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An Extensive Catalog of Early-type Dwarf Galaxies in the Local Universe: Morphology and Environment
We present an extensive catalog of 5405 early-type dwarf (dE) galaxies located in the various environments, i.e., clusters, groups, and fields, of the local universe (z < 0.01). The dEs are selected through visual inspection of the Legacy survey's g–r–z combined tricolor images. The inspected area, covering a total sky area of 7643 deg 2 , encompasses two local clusters (Virgo and Fornax), 265 groups, and the regions around 586 field galaxies of M K < -21 mag. The catalog aims to be one of the most extensive and publicly accessible collections of data on dEs, despite its complex completeness limits, which may not accurately represent its statistical completeness. The strength of the catalog lies in the morphological characteristics, including nucleated, tidal, and ultradiffuse dEs. The two clusters contribute nearly half (2437 out of 5405) of the dEs, and the 265 groups contribute 2103 dEs. There are 864 dEs in 586 fields, i.e., ~1.47 dEs per field. Using a standard definition commonly used in literature, we identify 100 ultradiffuse galaxies (UDGs), which compose ~2% of the dE population. We find that 40% of our sample dEs harbor a central nucleus, and among the UDG population, a majority (79%) are nonnucleated. About 1.3% of dEs suffer from ongoing tidal disturbance by nearby massive galaxies, and only 0.03% show a sign of recent dwarf–dwarf mergers. The association between dEs and their nearest bright neighbor galaxies suggests that dEs are more likely created where their neighbors are non-star-forming ones.
$\mathrm{BPS}$ coherent states and localization
We introduce coherent states averaged over a gauge group action to study correlators of half BPS states in $\mathcal{N}$= 4 SYM theory. The overlaps of these averaged coherent states are a generating function of correlators and can be written in terms of the Harish-Chandra-Itzykzon-Zuber (HCIZ) integral. We show that this formula immediately leads to a computation of the normalization of two point functions in terms of characters obtained originally in the work of Corley, Jevicki and Ramgoolam. We also find various generalizations for A n–1 quivers that follow directly from other solvable integrals over unitary groups. All of these can be computed using localization methods. When we promote the parameters of the generating function to collective coordinates, there is a dominant saddle that controls the effective action of these coherent states in the regime where they describe single AdS giant gravitons. We also discuss how to add open strings to this formulation. These will produce calculations that rely on correlators of matrix components of unitaries in the ensemble that is determined by the HCIZ integral to determine anomalous dimensions. We also discuss how sphere giants arise from Grassman integrals, how one gets a dominant saddle and how open strings are added in that case. The fact that there is a dominant saddle helps to understand how a 1/N expansion arises for open strings. We generalize the coherent state idea to study 1/4 and 1/8 BPS states as more general integrals over unitary groups.
Designs from Local Random Quantum Circuits with SU ( d ) Symmetry
The generation of k -designs (pseudorandom distributions that emulate the Haar measure up to k moments) with local quantum circuit ensembles is a problem of fundamental importance in quantum information and physics. Despite the extensive understanding of this problem for ordinary random circuits, the crucial situations in which symmetries or conservation laws are in play are known to pose fundamental challenges and remain little understood. Here, we construct explicit local unitary ensembles that can achieve high-order unitary k -designs under transversal continuous symmetry, in the particularly important SU ( d ) case. Specifically, we define the convolutional quantum alternating (CQA) group generated by 4-local SU ( d ) -symmetric Hamiltonians as well as associated 4-local SU ( d ) -symmetric random unitary circuit ensembles and prove that they form and converge to SU ( d ) -symmetric k -designs, respectively, for all k < n ( n − 3 ) / 2 , with n being the number of qudits. A key technique that we employ to obtain the results is the Okounkov-Vershik approach to S n representation theory. To study the convergence time of the CQA ensemble, we develop a numerical method using the Young orthogonal form and the S n branching rule. We provide strong evidence for a subconstant spectral gap and certain convergence time scales of various important circuit architectures, which contrast with the symmetry-free case. We also provide comprehensive explanations of the difficulties and limitations in rigorously analyzing the convergence time using methods that have been effective for cases without symmetries, including Knabe’s local gap threshold and Nachtergaele’s martingale methods. This suggests that a novel approach is likely necessary for understanding the convergence time of SU ( d ) -symmetric local random circuits. Published by the American Physical Society 2024
Local and large-scale effects on the astrophysics of void galaxies
