Complex Merging Research Articles

Orthogonal proteogenomic analysis identifies the druggable PA2G4-MYC axis in 3q26 AML

The overexpression of the ecotropic viral integration site-1 gene (EVI1/MECOM) marks the most lethal acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subgroup carrying chromosome 3q26 abnormalities. By taking advantage of the intersectionality of high-throughput cell-based and gene expression screens selective and pan-histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) emerge as potent repressors of EVI1. To understand the mechanism driving on-target anti-leukemia activity of this compound class, here we dissect the expression dynamics of the bone marrow leukemia cells of patients treated with HDACi and reconstitute the EVI1 chromatin-associated co-transcriptional complex merging on the role of proliferation-associated 2G4 (PA2G4) protein. PA2G4 overexpression rescues AML cells from the inhibitory effects of HDACis, while genetic and small molecule inhibition of PA2G4 abrogates EVI1 in 3q26 AML cells, including in patient-derived leukemia xenografts. This study positions PA2G4 at the crosstalk of the EVI1 leukemogenic signal for developing new therapeutics and urges the use of HDACis-based combination therapies in patients with 3q26 AML.

PLANETARY GENTRIFICATION AND URBAN AUTHORITARIANISM

AbstractIn gentrification studies to date, authoritarianism has mainly served as a contextual backdrop to discussions of state‐led gentrification. In this concluding essay I reflect on the explorations of ‘ordinary’ geographical cases of ‘everyday authoritarianism’ presented in this intervention on planetary gentrification and urban authoritarianism. The cases of Istanbul, Casablanca and Lijiang show how the complex merging of authoritarian and neoliberal is now one of the cruxes of gentrification globally.

An improved Magellan weak lensing analysis of the galaxy cluster Abell 2744

We present a new weak lensing analysis of the Hubble Frontier Fields galaxy cluster Abell 2744 (z = 0.308) using new Magellan/MegaCam multi-band gri imaging data. We carried out our study by applying brand-new PSF and shape measurement software that allow the use of multi-band data simultaneously, which we first tested on Subaru/Suprime-Cam BRcz′ imaging data of the same cluster. The projected total mass of this system within 2.35 Mpc from the south-west BCG is (2.56 ± 0.26)×1015 M⊙, which makes Abell 2744 one of the most massive clusters known. This value is consistent, within the errors, with previous weak lensing and dynamical studies. Our analysis reveals the presence of three high-density substructures, thus supporting the picture of a complex merging scenario. This result is also confirmed by a comparison with a recent strong lensing study based on high-resolution JWST imaging. Moreover, our reconstructed total mass profile nicely agrees with an extrapolation of the strong lensing best-fit model up to several megaparsecs from the BCG centre.

A hybrid deep learning framework for conflict prediction of diverse merge scenarios at roundabouts

The unique traffic situation at roundabouts causes complex interactions between merging vehicles, thereby increasing the likelihood of conflicts. Reliable prediction of conflict risk contributes to active safety improvement, but few studies have investigated the merge risk of roundabouts at a microscopic level. In light of this, this study develops a hybrid deep learning framework for predicting potential conflict risks in complex merging scenarios at roundabouts. Specifically, a roundabout coordinate system is devised to define vehicle characteristics based on trajectory data. Then, an improved 2D-TTC (time-to-collision) indicator is employed to identify two-dimensional merge conflicts. Since the surrounding vehicles may change as vehicles merge into a roundabout, this study analyzes several merging scenarios involving different vehicle groups and conflict durations in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the conflict mechanism. For these scenarios, a hybrid model consisting of a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a long short-term memory network (LSTM) integrated with the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) is utilized to identify key features. The superiority of the proposed prediction method is demonstrated in comparisons with benchmark models. Results showed that segmental predictions were more accurate than overall predictions in terms of conflict duration. Furthermore, it is possible that a specific vehicle group has a decisive effect on the merging conflict risk, as indicated by the fact that information from multiple vehicle groups does not significantly improve the prediction performance. Another finding is that the driving state of vehicles merging at the roundabout varies considerably, but rarely with consecutive or multiple changes. The study provides novel insights into roundabout conflict prediction, which could serve as a tool for enhancing safety management involving complex traffic scenarios.

