Context.
Our knowledge of the dynamics of stars has undergone a revolution through the simultaneous large amount of high-quality photometric observations collected by space-based asteroseismology and ...ground-based high-precision spectropolarimetry. They allowed us to probe the internal rotation of stars and their surface magnetism in the whole Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. However, new methods should still be developed to probe the deep magnetic fields in these stars.
Aims.
Our goal is to provide seismic diagnoses that allow us to probe the internal magnetism of stars.
Methods.
We focused on asymptotic low-frequency gravity modes and high-frequency acoustic modes. Using a first-order perturbative theory, we derived magnetic splittings of their frequencies as explicit functions of stellar parameters.
Results.
As in the case of rotation, we show that asymptotic gravity and acoustic modes can allow us to probe the different components of the magnetic field in the cavities in which they propagate. This again demonstrates the high potential of using mixed-modes when this is possible.
Narrow Line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1s) are intriguing owing to their continuum as well as emission-line properties. The observed peculiar properties of the NLS1s are believed to be as a result of an ...accretion rate close to the Eddington limit. As a consequence of this, for a given luminosity, NLS1s have smaller black hole (BH) masses compared with normal Seyfert galaxies. Here we argue that NLS1s might be Seyfert galaxies in their early stage of evolution and as such may be low-redshift, low-luminosity analogues of high-redshift quasars. We propose that NLS1s may reside in rejuvenated, gas-rich galaxies. We also argue in favour of collisional ionization for production of Fe ii in active galactic nuclei.
Patients with CKD who are on hemodialysis are hyporesponsive to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) because of anemia of inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) induced hepcidin expression is a key ...mediator of such inflammation.
This phase 1/2, placebo-controlled trial assessed effects of ziltivekimab, a novel anti-IL-6 ligand antibody, in patients on hemodialysis with rs855791, a single nucleotide polymorphism of the
gene that is hypothesized to heighten susceptibility to IL-6-mediated inflammatory effects. After a screening period documenting stable ESA and iron dosing, we randomized 61 patients with elevated IL-6 (≥4 pg/ml) to receive placebo or ziltivekimab (doses of 2, 6, or 20 mg), administered intravenously every 2 weeks for 12 weeks during hemodialysis. ESA dose adjustments were allowed after 4 weeks. We analyzed safety and effects on inflammation, iron metabolism, serum albumin, and anti-drug antibodies.
No patient experienced dose-limiting toxicity. Four patients (two each in the 6- and 20-mg cohorts) died of a treatment-emergent adverse event. Compared with patients receiving placebo, those receiving ziltivekimab experienced significantly greater reductions of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and fibrinogen from baseline to end of treatment. Median ESA usage decreased by 15,000, 15,000, or 33,000 IU/wk per patient in the 2-, 6-, and 20-mg ziltivekimab cohorts, respectively, compared with no change in the placebo group. We also noted significant dose responses for decreased ESA resistance index and increased serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and serum albumin.
Ziltivekimab significantly improved markers of inflammation, reduced ESA requirements, and increased serum albumin in patients on hemodialysis with inflammation and hyporesponsiveness to ESA therapy.
Study to Assess the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Multiple Doses of COR-001, NCT02868229.
We present multi wavelength observations that trace more than 40 yr in the life of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) in Mrk 590, traditionally known as a classic Seyfert 1 galaxy. From spectra ...recently obtained from Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra, and the Large Binocular Telescope, we find that the activity in the nucleus of Mrk 590 has diminished so significantly that the continuum luminosity is a factor of 100 lower than the peak luminosity probed by our long-baseline observations. Furthermore, the broad emission lines, once prominent in the UV/optical spectrum, have all but disappeared. Since AGN type is defined by the presence of broad emission lines in the optical spectrum, our observations demonstrate that Mrk 590 has now become a "changing-look" AGN. If classified by recent optical spectra, Mrk 590 would be a Seyfert ~1.9-2, where the only broad emission line still visible in the optical spectrum is a weak component of H alpha . As an additional consequence of this change, we have definitively detected UV narrow-line components in a Type 1 AGN, allowing an analysis of these emission-line components with high-resolution COS spectra. These observations challenge the historical paradigm that AGN type is only a consequence of the line-of-sight viewing angle toward the nucleus in the presence of a geometrically flattened, obscuring medium (i.e., the torus). Our data instead suggest that the current state of Mrk 590 is a consequence of the change in luminosity, which implies the black hole accretion rate has significantly decreased.
