bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential impacts of transportation infrastructure improvements to maize and cassava supply chains in Zambia
Authors: Wang Junren , Konar Megan , Baylis Kathy , Estes Lyndon , Hadunka Protensia , Xiong Sitian , Caylor Kelly
Published: October 2023

Agricultural supply chains play a crucial role in supporting food security in Africa. However, high-resolution supply chain information is often not available, which hinders our ability to determine which interventions in food supply chains would most enhance food security. In this study, we develop a high-resolution supply chain model for essential staple crops in Zambia, aiming to estimate how improvements in transportation infrastructure would impact food security. Specifically, we simulate district-level monthly consumption, trade flows, and storage for maize and cassava in Zambia. We then conduct a counterfactual case study with low transportation costs, discovering that reducing transaction costs leads to higher aggregate net agricultural revenue and aggregate net expenditure. These results indicate that transportation investments are more beneficial to suppliers than to consumers, with implications for household food security in smallholder agriculture. Our study highlights the potential for infrastructure investments to improve food security.
Observation of stabilized negative capacitance effect in hafnium-based ferroic films
Authors: Qiao Leilei , Zhao Ruiting , Song Cheng , Zhou Yongjian , Wang Qian , Ren Tian-Ling , Pan Feng
Published: October 2023

A negative capacitance (NC) effect has been proposed as a critical pathway to overcome the ‘Boltzmann tyranny’ of electrons, achieve the steep slope operation of transistors and reduce the power dissipation of current semiconductor devices. In particular, the ferroic property in hafnium-based films with fluorite structure provides an opportunity for the application of the NC effect in electronic devices. However, to date, only a transient NC effect has been confirmed in hafnium-based ferroic materials, which is usually accompanied by hysteresis and is detrimental to low-power transistor operations. The stabilized NC effect enables hysteresis-free and low-power transistors but is difficult to observe and demonstrate in hafnium-based films. This difficulty is closely related to the polycrystalline and multi-phase structure of hafnium-based films fabricated by atomic layer deposition or chemical solution deposition. Here, we prepare epitaxial ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 and antiferroelectric ZrO2 films with single-phase structure and observe the capacitance enhancement effect of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/Al2O3 and ZrO2/Al2O3 capacitors compared to that of the isolated Al2O3 capacitor, verifying the stabilized NC effect. The capacitance of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 and ZrO2 is evaluated as −17.41 and −27.64 pF, respectively. The observation of the stabilized NC effect in hafnium-based films sheds light on NC studies and paves the way for low-power transistors.
Associations of Maternal Educational Level, Proximity to Green Space During Pregnancy, and Gestational Diabetes With Body Mass Index From Infancy to Early Adulthood: A Proof-of-Concept Federated Analysis in 18 Birth Cohorts
Authors: Cadman Tim , Elhakeem Ahmed , Vinther Johan Lerbech , Avraam Demetris , Carrasco Paula , Calas Lucinda , Cardol Marloes , Charles Marie-Aline , Corpeleijn Eva , Crozier Sarah , de Castro Montserrat , Estarlich Marisa , Fernandes Amanda , Fossatti Serena , Gruszfeld Dariusz , Guerlich Kathrin , Grote Veit , Haakma Sido , Harris Jennifer R , Heude Barbara , Huang Rae-Chi , Ibarluzea Jesús , Inskip Hazel , Jaddoe Vincent , Koletzko Berthold , Lioret Sandrine , Luque Veronica , Manios Yannis , Moirano Giovenale , Moschonis George , Nader Johanna , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Andersen Anne-Marie Nybo , McEachen Rosie , de Moira Angela Pinot , Popovic Maja , Roumeliotaki Theano , Salika Theodosia , Santa Marina Loreto , Santos Susana , Serbert Sylvain , Tzorovili Evangelia , Vafeiadi Marina , Verduci Elvira , Vrijheid Martine , Vrijkotte T G M , Welten Marieke , Wright John , Yang Tiffany C , Zugna Daniela , Lawlor Deborah
Published: October 2023

International sharing of cohort data for research is important and challenging. We explored the feasibility of multicohort federated analyses by examining associations between 3 pregnancy exposures (maternal education, exposure to green vegetation, and gestational diabetes) and offspring body mass index (BMI) from infancy to age 17 years. We used data from 18 cohorts (n = 206,180 mother-child pairs) from the EU Child Cohort Network and derived BMI at ages 0–1, 2–3, 4–7, 8–13, and 14–17 years. Associations were estimated using linear regression via 1-stage individual participant data meta-analysis using DataSHIELD. Associations between lower maternal education and higher child BMI emerged from age 4 and increased with age (difference in BMI z score comparing low with high education, at age 2–3 years = 0.03 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.00, 0.05), at 4–7 years = 0.16 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.17), and at 8–13 years = 0.24 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.26)). Gestational diabetes was positively associated with BMI from age 8 years (BMI z score difference = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.25) but not at younger ages; however, associations attenuated towards the null when restricted to cohorts that measured gestational diabetes via universal screening. Exposure to green vegetation was weakly associated with higher BMI up to age 1 year but not at older ages. Opportunities of cross-cohort federated analyses are discussed.
Pollen production in olive cultivars and its interannual variability
Authors: Rojas-Gómez M , Moral J , López-Orozco R , Cabello D , Oteros J , Barranco D , Galán C , Díez C M
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. europaea) is the most extensively cultivated fruit crop worldwide. It is considered a wind-pollinated and strictly outcrossing crop. Thus, elevated pollen production is crucial to guarantee optimum fruit set and yield. Despite these facts, the variability of pollen production within the cultivated olive has been scarcely studied. This study aimed to characterize this feature by analysing a representative set of worldwide olive cultivars.

