Radio morphology and spectral analysis of cD galaxies in rich and poor galaxy clusters

We present a radio morphological study and spectral analysis for a sample of 13 cD galaxies in rich and poor clusters of galaxies.} Our study is based on new high sensitivity Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) observations at 1.28 GHz, 610 MHz and 235 MHz, and on archival data. From a statistical sample of cluster cD galaxies we selected those sources with little information available in the literature and promising for the detection of aged radio emission. Beyond the high sensitivity images for all 13 radio galaxies, we present also a detailed spectral analysis for 7 of them. We found a variety of morphologies and linear sizes, as typical for radio galaxies in the radio power range sampled here (low to intermediate power radio galaxies). The spectral analysis shows that 10/13 radio galaxies have steep radio spectrum, with spectral index $\alpha \ge 1$. In general, the radiative ages and growth velocities are consistent with previous findings that the evolution of radio galaxies at the cluster centres is affected by the dense external medium (i.e. low growth velocities and old ages. We suggest that the dominant galaxies in A 2622 and MKW 03s are dying radio sources, which at present are not fed by nuclear activity. On the other hand, the spectacular source at the centre of A 2372 might be a very interesting example of restarted radio galaxy. For this source we estimated a life cycle of the order of 10$^6$ yr.Comment: Accepted by A&A, 25 pages, 28 figures, 6 tables and appendix Full version including high quality images available at http://www.ira.inaf.it/~tventuri/pap/Venturi.pd

Immunoglobulin a nephropathy and renal transplantation

In this review, we discuss the incidence of immunoglobulin A (IgA) mesangial deposits and IgA mesangial nephritis recurring in renal transplants in those patients whose renal failure was caused by IgA nephropathy (IgAN) or Henoch-Schönlein purpura. The variable rate of recurrence is discussed in the context of its clinical manifestations of microscopic haematuria and, in progressive disease, proteinuria and hypertension, and compared with the natural history of primary IgAN. Modern theories of pathogenesis of the native disease, including the roles of defective mucosal immunity and deposition in the mesangium of abnormally glycosylated IgA1 molecules are described. Whether variations in the extents to which the described abnormalities in mucosal immunity play a part in determining the natural history of primary and recurrent IgA nephropathy is debated. On the basis of evidence presented, recommendations are made regarding transplantation in patients with IgA nephropathy. The predictability rate and risks of recurrence are also discussed, together with therapeutic options. Copyright © 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company

The molecular hydrogen explorer H2EX

The Molecular Hydrogen Explorer, H2EX, was proposed in response to the ESA 2015 - 2025 Cosmic Vision Call as a medium class space mission with NASA and CSA participations. The mission, conceived to understand the formation of galaxies, stars and planets from molecular hydrogen, is designed to observe the first rotational lines of the H(2) molecule (28.2, 17.0, 12.3 and 9.7 mu m) over a wide field, and at high spectral resolution. H2EX can provide an inventory of warm (a parts per thousand yen 100 K) molecular gas in a broad variety of objects, including nearby young star clusters, galactic molecular clouds, active galactic nuclei, local and distant galaxies. The rich array of molecular, atomic and ionic lines, as well as solid state features available in the 8 to 29 mu m spectral range brings additional science dimensions to H2EX. We present the optical and mechanical design of the H2EX payload based on an innovative Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer fed by a 1.2 m telescope. The 20'x20' field of view is imaged on two 1024x1024 Si:As detectors. The maximum resolution of 0.032 cm (-aEuro parts per thousand 1) (full width at half maximum) means a velocity resolution of 10 km s (-aEuro parts per thousand 1) for the 0 - 0 S(3) line at 9.7 mu m. This instrument offers the large field of view necessary to survey extended emission in the Galaxy and local Universe galaxies as well as to perform unbiased extragalactic and circumstellar disks surveys. The high spectral resolution makes H2EX uniquely suited to study the dynamics of H(2) in all these environments. The mission plan is made of seven wide-field spectro-imaging legacy programs, from the cosmic web to galactic young star clusters, within a nominal two years mission. The payload has been designed to re-use the Planck platform and passive cooling design

Reuniting overnutrition and undernutrition, macronutrients, and micronutrients

Over-nutrition and its late consequences are a dominant theme in medicine today. In addition to the health hazards brought on by over-nutrition, the medical community has recently accumulated a roster of health benefits with obesity, grouped under obesity paradox. Throughout the world and throughout history until the 2