The Snapshot Hubble U-Band Cluster Survey (SHUCS) II. Star Cluster Population of NGC 2997

We study the star cluster population of NGC 2997, a giant spiral galaxy located at 9.5 Mpc and targeted by the Snapshot Hubble U-band Cluster Survey (SHUCS). Combining our U-band imaging from SHUCS with archival BVI imaging from HST, we select a high confidence sample of clusters in the circumnuclear ring and disk through a combination of automatic detection procedures and visual inspection. The cluster luminosity functions in all four filters can be approximated by power-laws with indices of $-1.7$ to $-2.3$. Some deviations from pure power-law shape are observed, hinting at the presence of a high-mass truncation in the cluster mass function. However, upon inspection of the cluster mass function, we find it is consistent with a pure power-law of index $-2.2\pm0.2$ despite a slight bend at $\sim$$2.5\times10^{4}$ M$_{\odot}$. No statistically significant truncation is observed. From the cluster age distributions, we find a low rate of disruption ($\zeta\sim-0.1$) in both the disk and circumnuclear ring. Finally, we estimate the cluster formation efficiency ($\Gamma$) over the last 100 Myr in each region, finding $7\pm2$% for the disk, $12\pm4$% for the circumnuclear ring, and $10\pm3$% for the entire UBVI footprint. This study highlights the need for wide-field UBVI coverage of galaxies to study cluster populations in detail, though a small sample of clusters can provide significant insight into the characteristics of the population.Comment: 31 pages, 9 figures, accepted to the A

The effect of spatial resolution on optical and near-IR studies of stellar clusters: Implications for the origin of the red excess

Recent ground based near-IR studies of stellar clusters in nearby galaxies have suggested that young clusters remain embedded for 7-10Myr in their progenitor molecular cloud, in conflict with optical based studies which find that clusters are exposed after 1-3Myr. Here, we investigate the role that spatial resolution plays in this apparent conflict. We use a recent catalogue of young ($5000$~\msun) clusters in the nearby spiral galaxy, M83, along with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging in the optical and near-IR, and ground based near-IR imaging, to see how the colours (and hence estimated properties such as age and extinction) are affected by the aperture size employed, in order to simulate studies of differing resolution. We find that the near-IR is heavily affected by the resolution, and when aperture sizes $>40$~pc are used, all young/blue clusters move red-ward in colour space, which results in their appearance as heavily extincted clusters. However, this is due to contamination from nearby sources and nebular emission, and is not an extinction effect. Optical colours are much less affected by resolution. Due to the larger affect of contamination in the near-IR, we find that, in some cases, clusters will appear to show near-IR excess when large ($>20$~pc) apertures are used. Our results explain why few young ($<6$~Myr), low extinction (\av < 1~mag) clusters have been found in recent ground based near-IR studies of cluster populations, while many such clusters have been found in higher resolution HST based studies. Additionally, resolution effects appear to (at least partially) explain the origin of the near-IR excess that has been found in a number of extragalactic YMCs.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Current evidence of the oncological benefit-risk profile of hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms and has been shown to prevent bone loss and fracture. The progestogen is added to provide endometrial protection in women with an intact uterus. After the publication of the initial WHI (Women&rsquo;s Health Initiative) results in 2002 reporting an overall increased risk of breast cancer, many women discontinued HRT. Despite the re-analysis of the results by subgroups of patients and updates with extended follow-up, much controversy remains, which we will analyze later in the text. Different types of estrogen or progestogen, as well as different formulations, doses, and durations, may play a role in HRT&rsquo;s effects on breast tissue. Evidence states that conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), compared to estro-progestin therapy, shows a better profile risk (HR 0.79, CI 0.65&ndash;0.97) and that, among different type of progestins, those structurally related to testosterone show a higher risk (RR 3.35, CI 1.07&ndash;10.4). Chronic unopposed endometrial exposure to estrogen increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer, whereas the association with progestins, especially in continuous combined regimen, seems to reduce the risk (RR 0.71, CI 0.56&ndash;0.90). HRT was also associated with a protective effect on colon cancer risk (HR 0.61, CI 0.42&ndash;0.87). Data about ovarian and cervical cancer are still controversial

Physico-chemical analysis and protein fraction compositions of different quinoa cultivars

