The prevalence and properties of cold gas inflows and outflows around galaxies in the local Universe

We perform a stacking analysis of the neutral \nad\,$\lambda\lambda$5889,5895\,\AA\ ISM doublet using the SDSS DR7 spectroscopic data set to probe the prevalence and characteristics of cold (T\,$\lesssim$\,10$^{4}$\,K) galactic-scale gas flows in local (0.025$\leqslant z\leqslant$0.1) inactive and AGN-host galaxies across the SFR-M$_{*}$ plane. We find low-velocity outflows to be prevalent in regions of high SFRs and stellar masses (10 $\lesssim$log M$_{*}$/M$_{\odot}$ $\lesssim$ 11.5), however we do not find any detections in the low mass (log M$_{*}$/M$_{\odot}$ $\lesssim$ 10) regime. We also find tentative detections of inflowing gas in high mass galaxies across the star-forming population. We derive mass outflow rates in the range of 0.14-1.74\,M$_{\odot}$yr$^{-1}$ and upper limits on inflow rates <1\,M$_{\odot}$yr$^{-1}$, allowing us to place constraints on the mass loading factor ($\eta$=$\dot{M}_{\text{out}}$/SFR) for use in simulations of the local Universe. We discuss the fate of the outflows by comparing the force provided by the starburst to the critical force needed to push the outflow outward, and find the vast majority of the outflows unlikely to escape the host system. Finally, as outflow detection rates and central velocities do not vary strongly with the presence of a (weak) active supermassive black hole, we determine that star formation appears to be the primary driver of outflows at $z\sim$0.Comment: Accepted in MNRAS. 36 pages, 15 figure

Newly Discovered Bright z~9-10 Galaxies and Improved Constraints on Their Prevalence Using the Full CANDELS Area

We report the results of an expanded search for z~9-10 candidates over the ~883 arcmin^2 CANDELS+ERS fields. This study adds 147 arcmin^2 to the search area we consider over the CANDELS COSMOS, UDS, and EGS fields, while expanding our selection to include sources with bluer J_{125}-H_{160} colors than our previous J_{125}-H_{160}>0.5 mag selection. In searching for new z~9-10 candidates, we make full use of all available HST, Spitzer/IRAC, and ground-based imaging data. As a result of our expanded search and use of broader color criteria, 3 new candidate z~9-10 galaxies are identified. We also find again the z=8.683 source previously confirmed by Zitrin+2015. This brings our sample of probable z~9-11 galaxy candidates over the CANDELS+ERS fields to 19 sources in total, equivalent to 1 candidate per 47 arcmin^2 (1 per 10 WFC3/IR fields). To be comprehensive, we also discuss 28 mostly lower likelihood z~9-10 candidates, including some sources that seem to be reliably at z>8 using the HST+IRAC data alone, but which the ground-based data show are much more likely at z<4. One case example is a bright z~9.4 candidate COS910-8 which seems instead to be at z~2. Based on this expanded sample, we obtain a more robust LF at z~9 and improved constraints on the volume density of bright z~9 and z~10 galaxies. Our improved z~9-10 results again reinforce previous findings for strong evolution in the UV LF at z>8, with a factor of ~10 evolution seen in the luminosity density from z~10 to z~8.Comment: 22 pages, 12 figures, 6 tables, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journa

