General Field Research Articles

The stellar mass function of quiescent galaxies in 2 < z < 2.5 protoclusters

ABSTRACT We present an analysis of the galaxy stellar mass function (SMF) of 14 known protoclusters between 2.0 < z < 2.5 in the COSMOS field, down to a mass limit of 109.5 M⊙. We use existing photometric redshifts with a statistical background subtraction, and consider star-forming and quiescent galaxies identified from (NUV − r) and (r − J) colours separately. Our fiducial sample includes galaxies within 1 Mpc of the cluster centres. The shape of the protocluster SMF of star-forming galaxies is indistinguishable from that of the general field at this redshift. Quiescent galaxies, however, show a flatter SMF than in the field, with an upturn at low mass, though this is only significant at ∼2σ. There is no strong evidence for a dominant population of quiescent galaxies at any mass, with a fraction <15 per cent at 1σ confidence for galaxies with log M*/M⊙ < 10.5. We compare our results with a sample of galaxy groups at 1 < z < 1.5, and demonstrate that a significant amount of environmental quenching must take place between these epochs, increasing the relative abundance of high-mass ($\rm M_{\ast } \gt 10^{10.5} {\rm M}_{\odot }$) quiescent galaxies by a factor ≳ 2. However, we find that at lower masses ($\rm M_{\ast } \lt 10^{10.5} {\rm M}_{\odot }$), no additional environmental quenching is required.

Development of CHARMM compatible force field parameters and molecular dynamics simulations for the pesticide flupyradifurone.

Flupyradifurone (FLU) is a novel butenolide insecticide with partial agonist activity for insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Its safety for non-target organisms has been questioned in the literature, despite initial claims of its harmlessness. Detailed understanding of its toxicity and related molecular mechanisms remain under discussion. Thus, in this work, an optimized set of CHARMM compatible parameters for FLU is presented. CHARMM General Force Field program was used as a starting point while the non-bonded and bonded parameters were adjusted and optimized to reproduce MP2/6-31G(d) accuracy level results. For the validity assessment of these parameters, infrared spectrum, water-octanol partition coefficient, and normal modes were computed and compared to experimental values found in the literature. Several MD simulations of FLU in water and FLU in complex with an acetylcholine-binding protein were performed to estimate the ability of the optimized parameters to correctly describe its torsional space and reproduce observed crystallographic trends respectively.

Fast norm computation in smooth-degree Abelian number fields

This paper presents a fast method to compute algebraic norms of integral elements of smooth-degree cyclotomic fields, and, more generally, smooth-degree Galois number fields with commutative Galois groups. The typical scenario arising in S-unit searches (for, e.g., class-group computation) is computing a Theta (nlog n)-bit norm of an element of weight n^{1/2+o(1)} in a degree-n field; this method then uses n(log n)^{3+o(1)} bit operations.An n(log n)^{O(1)} operation count was already known in two easier special cases: norms from power-of-2 cyclotomic fields via towers of power-of-2 cyclotomic subfields, and norms from multiquadratic fields via towers of multiquadratic subfields. This paper handles more general Abelian fields by identifying tower-compatible integral bases supporting fast multiplication; in particular, there is a synergy between tower-compatible Gauss-period integral bases and a fast-multiplication idea from Rader.As a baseline, this paper also analyzes various standard norm-computation techniques that apply to arbitrary number fields, concluding that all of these techniques use at least n^2(log n)^{2+o(1)} bit operations in the same scenario, even with fast subroutines for continued fractions and for complex FFTs. Compared to this baseline, algorithms dedicated to smooth-degree Abelian fields find each norm n/(log n)^{1+o(1)} times faster, and finish norm computations inside S-unit searches n^2/(log n)^{1+o(1)} times faster.

Monodromy approach to pair production of charged black holes and electric fields

To find the pair production, absorption cross section and quasi-normal modes in background fields, we advance the monodromy method that makes use of the regular singular points of wave equations. We find the mean number of pairs produced in background fields whose mode equations belong to the Riemann differential equation and apply the method to the three particular cases: (i) charges near the horizon of near-extremal black holes, (ii) charges with minimal energy under the static balance in nonextremal charged black holes, and (iii) charges in the Sauter-type electric fields. We then compare the results from the monodromy with those from the exact wave functions in terms of the hypergeometric functions with three regular singular points. The explicit elaboration of monodromy and the model calculations worked out here seem to reveal evidences that the monodromy may provide a practical technique to study the spontaneous pair production in general black holes and electromagnetic fields.

