Higher Initial Mass Research Articles

Three-micron spectra of AGB stars and supergiants in nearby galaxies

The dependence of stellar molecular bands on the metallicity is studied using infrared L-band spectra of AGB stars (both carbon-rich and oxygen-rich) and M-type supergiants in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC and SMC) and in the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy. The spectra cover SiO bands for oxygen-rich stars, and acetylene (C2H2), CH and HCN bands for carbon-rich AGB stars. The equivalent width of acetylene is found to be high even at low metallicity. The high C2H2 abundance can be explained with a high carbon-to-oxygen (C/O) ratio for lower metallicity carbon stars. In contrast, the HCN equivalent width is low: fewer than half of the extra-galactic carbon stars show the 3.5 µm HCN band, and only a few LMC stars show high HCN equivalent width. HCN abundances are limited by both nitrogen and carbon elemental abundances. The amount of synthesized nitrogen depends on the initial mass, and stars with high luminosity (i.e. high initial mass) could have a high HCN abundance. CH bands are found in both the extra-galactic and Galactic carbon stars. One SMC post-AGB star, SMC-S2, shows the 3.3 µm PAH band. This first detection of a PAH band from an SMC post-AGB star confirms PAHs can form in these low-metallicity stars. None of the oxygen-rich LMC stars show SiO bands, except one possible detection in a low quality spectrum. The limits on the equivalent widths of the SiO bands are below the expectation of up to 30 A for LMC metallicity. Several possible explanations are discussed, mostly based on the effect of pulsation and circumstellar dust. The observations imply that LMC and SMC carbon stars could reach mass-loss rates as high as their Galactic counterparts, because there are more carbon atoms available and more carbonaceous dust can be formed. On the other hand, the lack of SiO suggests less dust and lower mass-loss rates in low-metallicity oxygen-rich stars. The effect on the ISM dust enrichment is discussed.

The Ofpe/WN9 Stars in M33

We present HST/STIS Ultraviolet spectra of the six known Ofpe/WN9 stars (``slash stars'') in M33. These stars were selected for showing the characteristics of the Ofpe/WN9 class from previous optical ground-based spectroscopy. The UV spectra are rich in wind lines, whose strength and terminal velocity vary greatly among our target sample. We analyse the STIS spectra with non-LTE, line blanketed, spherical models with hydrodynamics, computed with the WM-basic code. We find C to be underabundant and N overabundant, respect to the solar values, with a ratio (by mass) of C/N between 0.02 to 0.9 across the sample. Some stars show very conspicuous wind lines (P Cygni profiles), while two stars have extremely weak winds. The mass-loss rates thus vary greatly across the sample. The mass-loss rates of the hottest stars are lower than typical values of WNL stars, but higher than expected for normal population I massive stars. There is indication that the mass-loss rates may be variable in time. The C/N ratio, and the other physical parameters derived by the spectral modeling (Teff, Lbol, mass), are consistent with evolutionary calculations for objects with moderately high initial masses (approx 30-50 solar masses), evolving towards the WNL stage through an enhanced mass-loss phase.

Wolf--Rayet binaries in the Magellanic Clouds and implications for massive-star evolution -- I. Small Magellanic Cloud

We have carried out an intensive spectroscopic campaign to search for binaries via periodic radial velocity (RV) variations among all the nitrogen-rich WN Wolf‐Rayet (WR) stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), and all WNE stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). We present in this first paper the results for the SMC. Along with the results of Bartzakos et al. on the only carbon/oxygen-rich WR star (AB8, WO4+O4), the whole WR population of the SMC (11 stars) has now been investigated intensively for periodic RV variability. We have also retrieved time-dependent photometric data in the public domain from the OGLE and MACHO projects, and X-ray data from the ROSAT and Chandra archives, to provide additional constraints on the binary character. Contrary to theoretical expectations that predict a virtually 100 per cent binary frequency in the SMC, we find a normal (∼40 per cent) WR binary frequency in this galaxy. We also find the clear presence of hydrogen in the winds of the single WR stars in the SMC, even for the stars with an early spectral subtype. We discuss the possible reasons and implications of this for stellar evolution of massive stars in such a low-metallicity environment, e.g. the influence of rotation versus the necessity of a very high initial mass of the progenitors for single stars, and the possible past occurrence of Roche lobe overflow for binaries.