A spectroscopic search for AGN activity in the reionization era

The ubiquity of Lyman alpha (Ly$\alpha$) emission in a sample of four bright [O III]-strong star-forming galaxies with redshifts above 7 has led to the suggestion that such luminous sources represent a distinct population compared to their fainter, more numerous, counterparts. The presence of Ly$\alpha$ emission within the reionization era could indicate that these sources created early ionized bubbles due to their unusually strong radiation, possibly due to the presence of active galactic nuclei. To test this hypothesis we have secured long integration spectra with XSHOOTER on the VLT for three $z\simeq$7 sources selected to have similar luminosities and prominent excess fluxes in the IRAC 3.6 or 4.5$\mu$m band, usually attributed to strong [O III] emission. We secured additional spectroscopy for one of these galaxies at $z$=7.15 using MOSFIRE at the Keck telescope. For this, the most well-studied source in our sample with the strongest IRAC excess, we detect prominent nebular emission from He II and NV indicative of a non-thermal source. For the other two sources at $z$=6.81 and $z$=6.85, for which no previous optical/near infrared spectroscopy was initially available, Ly$\alpha$ is seen in one and CIII] emission in the other. Although a modest sample, our results further support the hypothesis that the phenomenon of intense [O III] emission is associated preferentially with sources lying in early ionized bubbles. However, even though one of our sources at $z$=7.15 clearly indicates the presence of non-thermal radiation, such ionized bubbles may not uniquely arise in this manner. We discuss the unique advantages of extending such challenging diagnostic studies with JWST.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figures, submitted to Ap

Role of Neurotrophins in Orofacial Pain Modulation: A Review of the Latest Discoveries

Orofacial pain represents a multidisciplinary biomedical challenge involving basic and clinical research for which no satisfactory solution has been found. In this regard, trigeminal pain is described as one of the worst pains perceived, leaving the patient with no hope for the future. The aim of this review is to evaluate the latest discoveries on the involvement of neurotrophins in orofacial nociception, describing their role and expression in peripheral tissues, trigeminal ganglion, and trigeminal nucleus considering their double nature as “supporters” of the nervous system and as “promoters” of nociceptive transmission. In order to scan recent literature (last ten years), three independent researchers referred to databases PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science to find original research articles and clinical trials. The researchers selected 33 papers: 29 original research articles and 4 clinical trials. The results obtained by the screening of the selected articles show an interesting trend, in which the precise modulation of neurotrophin signaling could switch neurotrophins from being a “promoter” of pain to their beneficial neurotrophic role of supporting the nerves in their recovery, especially when a structural alteration is present, as in neuropathic pain. In conclusion, neurotrophins could be interesting targets for orofacial pain modulation but more studies are necessary to clarify their role for future application in clinical practice

Geological 3D modeling for excavation activity in an underground marble quarry in the Apuan Alps (Italy)

The three-dimensional laser scanning technique has recently become common in diverse working environments. Even in geology, where further development is needed, this technique is increasingly useful in tackling various problems such as stability investigations or geological and geotechnical monitoring. Three-dimensional laser scanning supplies detailed and complete geometrical information in short working times, as a result of the acquisition of a large number of data-points that accurately model the detected surfaces. Moreover, it is possible to combine these data with high quality photographic images so as to provide important information for geological applications, as follows. A working approach, that combines terrestrial laser scanning and traditional geological surveys, is presented. A three-dimensional model, that includes information about the geological structure in an underground quarry in the Apuan Alps, is realized. This procedure is adaptable to other geological contexts, and because of its operating speed and accuracy it is invaluable for optimal excavation, in which a proper planning of quarrying activity is vital for safety and commercial reasons. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the personnel of the Romana Quarry and particularly Geol. Massimo Corniani. This paper was possible because of support from the Tuscany Region Research Project known as “Health and safety in the quarries of ornamental stones – SECURCAVE”

A Spectroscopic Redshift Measurement for a Luminous Lyman Break Galaxy at z=7.730 using Keck/MOSFIRE

We present a spectroscopic redshift measurement of a very bright Lyman break galaxy at z=7.7302+-0.0006 using Keck/MOSFIRE. The source was pre-selected photometrically in the EGS field as a robust z~8 candidate with H=25.0 mag based on optical non-detections and a very red Spitzer/IRAC [3.6]-[4.5] broad-band color driven by high equivalent width [OIII]+Hbeta line emission. The Lyalpha line is reliably detected at 6.1 sigma and shows an asymmetric profile as expected for a galaxy embedded in a relatively neutral inter-galactic medium near the Planck peak of cosmic reionization. The line has a rest-frame equivalent width of EW0=21+-4 A and is extended with V_FWHM=360+90-70 km/s. The source is perhaps the brightest and most massive z~8 Lyman break galaxy in the full CANDELS and BoRG/HIPPIES surveys, having assembled already 10^(9.9+-0.2) M_sol of stars at only 650 Myr after the Big Bang. The spectroscopic redshift measurement sets a new redshift record for galaxies. This enables reliable constraints on the stellar mass, star-formation rate, formation epoch, as well as combined [OIII]+Hbeta line equivalent widths. The redshift confirms that the IRAC [4.5] photometry is very likely dominated by line emission with EW0(OIII+Hbeta)= 720-150+180 A. This detection thus adds to the evidence that extreme rest-frame optical emission lines are a ubiquitous feature of early galaxies promising very efficient spectroscopic follow-up in the future with infrared spectroscopy using JWST and, later, ELTs.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, small updates to match ApJL accepted versio