Validity of the Capacity to Work Index: Development of an Instrument to Measure Work Capacity in Relation to Depression and Anxiety in the General Working Population

PurposeTo develop an index to assess capacity to work in relation to common mental disorders (CMDs) in the general working population and field test its psychometric properties.MethodsContent analysis of three qualitative studies on people (n = 49) with their own experiences of working with CMD guided the items selected for the index. Face and content validity and test-retest reliability were performed. The index was field tested in two versions with 26 and 17 items, respectively, among health care professionals regarding internal reliability, component structure and concurrent validity.ResultsThe final version of the Capacity to Work Index (C2WI; 17 items) was normally distributed in the field test with high internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.84). Missing responses were randomly distributed and nonspecific. Principal component analysis showed one clear component with negatively framed items. Concurrent validity showed high correlation with the WHO-5 Well-Being Scale (Pearson’s r, 0.68), but lower correlation for the general health question (r, − 0.44), one item of the Work Ability Index (r, − 0.33), and the Stress of Conscience constructs (r, 0.44).ConclusionThe C2WI showed promising psychometric qualities. Low and negative correlation with the item from Work Ability Index suggests that the C2WI measures additional dimensions, but further testing in larger and more diverse samples is required.

AN ALGEBRAIC INTERPRETATION OF THE SUPER CATALAN NUMBERS

AbstractWe extend the notion of polynomial integration over an arbitrary circle C in the Euclidean geometry over general fields $\mathbb {F}$ of characteristic zero as a normalised $\mathbb {F}$ -linear functional on $\mathbb {F}[\alpha _1, \alpha _2]$ that maps polynomials that evaluate to zero on C to zero and is $\mathrm {SO}(2,\mathbb {F})$ -invariant. This allows us to not only build a purely algebraic integration theory in an elementary way, but also give the super Catalan numbers $$ \begin{align*} S(m,n) = \frac{(2m)!(2n)!}{m!n!(m+n)!} \end{align*} $$ an algebraic interpretation in terms of values of this algebraic integral over some circle applied to the monomials $\alpha _1^{2m}\alpha _2^{2n}$ .

Pengelolaan Zakat di Baznas Kabupaten Lombok Timur dalam Perspektif Total Quality Management

Zakat is an important instrument in alleviating poverty, considering the large potential of zakat both locally and nationally. This law stipulates that zakat management aims to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of services in zakat management and increase the benefits of zakat to realize community welfare and reduce poverty. This research aims to find out how to apply the principles of customer focus, process improvement, and total involvement for the components of leadership, employee loyalty, and partner involvement. The research method uses descriptive qualitative methods with a case study approach data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation. Primary data comes from Baznas leaders and implementers, while secondary data is collected from East Lombok Regency Baznas zakat management documents and related research or scientific work. Data analysis was carried out in three stages, namely data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The findings from this research show that: 1. Baznas East Lombok Regency has provided good services to Muzakki and Mustahiq. 2. In terms of improving the Baznas process, East Lombok Regency has carried out improvement steps every year which cover four existing areas, namely process improvement in the field of collection, process improvement in the distribution and utilization field, process improvement in the field of planning and reporting and process improvement in the field of administration, HR and general fields. 3. Regarding total involvement, Baznas East Lombok Regency has involved leaders, amilin, and partners in managing zakat.

Using three-dimensional versus two-dimensional laparoscopy in sleeve gastrectomy: A case matched comparison