Thick disk and old disk carbon-rich giants in the Sun vicinity

Making use of the HIPPARCOS data and rening a previous study of the space distribution of the carbon-rich giant stars located in the vicinity of the Sun (Paper I), we fully investigate their space distributions and space velocities on the basis of our photometric grouping (CVi i.e. carbon variable stars with i =1t o 7; HCj i.e. hot carbon stars with j = 0 to 5). As expected, the CH stars (a subset of the HC stars delineated on the grounds of spectroscopic criteria) need to be considered separately. We also used groupings according to variability classes. The various biases aecting the use of the data are taken into account as far as possible. The mean distance to the Galactic plane of the faint (hMboli 3:5) HC-stars amounts to 0.5 kpc compared to 0.15 kpc for the bright (hMboli 3:5) CV-stars. Exponentially decreasing distributions are t with distance scales of 0:95 0:06 kpc and 0.19 kpc respectively, and a normalization factor of 5.2% to 7.3% for the former component, compatible with a thick disk and thin disk respectively. Projected surface densities on the Plane are given with a total of about 76 kpc 2 , including 6% of CH stars and at least 18% for the other HC-stars (namely the HC'-sample). While halo-type velocities are found for CH stars with a substantial drift of 112 km s 1 ,t he solar reflex velocities and residual-velocity dispersions for the HC'-sample are about twice those of the CV-sample, close to thick disk and thin disk values respectively. In summary, we identify the HC-sample as a component of the thick disk contaminated by the CH stars which are a spheroidal contribution, and possibly by CV-stars at HC5. As expected, the CV-sample is a component of the old (thin) disk, dated from AVR, (3 1) Gyr on average, but with a likely spread from a few 10 8 Myr up to 8 12 Gyr: While the former (HC) represents very old low mass stars (initial masses less than 1:15 M but subject to mass-loss), the latter (CV) are younger stars with higher initial masses on average (up to a few solar masses). The high frequency of HC'-stars rules out models requiring rare events. Better modeling of mixing events in low mass stars on the RGB and AGB could help. Less dragged up carbon is needed to transform the low-mass stars with a low O/H ratio into carbon giants.

Evaluation of Soil Vapor Extraction and Bioventing for a Petroleum-Contaminated Shallow Aquifer in Korea

The feasibility of soil vapor extraction and bioventing technologies was examined for a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated site. The test site was highly contaminated with toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, due to leakage from petroleum storage tanks. Three respiration tests demonstrated that the test site conditions were appropriate for application of air-based remediation technologies. The oxygen consumption rates ranged from 4.32 to 7.68 %-O2/day and biodegradation rates ranged from 2.72 to 4.84 mg/kg-day in respiration tests. In a 120-day soil vapor extraction pilot test, high initial mass removals (with tailing effects) were observed. As expected for the soil vapor extraction, the volatilization rate was much higher than the biodegradation rate. In a bioventing trial, the biodegradation effect was predominant, but a tailing effect was not observed. From this study, the suggested sequence of remediation is to construct an integrated system of soil vapor extraction and bioventing and initially operate the soil vapor extraction system until the volatilization rate becomes smaller than the biodegradation rate. After that, the system needs to be changed over to a bioventing mode. Field demonstration supports the feasibility of the proposed integrated system.

Changes in Serum PBB and PCB Levels over Time among Women of Varying Ages at Exposure

The identification of host factors that are predictors of changes in serum polyhalogenated biphenyl contaminants over time has been a difficult challenge in epidemiologic studies of exposed individuals. Of particular concern are age at exposure, reproductive and lactational histories, and changes in body mass index. Using both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches, this study examined factors related to high initial serum PBB and PCB levels and changes in these levels over time among women of varying ages at exposure (n=1772; age range<1 to 45 years). In 1973, PBB exposure occurred through consumption of farm products contaminated with PBB added to cattle feed. Exposures to PCBs began in 1941 through PCB-contaminated silo sealant deteriorating into animal feed. The Michigan Department of Public Health began enrolling participants in 1977 and has continued to follow them through annual updates. At enrollment, questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric measurements, medical/reproductive and occupational histories, and contaminated food consumption patterns. Blood samples were collected for PBB and PCB analysis at enrollment for all participants; additional serum tests were done on a subset of the population during follow-up. Median serum levels at enrollment were 2.0 ppb PBB and 5.0 ppb PCB. A decline in serum PBB level over an interval that ranged from 1 to 146 months (median=31) was observed for 44.6% of the women (median=1.0 ppb), while 12.2% showed an increase (median=1.0 ppb). PCB levels declined in 50.3% of the women (median=3.0 ppb) while 12.2% increased (median=2.0 ppb). Relative to women whose contaminant levels were stable, higher initial serum level was a predictor of decline for both PBB and PCB (OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.52–1.82; OR=3.26, 95% CI 2.58–4.12, respectively); a yearly increase in interval between tests was related to declining PCBs (OR=1.65, 95% CI 1.46–1.87). In addition, age≤10 years at exposure (OR=1.72, 95% CI 1.03–2.86) and residence on a quarantined farm (OR=1.40, 95− CI 1.03–1.90) were predictors of a decrease in PBBs. Factors related to an increase in PBB levels were age≤10 years at exposure (OR=0.30, 95% CI 0.10–0.96) and initial PBB level (OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.15–1.33); and for PCBs, high initial level (OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.17–1.53) and body mass index (OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.13). One or more live births during the interval between tests were not related to changing levels of either contaminant; breastfeeding data were not available for examination. Early age at exposure appears to be an important predictor of changes in serum PBB levels OVER TIME.