Prediction model of compressive strength of foamed concrete considering pore size distribution

To more accurately evaluate the relationship between pores and compressive strength of foamed concrete, the effects of density, water-cement ratio, and foaming agent type on porosity, pore size distribution, and compressive strength were studied. It was found that as the density decreased and the water-cement ratio increased, the number of larger-sized pores increased and the pore size distribution became wider and more non-uniform. Further, the pore structure of lower-density foamed concrete was more susceptible to the influence of density and water-cement ratio more likely to produce larger size pores. Particularly, foaming agent type had a significant effect on the pore size distribution. The pore size variation of foamed concrete was primarily attributed to the initial size of fresh foam and the complex merging and escape phenomena occurring in the foam in the slurry, the process of preparation and forming. It was also found that smaller porosity and more concentrated and uniform pore size distribution were more beneficial for strength. Additionally, to quantify the combined effect of porosity and pore size distribution on compressive strength, this paper innovatively proposes the parameters of the “pore synthesis impact factor”. Finally, a new empirical model relating the porosity, size distribution, and compressive strength is presented.

A Game Lane Changing Model Considering Driver’s Risk Level in Ramp Merging Scenario

A ramp merging decision as an important part of the lane change model plays a crucial role in the efficiency and safety of the entire merging process. However, due to the inevitability of on-ramp merging, the limitations of the road environment, and the conflict between the merging vehicle and the following vehicle on the main road, it is difficult for human drivers to make optimal decisions in complex merging scenarios. First, based on the NGSIM dataset, a gain function is designed to represent the interaction between the ego vehicle (EV) and the surrounding vehicles, and the gain value is then used as one of the characteristic parameters. The K-means algorithm is employed to conduct a cluster analysis of the driving style under the condition of changing lanes. This paper models the interaction and conflict between the ego vehicle (vehicle merging) and the mainline lagging vehicle as a complete information non-cooperative game process. Further, various driving styles are coupled in the ramp decision model to mimic the different safety and travel efficiency preferences of human drivers. After EV decision-making, a quintic polynomial method with multi-constraints is proposed to implement merging trajectory planning. The proposed algorithm is tested and analyzed in an on-ramp scenario, and the results demonstrate that drivers with different driving styles can make correct decisions and complete the ramp merging. The changing trend of the speed and trajectory tests are also in line with the features of the driver’s driving style, offering a theoretical foundation for individualized on-ramp merging decisions.

Evolution and comparative morphology of raptorial feet in spiders

Spiders are among the most diverse animals, which developed different morphological and behavioral traits for capturing prey. We studied the anatomy and functionality of the rare and apomorphic raptorial spider feet using 3D reconstruction modeling, among other imaging techniques. The evolutionary reconstruction of the raptorial feet (tarsus plus pretarsus) features using a composite tree of spiders, indicating that similar traits emerged three times independently in Trogloraptoridae, Gradungulinae, and Doryonychus raptor (Tetragnathidae). The characteristics defining the raptorial feet are an interlocked complex merging of the base of the elongated prolateral claw with the pretarsal sclerotized ring, with the former clasping against the tarsus. Raptorial feet even flex over robust raptorial macrosetae forming a reduced tarsal version of a catching basket to encase prey during hunting. Our results show that Celaeniini (Araneidae) and Heterogriffus berlandi (Thomisidae), taxa previously compared with raptorial spiders, lack the raptorial feet key characteristics and the tarsal-catching basket. We make predictions about the possible behavior of the abovementioned taxa that will need to be tested by observing living specimens. We conclude that multiple morphological tarsal and pretarsal micro-structures define the raptorial foot functional unit and recommend a comprehensive evaluation before assigning this configuration to any spider taxa.

