Transiting exoplanets from the CoRoT space mission X. CoRoT-10b: a giant planet in a 13.24 day eccentric orbit

Context. The space telescope CoRoT searches for transiting extrasolar planets by continuously monitoring the optical flux of thousands of stars in several fields of view. Aims. We report the discovery of CoRoT-10b, a giant planet on a highly eccentric orbit (e = 0.53 +/- 0.04) revolving in 13.24 days around a faint (V = 15.22) metal-rich K1V star. Methods. We used CoRoT photometry, radial velocity observations taken with the HARPS spectrograph, and UVES spectra of the parent star to derive the orbital, stellar, and planetary parameters. Results. We derive a radius of the planet of 0.97 +/- 0.07 R(Jup) and a mass of 2.75 +/- 0.16 M(Jup). The bulk density,rho(p) = 3.70 +/- 0.83 g cm(-3), is similar to 2.8 that of Jupiter. The core of CoRoT-10b could contain up to 240 M(circle plus) of heavy elements. Moving along its eccentric orbit, the planet experiences a 10.6-fold variation in insolation. Owing to the long circularisation time, tau(circ) > 7 Gyr, a resonant perturber is not required to excite and maintain the high eccentricity of CoRoT-10b.

X-ray phase measurements as a probe of small structural changes in doped nonlinear optical crystals

X-ray multiple diffraction experiments with synchrotron radiation were carried out on pure and doped nonlinear optical crystals: NH(4)H(2)PO(4) and KH(2)PO(4) doped with Ni and Mn, respectively. Variations in the intensity profiles were observed from pure to doped samples, and these variations correlated with shifts in the structure factor phases, also known as triplet phases. This result demonstrates the potential of X-ray phase measurements to study doping in this type of single crystal. Different methodologies for probing structural changes were developed. Dynamical diffraction simulations and curve fitting procedures were also necessary for accurate phase determination. Structural changes causing the observed phase shifts are discussed.

Logarithmic contribution to the electrical resistivity in (Ru(1-x)Ir(x))Sr(2)GdCu(2)O(8) compounds

A systematic study of magnetoresistance and dc magnetization was conducted in polycrystalline (Ru(1-x)Ir(x))Sr(2)GdCu(2)O(8) [(Ru,Ir)-1212] compounds, for 0 <= x <= 0.15. We found that a deviation from linearity in the normal-state electrical resistivity (rho) curves for temperatures below the magnetic transition temperature T(M) < 130 K can be properly described by a logarithmic term. The prefactor C(x, H) of this anomalous ln T contribution to rho(T) increases linearly with the Ir concentration, and diminishes rapidly with increasing applied magnetic field up to H approximate to 4 T, merging with the C(0,H) curve at higher magnetic fields. Correlation with magnetic susceptibility measurements supports a scenario of local perturbations in the orientation of Ru moments induced in the neighborhood of the Ir ions, therefore acting as scattering centers. The linear dependence of the prefactor C(x,H=0) and the superconducting transition temperature T(SC) on x points to a common source for the resistivity anomaly and the reduction in T(SC), suggesting that the CuO(2) and RuO(2) layers are not decoupled.

Magnetic resonant x-ray diffraction study of europium telluride

Here we use magnetic resonant x-ray diffraction to study the magnetic order in a 1.5 mu m EuTe film grown on (111) BaF(2) by molecular-beam epitaxy. At Eu L(II) and L(III) absorption edges, a resonant enhancement of more than two orders was observed for the sigma ->pi(') diffracted intensity at half-order reciprocal-lattice points, consistent with the magnetic character of the scattering. We studied the evolution of the (1/21/21/2) magnetic reflection with temperature. When heating toward the Neel temperature (T(N)), the integrated intensity decreased monotonously and showed no hysteresis upon cooling again, indicating a second-order phase transition. A power-law fit to the magnetization versus temperature curve yielded T(N)=9.99(1) K and a critical exponent beta=0.36(1), which agrees with the renormalization theory results for three-dimensional Heisenberg magnets. The fits to the sublattice magnetization dependence with temperature, disregarding and considering fourth-order exchange interactions, evidenced the importance of the latter for a correct description of magnetism in EuTe. A value of 0.009 was found for the (2j(1)+j(2))/J(2) ratio between the Heisenberg J(2) and fourth-order j(1,2) exchange constants. The magnetization curve exhibited a round-shaped region just near T(N) accompanied by an increase in the magnetic peak width, which was attributed to critical scattering above T(N). The comparison of the intensity ratio between the (1/21/21/2) and the (1/21/21/2) magnetic reflections proved that the Eu(2+) spins align within the (111) planes, and the azimuthal dependence of the (1/21/21/2) magnetic peak is consistent with the model of equally populated S domains.