Monte Carlo Simulations of Globular Cluster Evolution. II. Mass Spectra, Stellar Evolution, and Lifetimes in the Galaxy

We study the dynamical evolution of globular clusters using our new 2-D Monte Carlo code, and we calculate the lifetimes of clusters in the Galactic environment. We include the effects of a mass spectrum, mass loss in the Galactic tidal field, and stellar evolution. We consider initial King models containing N = 10^5 - 3x10^5 stars, and follow the evolution up to core collapse, or disruption, whichever occurs first. We find that the lifetimes of our models are significantly longer than those obtained using 1-D Fokker-Planck (F-P) methods. We also find that our results are in very good agreement with recent 2-D F-P calculations, for a wide range of initial conditions. Our results show that the direct mass loss due to stellar evolution can significantly accelerate the mass loss through the tidal boundary, causing most clusters with a low initial central concentration (Wo <~ 3) to disrupt quickly in the Galactic tidal field. Only clusters born with high initial central concentrations (Wo >~ 7) or steep initial mass functions are likely to survive to the present and undergo core collapse. We also study the orbital characteristics of escaping stars, and find that the velocity distribution of escaping stars in collapsing clusters looks significantly different from the distribution in disrupting clusters. We calculate the lifetime of a cluster on an eccentric orbit in the Galaxy, such that it fills its Roche lobe only at perigalacticon. We find that such an orbit can extend the lifetime by at most a factor of a few compared to a circular orbit in which the cluster fills its Roche lobe at all times.

A search for peculiar objects in young open clusters

We present the first results of a search in young open clusters for stars of very high initial mass, carried out by means of slitless spectroscopy. A deep ($R\simeq17$) survey of the open cluster NGC 6871 reveals many new objects of late spectral type, including an S star, as well as three new emission line stars, which are classified as Be stars. The already known Be star HD 227733 is surrounded by a previously undetected reflection nebula. The star VES 145, classified as an emission line object, is actually a late-type star, without any emission feature. We argue that VES 145 is a young RSG of a very high mass ($M_0\simeq 25 M_{\odot}$) and a cluster member.

Liquid-solid mass transfer from a wall in contact with a gas/liquid interface undergoing wave motion

Experimental data are presented for mass transfer from a discrete area on a vertical wall near an air/water interface undergoing wave motion. The local mass transfer rate near the interface was found to be well correlated by Sh=Re00.5Sc1/3, which is much higher than that for a steady unidirectional flow over a flat plate with the same mean velocity considering the contact time between the wall and the liquid. Visualization studies showed that the high local mass transfer rate was related to the periodic renewal of the boundary layer near the wall and the extremely high initial mass transfer rate during the establishment of a new concentration field.

Effect of Initial Mass on Growth and Mortality at Low pH in Tadpoles of Pseudacris clarkii and Bufo valliceps

Effect of Initial Mass on Growth and Mortality at Low pH in Tadpoles of Pseudacris clarkii and Bufo valliceps

Thermodynamics of gas and steam-blast eruptions

Eruptions of gas or steam and non-juvenile debris are common in volcanic and hydrothermal areas. From reports of non-juvenile eruptions or eruptive sequences world-wide, at least three types (or end-members) can be identified: (1) those involving rock and liquid water initially at boiling-point temperatures (‘boiling-point eruptions’); (2) those powered by gas (primarily water vapor) at initial temperatures approaching magmatic (‘gas eruptions’); and (3) those caused by rapid mixing of hot rock and ground- or surface water (‘mixing eruptions’). For these eruption types, the mechanical energy released, final temperatures, liquid water contents and maximum theoretical velocities are compared by assuming that the erupting mixtures of rock and fluid thermally equilibrate, then decompress isentropically from initial, near-surface pressure (≤10 MPa) to atmospheric pressure. Maximum mechanical energy release is by far greatest for gas eruptions (≤∼1.3 MJ/kg of fluid-rock mixture)-about one-half that of an equivalent mass of gunpowder and one-fourth that of TNT. It is somewhat less for mixing eruptions (≤∼0.4 MJ/kg), and least for boiling-point eruptions (≤∼0.25 MJ/kg). The final water contents of crupted boiling-point mixtures are usually high, producing wet, sloppy deposits. Final erupted mixtures from gas eruptions are nearly always dry, whereas those from mixing eruptions vary from wet to dry. If all the enthalpy released in the eruptions were converted to kinetic energy, the final velocity (v max) of these mixtures could range up to 670 m/s for boiling-point eruptions and 1820 m/s for gas eruptions (highest for high initial pressure and mass fractions of rock (m r) near zero). For mixing eruptions, v max ranges up to 1150 m/s. All observed eruption velocities are less than 400 m/s, largely because (1) most solid material is expelled when m r is high, hence v max is low; (2) observations are made of large blocks the velocities of which may be less than the average for the mixture; (3) heat from solid particles is not efficiently transferred to the fluid during the eruptions; and (4) maximum velocities are reduced by choked flow or friction in the conduit.