Methods

We evaluated the average number of pollen grains per anther in 57 principal cultivars over three consecutive years. We applied a standard generalized linear model (GLM) approach to study the influence of cultivar, year and the previous year’s fruit load on the amount of pollen per anther. Additionally, the K-means method was used for cluster analysis to group cultivars based on their pollen production capacity.

Key Results

Pollen production per anther was highly variable among olive cultivars. The cultivar significantly accounted for 51.3 % of the variance in pollen production and the year for 0.3 %. The interaction between the two factors explained 8.4 % of the variance, indicating that not all cultivars were equally stable in producing pollen across the years. The previous year’s fruit load and its interaction with the year were significant, but barely accounted for 1.5 % of the variance. Olive cultivars were classified into four clusters according to their capacity to produce pollen. Interestingly, the fourth cluster was composed of male-sterile cultivars, which presumably share this character by inheritance.

Conclusions

Pollen production per anther varied extensively within the cultivated olive. This variation was mainly driven by the cultivar and its interaction with the year. The differential capacity of olive cultivars to produce pollen should be considered not only for designing new orchards but also gardens where this species is used as an ornamental.
Cyclone: open-source package for simulation and analysis of finite dynamical systems
Authors: Dimitrova Elena S , Knapp Adam C , Stigler Brandilyn , Stillman Michael E
Published: October 2023

Motivation

While there are software packages that analyze Boolean, ternary, or other multi-state models, none compute the complete state space of function-based models over any finite set. Results: We propose Cyclone, a simple light-weight software package which simulates the complete state space for a finite dynamical system over any finite set.

Availability and implementation

Source code is freely available at https://github.com/discretedynamics/cyclone under the Apache-2.0 license.
Community development via performing art: considering a community theatre intervention
Authors: Viola Erica , Fedi Angela , Bosco Anna Carla , De Piccoli Norma
Published: October 2023

This paper contributes to a reflection on the relationship between community development and performing art. It discusses the possible effects of a community theatre with regard to social and cultural capital, social inclusion, and audience development in Turin (Italy). This form of artistic production can promote social ties and participation in cultural activities and increase social and cultural inclusion, key values in community development. We examine audience characteristics, development, and appreciation as the primary indicators of success, as perceived by selected stakeholders, within the context of a single case study. The intervention involved a heterogeneous audience of people who usually do not participate in neighbourhood activities and/or attend artistic-theatrical performances. As stated by the stakeholders, the project was appreciated and its impact on the citizenry was positive, particularly for the cognitive and emotional involvement and the heightened awareness of often hidden or unknown problems and resources. Limitations are also discussed.
Prognostic significance and clinical utility of left atrial reservoir strain in transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: von Roeder Maximilian , Maeder Mauritius , Wahl Vincent , Kitamura Mitsunobu , Rotta detto Loria Johannes , Dumpies Oliver , Rommel Karl-Philipp , Kresoja Karl-Patrik , Blazek Stephan , Richter Ines , Majunke Nicolas , Desch Steffen , Thiele Holger , Lurz Philipp , Abdel-Wahab Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Aims

Patients with diastolic dysfunction (DD) experience worse outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We investigated the prognostic value and clinical utility of left atrial reservoir strain (LARS) in patients undergoing TAVR for aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and results

All consecutive patients undergoing TAVR between January 2018 and December 2018 were included if discharge echocardiography and follow-up were available. LARS was derived from 2D-speckle-tracking. Patients were grouped into three tertiles according to LARS. DD was analysed using the ASE/EACVI-algorithm. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death and readmission for worsening heart failure 12 months after TAVR. Overall, 606 patients were available [age 80 years, interquartile range (IQR) 77–84], including 53% women. Median LARS was 13.0% (IQR 8.4–18.3). Patients were classified by LARS tertiles [mildly impaired 21.4% (IQR 18.3–24.5), moderately impaired 13.0% (IQR 11.3–14.6), severely impaired 7.1% (IQR 5.4–8.4), P < 0.0001]. The primary outcome occurred more often in patients with impaired LARS (mildly impaired 7.4%, moderately impaired 13.4%, and severely impaired 25.7%, P < 0.0001). On adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis, LARS tertiles [hazard ratio (HR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44–0.86, P = 0.005] and higher degree of tricuspid regurgitation (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.23–2.98, P = 0.003) were the only significant predictors of the primary endpoint. Importantly, DD was unavailable in 56% of patients, but LARS assessment allowed for reliable prognostication regarding the primary endpoint in subgroups without DD assessment (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.87, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Impaired LARS is independently associated with worse outcomes in patients undergoing TAVR. LARS allows for risk stratification at discharge even in patients where DD cannot be assessed by conventional echocardiographic means.
The effect of fibrates on lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular risk reduction: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Kyung An , Kim Na Jin , Choo Eun Ho
Published: October 2023

