A variability study of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 6300 with XMM-Newton

We present the results of timing analysis of the XMM-Newton observation of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 6300. The hard X-ray spectrum above 2 keV consists of a Compton-thin-absorbed power law, as is often seen in Seyfert 2 galaxies. We clearly detected rapid time variability on a time scale of about 1000 s from the light curve above 2 keV. The excess variance of the time variability (sigma2_RMS) is calculated to be ~0.12, and the periodogram of the light curve is well represented by a power law function with a slope of 1.75. In contrast with previous results from Seyfert 2 nuclei, these variability characteristics are consistent with those of Seyfert 1 galaxies. This consistency suggests that NGC 6300 has a similar black hole mass and accretion properties as Seyfert 1 galaxies. Using the relation between time variability and central black hole mass by Hayashida et al. (1998), the black hole mass of NGC 6300 is estimated to be ~2.8x10^5 Mo. Taking uncertainty of this method into account, the black hole mass is less than 10^7 Mo. Taking the bolometric luminosity of 3.3x10^43 erg/s into consideration, this yields an accretion rate of > 0.03 of the Eddington value, and comparable with estimates from Seyfert 1 galaxies using this method. The time variability analysis suggests that NGC 6300 actually has a Seyfert 1 nucleus obscured by a thick matter, and more generally provides a new pillar of support for the unified model of Seyfert galaxies based on obscuration.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in Ap

The Black Hole Mass - Galaxy Bulge Relationship for QSOs in the SDSS DR3

We investigate the relationship between black hole mass and host galaxy velocity dispersion for QSOs in Data Release 3 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We derive black hole mass from the broad Hbeta line width and continuum luminosity, and the bulge stellar velocity dispersion from the [OIII] narrow line width. At higher redshifts, we use MgII and [OII] in place of Hbeta and [OIII]. For redshifts z < 0.5, our results agree with the black hole mass - bulge velocity dispersion relationship for nearby galaxies. For 0.5 < z < 1.2, this relationship appears to show evolution with redshift in the sense that the bulges are too small for their black holes. However, we find that part of this apparent trend can be attributed to observational biases, including a Malmquist bias involving the QSO luminosity. Accounting for these biases, we find ~0.2 dex evolution in the black hole mass-bulge velocity dispersion relationship between now and redshift z ~ 1.Comment: Accepted by ApJ, 15 pages, 9 figure

Deep CCD Surface Photometry of Galaxy Clusters I: Methods and Initial Studies of Intracluster Starlight

We report the initial results of a deep imaging survey of galaxy clusters. The primary goals of this survey are to quantify the amount of intracluster light as a function of cluster properties, and to quantify the frequency of tidal debris. We outline the techniques needed to perform such a survey, and we report findings for the first two galaxy clusters in the survey: Abell 1413, and MKW 7 . These clusters vary greatly in richness and structure. We show that our surface photometry reliably reaches to a surface brightness of \mu_v = 26.5 mags per arcsec. We find that both clusters show clear excesses over a best-fitting r^{1/4} profile: this was expected for Abell 1413, but not for MKW 7. Both clusters also show evidence of tidal debris in the form of plumes and arc-like structures, but no long tidal arcs were detected. We also find that the central cD galaxy in Abell 1413 is flattened at large radii, with an ellipticity of $\approx 0.8$, the largest measured ellipticity of any cD galaxy to date.Comment: 58 pages, 24 figures, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal. Version has extremely low resolution figures to comply with 650k limit. High resolution version is available at http://burro.astr.cwru.edu/johnf/icl1.ps.gz Obtaining high resolution version is strongly reccomende

Statistical Properties of Radio Emission from the Palomar Seyfert Galaxies

We have carried out an analysis of the radio and optical properties of a statistical sample of 45 Seyfert galaxies from the Palomar spectroscopic survey of nearby galaxies. We find that the space density of bright galaxies (-22 mag <= M_{B_T} <= -18 mag) showing Seyfert activity is (1.25 +/- 0.38) X 10^{-3} Mpc^{-3}, considerably higher than found in other Seyfert samples. Host galaxy types, radio spectra, and radio source sizes are uncorrelated with Seyfert type, as predicted by the unified schemes for active galaxies. Approximately half of the detected galaxies have flat or inverted radio spectra, more than expected based on previous samples. Surprisingly, Seyfert 1 galaxies are found to have somewhat stronger radio sources than Seyfert 2 galaxies at 6 and 20 cm, particularly among the galaxies with the weakest nuclear activity. We suggest that this difference can be accommodated in the unified schemes if a minimum level of Seyfert activity is required for a radio source to emerge from the vicinity of the active nucleus. Below this level, Seyfert radio sources might be suppressed by free-free absorption associated with the nuclear torus or a compact narrow-line region, thus accounting for both the weakness of the radio emission and the preponderance of flat spectra. Alternatively, the flat spectra and weak radio sources might indicate that the weak active nuclei are fed by advection-dominated accretion disks.Comment: 18 pages using emulateapj5, 13 embedded figures, accepted by Ap

