Search

We have searched for anomalous events using 2520 h of archival observations from Murriyang, CSIRO's Parkes radio telescope. These observations were originally undertaken to search for pulsars. We used a machine learning algorithm based on resnet (Residual Network) and umap (Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection) in order to identify parts of the data stream that potentially contain anomalous signals. Many of these anomalous events are radio frequency interference, which were subsequently filtered using multibeam information. We detected 202 anomalous events and provide their positions and event times. Our results show that the umap unsupervised machine learning pipeline effectively identifies anomalous signals in high-time-resolution data sets, highlighting its potential for use in future surveys. However, the pipeline is not applicable for standard searches for dispersed single pulses. We classify the detected events and, in particular, we are currently unable to determine the possible origin of events that last multiple seconds. For these, we encourage follow-up observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the discovery of a new fast radio burst (FRB), FRB 010312, in archival data from a 1.4 GHz survey of the Magellanic Clouds using the multibeam receiver on the Parkes 64-m-diameter radio telescope. These data sets include the Lorimer burst (FRB 010724), which it pre-dates and which we also re-detect. The new burst has a much higher dispersion measure of 1187 cm−3 pc. The burst is one of the broadest found to date, the second earliest FRB known, and the ninth FRB discovered with a dispersion measure larger than 1000 cm |$^{-3}\,$|  pc. Our discovery indicates that there are likely to be more burst events still to be found in the existing Parkes data archive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present timing models for 20 millisecond pulsars in the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array. The precision of the parameter measurements in these models has been improved over earlier results by using longer data sets and modelling the non-stationary noise. We describe a new noise modelling procedure and demonstrate its effectiveness using simulated data. Our methodology includes the addition of annual dispersion measure (DM) variations to the timing models of some pulsars. We present the first significant parallax measurements for PSRs J1024-0719, J1045-4509, J1600-3053, J1603-7202, and J1730-2304, as well as the first significant measurements of some post-Keplerian orbital parameters in six binary pulsars, caused by kinematic effects. Improved Shapiro delay measurements have resulted in much improved pulsar mass measurements, particularly for PSRs J0437-4715 and J1909-3744 with Mp = 1.44 ± 0.07 and 1.47 ± 0.03 M⊙, respectively. The improved orbital periodderivative measurement for PSR J0437-4715 results in a derived distance measurement at the 0.16 per cent level of precision, D = 156.79 ± 0.25 pc, one of the most fractionally precise distance measurements of any star to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present high signal-to-noise ratio, multifrequency polarization pulse profiles for 24 mil-lisecond pulsars that are being observed as part of the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array project. The pulsars are observed in three bands, centred close to 730, 1400 and 3100 MHz, using a dual-band 10 cm/50 cm receiver and the central beam of the 20-cm multibeam receiver. Observations spanning approximately six years have been carefully calibrated and summed to produce high S/N profiles. This allows us to study the individual profile components and in particular how they evolve with frequency. We also identify previously undetected profile features. For many pulsars we show that pulsed emission extends across almost the entire pulse profile. The pulse component widths and component separations follow a complex evolution with frequency; in some cases these parameters increase and in other cases they decrease with increasing frequency. The evolution with frequency of the polarization properties of the profile is also non-trivial. We provide evidence that the pre- and post-cursors generally have higher fractional linear polarization than the main pulse. We have obtained the spectral index and rotation measure for each pulsar by fitting across all three observing bands. For the majority of pulsars, the spectra follow a single power-law and the position angles follow a X2 relation, as expected. However, clear deviations are seen for some pulsars. We also present phase-resolved measurements of the spectral index, fractional linear polarization and rotation measure. All these properties are shown to vary systematically over the pulse profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisotropic bursts of gravitational radiation produced by events such as supermassive black hole mergers leave permanent imprints on space. Such gravitational wave 'memory'(GWM) signals are, in principle, detectable through pulsar timing as sudden changes in the apparent pulse frequency of a pulsar. If an array of pulsars is monitored as a GWM signal passes over the Earth, the pulsars would simultaneously appear to change pulse frequency by an amount that varies with their sky position in a quadrupolar fashion. Here, we describe a search algorithm for such events and apply the algorithm to approximately six years of data from the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array. We find no GWM events and set an upper bound on the rate for events which could have been detected. We show, using simple models of black hole coalescence rates, that this non-detection is not