22 research outputs found
The impact of the metallicity and star formation rate on the time-dependent galaxy-wide stellar initial mass function
The stellar initial mass function (IMF) is commonly assumed to be an
invariant probability density distribution function of initial stellar masses
being represented by the canonical IMF. As a consequence the galaxy-wide IMF
(gwIMF), defined as the sum of the IMFs of all star forming regions, should
also be invariant. Recent observational and theoretical results challenge the
hypothesis that the gwIMF is invariant. In order to study the possible reasons
for this variation we use the IMF determined in resolved star clusters and
apply the IGIMF-theory to calculate a grid of gwIMF models for metallicities,
-3<[Fe/H]<1, and galaxy-wide star formation rates,
<SFR<. For a galaxy with metallicy
[Fe/H]/yr, which is a common condition in the early
Universe, we find that the gwIMF is top-heavy (more massive stars), when
compared to the canonical IMF. For a SFR the gwIMF
becomes top-light regardless of the metallicity. For metallicities
the gwIMF can become bottom-heavy regardless of the SFR.
The IGIMF models predict that massive elliptical galaxies should have formed
with a gwIMF that is top-heavy within the first few hundred Myr of the galaxy's
life and that it evolves into a bottom-heavy gwIMF in the metal-enriched
galactic center. We study the SFRH relation, its dependency on
metallicity and the SFR, the correction factors to the Kennicutt SFRH relation, and provide new fitting functions Late-type dwarf
galaxies show significantly higher SFRs with respect to Kennicutt SFRs, while
star forming massive galaxies have significantly lower SFRs than hitherto
thought. This has implications for the gas-consumption time scales and for the
main sequence of galaxies. The Leo P and ultra-faint dwarf galaxies are
discussed explicitly. [abridged]Comment: Astronomy and Astrophysics (A&A) in press. 15 pages, 8 figure
On the degree of stochastic asymmetry in the tidal tails of star clusters
Context: Tidal tails of star clusters are commonly understood to be populated
symmetrically. Recently, the analysis of Gaia data revealed large asymmetries
between the leading and trailing tidal tail arms of the four open star clusters
Hyades, Praesepe, Coma Berenices and NGC 752. Aims: As the evaporation of stars
from star clusters into the tidal tails is a stochastic process, the degree of
stochastic asymmetry is quantified in this work. Methods: For each star cluster
1000 configurations of test particles are integrated in the combined potential
of a Plummer sphere and the Galactic tidal field over the life time of the
particular star cluster. For each of the four star clusters the distribution
function of the stochastic asymmetry is determined and compared with the
observed asymmetry. Results: The probabilities for a stochastic origin of the
observed asymmetry of the four star clusters are: Praesepe ~1.7 sigma, Coma
Berenices ~2.4 sigma, Hyades ~6.7 sigma, NGC 752 ~1.6 sigma. Conclusions: In
the case of Praesepe, Coma Berenices and NGC 752 the observed asymmetry can be
interpreted as a stochastic evaporation event. However, for the formation of
the asymmetric tidal tails of the Hyades additional dynamical processes beyond
a pure statistical evaporation effect are required.Comment: accepted for publication by A&
Optical techniques for 3D surface reconstruction in computer-assisted laparoscopic surgery
One of the main challenges for computer-assisted surgery (CAS) is to determine the intra-opera- tive morphology and motion of soft-tissues. This information is prerequisite to the registration of multi-modal patient-specific data for enhancing the surgeonâs navigation capabilites by observ- ing beyond exposed tissue surfaces and for providing intelligent control of robotic-assisted in- struments. In minimally invasive surgery (MIS), optical techniques are an increasingly attractive approach for in vivo 3D reconstruction of the soft-tissue surface geometry. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art methods for optical intra-operative 3D reconstruction in laparoscopic surgery and discusses the technical challenges and future perspectives towards clinical translation. With the recent paradigm shift of surgical practice towards MIS and new developments in 3D opti- cal imaging, this is a timely discussion about technologies that could facilitate complex CAS procedures in dynamic and deformable anatomical regions
Star clusters near and far; tracing star formation across cosmic time
© 2020 Springer-Verlag. The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-020-00690-x.Star clusters are fundamental units of stellar feedback and unique tracers of their host galactic properties. In this review, we will first focus on their constituents, i.e.\ detailed insight into their stellar populations and their surrounding ionised, warm, neutral, and molecular gas. We, then, move beyond the Local Group to review star cluster populations at various evolutionary stages, and in diverse galactic environmental conditions accessible in the local Universe. At high redshift, where conditions for cluster formation and evolution are more extreme, we are only able to observe the integrated light of a handful of objects that we believe will become globular clusters. We therefore discuss how numerical and analytical methods, informed by the observed properties of cluster populations in the local Universe, are used to develop sophisticated simulations potentially capable of disentangling the genetic map of galaxy formation and assembly that is carried by globular cluster populations.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio
Inventory of current EU paediatric vision and hearing screening programmes
Background: We examined the diversity in paediatric vision and hearing screening
programmes in Europe.
Methods: Themes relevant for comparison of screening programmes were derived from
literature and used to compile three questionnaires on vision, hearing and public-health
screening. Tests used, professions involved, age and frequency of testing seem to influence
sensitivity, specificity and costs most. Questionnaires were sent to ophthalmologists,
orthoptists, otolaryngologists and audiologists involved in paediatric screening in all EU fullmember,
candidate and associate states. Answers were cross-checked.
Results: Thirty-nine countries participated; 35 have a vision screening programme, 33 a
nation-wide neonatal hearing screening programme. Visual acuity (VA) is measured in 35
countries, in 71% more than once. First measurement of VA varies from three to seven years
of age, but is usually before the age of five. At age three and four picture charts, including Lea
Hyvarinen are used most, in children over four Tumbling-E and Snellen. As first hearing
screening test otoacoustic emission (OAE) is used most in healthy neonates, and auditory
brainstem response (ABR) in premature newborns. The majority of hearing testing
programmes are staged; children are referred after one to four abnormal tests. Vision
screening is performed mostly by paediatricians, ophthalmologists or nurses. Funding is
mostly by health insurance or state. Coverage was reported as >95% in half of countries, but
reporting was often not first-hand.
Conclusion: Largest differences were found in VA charts used (12), professions involved in
vision screening (10), number of hearing screening tests before referral (1-4) and funding
sources (8)