Gas Sloshing and Cold Fronts in Pre-merging Galaxy Cluster A98

We present deep Chandra observations of the pre-merger galaxy cluster Abell 98 (A98). A98 is a complex merging system. While the northern (A98N) and central subclusters (A98S) are merging along the north–south direction, A98S is undergoing a separate late-stage merger, with two distinct X-ray cores. We report the detection of a gas sloshing spiral and two cold front edges in A98N. We find two more surface brightness edges along the east direction of the eastern core and west direction of the western core of A98S. By measuring the gas temperatures and densities across those edges, we confirm that the eastern edge appears to be a cold front while the western edge is a shock front with a Mach number ≈ 1.5. We detect a spiral structure and a “tail” of X-ray emission associated with the eastern core of A98S. Our measurement indicates that the tail is cooler than the surrounding gas at a 4.2σ level. This may suggest that the tail and the spiral structures are the results of ram-pressure stripping, as the eastern core orbits in the main cluster’s gravitational potential.

#Emotional: Exploitation & Burnout in Creator Culture

In recent years, a growing list of content creators have published videos announcing that they are leaving YouTube, taking a break, or reducing their upload schedule (Alexander). Many of these young creators state that their decision resulted from burnout, caused by a relentless schedule and obsession with YouTube’s algorithm and analytics— tools essential to success on this highly competitive creative platform (Srnicek). Its opaque algorithm, however, induces anxiety; an affect described as that which “arises when the subject is confronted by the desire of the Other and does not know what object he is for that desire” (Evans 12). Here, the Other is conflated as both audience and algorithm, insofar as what videos trend or are recommended is a complex merging of user-engagement and vetting by the algorithm. Attempting to discover the desire of the Other, creators examine data to speculate about what content will gain the most views. While some creators opt to chase trends and use clickbait titles, others avoid the algorithm’s detection and suppression by omitting key words known to be flagged, while others embrace defeat and instead drive their channels using drama and negative affect (Berryman and Kavka). Drawing on Lacan’s psychoanalytic clinical structures and theory of anxiety, this article examines how each of these approaches to navigating the platform represents a neurotic and sometimes perverse response to the algorithmic Other that is influenced by a neoliberal notion of creativity that privileges growth over its socially transformative power (Mould).

Evaluation of neotectonic activity using watershed geomorphic analysis: A case study in the west of Dokan Lake, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The Iraqi Kurdistan Region's landscapes are the product of a complex merging of the effects of the collision between the Arabian and Eurasian plates and various geomorphic processes. A study of the Khrmallan drainage basin in the west of Dokan Lake, based on a morphotectonic study is a significant contribution to our understanding of the Neotectonic activity in the High Folded Zone. This study investigated an integrated method of detail morphotectonic mapping and geomorphic indices' analysis for determining the signal of Neotectonic activity, using the digital elevation model (DEM) and satellite images. The detailed morphotectonic map, along with extensive field data, revealed considerable variation in the relief and morphology of the study area, and eight morphotectonic zones were recognized. The presence of a high anomalous value in stream length gradient (SL) ranges from 19 to 769, increasing the channel sinuosity index (SI) reaching 1.5, and the tendency of basin shifting through the transverse topographic index (T) ranging from 0.02 to 0.5, conclude that the study area is tectonically active. The strong relationship between the growth of the Khalakan anticline and the activation of faulting is concurrent with the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates. A hypothesis of an antecedent can be applied to the Khrmallan valley.

Computing a Stable Distance on Merge Trees.

Distances on merge trees facilitate visual comparison of collections of scalar fields. Two desirable properties for these distances to exhibit are 1) the ability to discern between scalar fields which other, less complex topological summaries cannot and 2) to still be robust to perturbations in the dataset. The combination of these two properties, known respectively as stability and discriminativity, has led to theoretical distances which are either thought to be or shown to be computationally complex and thus their implementations have been scarce. In order to design similarity measures on merge trees which are computationally feasible for more complex merge trees, many researchers have elected to loosen the restrictions on at least one of these two properties. The question still remains, however, if there are practical situations where trading these desirable properties is necessary. Here we construct a distance between merge trees which is designed to retain both discriminativity and stability. While our approach can be expensive for large merge trees, we illustrate its use in a setting where the number of nodes is small. This setting can be made more practical since we also provide a proof that persistence simplification increases the outputted distance by at most half of the simplified value. We demonstrate our distance measure on applications in shape comparison and on detection of periodicity in the von Kármán vortex street.