After the All-Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae discovered a significant brightening of the inner region of NGC 2617, we began a ~70 day photometric and spectroscopic monitoring campaign from the ...X-ray through near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. We report that NGC 2617 went through a dramatic outburst, during which its X-ray flux increased by over an order of magnitude followed by an increase of its optical/ultraviolet (UV) continuum flux by almost an order of magnitude. NGC 2617, classified as a Seyfert 1.8 galaxy in 2003, is now a Seyfert 1 due to the appearance of broad optical emission lines and a continuum blue bump. Such "changing look active galactic nuclei (AGNs)" are rare and provide us with important insights about AGN physics. Based on the Hbeta line width and the radius-luminosity relation, we estimate the mass of central black hole (BH) to be (4 + or - 1) x 10 super(7) M sub(middot in circle). When we cross-correlate the light curves, we find that the disk emission lags the X-rays, with the lag becoming longer as we move from the UV (2-3 days) to the NIR (6-9 days). Also, the NIR is more heavily temporally smoothed than the UV. This can largely be explained by a simple model of a thermally emitting thin disk around a BH of the estimated mass that is illuminated by the observed, variable X-ray fluxes.
Wheat is the major crop plant in many parts of the world. Elevated temperature-induced changes in photosynthetic efficiency were studied in wheat (T. aestivum) leaves by measuring Chl a fluorescence ...induction kinetics. Detached leaves were subjected to elevated temperature stress of 35 °C, 40 °C or 45 °C. Parameters such as Fv/Fm, performance index (PI), and reaction centre to absorbance ratio (RC/ABS) were deduced using radial plots from fluorescence induction curves obtained with a plant efficiency analyser (PEA). To derive precise information on fluorescence induction kinetics, energy pipeline leaf models were plotted using biolyzer hp3 software. At 35 °C, there was no effect on photosynthetic efficiency, including the oxygen-evolving complex, and the donor side of PSII remained active. At 40 °C, activity was reduced by 14%, while at 45 °C, a K intermediate step was observed, indicating irreversible damage to the oxygen-evolving complex. This analysis can be used to rapidly screen for vitality and stress tolerance characteristics of wheat growing in the field under high temperature stress.
Mehrangarh
ridge (MGR) of Jodhpur, situated in north western part of India, is endowed with wide variety of Georesource of volcanic rocks of Malani Igneous Suite (MIS) of Cryogenian age and overlying ...Jodhpur Group (JG) of Ediacaran age belonging to Marwar Supergroup (MSG). MIS is the third largest, felsic, anorogenic, and terrestrial volcanic province of the world that witnessed Pan African orogeny related to the splitting of Rodinia Supercontinent. Unique and rare volcanic features of MIS at MGR have been declared as the National Geological Monuments of India with its interface with JG. The suite of fluvio-deltaic to coastal sediments of JG at MGR preserved text book style sedimentary structures with rich assemblage of oldest and complex Ediacaran fossils. MIS and JG altogether at MGR constitute the strato-type sections and outdoor geological museums in India that display geological processes of about 200 million years of Earth’s history. Such records of past tectonics, climates, and environments characterize the land-sea interaction and distribution in this part of Eastern Gondwana land that represent global geodiversity and provide eminent narratives for geo-education. However, these relict volcanic and sedimentary Georesources though formed site-specific landforms of MGR but have received less attention towards their geoheritage values. MGR is also endowed with many archaeological heritage monuments (HM) with additional cultural values that are constructed by indigenous Heritage Stone Resources (HSR) of JG. The HM represents old patronage of Jodhpur since medieval time that makes it a famous tourist destination of the world. In absence of geotourism applications and infrastructures in India, efforts are made under present study to provide suitable qualitative methodologies to identify geosites and assess geoheritage of educational and geotourism values taking MGR as a case study. Based on the proposed methodologies, we propose twelve geosites of geological, geomorphological, and archaeological types of geoheritage at MGR. These significant geosites of the Cryogenian—Ediacaran successions should be conserved as important geoheritage sites for geotourism through the proposed Geopark at MGR in Jodhpur.