Aims

The effect of fibrate treatment on cardiovascular risk is inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of fibrates on major adverse cardiovascular outcome (MACE) reduction.

Methods and results

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched up to February 2023 for randomized controlled trials comparing fibrate therapy against placebo and reporting cardiovascular outcomes and lipid profile changes. The primary outcome was the clinical outcomes of each trial that most closely corresponding to MACE, a composite of cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization. A pre-specified meta-regression analysis to examine the relationship between the changes in lipid levels after fibrate treatment and the risk of MACE was also performed. Twelve trials were selected for final analysis, with 25 781 patients and 2741 MACEs in the fibrate group and 27 450 patients and 3754 MACEs in the control group. Overall, fibrate therapy was associated with decreased risk of MACE [RR 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–0.94] with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 47%). In meta-regression analysis, each 1 mmol/L reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) after fibrate treatment reduced MACE (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.49–0.94, P = 0.01), while triglyceride level changes did not show a significant association (RR per 1mmol/L reduction 0.96, 95% CI 0.53–1.40, P = 0.86). A sensitivity analysis with the composite outcome of cardiovascular death or acute myocardial infarction produced similar results.

Conclusion

Treatment with fibrates was associated with decreased risk of MACE. The reduction in MACE risk with fibrate therapy appears to be attributable to LDL-C reduction rather than a decrease in triglyceride levels.
Genomic diversity of wild and cultured Yesso scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis from Japan and Canada
Authors: Sutherland Ben J G , Itoh Naoki , Gilchrist Korrina , Boyle Brian , Roth Myron , Green Timothy J
Published: October 2023

The Yesso scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis is an important aquaculture species that was introduced to Western Canada from Japan to establish an economically viable scallop farming industry. This highly fecund species has been propagated in Canadian aquaculture hatcheries for the past 40 years, raising questions about genetic diversity and genetic differences among hatchery stocks. In this study, we compare cultured Canadian and wild Japanese populations of Yesso scallop using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing to genotype 21,048 variants in 71 wild-caught scallops from Japan, 65 scallops from the Vancouver Island University breeding population, and 37 scallops obtained from a commercial farm off Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The wild scallops are largely comprised of equally unrelated individuals, whereas cultured scallops are comprised of multiple families of related individuals. The polymorphism rate estimated in wild scallops was 1.7%, whereas in the cultured strains, it ranged between 1.35 and 1.07%. Interestingly, heterozygosity rates were highest in the cultured populations, which is likely due to shellfish hatchery practices of crossing divergent strains to gain benefits of heterosis and to avoid inbreeding. Evidence of founder effects and drift was observed in the cultured strains, including high genetic differentiation between cultured populations and between cultured populations and the wild population. Cultured populations had effective population sizes ranging from 9 to 26 individuals whereas the wild population was estimated at 25,048–56,291 individuals. Further, a depletion of low-frequency variants was observed in the cultured populations. These results indicate significant genetic diversity losses in cultured scallops in Canadian breeding programs.
Reduction and thermodynamic treatment of NOx emissions in a spark ignition engine using isooctane and an oxygenated fuel (ethanol)
Authors: Radhouane Meherzi , Chokri Boubahri , Jamel Bessrour
Published: October 2023

This research aims to study the effect of various blends of an alternative fuel environment (ethanol, isooctane) on the performance of a spark ignition gasoline engine. The blends were obtained from two additives: ethanol and isooctane. The tests were carried out on an engine test bench following DIN 70020. The results show that the petrol additives achieve excellent ecological results. On the other hand, the engine performance was slightly reduced compared with that obtained with pure fuel. We noted a variation in engine performance for the E10 (10% ethanol + 90% pure petrol) and I10 (10% isooctane + 90% pure petrol) blends, namely a reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions of 7.5% for E10 and 5% for I10 compared with pure petrol. However, using E10 and I10 blends did not increase the specific fuel consumption. Thus, the increase in the octane rating resulted in a decrease in NOx emissions. The use of 96 octane fuels, which corresponds to I40 (40% isooctane + 60% petrol), is expected even though there is an 8% decrease in engine torque and a 5% decrease in power. We also noted that the blend (20% isooctane + 80% ethanol) led to a significant increase in NOx emissions, a significant increase in specific fuel consumption and a drop in performance (engine torque and power).
“Cultural Trauma, Populist Grand Narratives, and Brexit”
Authors: Toomey Michael , Shepherd Alistair J K
Published: October 2023