SIT 45: An interacting, compact, and star-forming isolated galaxy triplet

Context. The underlying scenario of the formation and evolution of galaxy triplets is still uncertain. Mergers of galaxies in isolated triplets give us the opportunity to study the already complex merging process, with minimal contamination of other environmental effects that potentially allow and accelerate galaxy transitions from active star-forming to passive galaxies. Aims. The merging system SIT 45 (UGC 12589) is one of 315 systems in the SDSS-based catalogue of Isolated Triplets (SIT); it is an unusual isolated galaxy triplet, consisting of three merging late-type galaxies. The main aims of this work are to study the dynamical evolution and star formation history (SFH) of SIT 45, as well as its dependence on its local and large-scale environment. Methods. To study its dynamics, parameters such as the velocity dispersion (σv), the harmonic radius (RH), the crossing time (H0tc), and the virial mass (Mvir), along with the compactness of the triplet (S) were considered. To investigate the possible dependence of these dynamical parameters on the environment, the tidal force Q parameters (both local and large-scale) and the projected local density (ηk) were used. To constrain the SFH, we used CIGALE to fit its observed spectral energy distribution using multiwavelength data from the ultraviolet to the infrared. Results. SIT 45 is one of the most compact triplets in the SIT, and it is also more compact than triplets in other samples. According to its SFH, SIT 45 presents star formation, where the galaxies also present recent (∼200 Myr) star formation increase, indicating that this activity may have been triggered by the interaction. Its dynamical configuration suggests that the system is highly evolved in comparison to the SIT. However, this is not expected for systems composed of star-forming late-type galaxies, based on observations in compact groups. Conclusions. We conclude that SIT 45 is a system of three interacting galaxies that are evolving within the same dark matter halo; its compact configuration is a consequence of the ongoing interaction rather than being due to a long-term evolution (as suggested from its H0tc value). We consider two scenarios for the present configuration of the triplet, one where one of the members is a tidal galaxy, and another where this galaxy arrives to the system after the interaction. Both scenarios need further exploration. The isolated triplet SIT 45 is therefore an ideal system to study short timescale mechanisms (∼108 yr), such as starbursts triggered by interactions which are more frequent at higher redshift.

“Diametrically Opposite Views”: Reconciling the Influences of Josephine Butler and Francis Galton on Sarah Grand’s The Heavenly Twins

Abstract Critics have discussed two main influences on Sarah Grand’s New Woman novel, The Heavenly Twins—Josephine Butler’s deeply evangelical, social purity feminism and Francis Galton’s scientifically grounded theory of eugenics. However, eugenics and evangelicalism are usually discussed separately and thought of as potentially irreconcilable. Through a consideration of several main characters, this article demonstrates how these ideological frameworks are fused and interwoven in the novel. Grand specifically advocates for women obtaining basic medical knowledge so that they can take the responsibility for sexual selection, with the goal of choosing eugenically fit husbands. Grand also represents the struggles of the developing New Women through another main character, Angelica. Angelica’s cross-dressing, rejection of the traditional marriage market, and critique of the religious establishment eventually lead her to a eugenic and spiritual awakening, transforming her into an advocate for women. Finally, Grand provocatively suggests that women and doctors could take the place of priests, jointly promoting female-centered theology and eugenic thought through a process here called eugenic evangelism. This complex merging of two seemingly irreconcilable late Victorian ideological frameworks represents what is “new” and challenging about the New Woman novel.

