SN 2023ixf in Messier 101: Photo-ionization of Dense, Close-in Circumstellar Material in a Nearby Type II Supernova

We present UV/optical observations and models of supernova (SN) 2023ixf, a type II SN located in Messier 101 at 6.9 Mpc. Early-time ("flash") spectroscopy of SN 2023ixf, obtained primarily at Lick Observatory, reveals emission lines of H I, He I/II, C IV, and N III/IV/V with a narrow core and broad, symmetric wings arising from the photo-ionization of dense, close-in circumstellar material (CSM) located around the progenitor star prior to shock breakout. These electron-scattering broadened line profiles persist for $\sim$8 days with respect to first light, at which time Doppler broadened features from the fastest SN ejecta form, suggesting a reduction in CSM density at $r \gtrsim 10^{15}$ cm. The early-time light curve of SN2023ixf shows peak absolute magnitudes (e.g., $M_{u} = -18.6$ mag, $M_{g} = -18.4$ mag) that are $\gtrsim 2$ mag brighter than typical type II supernovae, this photometric boost also being consistent with the shock power supplied from CSM interaction. Comparison of SN 2023ixf to a grid of light curve and multi-epoch spectral models from the non-LTE radiative transfer code CMFGEN and the radiation-hydrodynamics code HERACLES suggests dense, solar-metallicity, CSM confined to $r = (0.5-1) \times 10^{15}$ cm and a progenitor mass-loss rate of $\dot{M} = 10^{-2}$ M$_{\odot}$yr$^{-1}$. For the assumed progenitor wind velocity of $v_w = 50$ km s$^{-1}$, this corresponds to enhanced mass-loss (i.e., ``super-wind'' phase) during the last $\sim$3-6 years before explosion.Comment: 18 pages, 8 figures. Submitted to ApJ

Pattern of appearance of Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) Botubarani Gorontalo Based on Satellite Marker Monitoring

This research aims to determine the spatio-temporal distribution of Whale Sharks in Tomini Bay using satellite markers on Botubarani Beach, Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province. The subjects of this research were two individual whale sharks that had satellite tags attached to them as well as whale sharks that appeared at the time the research was conducted. The method used in this research is (1) photo ID to differentiate between individual types of whale sharks, (2) using satellite-based technology, by installing 2 (two) satellite tagging units of the Finmount Tag type on ID 53 whale sharks with body length measurements. 4.16 meters and the ID 55 measures 4.77 meters. The research was conducted from April 2023 to August 2023. The migration patterns of individual whale sharks attached with satellite tags show that they have a tendency to keep returning to the Botubarani coast of Gorontalo with different spatial and temporal distribution patterns. In terms of the number of appearances of the two individuals after installing fine markers for Whale Shark ID 53 in the period of 1 (one) year, it was recorded that 58 times were recorded in the waters of Botubarani, Gorontalo and its surroundings. Meanwhile, Whale Shark ID 55 in the same period was only recorded 21 times in the waters of Botubarani Gorontalo beach. Most of the Whale Shark aggregation locations in Tomini Bay identified through satellite tagging data on these two individuals have not yet entered the conservation area. The results of this satellite tagging method can be a basis for future reference for establishing conservation areas, especially in Tomini Bay for protection, preservation and sustainable use. limited and responsible for the existence of whale sharks

Pattern of appearance of Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) Botubarani Gorontalo Based on Satellite Marker Monitoring

This research aims to determine the spatio-temporal distribution of Whale Sharks in Tomini Bay using satellite markers on Botubarani Beach, Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province. The subjects of this research were two individual whale sharks that had satellite tags attached to them as well as whale sharks that appeared at the time the research was conducted. The method used in this research is (1) photo ID to differentiate between individual types of whale sharks, (2) using satellite-based technology, by installing 2 (two) satellite tagging units of the Finmount Tag type on ID 53 whale sharks with body length measurements. 4.16 meters and the ID 55 measures 4.77 meters. The research was conducted from April 2023 to August 2023. The migration patterns of individual whale sharks attached with satellite tags show that they have a tendency to keep returning to the Botubarani coast of Gorontalo with different spatial and temporal distribution patterns. In terms of the number of appearances of the two individuals after installing fine markers for Whale Shark ID 53 in the period of 1 (one) year, it was recorded that 58 times were recorded in the waters of Botubarani, Gorontalo and its surroundings. Meanwhile, Whale Shark ID 55 in the same period was only recorded 21 times in the waters of Botubarani Gorontalo beach. Most of the Whale Shark aggregation locations in Tomini Bay identified through satellite tagging data on these two individuals have not yet entered the conservation area. The results of this satellite tagging method can be a basis for future reference for establishing conservation areas, especially in Tomini Bay for protection, preservation and sustainable use. limited and responsible for the existence of whale sharks

A Size-Selective Intracellular Delivery Platform

Identifying and separating a subpopulation of cells from a heterogeneous mixture are essential elements of biological research. Current approaches require detailed knowledge of unique cell surface properties of the target cell population. A method is described that exploits size differences of cells to facilitate selective intracellular delivery using a high throughput microfluidic device. Cells traversing a constriction within this device undergo a transient disruption of the cell membrane that allows for cytoplasmic delivery of cargo. Unique constriction widths allow for optimization of delivery to cells of different sizes. For example, a 4 μm wide constriction is effective for delivery of cargo to primary human T-cells that have an average diameter of 6.7 μm. In contrast, a 6 or 7 μm wide constriction is best for large pancreatic cancer cell lines BxPc3 (10.8 μm) and PANC-1 (12.3 μm). These small differences in cell diameter are sufficient to allow for selective delivery of cargo to pancreatic cancer cells within a heterogeneous mixture containing T-cells. The application of this approach is demonstrated by selectively delivering dextran-conjugated fluorophores to circulating tumor cells in patient blood allowing for their subsequent isolation and genomic characterization.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant R01GM101420-01A1)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant P01CA117969)National Cancer Institute (U.S.) (Grant P30-CA14051

Chemical modification of proteins by insertion of synthetic peptides using tandem protein trans-splicing

Manipulation of proteins by chemical modification is a powerful way to decipher their function. However, most ribosome-dependent and semi-synthetic methods have limitations in the number and type of modifications that can be introduced, especially in live cells. Here, we present an approach to incorporate single or multiple post-translational modifications or non-canonical amino acids into proteins expressed in eukaryotic cells. We insert synthetic peptides into GFP, Na(V)1.5 and P2X2 receptors via tandem protein trans-splicing using two orthogonal split intein pairs and validate our approach by investigating protein function. We anticipate the approach will overcome some drawbacks of existing protein enigineering methods. Chemical modification of proteins can be used to decipher function or use that function for therapeutic purposes. Here, the authors insert synthetic peptides via tandem protein trans-splicing to add post-translational modifications or non-canonical amino acids.Chemical Immunolog