gamma Cassiopeiae: an X-ray Be star with personality

An exciting unsolved problem in the study of high energy processes of early type stars concerns the physical mechanism for producing X-rays near the Be star gamma Cassiopeiae. By now we know that this source and several ""gamma Cas analogs"" exhibit an unusual hard thermal X-ray spectrum, compared both to normal massive stars and the non-thermal emission of known Be/X-ray binaries. Also, its light curve is variable on almost all conceivable timescales. In this study we reanalyze a high dispersion spectrum obtained by Chandra in 2001 and combine it with the analysis of a new (2004) spectrum and light curve obtained by XMM-Newton. We find that both spectra can be fit well with 3-4 optically thin, thermal components consisting of a hot component having a temperature kT(Q) similar to 12-14 keV, perhaps one with a value of similar to 2.4 keV, and two with well defined values near 0.6 keV and 0.11 keV. We argue that these components arise in discrete (almost monothermal) plasmas. Moreover, they cannot be produced within an integral gas structure or by the cooling of a dominant hot process. Consistent with earlier findings, we also find that the Fe abundance arising from K-shell ions is significantly subsolar and less than the Fe abundance from L-shell ions. We also find novel properties not present in the earlier Chandra spectrum, including a dramatic decrease in the local photoelectric absorption of soft X-rays, a decrease in the strength of the Fe and possibly of the Si K fluorescence features, underpredicted lines in two ions each of Ne and N (suggesting abundances that are similar to 1.5-3x and similar to 4x solar, respectively), and broadening of the strong NeXLy alpha and OVIII Ly alpha lines. In addition, we note certain traits in the gamma Cas spectrum that are different from those of the fairly well studied analog HD110432 - in this sense the stars have different ""personalities."" In particular, for gamma Cas the hot X-ray component remains nearly constant in temperature, and the photoelectric absorption of the X-ray plasmas can change dramatically. As found by previous investigators of gamma Cas, changes in flux, whether occurring slowly or in rapidly evolving flares, are only seldomly accompanied by variations in hardness. Moreover, the light curve can show a ""periodicity"" that is due to the presence of flux minima that recur semiregularly over a few hours, and which can appear again at different epochs.

Determination of the molecular weight of proteins in solution from a single small-angle X-ray scattering measurement on a relative scale

This paper describes a new and simple method to determine the molecular weight of proteins in dilute solution, with an error smaller than similar to 10%, by using the experimental data of a single small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) curve measured on a relative scale. This procedure does not require the measurement of SAXS intensity on an absolute scale and does not involve a comparison with another SAXS curve determined from a known standard protein. The proposed procedure can be applied to monodisperse systems of proteins in dilute solution, either in monomeric or multimeric state, and it has been successfully tested on SAXS data experimentally determined for proteins with known molecular weights. It is shown here that the molecular weights determined by this procedure deviate from the known values by less than 10% in each case and the average error for the test set of 21 proteins was 5.3%. Importantly, this method allows for an unambiguous determination of the multimeric state of proteins with known molecular weights.