Radio fossils, relics, and haloes in Abell 3266: cluster archaeology with ASKAP-EMU and the ATCA

ABSTRACT Abell 3266 is a massive and complex merging galaxy cluster that exhibits significant substructure. We present new, highly sensitive radio continuum observations of Abell 3266 performed with the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (0.8–1.1 GHz) and the Australia Telescope Compact Array (1.1–3.1 GHz). These deep observations provide new insights into recently reported diffuse non-thermal phenomena associated with the intracluster medium, including a ‘wrong-way’ relic, a fossil plasma source, and an as-yet unclassified central diffuse ridge, which we reveal comprises the brightest part of a large-scale radio halo detected here for the first time. The ‘wrong-way’ relic is highly atypical of its kind: it exhibits many classical signatures of a shock-related radio relic, while at the same time exhibiting strong spectral steepening. While radio relics are generally consistent with a quasi-stationary shock scenario, the ‘wrong-way’ relic is not. We study the spectral properties of the fossil plasma source; it exhibits an ultrasteep and highly curved radio spectrum, indicating an extremely aged electron population. The larger scale radio halo fills much of the cluster centre, and presents a strong connection between the thermal and non-thermal components of the intracluster medium, along with evidence of substructure. Whether the central diffuse ridge is simply a brighter component of the halo, or a mini-halo, remains an open question. Finally, we study the morphological and spectral properties of the multiple complex radio galaxies in this cluster in unprecedented detail, tracing their evolutionary history.

The merging galaxy cluster Abell 3266 at low radio frequencies

ABSTRACT We present new low-frequency (ν = 88–216 MHz) observations of the complex merging galaxy cluster Abell 3266. These new observations are taken with the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) in its Phase II ‘extended’, long-baseline configuration, offering the highest resolution low-frequency view of the cluster to date. We report on the detection of four steep spectrum (α ≲ −1 for Sν ∝ να) extended radio sources within the cluster. We confirm the detection of a ∼570 kpc radio relic to the south of the cluster, and a possible bridge of emission connecting the relic to the cluster core. We also detect two new ultra-steep-spectrum (α ≲ −1.7) fossil plasma sources to the north and west of the cluster centre without associated compact radio emission. A previously detected radio galaxy in the cluster is also found to have a spectrally steepening tail with steep-spectrum components highlighted by the MWA. The timeline of the merger and the overall mass of the system are consistent with clusters hosting giant radio haloes, yet we do not detect a radio halo in Abell 3266. After simulating a range of radio haloes at 216 MHz, we place upper limits on the radio luminosity corresponding to ∼7.2 × 1024 W Hz−1 at 150 MHz assuming the expected 500 kpc radius – up to a factor of 5 lower than expected from scaling relations.

Unfitness to stand trial and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Understanding and responding to FASD within the criminal justice system in New Zealand.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an increasingly important issue in the New Zealand (NZ) Criminal Justice System (CJS). FASD may impact an offender's ability to participate meaningfully in the trial process, giving rise to the issue of unfitness to stand trial. Capacity to apprehend, comprehend, participate in, make decisions about and communicate within legal process intersect with the complexity and severity of charges. Courts are required to make a nuanced analysis of multiple and complex factors, merging medical and legal expertise into decisions made. We explore the nature of FASD and its implications for criminal justice in NZ. The legal and clinical issues in relation to fitness and FASD will be discussed.

Chandra and XMM–Newton observations of A2256: cold fronts, merger shocks, and constraint on the IC emission

ABSTRACT We present the results of deep Chandra and XMM–Newton observations of a complex merging galaxy cluster Abell 2256 (A2256) that hosts a spectacular radio relic (RR). The temperature and metallicity maps show clear evidence of a merger between the western subcluster (SC) and the primary cluster (PC). We detect five X-ray surface brightness edges. Three of them near the cluster centre are cold fronts (CFs): CF1 is associated with the infalling SC; CF2 is located in the east of the PC; and CF3 is located to the west of the PC core. The other two edges at cluster outskirts are shock fronts (SFs): SF1 near the RR in the NW has Mach numbers derived from the temperature and the density jumps, respectively, of MT = 1.62 ± 0.12 and Mρ = 1.23 ± 0.06; SF2 in the SE has MT = 1.54 ± 0.05 and Mρ = 1.16 ± 0.13. In the region of the RR, there is no evidence for the correlation between X-ray and radio substructures, from which we estimate an upper limit for the inverse-Compton emission, and therefore set a lower limit on the magnetic field (∼ 450 kpc from PC centre) of B > 1.0 μG for a single power-law electron spectrum or B > 0.4 μG for a broken power-law electron spectrum. We propose a merger scenario including a PC, an SC, and a group. Our merger scenario accounts for the X-ray edges, diffuse radio features, and galaxy kinematics, as well as projection effects.

