Evidence of unrelaxed IGM around IC1262

AIMS: A peculiar morphology of the hot gas was discovered at the center of IC1262 with the ROSAT HRI. Sensitive Chandra and XMM-Newton data were requested to investigate the characteristics of this structure to understand its nature. METHODS: We have exploited the high resolution and sensitivity of Chandra's ACIS-S to investigate the peculiar morphology and spectral characteristics of hot gas in the group around IC1262. XMM-Newton data are only partially usable due to very heavy high background contamination, but they are useful to confirm and strengthen the results from Chandra. RESULTS: The Chandra data show a quite dramatic view of the \object{IC1262} system: a sharp discontinuity east of the central galaxy, with steep drops and a relatively narrow feature over 100 kpc long, plus an arc/loop to the N, are all indicative of a turmoil in the high energy component. Their morphologies could suggest them to be tracers of shocked material caused either by peculiar motions in the system or by a recent merger process, but the spectral characteristics indicate that the structure is cooler than its surroundings. The lack of evidence of significant structures in the velocity distribution of the group members and the estimated scale of the phenomenon make the interpretation of its physical nature challenging. We review a few possible interpretations, in light of similar phenomena observed in clusters and groups. The ram pressure stripping of a bright spiral galaxy, now near the center of the group, is a promising interpretation for most of the features observed. The relation with the radio activity requires a better sampling of the radio parameters that can only be achieved with deeper and higher resolution observations.Comment: Accepted for pubblication in Astronomy & Astrophysics. Figs 1, 2, 3 and 9-12 are given as JPEG files due to the restrictions on space available on astro-p

The Discovery of New Galaxy Members in the NGC 5044 and NGC 1052 Groups

We present the results of neutral hydrogen (HI) observations of the NGC 5044 and NGC 1052 groups, as part of a GEMS (Group Evolution Multiwavelength Study) investigation into the formation and evolution of galaxies in nearby groups. Two new group members have been discovered during a wide-field HI imaging survey conducted using the ATNF Parkes telescope. These results, as well as those from followup HI synthesis and optical imaging, are presented here. J1320-1427, a new member of the NGC 5044 Group, has an HI mass of M_HI=1.05e9Msun and M_HI/L_B=1.65 Msun/Lsun, with a radial velocity of v=2750km/s. The optical galaxy is characterised by two regions of star formation, surrounded by an extended, diffuse halo. J0249-0806, the new member of the NGC 1052 Group, has M_HI=5.4e8Msun, M_HI/L_R=1.13 Msun/Lsun and v=1450km/s. The optical image reveals a low surface brightness galaxy. We interpret both of these galaxies as irregular type, with J0249-0806 possibly undergoing first infall into the NGC 1052 group.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 21 pages, 13 figures. Also available with high-resolution figures at http://www.astro.livjm.ac.uk/~npfm/Papers/mmb04.ps.g

The United Kingdom and British Empire: A Figurational Approach

Drawing upon the work of Norbert Elias and the process [figurational] sociology perspective, this article examines how state formation processes are related to, and, affected by, expanding and declining chains of international interdependence. In contrast to civic and ethnic conceptions, this approach focuses on the emergence of the nation/nation-state as grounded in broader processes of historical and social development. In doing so, state formation processes within the United Kingdom are related to the expansion and decline of the British Empire. That is, by focusing on the functional dynamics that are embedded in collective groups, one is able to consider how the UK’s ‘state’ and ‘imperial’ figurations were interdependently related to changes in both the UK and the former British Empire. Consequently, by locating contemporary UK relations in the historical context of former imperial relationships, nationalism studies can go ‘beyond’ the nation/nation-state in order to include broader processes of imperial expansion and decline. Here, the relationship between empire and nationalism can offer a valuable insight into contemporary political movements, especially within former imperial groups

Early influences on cardiovascular and renal development

The hypothesis that a developmental component plays a role in subsequent disease initially arose from epidemiological studies relating birth size to both risk factors for cardiovascular disease and actual cardiovascular disease prevalence in later life. The findings that small size at birth is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease have led to concerns about the effect size and the causality of the associations. However, recent studies have overcome most methodological flaws and suggested small effect sizes for these associations for the individual, but an potential important effect size on a population level. Various mechanisms underlying these associations have been hypothesized, including fetal undernutrition, genetic susceptibility and postnatal accelerated growth. The specific adverse exposures in fetal and early postnatal life leading to cardiovascular disease in adult life are not yet fully understood. Current studies suggest that both environmental and genetic factors in various periods of life may underlie the complex associations of fetal growth retardation and low birth weight with cardiovascular disease in later life. To estimate the population effect size and to identify the underlying mechanisms, well-designed epidemiological studies are needed. This review is focused on specific adverse fetal exposures, cardiovascular adaptations and perspectives for new studies. Copyrigh

A principal component meta-analysis on multiple anthropometric traits identifies novel loci for body shape