A lensed protocluster candidate at z=7.66z=7.66 identified in JWST observations of the galaxy cluster SMACS0723-7327

According to the current paradigm of galaxy formation, the first galaxies have been likely formed within large dark matter haloes. The fragmentation of these massive haloes led to the formation of galaxy protoclusters, which are usually composed of one to a few bright objects, surrounded by numerous fainter (and less massive) galaxies. These early structures could have played a major role in reionising the neutral hydrogen within the first billion years of the Universe; especially, if their number density is significant.Taking advantage of the unprecedented sensitivity reached by the \textit{James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)}, galaxy protoclusters can now be identified and studied in increasing numbers beyond $z\geq\$6. Characterising their contribution to the UV photon budget could supply new insights into the reionisation process. We analyse the first JWST dataset behind SMACS0723-7327 to search for protoclusters at $z\geq6$, combining the available spectroscopic and photometric data. We then compare our findings with semi-analytical models and simulations. In addition to two bright galaxies ($\leq$26.5 AB in F277W), separated by $\sim$11\arcsec and spectroscopically confirmed at $z_{spec}=7.66$, we identify 6 additional galaxies with similar colors in a $\theta\sim20$\arcsec radius around these (corresponding to R$\sim60-90$ kpc in the source plane). Using several methods, we estimate the mass of the dark matter halo of this protocluster, $\sim$3.3$\times$10$^{11}$M$_{\odot}$ accounting for magnification, consistent with various predictions. The physical properties of all protocluster members are also in excellent agreement with what has been previously found at lower redshifts: star-formation main sequence and protocluster size. This detection adds to just a few protoclusters currently known in the first billion years of the universe.Comment: 7 pages, 6 Figures. Accepted for publication in A&A Lette

In silico identification of new putative pathogenic variants in the NEU1 sialidase gene affecting enzyme function and subcellular localization

The NEU1 gene is the first identified member of the human sialidases, glycohydrolitic enzymes that remove the terminal sialic acid from oligosaccharide chains. Mutations in NEU1 gene are causative of sialidosis (MIM 256550), a severe lysosomal storage disorder showing autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Sialidosis has been classified into two subtypes: sialidosis type I, a normomorphic, late-onset form, and sialidosis type II, a more severe neonatal or early-onset form. A total of 50 causative mutations are reported in HGMD database, most of which are missense variants. To further characterize the NEU1 gene and identify new functionally relevant protein isoforms, we decided to study its genetic variability in the human population using the data generated by two large sequencing projects: the 1000 Genomes Project (1000G) and the NHLBI GO Exome Sequencing Project (ESP). Together these two datasets comprise a cohort of 7595 sequenced individuals, making it possible to identify rare variants and dissect population specific ones. By integrating this approach with biochemical and cellular studies, we were able to identify new rare missense and frameshift alleles in NEU1 gene. Among the 9 candidate variants tested, only two resulted in significantly lower levels of sialidase activity (pC and c.700G>A. These two mutations give rise to the amino acid substitutions p.V217A and p.D234N, respectively. NEU1 variants including either of these two amino acid changes have 44% and 25% residual sialidase activity when compared to the wild-type enzyme, reduced protein levels and altered subcellular localization. Thus they may represent new, putative pathological mutations resulting in sialidosis type I. The in silico approach used in this study has enabled the identification of previously unknown NEU1 functional alleles that are widespread in the population and could be tested in future functional studies