Abstract Background Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy using two-dimensional (2-D) systems has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for obesity. Three-dimensional (3-D) systems have recently been introduced in the general field. We hypothesized that using a 3-D system offers more benefits than using 2-D laparoscopy in sleeve gastrectomy. Materials and Methods Patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) without any other surgeries between January 1, 2017, and February 28, 2019, were included. Characteristic factors and outcomes were reviewed and compared between the groups using the 2-D system and the 3-D system, including sex, age, length of stay, body mass index, operative time, blood loss, morbidity, total body weight loss, and excess weight loss. Results Seventy-five patients underwent LSG and were included in the study. Among them, 42 patients used the 3-D system, while 33 patients used the 2-D system. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of basic characteristics, including age, sex, and body mass index. The morbidity rate did not differ, but the 3-D group experienced less blood loss (25.12 vs 47.27 mL; P = 0.001) and shorter operative times (105.93 ± 30.645 minutes vs. 128.94 ± 28.566 minutes; P = 0.001) compared with the 2-D group (25.12 vs 47.27 mL; P = 0.001). Weight loss at 6 months was similar between the two groups. Conclusions Three-dimensional LSG shows promise in reducing both blood loss and operative time. Nevertheless, further prospective trials are essential to definitively establish its efficacy.

Quantum calculation of axion-photon transition in electromagnetodynamics for cavity haloscope* *T. L. is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12375096, 11975129, 12035008) and “the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities”, Nankai University (63196013)

The Witten effect implies the presence of electric charge of magnetic monople and the possible relationship between axion and dyon. The axion-dyon dynamics can be reliably built based on the quantum electromagnetodynamics (QEMD) which was developed by Schwinger and Zwanziger in the 1960's. A generic low-energy axion-photon effective field theory can also be realized in the language of “generalized symmetries” with higher-form symmetries and background gauge fields. In this work, we implement the quantum calculation of the axion-single photon transition rate inside a homogeneous electromagnetic field in terms of the new axion interaction Hamiltonian in QEMD. This quantum calculation can clearly imply the enhancement of conversion rate through resonant cavity in axion haloscope experiments. We also show the promising potentials on the cavity search of new axion-photon couplings.

A heterotic Kodaira-Spencer theory at one-loop

We consider a heterotic version of six-dimensional Kodaira-Spencer gravity derived from the heterotic superpotential. We compute the one-loop partition function and find it can be expressed as a product of holomorphic Ray-Singer torsions. We discuss its topological properties and potential gauge and gravitational anomalies. We show these anomalies can be cancelled using Green-Schwarz-like counter-terms. We also discuss the dependence on the background geometry, and in particular the choice of hermitian metric needed for quantisation. Given suitable topological constraints, this dependence may again be cancelled by the addition of purely background-dependent counter-terms. We also explain how our methods provide the one-loop partition functions of a large class of more general holomorphic field theories in terms of holomorphic Ray-Singer torsions.

General Fractional Noether Theorem and Non-Holonomic Action Principle

Using general fractional calculus (GFC) of the Luchko form and non-holonomic variational equations of Sedov type, generalizations of the standard action principle and first Noether theorem are proposed and proved for non-local (general fractional) non-Lagrangian field theory. The use of the GFC allows us to take into account a wide class of nonlocalities in space and time compared to the usual fractional calculus. The use of non-holonomic variation equations allows us to consider field equations and equations of motion for a wide class of irreversible processes, dissipative and open systems, non-Lagrangian and non-Hamiltonian field theories and systems. In addition, the proposed GF action principle and the GF Noether theorem are generalized to equations containing general fractional integrals (GFI) in addition to general fractional derivatives (GFD). Examples of field equations with GFDs and GFIs are suggested. The energy–momentum tensor, orbital angular-momentum tensor and spin angular-momentum tensor are given for general fractional non-Lagrangian field theories. Examples of application of generalized first Noether’s theorem are suggested for scalar end vector fields of non-Lagrangian field theory.

Exploring the brain epitranscriptome: perspectives from the NSAS summit.

Increasing evidence reinforces the essential function of RNA modifications in development and diseases, especially in the nervous system. RNA modifications impact various processes in the brain, including neurodevelopment, neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, learning and memory, neural regeneration, neurodegeneration, and brain tumorigenesis, leading to the emergence of a new field termed neuroepitranscriptomics. Deficiency in machineries modulating RNA modifications has been implicated in a range of brain disorders from microcephaly, intellectual disability, seizures, and psychiatric disorders to brain cancers such as glioblastoma. The inaugural NSAS Challenge Workshop on Brain Epitranscriptomics hosted in Crans-Montana, Switzerland in 2023 assembled a group of experts from the field, to discuss the current state of the field and provide novel translational perspectives. A summary of the discussions at the workshop is presented here to simulate broader engagement from the general neuroscience field.

