262 research outputs found
RXJ0848.6+4453: The Evolution of Galaxy Sizes and Stellar Populations in a z=1.27 Cluster
RXJ0848.6+4453 (Lynx W) at redshift 1.27 is part of the Lynx Supercluster of
galaxies. Our analysis of stellar populations and star formation history in the
cluster covers 24 members and is based on deep optical spectroscopy from Gemini
North and imaging data from HST. Focusing on the 13 bulge-dominated galaxies
for which we can determine central velocity dispersions, we find that these
show a smaller evolution of sizes and velocity dispersions than reported for
field galaxies and galaxies in poorer clusters. The galaxies in RXJ0848.6+4453
populate the Fundamental Plane similar to that found for lower redshift
clusters with a zero point offset corresponding to an epoch of last star
formation at z_form= 1.95+-0.2. The spectra of the galaxies in RXJ0848.6+4453
are dominated by young stellar populations at all galaxy masses and in many
cases show emission indicating low level on-going star formation. The average
age of the young stellar populations (estimated from H-zeta) is consistent with
a major star formation episode 1-2 Gyr prior, which in turn agrees with
z_form=1.95. Galaxies dominated by young stellar populations are distributed
throughout the cluster. We speculate that low level star formation has not yet
been fully quenched in the center of this cluster may be because the cluster is
significantly poorer than other clusters previously studied at similar
redshifts, which appear to have very little on-going star formation in their
centers.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomical Journal. High-resolution
figures available from the first author by reques
The Fundamental Plane in RX J0142.0+2131: a galaxy cluster merger at z=0.28
We present the Fundamental Plane (FP) in the z = 0.28 cluster of galaxies RX
J0142.0+2131. There is no evidence for a difference in the slope of the FP when
compared with the Coma cluster, although the internal scatter is larger. On
average, stellar populations in RX J0142.0+2131 have rest-frame V-band
mass-to-light ratios (M/L_V) 0.29+-0.03 dex lower than in Coma. This is
significantly lower than expected for a passively-evolving cluster formed at
z_f=2. Lenticular galaxies have lower average M/L_V and a distribution of M/L_V
with larger scatter than ellipticals. Lower mass-to-light ratios are not due to
recent star formation: our previous spectroscopic observations of RX
J0142.0+2131 E/S0 galaxies showed no evidence for significant star-formation
within the past ~4 Gyr. However, cluster members have enhanced alpha-element
abundance ratios, which may act to decrease M/L_V. The increased scatter in the
RX J0142.0+2131 FP reflects a large scatter in M/L_V implying that galaxies
have undergone bursts of star formation over a range of epochs. The seven
easternmost cluster galaxies, including the second brightest member, have M/L_V
consistent with passive evolution and z_f = 2. We speculate that RX
J0142.0+2131 is a cluster-cluster merger where the galaxies to the east are yet
to fall into the main cluster body or have not experienced star formation as a
result of the merger.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ Letter
RXJ0142.0+2131: I. The galaxy content of an X-ray-luminous galaxy cluster at z=0.28
We present a photometric and spectroscopic study of stellar populations in
the X-ray-luminous cluster of galaxies RXJ0142.0+2131 at z=0.280. This paper
analyses the results of high signal-to-noise spectroscopy, as well as g'-, r'-,
and i'-band imaging, using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on Gemini
North. Of 43 spectroscopic targets, we find 30 cluster members over a range in
color. Central velocity dispersions and absorption-line strengths for lines in
the range 3700A < lambda_rest < 5800A are derived for cluster members, and are
compared with a low-redshift sample of cluster galaxies, and single stellar
population (SSP) models. We use a combination of these indicators to estimate
luminosity-weighted mean ages, metallicities ([M/H]), and alpha-element
abundance ratios ([alpha/Fe]).
RXJ0142.0+2131 is a relatively poor cluster and lacks galaxies with high
central velocity dispersions. Although the red sequence and the Faber-Jackson
relation are consistent with pure passive evolution of the early-type
population with a formation redshift of z_form = 2, the strengths of the 4000A
break and scaling relations between metal line indices and velocity dispersion
reject this model with high significance. By inverting SSP models for the
Hbeta_G, Mgb, and line indices, we calculate that, at a given velocity
dispersion and metallicity, galaxies in RXJ0142.0+2131 have luminosity-weighted
mean ages 0.14 +- 0.07 dex older than the low-redshift sample. We also find
that [alpha/Fe] in stellar populations in RXJ0142.0+2131 is 0.14 +- 0.03
greater than at low redshift. All scaling relations are consistent with these
estimated offsets. (abridged)Comment: AJ, accepted. 31 pages, 13 figures, uses emulateapj.cls.
