Context.
Over its 13 yr of operation (1990–2002), the Faint Object Camera (FOC) on board the
Hubble
Space Telescope (HST) observed 26 individual active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in ultraviolet (UV) ...imaging polarimetry. However, not all of the observations have been reduced and analyzed or set within a standardized framework.
Aims.
We plan to reduce and analyze the AGN observations that have been neglected in the FOC archives using a consistent, novel, and open-access reduction pipeline of our own. We then extend the method to the full AGN sample, thus leading to potential discoveries in the near future.
Methods.
We developed a new pipeline in Python that will be able to reduce all the FOC observations in imaging polarimetry in a homogeneous way. Most of the previously published reduced observations are dispersed throughout the literature, with the range of different analyses and approaches making it difficult to fully interpret the FOC AGN sample. By standardizing the method, we have enabled a coherent comparison among the different observational sets.
Results.
In this first paper of a series exploring the full HST/FOC AGN sample, we present an exhaustively detailed account of how to properly reduce the observational data. Current progress in cross-correlation functions, convolution kernels, and a sophisticated merging and smoothing of the various polarization filter images, together with precise propagation of errors, has provided state-of-the-art UV polarimetric maps. We compare our new maps to the benchmark AGN case of NGC 1068 and successfully reproduce the main results previously published, while pushing the polarimetric exploration of this AGN futher, thanks to a finer resolution and a higher signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) than previously reported. We also present, for the first time, an optical polarimetric map of the radio-loud AGN IC 5063 and we examine the complex interactions between the AGN outflows and the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM).
Conclusions.
Thanks to our newly and standardized reduction pipeline, we were able to explore the full HST/FOC AGN sample, starting with observations that had not been previously published (e.g., IC 5063 here). This pipeline will allow us to make a complete atlas of UV polarimetric images of the 26 unique AGNs observed by the FOC, highlighting the importance and necessity of (imaging) polarimeters for the upcoming new generation of 30-m class telescopes.
ABSTRACT
We present polarimetric maps of the Circinus galaxy nucleus in the BVRI bands, obtained with VLT/FORS2. Circinus is the closest Seyfert 2 galaxy and harbours an archetypal obscured active ...galactic nucleus (AGN). Recent high angular resolution imaging revealed that a major fraction of its mid-infrared (MIR) emission is coming from the polar region. Previously, we demonstrated that these observations are consistent with a model of a compact dusty disc and a hyperboloid shell, resembling a hollow cone on larger scales. Here, we focus on the AGN core, up to 40 pc from the central engine, and compare the observations to the radiative transfer models. Polarization maps reveal a conical structure, coinciding with the ionization cone. The wavelength-dependence of the polarization degree indicates that scattering on dust grains is producing polarization. The observed polarization degree ($\approx 1-3{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) is lower than predicted by the models; however, this is only a lower limit, since stellar emission dominates the total flux in the optical. The observed polarization angle (≈30°) is reproduced by the model of a dusty disc with a hollow cone that is illuminated by a tilted anisotropic central source. An accretion disc aligned with the ionization cone axis, and alternative dust geometries, such as a paraboloid shell, or a torus enveloped by ambient dust, are inconsistent with the data. We conclude that the optical polarimetric imaging supports earlier evidence for the presence of dust in the polar region, tentatively associated with dusty outflows.
During the preparation of anti-cancer drugs, mutual verification with another pharmacist is performed to prevent preparation mistakes. In a small-to-medium sized hospital with relatively few ...pharmacists, it is common for nurses to perform verifications. The nurses approach the safety cabinet only lightly protected by their clothing. Thus, occupational exposure to anti-cancer drugs, which are hazard drugs is a concern. To prevent occupational exposure, we implemented and investigated the effectiveness of an “anti-cancer drug preparation camera support system”, which allowed two-way communication and video recording between an anti-cancer drug preparation room and a pharmacy preparation room at different locations. The amount of exposure to anti-cancer drugs was defined as the time required to verify the anti-cancer drug. The average daily exposure time was calculated based on the number of verifications and the average time for each verification. This value was then compared with the exposure time when the camera system was implemented. In addition, the frequency of work interruption when a pharmacist verified, after the introduction, was assessed. The effectiveness of the camera supported system was validated, the verification time for anti-cancer drugs was reduced from 48.9±9.3 minutes/day to 4.4±0.9 minutes/day. This means that the occupational exposure time of 48.9±9.3 min/day for nurses was reduced to zero and the occupational exposure time for dispensing pharmacists was reduced to 4.4±0.9 min/day. In addition, it allowed pharmacists to properly confirm anti-cancer drugs preparations.
Infrared interferometry of the local active galactic nucleus (AGN) has revealed a warm (∼300-400 K) polar dust structure that cannot be trivially explained by the putative dust torus of the unified ...model. This led to the development of the disk+wind scenario which comprises a hot (∼1000 K) compact equatorial dust disk and a polar dust wind. This wind is assumed to be driven by radiation pressure and, therefore, we would expect that long-term variation in radiation pressure would influence the dust distribution. In this paper we attempt to quantify if and how the dust distribution changes with radiation pressure. We analyze so far unpublished Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI)/MID-infrared Interferometer (MIDI) data on 8 AGN and use previous results on 25 more to create a sample of 33 AGN. This sample comprises all AGN successfully observed with VLTI/MIDI. For each AGN, we calculate the Eddington ratio, using the intrinsic 2-10 keV X-ray luminosity and black hole mass, and compare this to the resolved dust emission fraction as seen by MIDI. We tentatively conclude that there is more dust in the wind at higher Eddington ratios, at least in type 2 AGN where such an effect is expected to be more easily visible.
