The two Ultraluminous X-ray sources in the galaxy NGC 925

NGC 925 ULX-1 and ULX-2 are two ultraluminous X-ray sources in the galaxy NGC 925, at a distance of 8.5 Mpc. For the first time, we analyzed high quality, simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR data of both sources. Although at a first glance ULX-1 resembles an intermediate mass black hole candidate (IMBH) because of its high X-ray luminosity ($(2$$-$$4)\times10^{40}$ erg s$^{-1}$) and its spectral/temporal features, a closer inspection shows that its properties are more similar to those of a typical super-Eddington accreting stellar black hole and we classify it as a `broadened disc' ultraluminous X-ray source. Based on the physical interpretation of this spectral state, we suggest that ULX-1 is seen at small inclination angles, possibly through the evacuated cone of a powerful wind originating in the accretion disc. The spectral classification of ULX-2 is less certain, but we disfavour an IMBH accreting at sub-Eddington rates as none of its spectral/temporal properties can be associated to either the soft or hard state of Galactic accreting black hole binaries.Comment: Accepted on MNRAS with very minor comments, 7 pages, 5 figures, 1 tabl

High redshift BL Lac objects: spectroscopy of candidates

We report on 16 BL Lacertae objects that were proposed to be at z > 1. We present spectroscopic observations secured at the 10.4m GTC that allowed us to assess the redshift of these sources. In particular, for five objects we disprove the previous value of the redshift reported in literature and found that they lie at z < 1. Moreover, two of them exhibit broad emission lines that are not characteristic of BL Lacertae object. On the other hand, for eight targets we improve the tentative value of z, previously based on only one feature, by detecting a number emission lines. Finally, in three cases we detect onset of Ly-{\alpha} forest at z > 2.50. Based on the new high quality spectra we found that only half of the observed objects can be classified as bona-fine BL Lacs.Comment: Accepted for publication in Ap

Low-redshift quasars in the SDSS Stripe 82-II. Associated companion galaxies and signature of star formation

We present optical spectroscopy of the close companions of 22 low-redshift (z < 0.5) quasars (QSO) selected from a larger sample of QSO in the SDSS Stripe82 region for which both the host galaxy and the large-scale environments have been investigated in our previous work. The new observations extend the number of QSO studied in our previous paper on close companion galaxies of 12 quasars. Our analysis here covers all 34 quasars from both this work and the previously published paper. We find that half of them (15 QSO; similar to 44 per cent) have at least one associated galaxy. Many (12 galaxies; similar to 67 per cent) of the associated companions exhibit [O II] 3727 angstrom emission line as signature of recent star formation. The star formation rate (SFR) of these galaxies is modest (median SFR similar to 4.3 M-circle dot yr(-1)). For eight QSO, we are also able to detect the starlight of the host galaxy from which three have a typical spectrum of a post-starburst galaxy. Our results suggest that quasars do not have a strong influence on the star formation of their companion galaxies

Los procedimientos dentales postnatales afectan la ganancia de peso y el bienestar de los lechones