Collapse and fragmentation of molecular cloud cores. 2: Collapse induced by stellar shock waves

The standard scenario for low-mass star formation involves 'inside-out' collapse of a dense molecular cloud core following loss of magnetic field support through ambipolar diffusion. However, isotopic anomalies in presolar grains and meteoritical inclusions imply that the collapse of the presolar cloud may have been triggered by a stellar shock wave. This paper explores 'outside-in' collapse, that is, protostellar collapse initiated directly by the compression of quiescent dense cloud cores impacted by relatively slow stellar shock waves. A second-order accurate, gravitational hydrodynamics code has been used to study both the spherically symmetrical and three-dimensional evolution of initially centrally condensed, isothermal, self-gravitating, solar-mass cloud cores that are struck by stellar shock waves with velocities up to 25 km/s and postshock temperatures of 10 to 10,000 K. The models show that such mild shock waves do not completely shred and destroy the cloud, and that the dynamical ram pressure can compress the cloud to the verge of self-gravitational collapse. However, compression caused by a high postshock temperature is a considerably more effective means of inducing collapse. Shock-induced collapse produces high initial mass accretion rates (greater than 10(exp -4) solar mass/yr in a solar-mass cloud) that decline rapidly to much lower values, depending on the presence (approximately 10(exp -6) solar mass/yr) or absence (approximately 10(exp -8) to 10(exp -7) solar mass/yr) of an infinite reservoir of mass. Stellar mass accretion rates approximately 10(exp -7) solar mass/yr have been previously inferred from the luminosities of T Tauri stars; balanced mass accretion (stellar rate = envelope rate) at approximately 10(exp -7) solar mass/yr could then be possible if accretion occurs from a finite mass reservoir. Fluid tracers are used to determine what fraction of the stellar shock material is incorporated into the resulting protostellar object and disk; roughly half the impinging material is injected into the collapsing cloud core when there is a high postshock temperature. The models are consistent with a scenario where an AGB star wind triggered the collapse of the presolar cloud while injecting about 0.01 solar mass of matter derived from the AGB star envelope, as has been separately inferred on the basis of nucleosynthesis calculations.

Experimental Study of Effect of Initial Clad Temperature on Reflood Phenomena during PWR-LOCA

Integral system tests with the Cylindrical Core Test Facility (CCTF) were performed to investigate the effect of the initial clad temperature on the reflood phenomena in a PWRLOCA. The initial peak clad temperatures in these three tests were 871, 968 and 1,047 K, respectively. The feedback of the system on the core inlet mass flow rate was estimated to be little influenced by the variation of the initial clad temperature except for the first 20 s in the transient. The observed temperature rise from the reflood initiation was lower with the higher initial clad temperature. This qualitatively agreed with the results of the small scale forced feed reflood experiments. However, the magnitude of the temperature rise in CCTF was significantly low due to the high initial core inlet mass flow rate. Also observed were the multi-dimensional thermal behaviors for the three cases in the CCTF wide core. The analysis codes REFLA and TRAC reasonably predicted the effect of the initial clad temperature on the core thermo...

A quantitative cytochemical investigation of the relationship between cell mass and initiation of DNA synthesis in mouse fibroblasts in vitro

The mass of cells entering interphase after cell division, initial mass ( m o ), and the cell mass at the stage of initiation of DNA synthesis ( m G1 ) were determined in 21 populations of mouse fibroblasts in vitro (L-cells) which exhibited different m o values. Cells in populations with low initial masses had to synthesize more mass before the onset of DNA synthesis than cells in populations with high initial masses. In addition, these smaller cells required more time for this mass synthesis than the bigger cells. The generation times were found to be almost identical for the different L-cell populations. Cells in populations with low initial masses therefore spent a relatively long time in the G1 and a relatively short time in the S + G2 phases of the cell cycle. The opposite applied when the cell populations had high initial masses. These findings support the hypothesis that initiation of DNA synthesis is dependent on the cell mass.