Nuclear and extended spectra of NGC 1068-II. Near-infrared stellar population synthesis

We performed stellar population synthesis on the nuclear and extended regions of NGC 1068 by means of near-infrared spectroscopy to disentangle their spectral energy distribution components. This is the first time that such a technique is applied to the whole 0.8-2.4 mu m wavelength interval in this galaxy. NGC 1068 is one of the nearest and probably the most studied Seyfert 2 galaxy, becoming an excellent laboratory to study the interaction between black holes, the jets that they can produce and the medium in which they propagate. Our main result is that traces of young stellar population are found at similar to 100 pc south of the nucleus. The contribution of a power-law continuum in the centre is about 25 per cent, which is expected if the light is scattered from a Seyfert 1 nucleus. We find peaks in the contribution of the featureless continuum about 100-150 pc from the nucleus on both sides. They might be associated with regions where the jet encounters dense clouds. Further support to this scenario is given by the peaks of hot dust distribution found around these same regions and the H(2) emission-line profile, leading us to propose that the peaks might be associated to regions where stars are being formed. Hot dust also has an important contribution to the nuclear region, reinforcing the idea of the presence of a dense, circumnuclear torus in this galaxy. Cold dust appears mostly in the south direction, which supports the view that the south-west emission is behind the plane of the galaxy and is extinguished very likely by dust in the plane. Intermediate-age stellar population contributes significantly to the continuum, especially in the inner 200 pc.

CHANDRA AND SPITZER IMAGING OF THE INFRARED CLUSTER IN NGC 2071

We present results of a sensitive Chandra X-ray observation and Spitzer mid-infrared (mid-IR) observations of the IR cluster lying north of the NGC 2071 reflection nebula in the Orion B molecular cloud. We focus on the dense cluster core known as NGC 2071-IR, which contains at least nine IR sources within a 40 `` x 40 `` region. This region shows clear signs of active star formation including powerful molecular outflows, Herbig-Haro objects, and both OH and H(2)O masers. We use Spitzer Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) images to aid in X-ray source identification and to determine young stellar object (YSO) classes using mid-IR colors. Spitzer IRAC colors show that the luminous source IRS 1 is a class I protostar. IRS 1 is believed to be driving a powerful bipolar molecular outflow and may be an embedded B-type star or its progenitor. Its X-ray spectrum reveals a fluorescent Fe emission line at 6.4 keV, arising in cold material near the protostar. The line is present even in the absence of large flares, raising questions about the nature of the ionizing mechanism responsible for producing the 6.4 keV fluorescent line. Chandra also detects X-ray sources at or near the positions of IRS 2, IRS 3, IRS 4, and IRS 6 and a variable X-ray source coincident with the radio source VLA 1, located just 2 `` north of IRS 1. No IR data are yet available to determine a YSO classification for VLA 1, but its high X-ray absorption shows that it is even more deeply embedded than IRS 1, suggesting that it could be an even younger, less-evolved protostar.

Global properties of `ordinary` early-type galaxies: photometry and spectroscopy of stars and globular clusters in NGC 4494

We present a comprehensive analysis of the spatial, kinematic and chemical properties of stars and globular clusters (GCs) in the `ordinary` elliptical galaxy NGC 4494 using data from the Keck and Subaru telescopes. We derive galaxy surface brightness and colour profiles out to large galactocentric radii. We compare the latter to metallicities derived using the near-infrared Calcium Triplet. We obtain stellar kinematics out to similar to 3.5 effective radii. The latter appear flattened or elongated beyond similar to 1.8 effective radii in contrast to the relatively round photometric isophotes. In fact, NGC 4494 may be a flattened galaxy, possibly even an S0, seen at an inclination of similar to 45 degrees. We publish a catalogue of 431 GC candidates brighter than i(0) = 24 based on the photometry, of which 109 are confirmed spectroscopically and 54 have measured spectroscopic metallicities. We also report the discovery of three spectroscopically confirmed ultra-compact dwarfs around NGC 4494 with measured metallicities of -0.4 less than or similar to [Fe/H] less than or similar to -0.3. Based on their properties, we conclude that they are simply bright GCs. The metal-poor GCs are found to be rotating with similar amplitude as the galaxy stars, while the metal-rich GCs show marginal rotation. We supplement our analysis with available literature data and results. Using model predictions of galaxy formation, and a suite of merger simulations, we find that many of the observational properties of NGC 4494 may be explained by formation in a relatively recent gas-rich major merger. Complete studies of individual galaxies incorporating a range of observational avenues and methods such as the one presented here will be an invaluable tool for constraining the fine details of galaxy formation models, especially at large galactocentric radii.