X-ray diffraction characterisation of expanded austenite and ferrite in plasma nitrided stainless steels

The S phase, known as expanded austenite, is formed on the surfaces of austenitic stainless steels that are nitrided under low temperature plasma. A similar phase was observed for nitrided ferritic stainless steels and was designed as expanded ferrite or ferritic S phase. The authors treated samples of austenitic AISI 304L and AISI 316L and ferritic AISI 409 stainless steels by plasma nitriding at different temperatures and then studied the structural, morphological, chemical and corrosion characteristics of the modified layers by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy and electrochemical tests. For both austenitic AISI 304L and AISI 316L stainless steels, the results showed that a hard S phase layer was formed on the surfaces, promoting an anodic polarisation curve displacement to higher current density values that depend on the plasma nitriding temperature. A layer having a high amount of nitrogen was formed on the ferritic AISI 409 stainless steel. X-ray diffraction measurements indicated high strain states for the modified layers formed on the three stainless steels, being more pronounced for the ferritic S phase.

Microbial Metabolic Potential Affected by Surplus Wastewater Irrigation in Tropical Soil Cultivated with Tifton 85 Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon Pers. X C. niemfuensis Vanderyst)

Agricultural reuse of treated sewage effluent (TSE) is an environmental and economic practice; however, little is known about its effects on the characteristics and microbial function in tropical soils. The effect of surplus irrigation of a pasture with TSE, in a period of 18 months, was investigated, considering the effect of 0% surplus irrigation with TSE as a control. In addition, the experiment consisted of three surplus treatments (25%, 50%, and 100% excess) and a nonirrigated pasture area (SE) to compare the soil microbial community level physiological profiles, using the Biolog method. The TSE application increased the average substrate consumption of the soil microbial community, based on the kinetic parameters of the average well color development curve fitting. There were no significant differences between the levels of surplus irrigation treatments. Surplus TSE pasture irrigation caused minor increases in the physiological status of the soil microbial community but no detectable damage to the pasture or soil.

Right adolescent idiopathic thoracic curve (Lenke 1 A and B): does cost of instrumentation and implant density improve radiographic and cosmetic parameters?

In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) there has been a shift towards increasing the number of implants and pedicle screws, which has not been proven to improve cosmetic correction. To evaluate if increasing cost of instrumentation correlates with cosmetic correction using clinical photographs. 58 Lenke 1A and B cases from a multicenter AIS database with at least 3 months follow-up of clinical photographs were used for analysis. Cosmetic parameters on PA and forward bending photographs included angular measurements of trunk shift, shoulder balance, rib hump, and ratio measurements of waist line asymmetry. Pre-op and follow-up X-rays were measured for coronal and sagittal deformity parameters. Cost density was calculated by dividing the total cost of instrumentation by the number of vertebrae being fused. Linear regression and spearman`s correlation were used to correlate cost density to X-ray and photo outcomes. Three independent observers verified radiographic and cosmetic parameters for inter/interobserver variability analysis. Average pre-op Cobb angle and instrumented correction were 54A degrees (SD 12.5) and 59% (SD 25) respectively. The average number of vertebrae fused was 10 (SD 1.9). The total cost of spinal instrumentation ranged from $6,769 to $21,274 (Mean $12,662, SD $3,858). There was a weak positive and statistically significant correlation between Cobb angle correction and cost density (r = 0.33, p = 0.01), and no correlation between Cobb angle correction of the uninstrumented lumbar spine and cost density (r = 0.15, p = 0.26). There was no significant correlation between all sagittal X-ray measurements or any of the photo parameters and cost density. There was good to excellent inter/intraobserver variability of all photographic parameters based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 0.74-0.98). Our method used to measure cosmesis had good to excellent inter/intraobserver variability, and may be an effective tool to objectively assess cosmesis from photographs. Since increasing cost density only improves mildly the Cobb angle correction of the main thoracic curve and not the correction of the uninstrumented spine or any of the cosmetic parameters, one should consider the cost of increasing implant density in Lenke 1A and B curves. In the area of rationalization of health care expenses, this study demonstrates that increasing the number of implants does not improve any relevant cosmetic or radiographic outcomes.