Recently, increased academic attention has been paid to the role played in populist rhetoric by narratives surrounding humiliation and trauma. These studies analytically focus on how populist politicians use such narratives to legitimize their messages, as a response to genuine voter demands or worries. We argue populist messaging may just as easily be constructed through a top–down, elite-driven process, rather than in response to grassroots demands. We examine the use of cultural trauma and humiliation in narratives surrounding Brexit from 2013 to the present day. We argue that these narratives, which typically tended to focus on the UK’s loss of international status during the twentieth century (and the role that membership of the EU played in this), were largely constructed by pro-Brexit members of the British political establishment and the Conservative Party. We find that these articulations served two main purposes. First, they allowed prominent Brexiteers to build a defensive wall around themselves against criticism from domestic and foreign political rivals. Secondly, they significantly raised the political significance of the process of Brexit. This allowed Brexit to be portrayed as a grand project of national rejuvenation, and its supporters as the defenders of this project. Thus, Brexit, and narratives evoking humiliation and trauma, remained central even after the country formally left the EU. Indeed, Brexit itself has become a traumatic event invoking further grand narratives that continue to draw on and create a sense of humiliation and cultural trauma, both for those who voted to leave and to remain.
The use of logic and argumentation in therapy of sex offenders
Authors: Gabbay Dov , Rozenberg Gadi , Rivlin Lydia
Published: October 2023

This paper is intended first for the formal argumentation community (see https://comma.csc.liv.ac.uk/). This community develops logics and systems modelling argumentation and dialogues. The community is in search of major applications areas for their models. One such application area e.g. is Law. The message of this paper is that there is another major application area for formal argumentation. There is an international community of sex offender therapist that is well established and well funded, and their therapy methods use (methods that can be modelled by) formal argumentation and logic. This community presents a natural application area for formal argumentation. We thus describe in this paper how the sex offender therapists work, to give the formal argumentation researcher a view of this application area. What is especially important about this application area is that in order to model it and learn from it, the formal argumentation community have to evolve their formal methods and adapt to this new application. Part of this enhancement is to modify and import certain methods from other areas of Logic e.g. from Non-Monotonic logic. The members of the formal argumentation community are not familiar, on average, with other areas of logic, and so we also describe in this paper, what we need from neighbouring logics. This makes this paper of interest also to sex offender therapist as well. They may be already familiar with their own practices, but the additional logics described will be of interest to them.
Aggressive sexual fantasy frequency outperforms other characteristics in cross-sectionally predicting self-reported sexual aggression in 4 samples
Authors: Bondü Rebecca
Published: October 2023

Background

Aggressive sexual fantasies (ASFs) have consistently been associated with sexual aggression measures. ASF frequency has mostly been used to indicate ASF, but other ASF characteristics may be important to explain the apparent gap between alleged high lifetime prevalence rates of ASF and lower sexual aggression rates—that is, why ASFs are only sometimes put into action.

Aim

The present study therefore examined whether additional ASF characteristics show associations with sexual aggression measures above and beyond ASF frequency to identify the most relevant ASF characteristics.

Methods

The present study is based on cross-sectional survey data from 4 independent mostly community samples with 448, 131, 758, and 415 participants to examine whether ASF elaboration, intrusion, preoccupation, context, and consent were associated with self-reported sexual aggression measures beyond ASF frequency.

Outcomes

Self-reported sexual aggression measures included presumably consensual and nonconsensual sexual sadism, self-reports on acting on ASF, sexual harassment, use of coercive strategies, and rape proclivity.

Results

The results showed positive correlations among all ASF characteristics. ASF frequency was the most consistent and often strongest predictor of sexual aggression across samples and outcome measures. ASF elaboration and/or its interaction with ASF frequency added to this prediction in study 1 but not in study 2. All other ASF characteristics in studies 1 to 4 either did not add to the predictions or yielded results contrary to expectations, mostly suggesting suppressor effects.

Clinical Implications

Sexual medicine and forensic sexology researchers may want to consider ASF frequency in diagnostics and develop and refine interventions to reduce it in cases of clearly elevated levels.

Strengths and Limitations

The strengths of the present study include considering 4 independent samples as well as a large number of ASF characteristics and sexual aggression measures. Its limitations include the reliance on cross-sectional data and not being able to examine the potential influences of all ASF characteristics in a single model.