This is the final version of the article. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.Large consortia have revealed hundreds of genetic loci associated with anthropometric traits, one trait at a time. We examined whether genetic variants affect body shape as a composite phenotype that is represented by a combination of anthropometric traits. We developed an approach that calculates averaged PCs (AvPCs) representing body shape derived from six anthropometric traits (body mass index, height, weight, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio). The first four AvPCs explain >99% of the variability, are heritable, and associate with cardiometabolic outcomes. We performed genome-wide association analyses for each body shape composite phenotype across 65 studies and meta-analysed summary statistics. We identify six novel loci: LEMD2 and CD47 for AvPC1, RPS6KA5/C14orf159 and GANAB for AvPC3, and ARL15 and ANP32 for AvPC4. Our findings highlight the value of using multiple traits to define complex phenotypes for discovery, which are not captured by single-trait analyses, and may shed light onto new pathways

Hidden Disunities and Uncanny Resemblances: Connections and Disconnections in the Music of Lera Auerbach and Michael Nyman

Does stylistic appropriation serve to create a sense of unity or disunity, continuity or fragmentation? Taking George Lipsitz's notion of �families of resemblance� and intertextuality's dialogic qualities (as shown in the writings of Mikhail Bakhtin and Julia Kristeva), this article will put forward the argument that certain forms of quotation result in a kind of halfway house�an in-between state�where the text seemingly announces its own independence despite its (inter)dependence on a whole host of other intertexts. Unlike the collage-like, so-called polystylistic compositions of the late 1960s, which also used quotation, an altogether different and more deeply embedded form has developed since then, where the quoted material is integrated to a much greater extent on the surface, only to lay bare its �difference� at a deeper level. Such �hidden discontinuities� will be examined in relation to a single work, Lera Auerbach's Sogno di Stabat Mater (2005/2008), before applying Lipsitz's principle as a case study to Michael Nyman's oeuvre

Incidence of Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection among HIV-uninfected individuals at high risk for sexually transmitted infections

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The occurrence of, and risk factors for, HHV-8 infection have yet to be definitively determined, particularly among heterosexual individuals with at-risk behavior for sexually transmitted infections (STI). The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence and determinants of HHV-8 infection among HIV-uninfected individuals repeatedly attending an urban STI clinic.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sera from consecutive HIV-uninfected individuals repeatedly tested for HIV-1 antibodies were additionally tested for HHV-8 antibodies using an immunofluorescence assay. To identify determinants of HHV-8 infection, a nested case-control study and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Sera from 456 HIV-uninfected individuals (224 multiple-partner heterosexuals and 232 men who have sex with men (MSM]) were identified for inclusion in the study. The HHV-8 seroprevalence at enrollment was 9.4% (21/224; 95% C.I.: 6.0–14.2%) among heterosexuals with multiple partners and 22.0% (51/232; 95% C.I.: 16.9–28.0%) among MSM. Among the 203 multiple-partner heterosexuals and 181 MSM who were initially HHV-8-negative, 17 (IR = 3.0/100 p-y, 95% C.I.: 1.9 – 4.8) and 21 (IR = 3.3/100 p-y, 95% C.I:.2.1 – 5.1) seroconversions occurred, respectively. HHV-8 seroconversion tended to be associated with a high number of sexual partners during the follow-up among MSM (> 10 partners: AOR = 3.32 95% CI:0.89–12.46) and among the multiple-partner heterosexuals (> 10 partner; AOR = 3.46, 95% CI:0.42–28.2). Moreover, among MSM, HHV-8 seroconversion tended to be associated with STI (AOR = 1.80 95%CI: 0.52–7.96).</p> <p>During the study period the HIV-1 incidence was lower than that of HHV-8 among both groups (0.89/100 p-y among MSM and 0.95/100 p-y among multiple-partner heterosexuals).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The large difference between the incidence of HHV-8 and the incidence of HIV-1 and other STIs may suggest that the circulation of HHV-8 is sustained by practices other than classical at-risk sexual behavior.</p

Honouring heroes by branding in bronze: theorizing the UK's football statuary

As of 1 August 2012, there were 60 figurative subject-specific statues of association football players, managers, chairmen, owners or founding fathers sited at stadia or city centres within the UK, with all but three of these erected in the last 20 years. Clubs, their supporters and local authorities are investing substantial financial and logistical resources in adding to the cultural landscape. Their motivations are posited as a multifaceted marketing strategy that includes branding through success, the evocation of nostalgia and the creation of identity through heritage objects; a statement of cultural change, ownership and environmental improvement; and sympathy, as part of a developing mourning culture within football. Statues have been facilitated by the increasing availability of funding, and by spare capacity in fan organizations. Statue projects may be beneficial in bringing supporters together, but as a conduit for engaging the wider public in social history they are limited by subject choices driven by memory or sympathy. © 2013 © 2013 Taylor & Francis