Preventing cation intermixing enables 50% quantum yield in sub-15 nm short-wave infrared-emitting rare-earth based core-shell nanocrystals

Short-wave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence could become the new gold standard in optical imaging for biomedical applications due to important advantages such as lack of autofluorescence, weak photon absorption by blood and tissues, and reduced photon scattering coefficient. Therefore, contrary to the visible and NIR regions, tissues become translucent in the SWIR region. Nevertheless, the lack of bright and biocompatible probes is a key challenge that must be overcome to unlock the full potential of SWIR fluorescence. Although rare-earth-based core-shell nanocrystals appeared as promising SWIR probes, they suffer from limited photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The lack of control over the atomic scale organization of such complex materials is one of the main barriers limiting their optical performance. Here, the growth of either homogeneous (α-NaYF$_4$) or heterogeneous (CaF$_2$) shell domains on optically-active α-NaYF$_4$:Yb:Er (with and without Ce$^{3+}$ co-doping) core nanocrystals is reported. The atomic scale organization can be controlled by preventing cation intermixing only in heterogeneous core-shell nanocrystals with a dramatic impact on the PLQY. The latter reached 50% at 60 mW/cm$^2$; one of the highest reported PLQY values for sub-15 nm nanocrystals. The most efficient nanocrystals were utilized for in vivo imaging above 1450 nm

Опыт применения эксимерной лампы, оснащённой системой контроля UVB дозы, в дерматологии

Intermediate ultraviolet (UVB) therapy is considered a relatively safe method of treating skin diseases with an autoimmune component in development compared to medical drug methods, including PUVA therapy. This is due to the small depth of penetration of the rays of this wavelength range into skin, which provides a purely local effect on the human body. Excimer lamps are an alternative to the expensive excimer laser for phototherapy of psoriasis or vitiligo. However, for effective phototherapy using UVB lamps, the distance from an emitter to a patient’s skin must be considered. In this paper, we report on treatment of patients using an excimer lamp, the control unit of which is equipped with an optical system for controlling of ultraviolet radiation dose, which allows automatically calculating the time for a set UVB dose. The article describes the results of phototherapy using an excimer lamp of several cases of psoriasis, vitiligo and other forms of dermatitis with a good therapeutic and cosmetic effect. When using an excimer lamp, not a single case of exacerbation of dermatological diseases was established.UVB терапия считается относительно безопасным способом лечения кожных заболеваний с аутоиммунным компонентом в развитии в сравнении с медикаментозными методами, включая ПУВА терапию. Это обусловлено малой глубиной проникновения лучей данного диапазона длин волн в кожный покров, что обеспечивает сугубо локальное воздействие на организм человека. Эксимерные лампы являются альтернативой дорогостоящему эксимерному лазеру при фототерапии псориаза и витилиго. Однако для эффективной фототерапии с использованием UVB ламп необходимо учитывать расстояние от излучателя до кожи пациента. В данной работе сообщается о лечении больных с использованием эксимерной лампы, блок управления которой снабжён оптической системой контроля дозы ультрафиолетового излучения, что позволяет автоматически производить расчёт времени сеанса для заданной UVB дозы. В статье приведено описание результатов фотолечения с использованием эксимерной лампы нескольких случаев псориаза, витилиго и других форм дерматитов с хорошим терапевтическим и косметическим эффектом. При использовании эксимерной лампы не установлено ни одного случая обострения дерматологических заболеваний

Методика фьюжн-биопсии, или виртуальной сонографии в режиме реального времени (RVS), – первый опыт верификации зон контрастирования молочной железы под совмещенным УЗ/МР-контролем