Proximate composition and physical parameters in nine quinoa cultivars were determined in order to establish differences among them and to contribute to their characterization. Faro, Pichaman, and Baer varieties cultivars were used. The aim of this research was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties and to characterize the protein fractions. All analysed properties showed significant differences between the cultivars. The physical measurements (weight, shape, size, and density) could be used for improving the technology associated with conditioning, transport, and storage of the grain. The protein content ranged from 15 to 18%, fat 6 to 8%, carbohydrates 70 to 74%, and ash from 3.5 to 4.4%, showing an outstanding nutritional profile. The relative quantity of soluble proteins (albumins and globulins) ranged from 40 to 65%, except in Faro variety cultivar, which presented 16%. The relative percentage of insoluble protein (prolamins and glutelins) ranged from 25 to 34%. The obtained information in this research could be useful in determining seed-quality, automating production, improving cultivation practices and technologies, and developing food products with enhanced nutritional qualities

Para asombrarse y aprender

Este trabajo presenta la fundamentación, diseño y resultados de un proyecto realizado en el marco de un programa institucional en la UNAM, relacionado con la innovación de la enseñanza experimental. Como producto de este proyecto se elaboró un libro con 30 experimentos de aula dirigidos a profesores de los niveles bachillerato y universitario. Los experimentos elaborados presentan propuestas experimentales novedosas que nos permitan reconceptualizar y diversificar el trabajo práctico

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) in breast cancer survivors (BCS) is still an unmet medical need: results of an Italian Delphi Panel

Abstract: Purpose: VVA is a common disease, with approximately 50% of all postmenopausal women having related symptoms. VVA has a significant impact on the personal and sexual lives and on many aspects of women\u2019s self-esteem and emotional well-being. It is particularly frequent and severe in patients treated for BC, where it originates significant economic and social costs. Given the lack of published evidence on this subject, a Delphi Panel was carried out to evaluate:The epidemiology of VVA and of its risk-factors/comorbidities in ItalyThe present standard of care and unmet medical needsThe comparison between recent US epidemiological data and the Italian situationThe health resources used in VVA BC The burden of illnessDespite the considerable negative impact on quality of life, a disparity between the high prevalence of this condition and the infrequent clinical diagnosis is documented in medical practice and in surveys. This inaccuracy is thought to be primarily a consequence of patients\u2019 unwillingness and/or reluctance to report symptoms in the clinical setting and of health-care professional\u2019s difficulty in approaching this sensitive topic during routine consultations. Methods: A Delphi Panel methodology was used: a first round of written questionnaires, followed by a plenary meeting with a facilitator and by two additional rounds of telephone interviews. Results: The prevalence of the condition in Italy can be estimated in 115,000 cases out of 380,000&nbsp;BC survivors. The Panel confirmed that the epidemiological findings of a recent pharmacoeconomic analysis of a US claims database can be applied to Italian patient population. The Panel confirmed also an estimate of 4.25 additional cases/100/yr of UTI (urinary tract infection) in VVA BC patients (vs. a non-VVA-matched population), of 3.68 additional cases of vulvovaginitis, of 6.97 cases of climacteric symptoms, and of 3.64 cases of bone and joint disorders. As far as the resource use is concerned, in the VVA BC populations, 33.4 additional gynecological visits/100/year can be expected, along with 22.8 additional cancer screenings, 7.07 additional outpatient visits and 5.04 screenings for HPV. Conclusions: Even in Italy, a diagnosis of VVA, especially in a BC population, is associated with a relevant increase in the burden of illness and social costs, compared to a control population matched for age without VVA. This is due essentially to an increase in comorbidities and resource utilization with the consequence that an adequate treatment could reduce the impact of the condition

High Performances Corrugated Feed Horns for Space Applications at Millimetre Wavelengths

We report on the design, fabrication and testing of a set of high performance corrugated feed horns at 30 GHz, 70 GHz and 100 GHz, built as advanced prototypes for the Low Frequency Instrument (LFI) of the ESA Planck mission. The electromagnetic designs include linear (100 GHz) and dual shaped (30 and 70 GHz) profiles. Fabrication has been achieved by direct machining at 30 GHz, and by electro-formation at higher frequencies. The measured performances on side lobes and return loss meet the stringent Planck requirements over the large (20%) instrument bandwidth. Moreover, the advantage in terms of main lobe shape and side lobes levels of the dual profiled designs has been demonstrated.Comment: 16 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in Experimental Astronom