Objective. We carried out this study to evaluate weight gain (WG), mortality, blood serum proteins (BP), facial lesions of littermates submitted to different teeth procedures. Material and Methods. The experiment was performed in a commercial breeding farm. Were used 15 sows, allotted into three groups: control, where piglets’ teeth were kept intact (IT); teeth clipping (CT); and teeth grinding using an electric grinder (GT). We evaluated WG, BS (five males/litter), mortality, low viable piglets rates and facial lesions in piglets. Additionally, we evaluated sows’ backfat thickness (P2) and teat lesion score. BP data, lesion score and WG were assessed individually. For WG, the initial weight and the litter size were used as covariates. Regarding other variables, we used the average of the litter. When there were differences, the means were compared using Duncan test (p&lt;0.05). Results. In the first week, GT piglets presented higher WG. In the second week, CT presented worst WG. In the first two weeks as in the total period, CT piglets presented worse WG than the GT. Mortality and low viable piglets rates were not influenced. After the fourth day, CT and GT treatment reduced facial lesions. There was no effect on BP. Treatments did not influence P2 and teat lesion score. Conclusions. Treatments did not have influence on mortality, low viable rates, BP of the piglets and P2 and teat lesions score. CT treatment decreased gain and IT increased face lesions score.Objetivo. Este estudio fue realizado para evaluar la ganancia de peso, mortalidad, proteínas plasmáticas (BP), lesiones faciales en los lechones y en las cerdas, grasa dorsal (P2) y lesiones en los pezones en lechigadas sometidas a diferentes manejos dentales. Materiales y métodos. La investigación fue conducida en una granja comercial de cría. Fueron utilizadas quince cerdas, divididas en tres grupos: control, en el cual los dientes de los lechones permanecieron intactos; descolmille con alicate; descolmille con limadora eléctrica. Nosotros evaluamos WG, BP (cinco machos/lechigada), mortalidad, lechones de baja viabilidad y lesiones faciales en los lechones. En las cerdas, nosotros evaluamos P2 y la escala de lesiones en los pezones. Los datos de BP, escala de lesiones y WG fueron evaluados individualmente. Para el WG, el peso inicial y el tamaño de la lechigada fueron considerados. Acerca de las otras variables, nosotros usamos el peso promedio de la lechigada. Cuando hubo diferencias, las medias fueron comparadas usando la prueba de Duncan (p&lt;0.05). Resultados. En la primera semana, los lechones del GT presentaron mayor WG. En la segunda semana el CT presentó la peor WG. En las dos primeras semanas así como en el período total, los lechones del CT presentaron peor WG de que los del GT. La mortalidad y los lechones de baja viabilidad no fueron influenciados. Después del cuarto día, el CT y el GT redujeron las lesiones faciales. No hubo efectos en BP. Los tratamientos no influenciaron P2 y las lesiones en los pezones. Conclusiones. Los tratamientos no influenciaron en la mortalidad, lechones de baja viabilidad, BP de los lechones y en la escala de lesiones en los pezones de las cerdas. CT redujo la ganancia y IT aumentó las lesiones faciales

Behavioral disorders in elementary school children and their relationship with family structure

The increase in behavioral disorders in children and adolescents is a factor of concern for health professionals. During the internship of nursing students in a public school, it was observed that 15 elementary students presented a medical diagnosis of mental disorder and/or were taking controlled medication. The present study aimed to characterize those students, and to identify the existence of risk factors for mental health problems, as well as their relationship with family structure and characteristics. The informers were 11 parents of students who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected in June 2006, through a semi-structured interview that was conducted in the child's home. Results showed that the mental disorder is present in children/adolescents of both sexes and in different age groups. Most of the families were of a nuclear type and the average family income was of 3 to 5 minimum wages. The most frequent medical diagnosis was ADHD, 76% of the children presented family antecedents of mental disorder, 72% had difficulties at school, and a great number of them was exposed to humiliating situations. It was concluded that the characteristics of the studied families can be considered a risk factor for behavioral disorders, especially in relation to family antecedents and to inadequate educational practices. Further studies are needed on the theme in order to subsidize the elaboration of public policies of mental health.O aumento da incidência do distúrbios de conduta em crianças e adolescentes é um fator de preocupação para os profissionais de saúde. Durante as atividades de estágio de alunos de enfermagem em uma escola pública foi detectado que 15 alunos do ensino fundamental apresentavam diagnóstico médico de distúrbios de conduta e/ou tomava medicação controlada. O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar estes alunos, identificar a existência de fatores de risco para problemas de saúde mental e sua relação com a estrutura e a característica familiar. Os participantes foram 11 pais de alunos que concordaram em participar do estudo. Os dados foram coletados por entrevista semi-estruturada realizada no domicílio da criança. Os resultados mostraram que o transtorno mental está presente em crianças / adolescentes de ambos os sexos e em diferentes faixas etárias. A maioria das famílias era do tipo nuclear e a renda familiar média era de 3 a 5 salários-mínimos. O diagnóstico médico mais freqüente era de transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade (TDAH); a maioria das crianças (76%) possuía antecedentes familiares de transtorno mental e apresentavam dificuldade escolar (72%); e boa parte das crianças era exposta a situações de humilhação. Conclui-se que as características das famílias estudadas podem ser consideradas um fator de risco para o distúrbio de conduta, especialmente em relação aos antecedentes familiares e a práticas educativas inapropriadas. Há necessidade de novos estudos sobre o tema que possam subsidiar a elaboração de políticas públicas de saúde mental