ABSTRACT Galaxies in cosmic voids have been reported with properties related to a delayed evolution compared to the rest of the Universe. These characteristics reflect the interaction of galaxies with the environment. However, it is not clear the degree of influence of the large-scale structure on the properties of void galaxies or if these are only influenced by the low local density around them typical of these regions. In this article, we identified cosmic voids in the SDSS-DR16 and studied the g–r colour, star formation rate, and concentration of galaxies. We identified galaxy groups to characterize the local environment and studied the properties of galaxies as a function of total and stellar masses, separately analysing those in voids and the general sample. Our results show that galaxies that inhabit haloes of a given mass (below ${\sim}10^{13.5}{\rm M}_{\odot }$), are bluer, have a higher star formation rate and are less concentrated when the host halo is inside voids compared to other regions. For larger halo masses, the trend disappears. We also analyse whether the properties of galaxies are sensitive to the type of voids that inhabit. This is done by separating voids embedded in overdense regions (S-type) from those that asymptotically converge to the average density of the Universe (R-type). We found that galaxies in R-type voids are bluer, with higher SFR and less concentration than in S-type voids. Our results indicate some degree of correlation of galaxy properties with the large-scale environment provided by voids, suggesting possible second-order mechanisms in galaxy evolution.
Modeling Photolytic Decomposition of Energetically Functionalized Dodecanes
The photolytic stability of explosives and energetic functional groups is of importance for those who regularly handle or are exposed to explosives in typical environmental conditions. This study models the photolytic degradation of dodecane substituted with various energetic functional groups: azide, nitro, nitrate ester, and nitramine. For the studied molecules, it was found that excitons localize on the energetic functional group, no matter where they were initially formed, and thus, the predominant degradation pathway involves the degradation of the energetic functional group. The relative trends for both 4 and 8 eV excitation energies followed with what is expected from the relative stability of the energetic functional groups to thermal and sub-shock degradation. The one notable exception was the azide functional group; more work should be done to further understand the photolytic effects on the azide functional group.
Subdiffusive High-Pressure Hydrogen Gas Dynamics in Elastomers
We report elastomeric rubber materials serve a vital role as sealing materials in the hydrogen storage and transport infrastructure. With applications including O-rings and hose liners, these components are exposed to pressurized hydrogen at a range of temperatures, cycling rates, and pressure extremes. High-pressure exposure and subsequent rapid decompression often lead to cavitation and stress-induced damage of the elastomer due to localization of the hydrogen gas. Here, we use all-atom classical molecular dynamics simulations to assess the impact of compositional variations on gas diffusion within the commonly used elastomer ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM). With the aim to build a predictive understanding of precursors to cavitation and to motivate material formulations that are less sensitive to hydrogen-induced failure, we perform systematic simulations of gas dynamics in EPDM as a function of temperature, gas concentration, and cross-link density. Our simulations reveal anomalous, subdiffusive hydrogen motion at pressure and intermediate times. We identify two groups of gas with different mobilities: one group exhibiting high mobility and one group exhibiting low mobility due to their motion being impeded by the polymer. With decreasing temperatures, the low-mobility group shows increased gas localization, the necessary precursor for cavitation damage in these materials. At lower temperatures, increasing cross-link density led to greater hydrogen gas mobility and a lower fraction of caged hydrogen, indicating that increasing cross-link density may reduce precursors to cavitation. Finally, we use a two-state kinetic model to determine the energetics associated with transitions between these two mobility states.
Multivalent optical cycling centers: towards control of polyatomics with multi-electron degrees of freedom
Optical control of polyatomic molecules promises new opportunities in precision metrology and fundamental chemistry, as well as quantum information and many-body science. Contemporary experimental and theoretical efforts have mostly focused on cycling photons via excitation of a single electron localized to an alkaline earth (group 2)-like metal center. In this paper, we consider pathways towards optical cycling in polyatomic molecules with multi-electron degrees of freedom, which arise from two or more cycling electrons localized to p-block post-transition metal and metalloid (group 13, 14, and 15) centers. Here, we characterize the electronic structure and rovibrational branching of several prototypical candidates using ab initio quantum chemical methods. Despite increased internal complexity and challenging design parameters, we find several molecules possessing quasi-closed photon cycling schemes with highly diagonal, visible and near-infrared transitions. Furthermore, we identify new heuristics for engineering optically controllable and laser-coolable polyatomic molecules with multi-electron cycling centers. Our results help elucidate the interplay between hybridization, repulsion, and ionicity in optically active species and provide new directions for using polyatomic molecules with complex electronic structure as a resource for quantum science and measurement.