Combining Force Fields and Neural Networks for an Accurate Representation of Chemically Diverse Molecular Interactions.

A key goal of molecular modeling is the accurate reproduction of the true quantum mechanical potential energy of arbitrary molecular ensembles with a tractable classical approximation. The challenges are that analytical expressions found in general purpose force fields struggle to faithfully represent the intermolecular quantum potential energy surface at close distances and in strong interaction regimes; that the more accurate neural network approximations do not capture crucial physics concepts, e.g., nonadditive inductive contributions and application of electric fields; and that the ultra-accurate narrowly targeted models have difficulty generalizing to the entire chemical space. We therefore designed a hybrid wide-coverage intermolecular interaction model consisting of an analytically polarizable force field combined with a short-range neural network correction for the total intermolecular interaction energy. Here, we describe the methodology and apply the model to accurately determine the properties of water, the free energy of solvation of neutral and charged molecules, and the binding free energy of ligands to proteins. The correction is subtyped for distinct chemical species to match the underlying force field, to segment and reduce the amount of quantum training data, and to increase accuracy and computational speed. For the systems considered, the hybrid ab initio parametrized Hamiltonian reproduces the two-body dimer quantum mechanics (QM) energies to within 0.03 kcal/mol and the nonadditive many-molecule contributions to within 2%. Simulations of molecular systems using this interaction model run at speeds of several nanoseconds per day.

SwissParam 2023: A Modern Web-Based Tool for Efficient Small Molecule Parametrization.

Most steps of drug discovery are now routinely supported and accelerated by computer-aided drug design tools. Among them, structure-based approaches use the three-dimensional structure of the targeted biomacromolecule as a major source of information. When it comes to calculating the interactions of small molecules with proteins using the equations of molecular mechanics, topologies, atom typing, and force field parameters are required. However, generating parameters for small molecules remains challenging due to the large number of existing chemical groups. The SwissParam web tool was first released in 2011 with the aim of generating parameters and topologies for small molecules based on the Merck molecular force field (MMFF) while being compatible with the CHARMM22/27 force field. Here, we present an updated version of SwissParam, providing various new features, including the possibility to setup covalent ligands. Molecules can now be imported from different file formats or via a molecular sketcher. The MMFF-based approach has been updated to provide parameters and topologies compatible with the CHARMM36 force field. An option was added to generate small molecule parametrizations following the CHARMM General Force Field via the multipurpose atom-typer for CHARMM (MATCH) approach. Additionally, SwissParam now generates information on probable alternative tautomers and protonation states of the query molecule so that the user can consider all microspecies relevant to its compound. The new version of SwissParam is freely available at www.swissparam.ch and can also be accessed through a newly implemented command-line interface.

Mechanism Analysis and Property Prediction of Extended Surfactants Based on the Respectively Optimized Force Field.

Extended surfactants represent a novel class of anionic-nonionic surfactants with exceptional performance and unique application value in chemically enhanced oil recovery. Although molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can efficiently screen these surfactants, the current research is limited. Here, it is proven for the first time that existing generic force fields (GAFF and CHARMM) cannot accurately describe extended surfactants, and traditional approaches are insufficient for obtaining precise charge parameters. The concept of the respectively optimized force field (ROFF) with the purports of specialization and accuracy is proposed to construct high-accuracy models for MD simulations, and a new approach is developed to simulate the interface model. By combining the newly specialized alkane model, ROFF-based surfactant models, and the innovative simulation protocol, high accuracy and reliability can be obtained in predicting hydration free energies, minimum of area per molecule, and critical micelle concentration of extended surfactants. Key properties of the newly designed extended surfactants in conventional oil-water interfaces and oil reservoir environments are comprehensively predicted by using advanced analytical and characterization methods. Furthermore, the more rigorous mechanism underlying the special amphiphilicity of the extended surfactant is revealed, potentially offering significant improvements over previous empirical perspectives.