Infrared interferometry of Seyfert galaxies has revealed that their warm (300-400 K) dust emission originates primarily from polar regions instead of from an equatorial dust torus as predicted by the ...classic AGN unification scheme. We present new data for the type 1.2 object ESO 323-G77 obtained with the MID-infrared interferometric Instrument and a new detailed morphological study of its warm dust. The partially resolved emission on scales between 5 and 50 mas (1.6-16 pc) is decomposed into a resolved and an unresolved source. Approximately 65% of the correlated flux between 8 and 13 m is unresolved at all available baseline lengths. The remaining 35% is partially resolved and shows angular structure. From geometric modeling, we find that the emission is elongated along a position angle of 155° 14° with an axis ratio (major/minor) of 2.9 0.3. Because the system axis is oriented in the position angle 174° 2°, we conclude that the dust emission of this object is also polar extended. A CAT3D-WIND radiative transfer model of a dusty disk and a dusty wind with a half opening angle of 30° can reproduce both the interferometric data and the SED, while a classical torus model is unable to fit the interferometric data. We interpret this as further evidence that a polar dust component is required even for low-inclination type 1 sources.
The taste and mouthfeel of oral pediatric medications markedly affect adherence. Although they are taken with water, when this is not possible, these medications are often mixed with beverages and ...foods other than water. At the time of medication instruction, parents may make inquiries regarding the combination of drugs with beverages/foods. Therefore, we conducted a sensory test on the combination of drugs that are frequently prescribed to children with beverages/foods, and created a list. The target drugs were antibacterial agents (1 dry syrup and 4 fine granules), 1 antipyretic analgesic (fine granules), and 1 corticosteroid (crushed tablet). In the test, the ease of drinking was scored on the assumption that the drug was actually taken internally, and the average value was used as an index of the ease of taking the drug with beverages and foods. The results of the sensory test showed that clarithromycin was easy to drink with water, and zithromycin, widecillin, carbocisteine, tosufloxacin, caronal, tomilon, and prednisolone with chocolate ice cream or strawberry jam. In some combinations, significantly changes were noted in the tastes of beverages and foods when they were taken with drugs. This list is considered to be a standard tool for medication instruction.
We examined whether medication instruction by hospital pharmacists functioned as a factor to avoid unexpected readmission for patients discharged from hospitals to community-based care wards.Starting ...from May 1, 2017, when hospital pharmacists started drug management guidance work in hospitals for discharge to community-based care wards, we surveyed patients discharged between the period 75 days before (n=120) and 75 days after (n=137) the intervention. Medication guidance was not yet implemented in 76 patients (non-medication guidance group) and implemented in 61 patients (medication guidance group).The number of unscheduled readmissions within 30 days after discharge was significantly lower in the group after the start of drug management guidance (8.8%) than in the group before the start of drug management guidance (17.5%) (p=0.02).The number of unscheduled readmissions after the start of drug management guidance work was significantly lower in the medication guidance group (3.3%) than in the non-medication guidance group (13.2%) (p=0.03). Furthermore, the number of readmissions due to drug-induced factors was significantly lower in the medication guidance group (0.0%) than in the non-medication guidance group (6.6%) (p=0.04).This study found that medication guidance by hospital pharmacists in the hospitals for discharge to community-based care wards significantly reduced unplanned readmissions due to drug-induced factors within 30 days of discharge.
ABSTRACT The Fe K emission line is the most ubiquitous feature in the X-ray spectra of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), but the origin of its narrow core remains uncertain. Here, we investigate the ...connection between the sizes of the Fe K core emission regions and the measured sizes of the dusty tori in 13 local Type 1 AGNs. The observed Fe K emission radii (RFe) are determined from spectrally resolved line widths in X-ray grating spectra, and the dust sublimation radii (Rdust) are measured either from optical/near-infrared (NIR) reverberation time lags or from resolved NIR interferometric data. This direct comparison shows, on an object-by-object basis, that the dust sublimation radius forms an outer envelope to the bulk of the Fe K emission. RFe matches Rdust well in the AGNs, with the best constrained line widths currently. In a significant fraction of objects without a clear narrow line core, RFe is similar to, or smaller than, the radius of the optical broad line region. These facts place important constraints on the torus geometries for our sample. Extended tori in which the solid angle of fluorescing gas peaks at well beyond the dust sublimation radius can be ruled out. We also test for luminosity scalings of RFe, finding that the Eddington ratio is not a prime driver in determining the line location in our sample. We also discuss in detail potential caveats of data analysis and instrumental limitations, simplistic line modeling, uncertain black hole masses, and sample selection, showing that none of these is likely to bias our core result. The calorimeter on board Astro-H will soon vastly increase the parameter space over which line measurements can be made, overcoming many of these limitations.
The near-IR emission in Type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is thought to be dominated by the thermal radiation from dust grains that are heated by the central engine in the UV/optical and are ...almost at the sublimation temperature. A brightening of the central source can thus further sublimate the innermost dust, leading to an increase in the radius of the near-IR emitting region. Such changes in radius have been indirectly probed by the measurements of the changes in the time lag between the near-IR and UV/optical light variation. Here we report direct evidence for such a receding sublimation region through the near-IR interferometry of the brightest Type 1 AGN in NGC 4151. The increase in radius follows a significant brightening of the central engine with a delay of at least a few years, which is thus the implied destruction timescale of the innermost dust distribution. Compiling historic flux variations and radius measurements, we also infer the reformation timescale for the inner dust distribution to be several years in this galactic nucleus. More specifically and quantitatively, we find that the radius at a given time seems to be correlated with a long-term average of the flux over the previous several (~6) years, instead of the instantaneous flux. Finally, we also report measurements of three more Type 1 AGNs newly observed with the Keck interferometer, as well as the second epoch measurements for three other AGNs.
PDF