Motor development curve from 0 to 12 months in infants born preterm

Aim: To trace a reference curve for motor development from birth up to 12 months of corrected chronological age in infants born preterm and low birth weight. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 308 preterm infants (53% boys) weighing < 2500 g at birth. The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) was used for motor development assessment. Results: Comparing the motor performance of preterm infants with infants from a standardized sample on the AIMS, it was found that, except for the age group of the newborn, preterm infants showed lower motor development scores in comparison with the AIMS normative sample in all age groups between 1 and 12 months. The curve of motor development showed a continuous increase in the number of motor skills of preterm infants during their first 12 months of age. However, the average of motor acquisitions of preterm infants showed a nonlinear pattern with a standard indicator of stabilization between 8 and 10 months of age. Conclusion: Preterm infants, 1-12 months of age, showed motor development AIMS scores lower than the standards established in the normative sample. The findings may contribute as norm-reference for assessing the motor development of preterm infants in follow-up programmes in developing countries.

A critical analysis of dimensions and curve fitting practice in economics

When dealing with sustainability we are concerned with the biophysical as well as the monetary aspects of economic and ecological interactions. This multidimensional approach requires that special attention is given to dimensional issues in relation to curve fitting practice in economics. Unfortunately, many empirical and theoretical studies in economics, as well as in ecological economics, apply dimensional numbers in exponential or logarithmic functions. We show that it is an analytical error to put a dimensional unit x into exponential functions ( a x ) and logarithmic functions ( x a log ). Secondly, we investigate the conditions of data sets under which a particular logarithmic specification is superior to the usual regression specification. This analysis shows that logarithmic specification superiority in terms of least square norm is heavily dependent on the available data set. The last section deals with economists’ “curve fitting fetishism”. We propose that a distinction be made between curve fitting over past observations and the development of a theoretical or empirical law capable of maintaining its fitting power for any future observations. Finally we conclude this paper with several epistemological issues in relation to dimensions and curve fitting practice in economics

Generation and validation of a normative, age-specific reference curve for lumbar spine trabecular bone score (TBS) in French women.

Age-related changes in lumbar vertebral microarchitecture are evaluated, as assessed by trabecular bone score (TBS), in a cohort of 5,942 French women. The magnitude of TBS decline between 45 and 85 years of age is piecewise linear in the spine and averaged 14.5 %. TBS decline rate increases after 65 years by 50 %. INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate age-related changes in lumbar vertebral microarchitecture, as assessed by TBS, in a cohort of French women aged 45-85 years. METHODS: An all-comers cohort of French Caucasian women was selected from two clinical centers. Data obtained from these centers were cross-calibrated for TBS and bone mineral density (BMD). BMD and TBS were evaluated at L1-L4 and for all lumbar vertebrae combined using GE-Lunar Prodigy densitometer images. Weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) also were determined. To validate our all-comers cohort, the BMD normative data of our cohort and French Prodigy data were compared. RESULTS: A cohort of 5,942 French women aged 45 to 85 years was created. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry normative data obtained for BMD from this cohort were not significantly different from French prodigy normative data (p = 0.15). TBS values at L1-L4 were poorly correlated with BMI (r = -0.17) and weight (r = -0.14) and not correlated with height. TBS values obtained for all lumbar vertebra combined (L1, L2, L3, L4) decreased with age. The magnitude of TBS decline at L1-L4 between 45 and 85 years of age was piecewise linear in the spine and averaged 14.5 %, but this rate increased after 65 years by 50 %. Similar results were obtained for other region of interest in the lumbar spine. As opposed to BMD, TBS was not affected by spinal osteoarthrosis. CONCLUSION: The age-specific reference curve for TBS generated here could therefore be used to help clinicians to improve osteoporosis patient management and to monitor microarchitectural changes related to treatment or other diseases in routine clinical practice.

Meissner effect and critical fields in an inhomogeneous Ba2HoCu3O7-x high-Tc superconductor

The Meissner and diamagnetic shielding effects and the upper, lower, and thermodynamical critical fields have been studied in a Ba2HoCu3O7-x sample using magnetization measurements in fields up to 55 kOe. The diamagnetic shielding curve shows the existence of a transition at Tc=91.5 K followed by a broad transition extending from 85 to 25 K which may be related to inhomogeneities in the oxygen content of the sample. A rather low flux expulsion (13.5%) is observed which we attribute to flux pinning or trapping. We show that the coexistence of superconducting and nonsuperconducting regions within the sample at temperatures just below Tc leads to strong reductions in the critical magnetic fields.