Conclusion

ASF frequency seems the most valid and reliable indicator of ASF and the most important associate of sexual aggression. It should be considered the main indicator of ASF by future research and in prevention efforts and risk assessment.
Non-human primate malaria in travellers
Authors: Putaporntip Chaturong , Cheng Chew Weng , Rojrung Rattanaporn , Kuamsab Napaporn , Jongwutiwes Somchai
Published: October 2023

Emerging zoonotic malaria caused by Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium cynomolgi and Plasmodium inui occurred in humans amid a decline of malaria prevalence in Thailand during the past decade. Diagnosis of non-human primate malaria in ecotourists is challenging. Molecular diagnosis seems to be mandatory such as species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and targeted amplicon deep sequencing.
Research on character tone trend clustering of Kunqu Opera based on quantum adaptive genetic algorithm
Authors: Tian Rui , Yin Ruheng , Ban Junrong
Published: October 2023

Kunqu, one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, features a unique artistic expression arising from the interplay between vocal melody and the tonal quality of its lyrics. Identifying Kunqu’s character tone trend (vocal melodies derived from tonal quality of the lyrics) is critical to understanding and preserving this art form. Traditional research methods, which rely on qualitative descriptions by musicologists, have often been debated due to their subjective nature. In this study, we present a novel approach to analyze the character tone trend in Kunqu by employing computer modeling machine learning techniques. By extracting the character tone trend of Kunqu using computational modeling methods and employing machine learning techniques to apply cluster analysis on Kunqu’s character tone melody, our model uncovers musical structural patterns between singing and speech, validating and refining the qualitative findings of musicologists. Furthermore, our model can automatically assess whether a piece adheres to the rhythmic norms of ‘the integration of literature and music’ in Kunqu, thus contributing to the digitization, creation, and preservation of this important cultural heritage.
A Fast, Robust Method for Quantitative Assessment of Collagen Fibril Architecture from Transmission Electron Micrographs
Authors: Rego Bruno V , Weiss Dar , Humphrey Jay D
Published: October 2023

Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals; it exhibits a hierarchical organization and provides structural support to a wide range of soft tissues, including blood vessels. The architecture of collagen fibrils dictates vascular stiffness and strength, and changes therein can contribute to disease progression. While transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is routinely used to examine collagen fibrils under normal and pathological conditions, computational tools that enable fast and minimally subjective quantitative assessment remain lacking. In the present study, we describe a novel semi-automated image processing and statistical modeling pipeline for segmenting individual collagen fibrils from TEM images and quantifying key metrics of interest, including fibril cross-sectional area and aspect ratio. For validation, we show first-of-their-kind illustrative results for adventitial collagen in the thoracic aorta from three different mouse models.
Trapped in Ceuta: Reflexive tactics and methods in Participatory Filmmaking among cross-border women
Authors: Gutiérrez Torres Irene
Published: October 2023

Recent scholarship has promoted reflexivity in migration research using visual participatory methods. However, the perspectives of cross-border workers living as undocumented migrants in borderlands have been understudied using these methods. Adopting a reflexive approach to Participatory Filmmaking (PF), this article critically engages with the co-production of knowledge amongst thirteen Moroccan cross-border women living and working irregularly as domestic workers in the Spanish city of Ceuta, North Africa. Empirically grounded in a 3-month PF workshop conducted during the closure of the Moroccan–Spanish border following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown, it explores the application of specific methods and tactics of data collection and analysis based on researchers’ and participants’ reflexivity to reveal some of the local colonial legacies that emerge when approaching this methodology from a Eurocentric gaze. To this end, I first established an ongoing, transparent dialogue aimed at unlearning, from the participants’ perspective, how to critically interrogate each facet of PF’s data collection and analysis. In this endeavour, decisions about the rationale for recruitment, practices, visuals, and technologies employed, participation, consent, and canons of technology and representation were negotiated to produce reflexive autoethnographies while avoiding exposure. Secondly, I consider specific reflexive tactics and methods of co-analysing data with participants to challenge specific categorizations while embracing decolonial feminist views. In doing so, I argue for a more reflexive approach to PF to redress existing power inequalities at the intersection of technology, representation, and voice at the heart of borderlands. It can be achieved by transforming methodological analysis into decolonial action and response.
On odd radio circles as supernova remnants: possible distances, ages, and ambient environments
Authors: Sarbadhicary Sumit K , Thompson Todd A , Lopez Laura A , Mathur Smita
Published: October 2023

The origin of arcmin-sized odd radio circles (ORCs) found in modern all-sky radio surveys remains uncertain, with explanations ranging from starburst/active galactic nucleus-driven shocks to supernova remnants (SNRs) in the low-density ambient medium. Using well-calibrated radio light-curve models, we assess the possibility that ORCs are radio SNRs in low ambient densities. Our models imply that if ORCs 1–5 are SNRs, they must be within 200–350 kpc from the Sun, given their observed flux densities and sizes. To be evolving in the circumgalactic medium of the Milky Way, our models imply ORCs 1–5 to be ejecta-dominated SNRs within 50 kpc, evolving in ambient densities of (0.2–1.2) × 10−3 cm−3. However, this is statistically unlikely because ORCs 1–5 would have ages <640 yr, much smaller than their expected lifetimes of ≳105 yr at these densities. Additionally, the low SN rate implies only a few SNRs within 50 kpc. On the other hand, the circumgalactic medium SNR scenario for J0624−6948 is more likely (although still low probability) compared to ORCs 1–5, as our models allow J0624−6948 to be ≲3000 yr. The interpretation of J0624−6948 as a Sedov–Taylor SNR in the Large Magellanic Cloud is also possible for a wide range of ambient densities (6 × 10−4 to 0.5 cm−3), consistent with the local H i environment, and ages ∼(0.2–2.6) × 104 yr. Our work implies that while some ORCs may be SNRs, others are more likely large-scale shocks in distant galaxies.
Towards accurate field-level inference of massive cosmic structures
Authors: Stopyra Stephen , Peiris Hiranya V , Pontzen Andrew , Jasche Jens , Lavaux Guilhem
Published: October 2023