Reaction mechanisms of a cyclic ether intermediate: Ethyloxirane
Oxiranes are a class of cyclic ethers formed in abundance during low-temperature combustion of hydrocarbons and biofuels, either via chain-propagating steps that occur from unimolecular decomposition of β -hydroperoxyalkyl radicals ( β -˙QOOH) or from reactions of HOÓ with alkenes. Ethyloxirane is one of four alkyl-substituted cyclic ether isomers produced as an intermediate from n -butane oxidation. While rate coefficients for β -˙QOOH → ethyloxirane + ÓH are reported extensively, subsequent reaction mechanisms of the cyclic ether are not. As a result, chemical kinetics mechanisms commonly adopt simplified chemistry to describe ethyloxirane consumption by convoluting several elementary reactions into a single step, which may introduce mechanism truncation error—uncertainty derived from missing or incomplete chemistry. Here we provide fundamental insight on reaction mechanisms of ethyloxirane in support of ongoing efforts to minimize mechanism truncation error. Reaction mechanisms are inferred from the detection of products during chlorine atom-initiated oxidation experiments using multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometry conducted at 10 Torr and temperatures of 650 K and 800 K. To complement the experiments, calculations of stationary point energies were conducted using the ccCA-PS3 composite method on ˙R + O 2 potential energy surfaces for the four ethyloxiranyl radical isomers, which produced barrier heights for 24 reaction pathways. In addition to products from ˙QOOH → cyclic ether + ÓH and ˙R + O 2 → conjugate alkene + HOÓ, both of which were significant pathways and are prototypical to alkane oxidation, other species were identified from ring-opening of both ethyloxiranyl and ˙QOOH radicals. The latter occurs when the unpaired electron is localized on the ether group, causing the initial ˙QOOH structure to ring-open and form a resonance-stabilized ketohydroperoxide-type radical. The present work provides the first analysis of ethyloxirane oxidation chemistry, which reveals that consumption pathways are complex and may require an expansion of submechanisms to increase the fidelity of chemical kinetics mechanisms.
A testable hidden-sector model for Dark Matter and neutrino masses
We consider a minimal extension of the Standard Model with a hidden sector charged under a dark local U(1)' gauge group, accounting simultaneously for light neutrino masses and the observed Dark Matter relic abundance. The model contains two copies of right-handed neutrinos which give rise to light neutrino-masses via an extended seesaw mechanism. The presence of a stable Dark-Matter candidate and a massless state naturally arise by requiring the simplest anomaly-free particle content without introducing any extra symmetries. We investigate the phenomenology of the hidden sector considering the U(1)' breaking scale of the order of the electroweak scale. Confronting the thermal history of this hidden-sector model with existing and future constraints from collider, direct and indirect detection experiments provides various possibilities of probing the model in complementary ways as every particle of the dark sector plays a specific cosmological role. Across the identified viable parameter space, a large region predicts a sizable contribution to the effective relativistic degrees-of-freedom in the early Universe that allows to alleviate the recently reported tension between late and early measurements of the Hubble constant.
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Studies of a Molecular CO 2 -Reduction Catalyst Deposited on Graphitic Carbon Nitride
Metal-ligand complexes have been extensively explored as well-defined molecular catalysts in small molecule activation reactions such as carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) reduction. Many hybrid photocatalysts have been prepared by coupling such complexes with photoactive surfaces for use in solar CO 2 reduction. In this work, we employ X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopies, density functional theory (DFT) and computational XANES modeling to interrogate the structure of a hybrid photocatalyst consisting of a macrocyclic cobalt complex deposited on graphitic carbon nitride (C 3 N 4 ). Results show that the cobalt complex binds on C 3 N 4 through surface OH or NH 2 groups. By refining the local geometry and binding sites of this well-defined molecular cobalt complex on C 3 N 4 , here we established an important benchmark for modeling a large class of molecular catalysts that can be adapted to in situ/operando studies and further enhanced by applying chemometrics-based approaches and machine learning methods of XANES data analysis.