High-resolution figures available on request from first autho
Gemini and Hubble Space Telescope Evidence for an Intermediate Mass Black Hole in omega Centauri
The globular cluster omega Centauri is one of the largest and most massive
members of the galactic system. However, its classification as a globular
cluster has been challenged making it a candidate for being the stripped core
of an accreted dwarf galaxy; this together with the fact that it has one of the
largest velocity dispersions for star clusters in our galaxy makes it an
interesting candidate for harboring an intermediate mass black hole. We measure
the surface brightness profile from integrated light on an HST}/ACS image of
the center, and find a central power-law cusp of logarithmic slope -0.08. We
also analyze Gemini GMOS-IFU kinematic data for a 5x5 arcsec field centered on
the nucleus of the cluster, as well as for a field 14 arcsecaway. We detect a
clear rise in the velocity dispersion from 18.6 km/s at 14 arcsec to 23 km/s in
the center. A rise in the velocity dispersion could be due to a central black
hole, a central concentration of stellar remnants, or a central orbital
structure that is radially biased. We discuss each of these possibilities. An
isotropic, spherical dynamical model implies a black hole mass of
4.0^{+0.75}_{-1.0} times 10^4 M_sun, and excludes the no black hole case at
greater than 99% significance. We have also run flattened, orbit-based models
and find similar results. While our preferred model is the existence of a
central black hole, detailed numerical simulations are required to confidently
rule out the other possibilities.Comment: 8 pages, 9 figures, ApJ accepte
Spectroscopy of Low Surface Brightness Galaxies with the Hobby-Eberly Telescope
We have obtained low resolution spectra of nineteen red and blue low surface
brightness galaxies, using the Marcario Low Resolution Spectrograph on the 9.2m
Hobby-Eberly Telescope. These galaxies form a very heterogeneous class, whose
spectra qualitatively resemble those of high surface brightness galaxies
covering the full range of spectra seen in galaxies of Hubble types from E to
Irr. We use a combination of emission line (EW(Halpha), NII/Halpha) and
absorption line (Mgb, Hbeta, ) based diagnostics to investigate the
star-formation and chemical enrichment histories of these galaxies. These are
diverse, with some galaxies having low metallicity and very young mean stellar
ages, and other galaxies showing old, super-solar metallicity stellar
populations. In contrast with some previous studies which found a strong trend
of decreasing metallicity with decreasing central surface brightness, we find a
population of galaxies with low surface brightness and near-solar metallicity.
Correlations between several of the gas phase and stellar population age and
metallicity indicators are used to place contraints on plausible evolutionary
scenarios for LSB galaxies. The redshift range spanned by these galaxies is
broad, with radial velocities from 3400 km/s to more than 65000 km/s. A subset
of the sample galaxies have published HI redshifts and gas masses based on
observations with the Arecibo 305m single-dish radio telescope, which place
these galaxies far off of the mean Tully-Fisher relation. Our new optical
redshifts do not agree with the published HI redshifts for these galaxies. Most
of the discrepancies can be explained by beam confusion in the Arecibo
observations, causing erroneous HI detections for some of the galaxies.Comment: 31 pages, 12 figures, 7 tables. Uses emulateapj5.sty and
onecolfloat5.sty, which are included. Accepted for publication in the
Astronomical Journa
Expertise in research integration and implementation for tackling complex problems: when is it needed, where can it be found and how can it be strengthened?
© 2020, The Author(s). Expertise in research integration and implementation is an essential but often overlooked component of tackling complex societal and environmental problems. We focus on expertise relevant to any complex problem, especially contributory expertise, divided into ‘knowing-that’ and ‘knowing-how.’ We also deal with interactional expertise and the fact that much expertise is tacit. We explore three questions. First, in examining ‘when is expertise in research integration and implementation required?,’ we review tasks essential (a) to developing more comprehensive understandings of complex problems, plus possible ways to address them, and (b) for supporting implementation of those understandings into government policy, community practice, business and social innovation, or other initiatives. Second, in considering ‘where can expertise in research integration and implementation currently be found?,’ we describe three realms: (a) specific approaches, including interdisciplinarity, transdisciplinarity, systems thinking and sustainability science; (b) case-based experience that is independent of these specific approaches; and (c) research examining elements of integration and implementation, specifically considering unknowns and fostering innovation. We highlight examples of expertise in each realm and demonstrate how fragmentation currently precludes clear identification of research integration and implementation expertise. Third, in exploring ‘what is required to strengthen expertise in research integration and implementation?,’ we propose building a knowledge bank. We delve into three key challenges: compiling existing expertise, indexing and organising the expertise to make it widely accessible, and understanding and overcoming the core reasons for the existing fragmentation. A growing knowledge bank of expertise in research integration and implementation on the one hand, and accumulating success in addressing complex societal and environmental problems on the other, will form a virtuous cycle so that each strengthens the other. Building a coalition of researchers and institutions will ensure this expertise and its application are valued and sustained
Echoes from Ancient Supernovae in the Large Magellanic Cloud
In principle, the light from historical supernovae could still be visible as
scattered-light echoes even centuries later. However, while echoes have been
discovered around some nearby extragalactic supernovae well after the
explosion, targeted searches have not recovered any echoes in the regions of
historical Galactic supernovae. The discovery of echoes can allow us to
pinpoint the supernova event both in position and age and, most importantly,
allow us to acquire spectra of the echo light to type the supernova centuries
after the direct light from the explosion first reached the Earth. Here we
report on the discovery of three faint new variable surface brightness
complexes with high apparent proper motion pointing back to well-defined
positions in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). These positions correspond to
three of the six smallest (and likely youngest) previously catalogued supernova
remnants, and are believed to be due to thermonuclear (Type Ia) supernovae.