We investigate the accuracy requirements for field-level inference of cluster and void masses using data from galaxy surveys. We introduce a two-step framework that takes advantage of the fact that cluster masses are determined by flows on larger scales than the clusters themselves. First, we determine the integration accuracy required to perform field-level inference of cosmic initial conditions on these large scales by fitting to late-time galaxy counts using the Bayesian Origin Reconstruction from Galaxies (BORG) algorithm. A 20-step COLA integrator is able to accurately describe the density field surrounding the most massive clusters in the local super-volume ($\lt 135\, {h^{-1}\mathrm{\, Mpc}}$), but does not by itself lead to converged virial mass estimates. Therefore, we carry out ‘posterior resimulations’, using full N-body dynamics while sampling from the inferred initial conditions, and thereby obtain estimates of masses for nearby massive clusters. We show that these are in broad agreement with existing estimates, and find that mass functions in the local super-volume are compatible with ΛCDM.
How many stars form in galaxy mergers?
Authors: Reeves Andrew M M , Hudson Michael J
Published: October 2023

We forward model the difference in stellar age between post-coalescence mergers and a control sample with the same stellar mass, environmental density, and redshift. In particular, we use a pure sample of 445 post-coalescence mergers from the recent visually confirmed post-coalescence merger sample identified by Bickley et al. and find that post-coalescence mergers are on average younger than control galaxies for 10 < log (M⋆/M⊙) < 11. The difference in age from matched controls is up to 1.5 Gyr, highest for lower stellar mass galaxies. We forward model this difference using parametric star formation histories, accounting for the pre-coalescence inspiral phase of enhanced star formation using close pair data, and a final additive burst of star formation at coalescence. We find a best-fitting stellar mass burst fraction of fburst = ΔM⋆/M⋆, merger = 0.18 ± 0.02 for 10 < log (M⋆/M⊙) < 11 galaxies, with no evidence of a trend in stellar mass. The modelled burst fraction is robust to choice of parametric star formation history, as well as differences in burst duration. The result appears consistent with some prior observationally derived values, but is significantly higher than that found in hydrodynamical simulations. Using published luminous infrared galaxy star formation rates, we find a burst duration increasing with stellar mass, from 120 to 250 Myr. A comparison to published cold gas measurements indicates there is enough molecular gas available in very close pairs to fuel the burst. Additionally, given our stellar mass burst estimate, the predicted cold gas fraction remaining after the burst is consistent with observed post-coalescence mergers.
MaNGA DynPop – IV. Stacked total density profile of galaxy groups and clusters from combining dynamical models of integral-field stellar kinematics and galaxy–galaxy lensing
Authors: Wang Chunxiang , Li Ran , Zhu Kai , Shan Huanyuan , Xu Weiwei , Cappellari Michele , Gao Liang , Li Nan , Lu Shengdong , Mao Shude , Yao Ji , Xie Yushan
Published: October 2023

We present the measurement of total and stellar/dark matter decomposed mass density profile around a sample of galaxy groups and clusters with dynamical masses derived from integral-field stellar kinematics from the MaNGA survey in Paper I and weak lensing derived from the DECaLS imaging survey. Combining the two data sets enables accurate measurement of the radial density distribution from several kpc to Mpc scales. Intriguingly, we find that the excess surface density derived from stellar kinematics in the inner region cannot be explained by simply adding an NFW dark matter halo extrapolated from lensing measurement at a larger scale to a stellar mass component derived from the NASA-Sloan Atlas (NSA) catalogue. We find that a good fit to both data sets requires a stellar mass normalization about three times higher than that derived from the NSA catalogue, which would require an unrealistically too-heavy initial mass function for stellar mass estimation. If we keep the stellar mass normalization to that of the NSA catalogue but allow a varying inner dark matter density profile, we obtain an asymptotic slope of γgnfw = $1.82_{-0.25}^{+0.15}$ and γgnfw = $1.48_{-0.41}^{+0.20}$ for the group bin and the cluster bin, respectively, significantly steeper than the NFW case. We also compare the total mass inner density slopes with those from TNG300 and find that the values from the simulation are lower than the observation by about 2σ level.
Dense gas properties around the centre of the Circinus galaxy
Authors: Li Fei , Zhang Zhi-Yu , Wang Junzhi , Luo Gan , Lin Lingrui , Zhou Jing
Published: October 2023