The Illumination of Thunderclouds by Lightning: 4. Volumetric Thunderstorm Imagery
Optical instruments such as the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) detect lightning based on transient changes in cloud illumination. The horizontal location of lightning is determined from the coordinates of the pixels on the imaging array illuminated during the flash. However, the vertical position of the lightning pulses (approximated by GLM “groups”) below the cloud top cannot be routinely measured from a single space-based instrument. In our prior work, we have developed a machine learning algorithm that can infer optical source altitude for a given pulse based on how the optical energy is distributed across the group footprint and the local Advanced Baseline Imager Cloud-Top Height (CTH). In this fourth part of our thundercloud illumination study, we leverage these source altitudes to generate volumetric GLM imagery of a Colombia thunderstorm. We find that 3D versions of the current GLM meteorological imagery products (that describe thunderstorm kinematics) and thundercloud imagery products (that depict how the flashes appear from space) provide additional insights into lightning activity in the thunderstorm that are lost in the vertical integration used to generate the current 2D GLM gridded products. This new volumetric imaging capability provides a more comprehensive picture of where lightning occurs in the storm, how its physical characteristics vary across three-dimensional space, and how its optical emissions interact with surrounding the cloud medium.
Formation of S0s in extreme environments Ⅲ: the role of environment in the formation pathways
It is well established that there are at least two main channels to form lenticular (or S0) galaxies. The first, which we name ‘faded spiral’ scenario, includes quenching events that led to consumption or removal of gas from a spiral progenitor. The second, which we call ‘merger’ scenario, includes merger-like events and interactions between galaxies. Each scenario leaves characteristic signatures in the newly formed lenticular galaxy. However, the conditions that trigger one mechanism over another are still unknown. This paper is the third of a series aimed at understanding the role of the environment in the formation of lenticular galaxies. In this study, we combine the kinematics, morphology, and properties of the stellar populations of 329 S0s from the SAMI and MaNGA surveys in order to highlight the role of the environment in the process. We divide the S0s into two classes (A and B) according to their global properties, that we can associate to the products of a faded spiral scenario (class A) or a merger scenario (class B). Here we then study how the various classes are distributed within different environments. Our study reveals that the ‘faded spiral’ pathway is the most efficient channel to produce S0s, and it becomes more efficient as the mass of the group or cluster or local density of galaxies increase. The merger pathway is also a viable channel, and its efficiency becomes higher with decreasing local density or environment mass.
Mitigating Phase Unbalance for Distribution Systems with High Penetrations of Solar PV (Final Technical Report)
Distribution system operators have traditionally limited unbalance among phases by maintaining similar loadings on each phase. High penetrations of distributed solar PV continually change the net loading on each phase, resulting in time-varying phase unbalances that can damage three-phase devices such as three-phase motors, violate grid codes, and increase technical losses. This project has developed several control strategies for the reactive power outputs of solar PV inverters in order to mitigate power quality issues related to phase unbalance. These control strategies include a decentralized approach that is solely based on local measurements, distributed and grouped approaches that consider subsets of loads and PV generators, and a centralized approach that leverages measurements from a variety of locations in order to compute optimal reactive power setpoints for each inverter. Variants of the controllers handle challenges relevant to practical implementations, including noisy measurements, delayed communications, and reactive power limits. Moreover, the project developed theory that provides convergence guarantees for systems with multiple interacting controllers as well as “balanceability” certificates that ensure satisfaction of phase unbalance requirements with variable loading. The controllers were integrated with NRECA’s Open Modeling Framework (omf.coop) and evaluated using actual distribution system models obtained from several NRECA member utilities. Application of the controllers results in significant improvements to phase unbalance in these test cases with decreases from base case levels of over 3% to under 0.5%, which is within the 2% IEC phase unbalance standard.