One of the actual problems of oncology is the early diagnosis of breast cancer. However, there are some difficulties not only in diagnostic but also in the verification of lesions. Image-guided cor-biopsy nowadays became the gold standard for verification of non-palpable breast lesions. The main issue is to choose the method of visualization. According to up-to-date recommendations, there is no universal method with all requirements (high visualization quality, convenience, and accessibility for biopsy). Fusion-biopsy or virtual real-time sonography can combine MRI diagnostic potential and facility of USAim: to leverage the technique of fusion biopsy under combined ultrasound/MR control for verification of breast lesions identified only on MRI and occult on MG and US.Methods. 30 high-risk patients, who had pathological breast lesions detected by diagnostic CE-MRI, classified as BI-RADS 4, 5 yet occult on the other visualization methods were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent supine MRI prebiopsy examination, real-time virtual sonography of the lesions, image-guided biopsy or excisional biopsy, histopathologic examination.Results. The breast fusion-biopsy method was developed based on up-to-date scientific publications and optimized for the technical equipment of N.N. Petrov National Medicine Research Center of Oncology. According to the designed protocol of examination, there were the following steps: interpretation of breast CE-MRI in the standard prone position for breast lesion detection, prebiopsy CE-MRI performed in the supine position, real-time virtual sonography for comparison of breast MRI and US, histopathologic examination.Conclusion. Being one of the perspectives methodic of morphological verification Fusion-biopsy might become a more common procedure in breast lesions diagnostics. The simplicity of US-guided biopsy and high MRI breast diagnostic sensitivity are combined in fusion-biopsy technology.К актуальным проблемам современной онкологии относится ранняя диагностика рака молочной железы. Однако сложности возникают не только на этапе диагностики, но и при верификации процесса. Взятие материала путем чрескожной трепанобиопсии под контролем медицинской визуализации является “золотым стандартом” верификации непальпируемых образований молочной железы, ключевым моментом является выбор метода визуального контроля. Однако на данный момент нет универсальной методики, обладающей всеми требованиями: хорошей визуализацией очага, удобством и доступностью выполнения биопсии. Фьюжн-биопсия, или виртуальная сонография в режиме реального времени, смогла совместить диагностические преимущества МРТ и доступность метода УЗИ.Цель исследования: оптимизировать методику фьюжн-биопсии под совмещенным УЗ/МР-контролем для верификации патологических образований молочной железы, выявленных по результатам МРТ и оккультных при УЗИ и МГ.Материал и методы. В исследование вошли данные 30 пациенток с отягощенным онкологическим анамнезом и выявленными патологическими очагами в молочных железах по результатам МРТ с динамическим контрастным усилением (ДКУ) (категория BI-RADS 4, 5) и оккультными при МГ УЗИ. Всем пациентам выполняли предбиопсийную МР-разметку, сопоставление изображений МРТ и УЗИ в режиме реального времени, трепанобиопсию патологического очага или эксцизионную биопсию с последующим морфологическим исследованием.Результаты. Методика проведения фьюжн-биопсии молочной железы была отработана на основании научных публикаций и оптимизирована с учетом технологического оснащения НМИЦ онкологии им. Н.Н. Петрова. Был разработан алгоритм выполнения процедуры, включающий следующие этапы: оценка “диагностической” МРТ молочной железы с ДКУ (в пронпозиции) для оценки изменений молочных желез, выявления патологического очага; подготовительный этап – предбиопсийная МР-разметка (в позиции супинации) с МР-контрастными метками; сопоставление на ультразвуковом аппарате изображений МРТ и УЗИ; выполнение трепанобиопсии; гистологическое исследование.Заключение. Фьюжн-биопсия является перспективной методикой забора гистологического материала, которая может получить широкое распространение в диагностике патологических образований молочной железы. Данная методика объединяет в себе простоту использования УЗИ как метода визуального контроля при выполнении биопсии патологических изменений и высокую чувствительность МРТ при диагностике патологии молочных желез

Construction of a Residue Management Policy in the University of São Paulo: A model for the implementation of the NSRP in HEI

O cenário atual da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) tem, isoladamente, diversas ações ambientais em diferentes frentes, de acordo com a realidade de seus campi. \ud Em 2010, a USP designou um coordenador de Gestão Ambiental junto à Reitoria. No ano seguinte, regulamentou a Política Ambiental da USP, que visa promover a \ud sustentabilidade ambiental nos campi. Em 2012, foi criado um órgão institucional responsável pela gestão ambiental, a Superintendência de Gestão Ambiental (SGA), \ud que tem como premissa ditar normas para questões ambientais em consonância com a política ambiental proposta. Esta superintendência formou, em 2012, um \ud Grupo de Trabalho para cuidar das questões relativas aos resíduos gerados na USP. Tal grupo, composto por especialistas na área, sob a coordenação de um assessor \ud de gabinete da própria SGA, priorizou desenvolver, através de processos participativos, estratégias e procedimentos para elaboração e implantação de uma Política de \ud Gestão de Resíduos (PGRUSP). Esta Política, aos moldes de um trabalho anterior (PUSP-C, 2010), tem como proposta adequar as especificidades contidas na Política \ud Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, para o contexto universitário.Uma versão inicial da PGRUSP foi apresentadapara a comunidade acadêmica em um Fórum promovido \ud pela SGA. Nesta ocasião, representantes de todas as categorias advindos dos diversos campi da USP, além de outros da comunidade externa, fizeram considerações \ud sobre o conteúdo desta versão, que foi, então, reformulada. A PGRUSP prevê a elaboração dos planos de gerenciamento de resíduos em todas as unidades pertencentes \ud à USP. Neste momento, o Grupo de Trabalho está elaborando diretrizes para a capacitação da comunidade acadêmica para a realização de um diagnóstico de resíduos, \ud com intuito também de mobilizar e conscientizar sobre os ditames da PGRUSP. A partir da capacitação e da elaboração dos planos de gerenciamento de resíduos, \ud pressupõe-se um aprendizado sobre questões práticas da gestão de resíduos. A geração de dados e de indicadores fornecerá embasamento para uma implementação \ud contínua e eficaz da política. Para sistematização destes dados, está sendo desenvolvida uma plataforma virtual unificada. Assim, pretende-se controlar tanto os \ud insumos utilizados como a geração, o armazenamento, os tratamentos e os descartes relacionados aos resíduos gerados em nossas Unidades. Pretende-se, ainda, com \ud esta sistematização, fornecer informações que permitam à SGA atomar medidas norteadoras para melhora na gestão dos resíduos nos campi, e,consequentemente, \ud minimizar impactos ambientais causados em todos os níveis e atividades