Studies of spatial distribution, kinematics, and physical structure of dense molecular gas in the centres of galaxies is crucial in understanding the nature of physical processes, especially those related to active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and starbursts, in the vicinity of central massive black holes. However, our current understanding of dense gas in the circumnuclear discs (CND) remains limited, particularly those around AGNs. Here-, we report high-resolution deep observations of the CS (3−2), HC3N (15−14), H2CO (2−1), CH3CCN (8−7), CO (1−0), and (3−2) lines, toward the central region (R ∼ 0.4 kpc) of the nearest Seyfert-2 galaxy, the Circinus galaxy, using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. The dense molecular gas traced by CS (3−2) and HC3N (15−14) exhibit an asymmetric and cloud structure, which is in sharp contrast against the symmetric low-density structure traced by CO (1−0). Four molecular cloud structures surrounding the AGN, which have a typical size of ∼ 20 pc, are detected with the optically thin HC3N (15−14) line. HC3N (15−14)/CO (1−0) line ratio in the CND is found to be higher than that in the nuclear region, indicating that the bulk of dense gas accumulates in the CND, instead of the nucleus. HC3N (15−14) line and optically thick tracers in four molecular clouds, provide a good comparison between density layers and show evidence for a density stratification of the CND.
Single-molecule FRET observes opposing effects of urea and TMAO on structurally similar meso- and thermophilic riboswitch RNAs
Authors: Hou Qian , Chatterjee Surajit , Lund Paul E , Suddala Krishna C , Walter Nils G
Published: October 2023

Bacteria live in a broad range of environmental temperatures that require adaptations of their RNA sequences to maintain function. Riboswitches are regulatory RNAs that change conformation upon typically binding metabolite ligands to control bacterial gene expression. The paradigmatic small class-I preQ1 riboswitches from the mesophile Bacillus subtilis (Bsu) and the thermophile Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis (Tte) adopt similar pseudoknot structures when bound to preQ1. Here, we use UV-melting analysis combined with single-molecule detected chemical denaturation by urea to compare the thermodynamic and kinetic folding properties of the two riboswitches, and the urea-countering effects of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Our results show that, first, the Tte riboswitch is more thermotolerant than the Bsu riboswitch, despite only subtle sequence differences. Second, using single-molecule FRET, we find that urea destabilizes the folded pseudoknot structure of both riboswitches, yet has a lower impact on the unfolding kinetics of the thermodynamically less stable Bsu riboswitch. Third, our analysis shows that TMAO counteracts urea denaturation and promotes folding of both the riboswitches, albeit with a smaller effect on the more stable Tte riboswitch. Together, these findings elucidate how subtle sequence adaptations in a thermophilic bacterium can stabilize a common RNA structure when a new ecological niche is conquered.
Philosophical Manuscripts
Authors: Lewis David
Published: October 2023

This volume of hitherto unpublished material from the Nachlass of David Lewis (1941-2001) includes two book manuscripts by Lewis, The Paradoxes of Time Travel: The Gavin David Young Lectures at the University of Adelaide (1971) and Confirmation Theory (1969), as well as 6 papers drafted during the years immediately prior to his death (1999-2001) and 25 further notes and papers daring from c. 1965 to 1994. These 31 papers (in total) cover a wide variety of topics in metaphysics, philosophy of logic and language, decision theory and philosophy of mind. The volume also includes a biography of the young David Lewis, written by the editors, which draws extensively on Lewis’s correspondence.
Artificial Flowers
Authors: Bellido Jose , Sherman Brad
Published: October 2023

This chapter explores the role that life plays in the way intellectual property law interacts with nature and how this changes with artificial or synthetic biology. The chapter shows that despite their copyright registration as sculptures, artificial flowers are not simply artistic objects. Instead, artificial flowers are hybrid objects that are artificial and at the same time extrinsically intertwined with nature. In this sense, the lineage of artificial flowers within intellectual property is closer to synthetic biology than it is to biology; to a subject matter inspired by nature but which takes up engineering standards and techniques to build nature from scratch.
Court Construction and Regime Change in the Mid-Fourth Century
Authors: Feeney Kevin
Published: October 2023

This chapter argues that late Roman emperors could utilize their power of patronage as part of a coherent ideological programme. This claim is developed through a prosopographical analysis of the initial court appointments of Julian and Jovian in the turbulent middle years of the fourth century ad. Julian publicly signalled the wholesale rejection of the prior regime through not only the dismissal of his predecessor’s civilian appointees but also their prosecutions and even executions, as well as the unusual replacement of the most senior military officials. The major exception to this policy was the retention of those officials who apostatized from Christianity as the emperor himself had done, thus sending a clear message to the imperial elite about how to get ahead in the new order. When Jovian took power three years later, however, his government emphasized conciliation in its rhetoric and imagery, and matched this with an appointment strategy that promoted men who had enjoyed favour under each of his immediate predecessors. In very different ways then, both of these emperors demonstrated the potential for court construction to be used for programmatic as well as clientelist purposes to send a distinct signal about a new regime’s ideological priorities.
Sharing the Imperial Limelight
Authors: McEvoy Meaghan
Published: October 2023