Discovery of two distinct red clumps in NGC 419: a rare snapshot of a cluster at the onset of degeneracy

Colour-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) star cluster NGC 419, derived from Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) data, reveal a well-delineated secondary clump located below the classical compact red clump typical of intermediate-age populations. We demonstrate that this feature belongs to the cluster itself, rather than to the underlying SMC field. Then, we use synthetic CMDs to show that it corresponds very well to the secondary clump predicted to appear as a result of He-ignition in stars just massive enough to avoid e(-)-degeneracy settling in their H-exhausted cores. The main red clump instead is made of the slightly less massive stars which passed through e(-) degeneracy and ignited He at the tip of the red giant branch. In other words, NGC 419 is the rare snapshot of a cluster while undergoing the fast transition from classical to degenerate H-exhausted cores. At this particular moment of a cluster`s life, the colour distance between the main-sequence turn-off and the red clump(s) depends sensitively on the amount of convective core overshooting, Lambda(c). By coupling measurements of this colour separation with fits to the red clump morphology, we are able to estimate simultaneously the cluster mean age (1.35(-0.04)(+0.11) Gyr) and overshooting efficiency (Lambda(c) = 0.47(-0.04)(+0.14)). Therefore, clusters like NGC 419 may constitute important marks in the age scale of intermediate-age populations. After eye inspection of other CMDs derived from HST/ACS data, we suggest that the same secondary clump may also be present in the Large Magellanic Cloud clusters NGC 1751, 1783, 1806, 1846, 1852 and 1917.

Prevalence of GJB2 (Connexin-26) and GJB6 (Connexin-30) Mutations in a Cohort of 300 Brazilian Hearing-Impaired Individuals: Implications for Diagnosis and Genetic Counseling

Objective: Hereditary nonsyndromic deafness is an autosomal recessive condition in about 80% of cases, and point mutations in the GJB2 gene (connexin 26) and two deletions in the GJB6 gene (connexin 30), del(GJB6-D13S1830) and del(GJB6-D13S1854), are reported to account for 50% of recessive deafness, Aiming at establishing the frequencies of GJB2 mutations and GJB6 deletions in the Brazilian population, we screened 300 unrelated individuals with hearing impairment, who were not affected by known deafness related syndromes. Methods: We firstly screened the most frequently reported mutations, c.35delG and c.167delT in the GJB2 gene, and del(GJB6-D13S1830) and del(GJB6-D13S1854) in the GJB6 gene, through specific techniques. The detected c.35delG and c.167delT mutations were validated by sequencing. Other mutations in the GJB2 gene were screened by single-strand conformation polymorphism and the coding region was sequenced when abnormal patterns were found. Results: Pathogenic mutations in GJB2 and GJB6 genes were detected in 41 individuals (13.7%), and 80.5% (33/41) presented these mutations in homozygosis or compound heterozygosis, thus explaining their hearing defect. The c.35delG in the GJB2 gene was the most frequent mutation (37/300; 12.4%), detected in 23% familial and 6.2% the sporadic cases. The second most frequent mutation (1%; 3/300) was the del(GJB6- D13S1830), always found associated with the c.35delG mutation. Nineteen different sequence variations were found in the GJB2 gene. In addition to the c.35delG mutation, nine known pathogenic alterations were detected 0 67delT, p.Trp24X, p.Val37lle, c.176_191del16, c.235delC, p.Leu90Pro, p.Arg127His, c.509insA, and p.Arg184Pro, Five substitutions had been previously considered benign polymorphisms: c.-15C>T, p.Val27lle, p.Met34hr, p.Ala40Ala, and p.Gly160Ser. Two previously reported Mutations of unknown pathogenicity were found (p.Lys168Arg, and c.684C>A), and two novel substitutions, p.Leu81Val (c.G241C) and p.Met195Val (c.A583G), both in heterozygosis without an accompanying mutation in the other allele. None of these latter four variants of undefined status was present in a sample of 100 hearing controls. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that Mutations in the GJB2 gene and del(GJB6 D13S1830) are important causes of hearing impairment in Brazil, thus justifying their screening in a routine basis. The diversity of variants in our sample reflects the ethnic heterogeneity of the Brazilian population.

The Impact of the NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre, Trinidad and Tobago on Visiting Student Groups

The aim of this study was to asses the impact of a visit to the NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre in Trinidad on four different school-age visitor groups. The research was conducted through the administering of a post-visit questionnaire immediately upon completion of each visit by each group, and via visitor feedback obtained in post-visit or pre-visit activities conducted within two weeks of the visit for three groups. Teachers/instructors who accompanied the groups on their visit also completed post-visit questionnaires and provided additional information on follow-up activities via an interview. The results of this investigation suggest that the visit to this science centre provided entertainment/enjoyment value and potential educational value to most individuals. The nature of this enjoyment was noted for various age groups and genders in this study. Quantification of the educational impact was not possible within the constraints of this study, which was unable to capture long-term effects of the supply of ‘new knowledge’ to visitors which the visit to the science centre had provided.