Long-term X-ray variability of the microquasar system LS5039/RX J1826.2-1450

We report on the results of the spectral and timing analysis of a BeppoSAX observation of the microquasar system LS 5039/RX J1826.2-1450. The source was found in a low-flux state with Fx(1-10 keV)= 4.7 x 10^{-12} erg cm^{-2} s^{-1}, which represents almost one order of magnitude lower than a previous RXTE observation 2.5 years before. The 0.1--10 keV spectrum is described by an absorbed power-law continuum with photon-number spectral index Gamma=1.8+-0.2 and hydrogen column density of NH=1.0^{+0.4}_{-0.3} x 10^{22} cm^{-2}. According to the orbital parameters of the system the BeppoSAX observation covers the time of an X-ray eclipse should one occur. However, the 1.6-10 keV light curve does not show evidence for such an event, which allows us to give an upper limit to the inclination of the system. The low X-ray flux detected during this observation is interpreted as a decrease in the mass accretion rate onto the compact object due to a decrease in the mass-loss rate from the primary.

Kaksoislaatuisesta rakenneputkesta hitsatun X-liitoksen kestävyys ja muodonmuutoskyky

Rautaruukki Oyj:n uusi Ruukki double grade S420MH/S355J2H -rakenneputki yhdistää putkilajien S420MH ja S355J2H ominaisuudet. Eurocode 3:n suunnitteluohjeiden mukaan Ruukki double graden käyttöön on sovellettava lujuusluokan S420 mukaista hitsien mitoitusta ja rakenneputkiliitosten staattista mitoituskestävyyttä alentavaa varmuuskerrointa, kun halutaan hyödyntää lujuusluokan S420 ominaisuudet Ruukki double gradea käytettäessä. Tässä työssä tutkittiin S420-lujuusluokkaa vastaavien suunnittelumääräysten soveltamistarvetta Ruukki double grade -rakenneputken käyttöön. Työn tavoitteena oli arvioida Ruukki double grade -rakenneputkesta hitsaamalla valmistetun X-liitoksen kestävyyden ja muodonmuutoskyvyn riittävyys, kun hitsit mitoitettiin S355-lujuusluokkaa vastaavien Eurocode 3:n suunnitteluohjeiden mukaisesti. X-liitosten kestävyyttä ja muodonmuutoskykyä tutkittiin kokeellisesti -40 C lämpötilassa suoritettujen laboratoriokokeiden avulla sekä analyyttisen laskennan ja elementtimenetelmän keinoin. Kestävyyden riittävyyttä arvioitiin vertaamalla laboratoriokokeista saatuja liitosten kestävyyksiä Eurocode 3:n ja myötöviivateorian mukaisiin kestävyyksiin. Elementtimenetelmän ja laboratoriokokeen pohjalta piirrettyjä liitoksen voima-siirtymäkuvaajia vertailtiin keskenään, kun elementtimalli analysoitiin eri materiaalimalleilla. Lisäksi verrattiin elementtimallin voima-venymäkuvaajia liitoksen venymäliuskan arvoihin. Kaikki koesarjan S355-lujuusluokan mukaisilla hitsin a-mitoilla valmistetut liitokset täyttivät kestävyydelle ja muodonmuutoskyvylle asetetut vaatimukset. Täten tämän koesarjan perusteella ei ollut tarpeellista soveltaa S420-lujuusluokan mukaista hitsien mitoitusta ja staattista mitoituskestävyyttä alentavaa varmuuslukua Ruukki double grade -rakenneputkeen. Elementtimenetelmästä ja laboratoriokokeesta saadut liitoksen voima-siirtymäkuvaajat vastasivat hyvin toisiaan. Sen sijaan elementtimallin voima-venymä-kuvaajat eivät vastanneet venymäliuskojen mittausdataa kovin hyvin.