БИОПСИЯ СИГНАЛЬНЫХ ЛИМФАТИЧЕСКИХ УЗЛОВ ПРИ РАКЕ МОЛОЧНОЙ ЖЕЛЕЗЫ

За последние десятилетия в хирургическом лечении рака молочной железы появилась тенденция к органосохраняющему и все менее травматичному и калечащему этапу в многоступенчатой терапии этого заболевания. Выполнение подмышечной лимфодиссекции часто сопровождается такими осложнениями, как лимфостаз верхних конечностей, ограничение подвижности и болевые ощущения плечевого сустава, что, в ряде случаев, ведет к инвалидизации, при излечении от рака

Новообразования молочной железы с неопределенным потенциалом злокачественности (B3): опыт применения вакуум-ассистированной биопсии под ультразвуковой навигацией

INTRODUCTION: Introduction of breast cancer screening programs has led to an increase in detection of non-palpable masses requiring core needle biopsy. Masses that fall into B3 category based on the histological results of core biopsy specimens, are of interest precisely because of their uncertain malignant potential and the lack of a final consensus on their management.OBJECTIVE: To analyze the 3-year experience of ultrasound guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) in patients with B3 breast lesions based on the results of histological examination of core biopsy specimens.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2019 and June 2022, 163 VABs were performed. The study group included patients with category 2–4 breast lesions according to the BI-RADS scoring system. The decision to perform VAB was made by the oncologist in each specific case on the basis of anamnesis, clinical data and the results of core biopsy histological examination: in cases of B3 or B2 lesions with a discordant radiologic pattern.RESULTS: In 155 (95.0%) cases, the removed lesions were benign, invasive cancer was detected in 2 (1.2%) cases, ductal cancer in situ in 6 cases (3.8%). The сomplications included: in 5 (3.1%) cases, patients had pain after the procedure, and in 37 (22.7%) cases there was a hematoma. In 5 (3.1%) patients, residual tissue was found at the site of removed lesions. CONCLUSIONS: VAB is a safe alternative to exploratory surgery in patients with B3 lesions diagnosed by core biopsy.ВВЕДЕНИЕ: Внедрение программ скрининга рака молочных желез привело к увеличению частоты обнаружения непальпируемых образований, требующих проведения трепан-биопсии. Новообразования, попадающие в категорию B3, согласно результатам гистологического исследования трепанбиоптатов, вызывают интерес именно из-за их неопределенного потенциала злокачественности и отсутствия окончательного консенсуса дальнейшей тактики.ЦЕЛЬ: Проанализировать 3-летний опыт применения вакуум-ассистированной биопсии (ВАБ) под ультразвуковым контролем у пациенток с очаговыми новообразованиями молочных желез при полученных результатах гистологического исследования трепан-биоптатов.МАТЕРИАЛЫ И МЕТОДЫ: В период с июня 2019 г. по июнь 2022 г было выполнено 163 ВАБ. В группу исследования вошли пациентки с новообразованиями молочных желез категорий 2–4 по шкале BI-RADS. Решение о выполнении ВАБ принималось онкологом в каждом конкретном случае на основании анамнестических, клинических данных и результатов гистологического исследования трепан-биоптатов: при определении образований категории В3 или В2 при дискордантной лучевой картине.РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ: В 155 (95,0%) случаях удаленные новообразования имели доброкачественный характер, инвазивный рак выявлен в 2 (1,2%) случаях, протоковый рак in situ — в 6 случаях (3,8%). Осложнения: в 5 (3,1%) случаях после проведенной процедуры у пациенток имелся болевой симптом, а в 37 (22,7%) случаях проведение процедуры сопровождалось появлением гематомы. У 5 (3,1%) пациенток была выявлена остаточная ткань в зоне удаленных новообразований.ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ: Вакуум-ассистированная биопсия является безопасной альтернативой диагностической хирургии у пациенток с поражениями категории B3, диагностированными при трепан-биопсии