Using the distance and proper motions of these echo arcs, we estimate ages of
610 and 410 yr for the echoes #2 and #3.Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures, 1 table. PDF format. Note: This paper has been
accepted by Nature for publication as a letter. It is embargoed for
discussion in the popular press until publication in Natur
The Urokinase Receptor (uPAR) Facilitates Clearance of Borrelia burgdorferi
The causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, the spirochete Borrelia
burgdorferi, has been shown to induce expression of the urokinase
receptor (uPAR); however, the role of uPAR in the immune response against
Borrelia has never been investigated. uPAR not only acts as
a proteinase receptor, but can also, dependently or independently of ligation to
uPA, directly affect leukocyte function. We here demonstrate that uPAR is
upregulated on murine and human leukocytes upon exposure to B.
burgdorferi both in vitro as well as in vivo. Notably, B.
burgdorferi-inoculated C57BL/6 uPAR knock-out mice harbored
significantly higher Borrelia numbers compared to WT controls.
This was associated with impaired phagocytotic capacity of B.
burgdorferi by uPAR knock-out leukocytes in vitro. B.
burgdorferi numbers in vivo, and phagocytotic capacity in vitro,
were unaltered in uPA, tPA (low fibrinolytic activity) and PAI-1 (high
fibrinolytic activity) knock-out mice compared to WT controls. Strikingly, in
uPAR knock-out mice partially backcrossed to a B. burgdorferi
susceptible C3H/HeN background, higher B. burgdorferi numbers
were associated with more severe carditis and increased local TLR2 and
IL-1β mRNA expression. In conclusion, in B. burgdorferi
infection, uPAR is required for phagocytosis and adequate eradication of the
spirochete from the heart by a mechanism that is independent of binding of uPAR
to uPA or its role in the fibrinolytic system
Genome-wide analysis identifies genetic effects on reproductive success and ongoing natural selection at the FADS locus
: Identifying genetic determinants of reproductive success may highlight mechanisms underlying fertility and identify alleles under present-day selection. Using data in 785,604 individuals of European ancestry, we identified 43 genomic loci associated with either number of children ever born (NEB) or childlessness. These loci span diverse aspects of reproductive biology, including puberty timing, age at first birth, sex hormone regulation, endometriosis and age at menopause. Missense variants in ARHGAP27 were associated with higher NEB but shorter reproductive lifespan, suggesting a trade-off at this locus between reproductive ageing and intensity. Other genes implicated by coding variants include PIK3IP1, ZFP82 and LRP4, and our results suggest a new role for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) in reproductive biology. As NEB is one component of evolutionary fitness, our identified associations indicate loci under present-day natural selection. Integration with data from historical selection scans highlighted an allele in the FADS1/2 gene locus that has been under selection for thousands of years and remains so today. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that a broad range of biological mechanisms contribute to reproductive success
Genome-wide meta-analysis of 241,258 adults accounting for smoking behaviour identifies novel loci for obesity traits
Few genome-wide association studies (GWAS) account for environmental exposures, like smoking, potentially impacting the overall trait variance when investigating the genetic contribution to obesity-related traits. Here, we use GWAS data from 51,080 current smokers and 190,178 nonsmokers (87% European descent) to identify loci influencing BMI and central adiposity, measured as waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio both adjusted for BMI. We identify 23 novel genetic loci, and 9 loci with convincing evidence of gene-smoking interaction (GxSMK) on obesity-related traits. We show consistent direction of effect for all identified loci and significance for 18 novel and for 5 interaction loci in an independent study sample. These loci highlight novel biological functions, including response to oxidative stress, addictive behaviour, and regulatory functions emphasizing the importance of accounting for environment in genetic analyses. Our results suggest that tobacco smoking may alter the genetic susceptibility to overall adiposity and body fat distribution.Peer reviewe
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