terms of degrees of orientation of the ion.


1994 ◽  
Vol 144 ◽  
pp. 29-33
Author(s):  
P. Ambrož

AbstractThe large-scale coronal structures observed during the sporadically visible solar eclipses were compared with the numerically extrapolated field-line structures of coronal magnetic field. A characteristic relationship between the observed structures of coronal plasma and the magnetic field line configurations was determined. The long-term evolution of large scale coronal structures inferred from photospheric magnetic observations in the course of 11- and 22-year solar cycles is described.Some known parameters, such as the source surface radius, or coronal rotation rate are discussed and actually interpreted. A relation between the large-scale photospheric magnetic field evolution and the coronal structure rearrangement is demonstrated.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgeny D. Filippov ◽  
Sergey S. Makarov ◽  
Konstantin F. Burdonov ◽  
Weipeng Yao ◽  
Guilhem Revet ◽  
...  

AbstractWe analyze, using experiments and 3D MHD numerical simulations, the dynamic and radiative properties of a plasma ablated by a laser (1 ns, 10$$^{12}$$ 12 –10$$^{13}$$ 13 W/cm$$^2$$ 2 ) from a solid target as it expands into a homogeneous, strong magnetic field (up to 30 T) that is transverse to its main expansion axis. We find that as early as 2 ns after the start of the expansion, the plasma becomes constrained by the magnetic field. As the magnetic field strength is increased, more plasma is confined close to the target and is heated by magnetic compression. We also observe that after $$\sim 8$$ ∼ 8  ns, the plasma is being overall shaped in a slab, with the plasma being compressed perpendicularly to the magnetic field, and being extended along the magnetic field direction. This dense slab rapidly expands into vacuum; however, it contains only $$\sim 2\%$$ ∼ 2 % of the total plasma. As a result of the higher density and increased heating of the plasma confined against the laser-irradiated solid target, there is a net enhancement of the total X-ray emissivity induced by the magnetization.


Author(s):  
Rafique Umer Harvitkar ◽  
Abhijit Joshi

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) has almost completely replaced the open procedure performed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatus hernia (HH). Several studies have suggested that long-term results with surgery for GERD are better than a medical line of management. In this retrospective study, we outline our experience with LF over 10 years. Also, we analyze the factors that would help us in better patient selection, thereby positively affecting the outcomes of surgery. Patients and Methods In this retrospective study, we identified 27 patients (14 females and 13 males) operated upon by a single surgeon from 2010 to 2020 at our institution. Out of these, 25 patients (12 females and 13 males) had GERD with type I HH and 2 (both females) had type II HH without GERD. The age range was 24 to 75 years. All patients had undergone oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD scopy). A total of 25 patients had various degrees of esophagitis. Two patients had no esophagitis. These patients were analyzed for age, sex, symptoms, preoperative evaluation, exact procedure performed (Nissen’s vs. Toupet’s vs. cruroplasty + gastropexy), morbidity/mortality, and functional outcomes. They were also reviewed to examine the length of stay, length of procedure, complications, and recurrent symptoms on follow-up. Symptoms were assessed objectively with a score for six classical GERD symptoms preoperatively and on follow-up at 1-, 4- and 6-weeks postsurgery. Further evaluation was performed after 6 months and then annually for 2 years. Results 14 females (53%) and 13 males (48%) with a diagnosis of GERD (with type I HH) and type II HH were operated upon. The mean age was 46 years (24–75 years) and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 27 (18–32). The range of duration of the preoperative symptoms was 6 months to 2 years. The average operating time dropped from 130 minutes for the first 12 cases to 90 minutes for the last 15 cases. The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2–4 days). In the immediate postoperative period, 72% (n = 18) of the patients reported improvement in the GERD symptoms, while 2 (8%) patients described heartburn (grade I, mild, daily) and 1 (4%) patient described bloating (grade I, daily). A total of 5 patients (20%) reported mild dysphagia to solids in the first 2 postoperative weeks. These symptoms settled down after 2 to 5 weeks of postoperative proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and by adjusting consistency of oral feeds. There was no conversion to open, and we observed no perioperative mortality. There were no patients who underwent redo surgeries in the series. Conclusion LF is a safe and highly effective procedure for a patient with symptoms of GERD, and it gives long-term relief from the symptoms. Stringent selection criteria are necessary to optimize the results of surgery. Experience is associated with a significant reduction of operating time.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörg Klekamp

Abstract BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of pathologies of the spinal dura is often unclear and their management controversial. OBJECTIVE: To classify spinal dural pathologies analogous to vascular aneurysms, present their symptoms and surgical results. METHODS: Among 1519 patients with spinal space-occupying lesions, 66 patients demonstrated dural pathologies. Neuroradiological and surgical features were reviewed and clinical data analyzed. RESULTS: Saccular dural diverticula (type I, n = 28) caused by defects of both dural layers, dissections between dural layers (type II, n = 29) due to defects of the inner layer, and dural ectasias (type III, n = 9) related to structural changes of the dura were distinguished. For all types, symptoms consisted of local pain followed by signs of radiculopathy or myelopathy, while one patient with dural ectasia presented a low-pressure syndrome and 10 patients with dural dissections additional spinal cord herniation. Type I and type II pathologies required occlusion of their dural defects via extradural (type I) or intradural (type II) approaches. For type III pathologies of the dural sac no surgery was recommended. Favorable results were obtained in all 14 patients with type I and 13 of 15 patients with type II pathologies undergoing surgery. CONCLUSION: The majority of dural pathologies involving root sleeves remain asymptomatic, while those of the dural sac commonly lead to pain and neurological symptoms. Type I and type II pathologies were treated with good long-term results occluding their dural defects, while ectasias of the dural sac (type III) were managed conservatively.


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