This chapter argues that magistri militum, the most senior officers in the Roman army, should not be considered ‘powers behind the throne’ in the late fourth to late fifth century. Instead, their power was openly articulated in panegyrics, ceremonies, marriages, and monuments as representing more of a power-sharing relationship both with child emperors and with adult emperors whom they sought to control. This arrangement, it is argued, could only have come about with the consensus of the entire court community, whose members supported generals and often benefited from their political patronage. This delicate equilibrium came to an end in the 470s, as the western empire fragmented, and eastern generals sought to rule as emperors themselves rather than in partnership with another.
Beyond the Veil
Authors: Schulz Fabian
Published: October 2023

After Constantine adopted Christianity, the emperor became an important figure in ecclesiastical politics. To bishops fighting over theology and bishoprics his support was crucial, but also controversial, depending on which side you asked. While Athanasius of Alexandria regularly accused opposing bishops of lobbying emperors in order to spread their heresy, he did not like to talk about his own attempts. He had to make an exception when he was accused of having instigated Constans against his imperial brother Constantius. This chapter investigates Athanasius’ apology to Constantius, the Apologia ad Constantium imperatorem, which denies the allegations by providing details about four audiences with Constans including the witnesses. By contrasting the account with other material (e.g. sources about the protocol; the Canons of the Council of Serdica, which regulated meetings between bishops and emperors; and Church historians, who provide alternative narratives), we are able to determine what Athanasius stresses, omits, and distorts in order to prove his point. In doing so, we learn a lot about how ecclesiastical audiences worked and how they were represented at that time. In Late Antiquity, it became commonplace for accounts of ecclesiastical court visits to be distorted in order to present a particular version of events.
Dynamics of Power
Authors: Slootjes Daniëlle
Published: October 2023

This chapter explores the dynamic relationship between emperors, bishops, and court and urban communities through the events surrounding the controversial Council of Ephesus (431). The situation arose as the result of a dispute between Cyril, bishop of Constantinople, and Nestorius, the bishop of Alexandria, regarding the status of the Virgin Mary. Each bishop used a range of strategies to influence Emperor Theodosius II, the imperial women of the family, and members of the court community to support their cause. These techniques ranged from sending embassies, letters, and gifts to seeking audiences or fomenting public protests. The successes and failures of each bishop demonstrate the difficult negotiations which marked the fraught politics of access and intimacy at the imperial court.
The Evolution of the Roman Imperial Court in Historical Context
Authors: Davenport Caillan , McEvoy Meaghan
Published: October 2023

This chapter weaves the conclusions of individual papers into a broader consideration of the transformation of the imperial court between the Principate and Late Antiquity. It focuses on the following key themes: the movement between the ‘court-in-capital’ model and peripatetic courts; the dynamics of imperial ceremonial, and the role played by both emperors and courtiers in its development; the articulation of the court community in terms of offices and structures; and the role of imperial women. In each case, the trajectory of historical development in the Roman Empire is compared with other Eurasian monarchical societies in order to determine points of similarity and difference.
A Modern Introduction to Classical Electrodynamics
Authors: Maggiore Michele
Published: October 2023

A Modern Introduction to Classical Electrodynamics is suitable for undergraduate students that already had a first exposure to the subject and for graduate students, while more advanced parts makes it a useful resource for PhD students and researchers. The book takes a ‘top-down’ approach, starting from Maxwell’s equations in vacuum and developing systematically and in a logically coherent manner their consequences. Much emphasis is put on the formal structure of the theory. Starting from Maxwell’s equations in vacuum, the central role of gauge invariance and of Special Relativity is emphasised from the beginning. After introductory chapters where are rederived elementary results of electrostatics and magnetostatics, and the multipole expansion, Special Relativity is introduced and most of the subsequent derivations are performed using the covariant formalism and the gauge potentials, allowing for greater conceptual and technical clarity, compared to more traditional treatments. All derivations are performed in great detail. The text also includes advanced topics, such as the field-theoretical treatment of classical electrodynamics or a modern treatment of radiation reaction; these parts are meant for the advanced reader and are clearly marked, and can be skipped without loss of continuity. The second part of the book covers electrodynamics in material media. This includes Maxwell’s equations in material media, frequency dependent response of materials and Kramers-Kronig relations, electromagnetic waves in materials, and scattering of electromagnetic radiation.
Introduction
Authors: Gerstenblith Patty
Published: October 2023

This chapter introduces the debate as to where cultural objects should be located. The chapter defines key terms and concepts that are explored throughout the work, including what are culture, cultural property, and cultural heritage, and how the usage of each term alters and frames the discussion of legal and ethical implications. Chapter 1 identifies the three formal communities that have interests and authority in the faceted discussion of cultural heritage: the international community, States, and local and descendant communities. It also considers the need for a contextual approach when determining where cultural objects should be located. Finally, chapter 1 sets out the structure of the rest of the book.