Why do some SMEs engage in joint internationalisation and others do not? Exploring the role of mental images in collective international opportunity recognition

This study explores the under-researched yet increasingly important process of collective international opportunity recognition. Collective opportunities are created through the interaction and joint acts of several firms and, thus, involve a complex merging of different perspectives and interests. This study analyses why some entrepreneurs recognise collective opportunities in foreign markets while others do not. The empirical data comprise qualitative interviews with 20 representatives of Finnish small- and medium-sized maritime enterprises that are exploring internationalisation opportunities in Norway and Russia. The study suggests that collective international opportunity recognition is affected by the entrepreneur’s mental images of inter-firm collaboration and the foreign market. These images comprise his or her interpretations of relevant experiences, the current strategies and resources, and attractiveness of the context. Mental images are built on information and stimuli that the entrepreneur receives regarding potential partner firms and the foreign market, although these inputs are interpreted through the current images. The study advances international entrepreneurship research by providing insights into the subjective and contextual process of collective international opportunity recognition from the perspective of individual entrepreneurs, exploring mental images as drivers in this process, and describing the content of these images. The study highlights the complexities involved in opportunity recognition in an international collaborative setting.

Epitaxial Growth of h-BN on Templates of Various Dimensionalities in h-BN-Graphene Material Systems.

Epitaxy traditionally refers to the growth of a crystalline adlayer on a crystalline surface, and has been demonstrated in several simple material systems over decades. Beyond this, it is not clear whether the growth of 2D materials on templates of various dimensionalities is possible, and no effective theory or model is available for describing the complex epitaxial growth kinetics. Here a library of hexagonal boron nitride epitaxy is presented on graphene-hexagonal boron nitride templates of various dimensionalities, including 2D homo/heteromaterial surface and 1D interfaces of homo/heteromaterials. A framework that allows the description of various kinetic growth by combined geometric and structural modeling is developed. Using these tools, the underlying mechanisms for the complex merging process, grain boundary formation, edge-configuration-dependent growth difference, position-dependent size difference, and the correlation among epilayer orientation, crystal structure and geometry are elucidated. This work provides a general viewpoint for understanding epitaxial growth in complex systems.

A combined X-ray, optical, and radio view of the merging galaxy cluster MACS J0417.5–1154

We present a comprehensive multi-wavelength analysis of the merging galaxy cluster MACS~J0417.5-1154 at a redshift of $z=0.44$, using available images red obtained with \chandra\ in X-ray, {\it Subaru}, {\it Hubble Space Telescope} (HST) in optical, {\it Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope} (GMRT) in radio and {\it Bolocam} at 2.1~mm wavelength. This is an example of a complex merging galaxy cluster also hosting a steep-spectrum Mpc scale radio halo. The mass distribution obtained by weak lensing reconstruction shows that MACS~J0417.5-1154 belongs to the dissociative class of mergers, where one of its substructures has had its gas content detached after the pericentric passage. We find the main cluster mass $M_{200}~=~11.5^{+3.0}_{-3.5} \times 10^{14}\ M_\odot$ and the smaller second (sub)cluster mass to be $M_{200}~=~1.96^{+1.60}_{-0.95} \times 10^{14}\ M_\odot$, leading to a large total mass of $M_{200}~=~13.8^{+2.6}_{-2.8} \times 10^{14}\ M_\odot$. The overall structure, surface brightness profile, temperature and metal abundance of the intra-cluster medium (ICM) all point towards the presence of a cold front and merger induced gas-sloshing motion near the core. We detect a surface brightness edge to the south$-$east direction at a projected distance of $\sim$45 arcsec ($\sim$255\,kpc) from the centre of this cluster. The X-ray spectral analysis across the inner and outer edge allows us to confirm the detected edge as a cold front. The GMRT 235\,MHz observation shows a comet$-$like extended sychrotron radio halo emission trailing behind the cold front. The peak of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich decrement is found displaced from the centre of X-ray emission, which is interpreted as consequence of the merger dynamics.