List decoding of maximal order codes over number fields

In this paper, we provide two distinct list decoding algorithms tailored for specific classes of maximal order number field codes. The first algorithm focuses on the unit codes, while the second algorithm is dedicated to the Arakelov divisor-based number field codes. These codes were originally introduced by Maire and Oggier. To achieve our decoding goals, we utilize the list decoding algorithm for general number field codes proposed by Biasse and Quintin. Our approach involves carefully calculating the required parameter B from Biasse and Quintin's algorithm, and adjusting the returned list to satisfy the desired conditions. For unit codes, we consider two cases: when the underlying number field is totally real and when it has an arbitrary signature. We separate these cases because the parameter B can be improved in the totally real scenario. Additionally, we present our list decoding algorithm for Arakelov divisor-based number field codes, focusing on number fields with arbitrary signatures.

Branched Latent Neural Maps

We introduce Branched Latent Neural Maps (BLNMs) to learn finite dimensional input–output maps encoding complex physical processes. A BLNM is defined by a simple and compact feedforward partially-connected neural network that structurally disentangles inputs with different intrinsic roles, such as the time variable from model parameters of a differential equation, while transferring them into a generic field of interest. BLNMs leverage latent outputs to enhance the learned dynamics and break the curse of dimensionality by showing excellent in-distribution generalization properties with small training datasets and short training times on a single processor. Indeed, their in-distribution generalization error remains comparable regardless of the adopted discretization during the testing phase. Moreover, the partial connections, in place of a fully-connected structure, significantly reduce the number of tunable parameters. We show the capabilities of BLNMs in a challenging test case involving biophysically detailed electrophysiology simulations in a biventricular cardiac model of a pediatric patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The model includes a 1D Purkinje network for fast conduction and a 3D heart-torso geometry. Specifically, we trained BLNMs on 150 in silico generated 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) while spanning 7 model parameters, covering cell-scale, organ-level and electrical dyssynchrony. Although the 12-lead ECGs manifest very fast dynamics with sharp gradients, after automatic hyperparameter tuning the optimal BLNM, trained in less than 3 h on a single CPU, retains just 7 hidden layers and 19 neurons per layer. The resulting mean square error is on the order of 10−4 on an independent test dataset comprised of 50 additional electrophysiology simulations. In the online phase, the BLNM allows for 5000x faster real-time simulations of cardiac electrophysiology on a single core standard computer and can be employed to solve inverse problems via global optimization in a few seconds of computational time. This paper provides a novel computational tool to build reliable and efficient reduced-order models for digital twinning in engineering applications. The Julia implementation is publicly available under MIT License at https://github.com/StanfordCBCL/BLNM.jl.

A General Vector Field Coupled to a Strongly Compressible Turbulent Flow

A General Vector Field Coupled to a Strongly Compressible Turbulent Flow

Coarse graining pure states in AdS/CFT

We construct new Euclidean wormhole solutions in AdSd+1 and discuss their role in UV-complete theories, without ensemble averaging. The geometries are interpreted as overlaps of GHZ-like entangled states, which arise naturally from coarse graining the density matrix of a pure state in the dual CFT. In several examples, including thin-shell collapsing black holes and pure black holes with an end-of-the-world brane behind the horizon, the coarse-graining map is found explicitly in CFT terms, and used to define a coarse-grained entropy that is equal to one quarter the area of a time-symmetric apparent horizon. Wormholes are used to derive the coarse-graining map and to study statistical properties of the quantum state. This reproduces aspects of the West Coast model of 2D gravity and the large-c ensemble of 3D gravity, including a Page curve, in a higher-dimensional context with generic matter fields.

Dynamical and topological properties of the spin angular momenta in general electromagnetic fields

Spin angular momenta play important roles in light–matter interactions, leading to the emergence of the spin Hall effect and topological quasiparticles in modern optics. The typical approach is to decompose the spins of plane electromagnetic waves into longitudinal and transverse components, yet this description is not easily transferable to more structured electromagnetic environments. Here, we developed a field theory to reveal the physical origin and topological properties of longitudinal and transverse spins for arbitrary electromagnetic waves (including water waves and acoustic waves) in both near-field and free space. For electromagnetic waves carrying intrinsic helicity, we observed the emergence of helicity-dependent transverse spin possessing helicity-dependent spin-momentum locking. To verify that the number of spin-momentum locking states coincides with the spin Chern number, we experimentally measured the three-dimensional spin angular momentum densities of Bloch-type optical skyrmions. Our findings yield valuable insight for constructing spin-based field theory and exploiting optical topological quasiparticle-based applications.