EC 10246−2707: an eclipsing subdwarf B + M dwarf binary★

We announce the discovery of a new eclipsing hot subdwarf B + M dwarf binary, EC 10246-2707, and present multi-colour photometric and spectroscopic observations of this system. Similar to other HW Vir-type binaries, the light curve shows both primary and secondary eclipses, along with a strong reflection effect from the M dwarf; no intrinsic light contribution is detected from the cool companion. The orbital period is 0.118 507 993 6 ± 0.000 000 000 9 days, or about three hours. Analysis of our time- series spectroscopy reveals a velocity semi-amplitude of K1 = 71.6 ± 1.7 km s−1 for the sdB and best-fitting atmospheric parameters of Teff = 28900 ± 500 K, log g = 5.64 ± 0.06, and log N(He)/N(H) = -2.5 ± 0.2. Although we cannot claim a unique solution from modeling the light curve, the best–fitting model has an sdB mass of 0.45 M⊙ and a cool companion mass of 0.12 M⊙. These results are roughly consistent with a canonical–mass sdB and M dwarf separated by a ∼ 0.84 R⊙. We find no evidence of pulsations in the light curve and limit the amplitude of rapid photometric oscillations to 7.2×10−12. If EC 10246- 2707 evolves into a cataclysmic variable, its period should fall below the famous CV period gap

EC 10246-2707: a new eclipsing sdB + M dwarf binary⋆

We announce the discovery of a new eclipsing hot subdwarf B + M dwarf binary, EC 10246-2707, and present multi-colour photometric and spectroscopic observations of this system. Similar to other HW Vir-type binaries, the light curve shows both primary and secondary eclipses, along with a strong reflection effect from the M dwarf; no intrinsic light contribution is detected from the cool companion. The orbital period is 0.118 507 993 6 ± 0.000 000 000 9 days, or about three hours. Analysis of our time- series spectroscopy reveals a velocity semi-amplitude of K1 = 71.6 ± 1.7 km s−1 for the sdB and best-fitting atmospheric parameters of Teff = 28900 ± 500 K, log g = 5.64 ± 0.06, and log N(He)/N(H) = -2.5 ± 0.2. Although we cannot claim a unique solution from modeling the light curve, the best–fitting model has an sdB mass of 0.45 M⊙ and a cool companion mass of 0.12 M⊙. These results are roughly consistent with a canonical–mass sdB and M dwarf separated by a ∼ 0.84 R⊙. We find no evidence of pulsations in the light curve and limit the amplitude of rapid photometric oscillations to < 0.08%. Using 15 years of eclipse timings, we construct an O-C diagram but find no statistically significant period changes; we rule out | ˙P | > 7.2×10−12. If EC 10246- 2707 evolves into a cataclysmic variable, its period should fall below the famous CV period gap.Web of Scienc

Intraoperative radiation therapy for early-stage breast cancer: a single-institution experience

Background: To assess outcomes and toxicity after low-energy intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for early-stage breast cancer (ESBC).  Materials and methods: We reviewed patients with unilateral ESBC treated with breast-conserving surgery and 50-kV IORT at our institution. Patients were prescribed 20 Gy to the surface of the spherical applicator, fitted to the surgical cavity during surgery. Patients who did not meet institutional guidelines for IORT alone on final pathology were recommended adjuvant treatment, including additional surgery and/or external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT). We analyzed ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence, overall survival, recurrence-free survival and toxicity. Results: Among 201 patients (median follow-up, 5.1 years; median age, 67 years), 88% were Her2 negative and ER positive and/or PR positive, 98% had invasive ductal carcinoma, 87% had grade 1 or 2, and 95% had clinical T1 disease. Most had pathological stage T1 (93%) N0 (95%) disease. Mean IORT applicator dose at 1-cm depth was 6.3 Gy. Post-IORT treatment included additional surgery, 10%; EBRT, 11%; adjuvant chemotherapy, 9%; and adjuvant hormonal therapy, 74%. Median total EBRT dose was 42.4 (range, 40.05-63) Gy and median dose per fraction was 2.65 Gy. At 5 years, the cumulative incidence of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence was 2.7%, the overall survival rate was 95% with no breast cancer-related deaths, and the recurrence-free survival rate was 96%. For patients who were deemed unsuitable for postoperative IORT alone and did not receive recommended risk-adapted EBRT, the IBTR rate was 4.7% versus 1.7% (p = 0.23) for patients who were either suitable for IORT alone or unsuitable and received adjuvant EBRT. Cosmetic toxicity data was available for 83%, with 7% experiencing grade 3 breast toxicity and no grade 4–5 toxicity. Conclusions: IORT for select patients with ESBC results in acceptable outcomes in regard to ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence and toxicity