Uso de indicadores em sistemas locais de saúde: um estudo sobre municípios entre 100 mil e 300 mil habitantes no Estado de São Paulo

Investiga sobre indicadores de saúde em municípios paulistas entre 100 mil e 300 mil habitantes. Comenta sobre as fontes de origem desses indicadores, bem como a amplitude de dispersão da informação resultante do uso desses indicadores no planejamento das ações de saúde nos municípios pesquisados. Aborda conceitos relativos à saúde, à qualidade de vida nas cidades, à mensuração dessa qualidade, às relações entre espaço urbano e saúde e sua importância sobre o planejamento das ações de saúde coletiva nas cidades, além de fazer um retrospecto histórico e conceitual acerca do movimento por Cidades Saudáveis.

Super Bowl, a final do futebol americano, rende 300 mil postagens no Brasil

Esporte que cresceu muito em popularidade no Brasil nos últimos anos, o futebol americano, na noite de domingo, obteve grande repercussão no país. O Super Bowl, a final da liga de futebol americano (NFL), entre Seattle Seahawks e New England Patriots, no estado americano do Arizona – o Patriots venceu de virada –, gerou perto de 300 mil postagens em português no Twitter em pouco mais de doze horas, de acordo com levantamento da FGV/DAPP.

Super Bowl, a final do futebol americano, rende 300 mil postagens no Brasil

Esporte que cresceu muito em popularidade no Brasil nos últimos anos, o futebol americano, na noite de domingo, obteve grande repercussão no país. O Super Bowl, a final da liga de futebol americano (NFL), entre Seattle Seahawks e New England Patriots, no estado americano do Arizona – o Patriots venceu de virada –, gerou perto de 300 mil postagens em português no Twitter em pouco mais de doze horas, de acordo com levantamento da FGV/DAPP.

Desempenho de clones de seringueira da série IAC 300 selecionados para a região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo

É apresentado o desempenho de 19 novos clones de seringueira [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. exAdr. de Juss.) Muell. Arg.], resultantes de hibridações conduzidas no Instituto Agronômico e avaliados em experimento de pequena escala, tendo o clone RRIM 600 como testemunha. O experimento em campo obedeceu ao delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Com relação à produção de borracha seca, o clone IAC 40 apresentou a maior média (62,22 g/árvore/sangria) nos três anos de avaliação, seguido pelo IAC 301 (57,67 g/árvore/sangria) e pelo IAC 300 (50,61 g/árvore/sangria), com produções 154%, 138% e 123% superiores em relação ao RRIM 600 (41,04 g/árvore/sangria). Todos os clones selecionados foram vigorosos, com perímetro do caule na abertura do painel variando de 37,81 cm (IAC 317) a 50,90 cm (IAC 315). A porcentagem de plantas aptas a sangria variou de 20,0% (IAC 317) a 100% (IAC 315). Todos os clones apresentaram baixas incidências de quebra pelo vento e de secamento do painel. Não foi detectada nenhuma doença foliar em caráter epidêmico. Dos clones estudados, 15 apresentaram alta resistência à antracnose do painel, e foram superiores ao RRIM 600; os outros cinco apresentaram resistência moderada semelhante ao RRIM 600.

Desempenho de clones de seringueira da série IAC 300 na região do planalto de São Paulo

O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar clones de seringueira (Hevea spp.) promissores para a região do planalto do Estado de São Paulo. de uma população de 70 clones, de polinização controlada, integrantes do experimento de avaliação em pequena escala, foram avaliados 16 da série IAC 300. O experimento foi instalado na Estação Experimental de Pindorama, no espaçamento de 7 x 3 m, em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três repetições, tendo os clones RRIM 600 e GT 1 como testemunhas. Quanto à produção de borracha seca, destacaram-se oito e dez clones superiores ao RRIM 600 e GT 1, respectivamente. Todos os clones avaliados apresentaram-se vigorosos em relação ao perímetro do caule na abertura do painel. Sete deles mostraram alta resistência; sete, resistência moderada, e dois, suscetíveis à antracnose do painel. Sugere-se sua avaliação em experimentos de grande escala, para avaliar, além da produção, os demais caracteres secundários, em diferentes ambientes, para futuras recomendações em larga escala para o Estado de São Paulo.

Elaboração da carta geotécnica de suscetibilidade de um trecho da rodovia marechal rondon - sp-300 (SP, Brasil)

The highways are enterprises of great longitudinal extension that cross several types of lands, that possess different geologic, geomorphologic, pedologic and vegetation conditions. In the environmental management of highways the importance of the use of Engineering Geological Maps of Susceptibility was noticed, for being documents that inter-relates several information of the environment. This way, this research objectified the elaboration of this type of map and the indication of lines of direction for the conservation of the Highway Marechal Rondon - SP-300. For its elaboration the Map of Declivity, the delimited Homogeneous Physiographic Units, the processes of the superficial dynamics mapped and the use of the ground was used. Its elaboration evidenced its importance for the environmental management of highways, in view of the prevention, the monitoring and the correction of the adverse processes that can occur in this type of enterprise.

Nacimientos evitados por la DEPO-PROVERA 300 mg

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