Geodiversity is defined as the variety of geological, geomorphological, pedological and hydrogeological phenomena (IUCN
2022
). Step wells in India are magnificent groundwater bodies characterized ...by their greater values of hydrogeological geodiversity. Step wells of Jodhpur situated in the Thar Desert of western India are locally known as Jhalra and Baori which are good practices of ground water harvesting, conservation and management system of medieval period. Furthermore, these are magnificent artefacts showcasing historical-cultural (archeological), Architectural and civil engineering geo-monumental heritage of India. In absence of any methodology and guidelines, the hydrological heritage aspects of step wells are least understood and were not adequately explored for their geoheritage values. The present study explores in light of their potential to characterize and recognize them as hydro-geosites of hydro-geoheritage values to promote hydro-geotourism in India. Thus, based on the proposed methodology, out of 134 inventoried step wells of Jodhpur, eight are selected as hydro-geosites for their characterization to be utilized them for educational and hydro-geotourism purposes. Very less number of qualified hydro-geosites clearly reveals that most of them are in pathetic stage due to their negligence since long time that needs urgent conservation. For their conservation, these hydro-geosites should be protected as an important geoheritage sites similar to National Geological Monument (NGM) and Monument of National Interest (MNI) in India. Further, the self-sustainable economic development through awareness and hydro-geotourism would be the best tools for their conservation, promotion and for socioeconomic developments of the region.
We report on the detection of ultra-fast outflows in the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 590. These outflows are identified through highly blueshifted absorption lines of O VIII and Ne IX in the medium energy ...grating spectrum and Si XIV and Mg XII in the high energy grating spectrum on board the Chandra X-ray observatory. Our best-fit photoionization model requires two absorber components at outflow velocities of 0.176c and 0.0738c and a third tentative component at 0.0867c. The components at 0.0738c and 0.0867c have high ionization parameters and high column densities, similar to other ultra-fast outflows detected at low resolution by Tombesi et al. We also found suggestive evidence for super-solar silicon in these components. These outflows carry sufficient mass and energy to provide effective feedback proposed by theoretical models. The component at 0.176c, on the other hand, has a low ionization parameter and low column density, similar to those detected by Gupta et al. in Ark 564. These absorbers occupy a different locus on the velocity versus ionization parameter plane and have opened up a new parameter space of active galactic nucleus (AGN) outflows. The presence of ultra-fast outflows in moderate luminosity AGNs poses a challenge to models of AGN outflows.
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the sixth most common cancer and ranks third in mortality worldwide with inhomogeneity in terms of resection for advanced-stage disease.
Methods
...A systematic review of published literature using the PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases from 1995 to 2020 was conducted to identify studies that reported outcomes of resection for solitary HCC > 10 cm, BCLC B/C, and multinodular HCC. Our aim was to assess overall survival for resection, identify poor prognostic factors, and to compare it to trans-arterial chemotherapy (TACE) where data was available.
Results
Eighty-nine articles were included after a complete database search in the systematic review as per our predefined criteria. Analysis revealed a 5-year overall survival of 33.5% for resection of HCC > 10 cm, 41.7% for BCLC B, 23.3% for BCLC C, and 36.6% for multinodular HCC. Peri-operative mortality ranged from 0 to 6.9%. Studies comparing resection versus TACE for BCLC B/C had a survival of 40% versus 17%, respectively.
Conclusion
Our systematic review justifies hepatic resection wherever feasible for hepatocellular carcinomas > 10 cm, BCLC B, BCLC C, and multinodular tumors. In addition, we identified and proposed an algorithm with five poor prognostic criteria in this group of patients who may benefit from adjuvant TACE.
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