Predicting Metabolic Reaction Networks with Perturbation-Theory Machine Learning (PTML) Models
Background: Checking the connectivity (structure) of complex Metabolic Reaction Networks(MRNs) models proposed for new microorganisms with promising properties is an importantgoal for chemical biology. Objective: In principle, we can perform a hand-on checking (Manual Curation). However, this is achallenging task due to the high number of combinations of pairs of nodes (possible metabolic reactions). Results: The CPTML linear model obtained using the LDA algorithm is able to discriminate nodes(metabolites) with the correct assignation of reactions from incorrect nodes with values of accuracy,specificity, and sensitivity in the range of 85-100% in both training and external validation dataseries. Methods: In this work, we used Combinatorial Perturbation Theory and Machine Learning techniquesto seek a CPTML model for MRNs >40 organisms compiled by Barabasis’ group. First, wequantified the local structure of a very large set of nodes in each MRN using a new class of node indexcalled Markov linear indices fk. Next, we calculated CPT operators for 150000 combinationsof query and reference nodes of MRNs. Last, we used these CPT operators as inputs of differentML algorithms. Conclusion: Meanwhile, PTML models based on Bayesian network, J48-Decision Tree and RandomForest algorithms were identified as the three best non-linear models with accuracy greaterthan 97.5%. The present work opens the door to the study of MRNs of multiple organisms usingPTML models.
Quantifying Heterogeneities/Degradation During Fast Charge
Summarizing work completed by multi-lab/university thrust group examining heterogeneity within VTO extreme fast charging project. The thrust group is examining how local heterogeneity can lead to early onset of lithium plating.
The Size–Mass Relation of Post-starburst Galaxies in the Local Universe
We present a study of the size–mass relation for local post-starburst (PSB) galaxies at z ≲ 0.33 selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 8. We find that PSB galaxies with stellar mass (M * ) at 10 9 M ⊙ < M * < 10 12 M ⊙ have a galaxy size smaller than or comparable to those of quiescent galaxies (QGs). After controlling redshift and stellar mass, the sizes of PSBs are ~13% smaller on average than those of QGs; such differences become larger and significant toward the low-M * end, especially at 10 9.5 M ⊙ ≲ M * ≲ 10 10.5 M ⊙ where PSBs can be on average ~19% smaller than QGs. By comparing predictions of possible PSB evolutionary pathways from cosmological simulations, we suggest that a fast quenching of star formation following a short-lived starburst event (which might be induced by a major merger) should be the dominant pathway of our PSB sample. Furthermore, by cross-matching with group catalogs, we confirm that local PSBs at M * ≲ 10 10 M ⊙ are more clustered than more massive ones. PSBs residing in groups are found to be slightly larger in galaxy size and more disk-like compared to field PSBs, which is qualitatively consistent with and thus hints at the environment-driven fast quenching pathway for group PSBs. Taken together, our results support multiple evolutionary pathways for local PSB galaxies: while massive PSBs are thought of as products of fast quenching following a major merger-induced starburst, environment-induced fast quenching should play a role in the evolution of less massive PSBs, especially at M * ≲ 10 10 M ⊙ .
Uncovering fast solid-acid proton conductors based on dynamics of polyanion groups and proton bonding strength
Achieving high proton conductivity in inorganic solids is key for advancing many electrochemical technologies, including low-energy nano-electronics and energy-efficient fuel cells and electrolyzers. A quantitative understanding of the physical traits of a material that regulate proton diffusion is necessary for accelerating the discovery of fast proton conductors. In this work, we have mapped the structural, chemical and dynamic properties of solid acids to the elementary steps of the Grotthuss mechanism of proton diffusion. Our approach combines ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, analysis of phonon spectra and atomic structure calculations. We have identified the donor–hydrogen bond lengths and the acidity of polyanion groups as key descriptors of local proton transfer and the vibrational frequencies of the cation framework as the key descriptor of lattice flexibility. The latter facilitates rotations of polyanion groups and long-range proton migration in solid acid proton conductors. The calculated lattice flexibility also correlates with the experimentally reported superprotonic transition temperatures. Using these descriptors, we have screened the Materials Project database and identified potential solid acid proton conductors with monovalent, divalent and trivalent cations, including Ag + , Sr 2+ , Ba 2+ and Er 3+ cations, which go beyond the traditionally considered monovalent alkali cations (Cs + , Rb + , K + , and NH 4 + ) in solid acids.