unexpected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results of an all-sky search in the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array (PPTA) Data Release 1 data set for continuous gravitational waves (GWs) in the frequency range from 5 × 10−9 to 2 × 10−7 Hz. Such signals could be produced by individual supermassive binary black hole systems in the early stage of coalescence. We phase up the pulsar timing array data set to form, for each position on the sky, two data streams that correspond to the two GW polarizations and then carry out an optimal search for GW signals on these data streams. Since no statistically significant GWs were detected, we place upper limits on the intrinsic GW strain amplitude h0 for a range of GW frequencies. For example, at 10−8 Hz our analysis has excluded with 95 per cent confidence the presence of signals with h0 ≥ 1.7 × 10−14. Our new limits are about a factor of 4 more stringent than those of Yardley et al. based on an earlier PPTA data set and a factor of 2 better than those reported in the recent Arzoumanian et al. paper. We also present PPTA directional sensitivity curves and find that for the most sensitive region on the sky, the current data set is sensitive to GWs from circular supermassive binary black holes with chirp masses of 109 M⊙ out to a luminosity distance of about 100 Mpc. Finally, we set an upper limit of 4 × 10−3 Mpc−3 Gyr−1 at 95 per cent confidence on the coalescence rate of nearby (z ≲ 0.1) supermassive binary black holes in circular orbits with chirp masses of 1010 M⊙. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-sensitivity radio-frequency observations of millisecond pulsars usually show stochastic, broad-band, pulse-shape variations intrinsic to the pulsar emission process. These variations induce jitter noise in pulsar timing observations; understanding the properties of this noise is of particular importance for the effort to detect gravitational waves with pulsar timing arrays. We assess the short-term profile and timing stability of 22 millisecond pulsars that are part of the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array sample by examining intraobservation arrival time variability and single-pulse phenomenology. In 7 of the 22 pulsars, in the band centred at approximately 1400 MHz, we find that the brightest observations are limited by intrinsic jitter. We find consistent results, either detections or upper limits, for jitter noise in other frequency bands. PSR J1909−3744 shows the lowest levels of jitter noise, which we estimate to contribute ∼10 ns root mean square error to the arrival times for hour-duration observations. Larger levels of jitter noise are found in pulsars with wider pulses and distributions of pulse intensities. The jitter noise in PSR J0437−4715 decorrelates over a bandwidth of ∼2 GHz. We show that the uncertainties associated with timing pulsar models can be improved by including physically motivated jitter uncertainties. Pulse-shape variations will limit the timing precision at future, more sensitive, telescopes; it is imperative to account for this noise when designing instrumentation and timing campaigns for these facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Genetic variation is instrumental for adaptation to changing environments but it is unclear how it is structured and contributes to adaptation in pelagic species lacking clear barriers to gene flow. Here, we applied comparative genomics to extensive transcriptome datasets from 20 krill species collected across the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern Oceans. We compared genetic variation both within and between species to elucidate their evolutionary history and genomic bases of adaptation. We resolved phylogenetic interrelationships and uncovered genomic evidence to elevate the cryptic Euphausia similis var. armata into species. Levels of genetic variation and rates of adaptive protein evolution vary widely. Species endemic to the cold Southern Ocean, such as the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba , showed less genetic variation and lower evolutionary rates than other species. This could suggest a low adaptive potential to rapid climate change. We uncovered hundreds of candidate genes with signatures of adaptive evolution among Antarctic Euphausia but did not observe strong evidence of adaptive convergence with the predominantly Arctic Thysanoessa. We instead identified candidates for cold-adaptation that have also been detected in Antarctic fish, including genes that govern thermal reception such as TrpA1. Our results suggest parallel genetic responses to similar selection pressures across Antarctic taxa and provide new insights into the adaptive potential of important zooplankton already affected by climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a sample of 82 non-repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) detected at Parkes, ASKAP, CHIME, and UTMOST, each of which operates over a different frequency range and has a different detection criterion. Using simulations, we perform a maximum-likelihood analysis to determine the FRB population model that best fits these data. Our analysis shows that models where the pulse scatter broadening increases moderately with redshift (z) are preferred to those where this increases very sharply or where scattering is absent. Further, models where the comoving event rate density is constant over z are preferred to those where it follows the cosmological star formation rate. Two models for the host dispersion measure (DMHost) distribution (a fixed and a random DMHost) are found to predict comparable results. We obtain the best-fitting parameter values |$\alpha =-1.53^{+0.29}_{-0.19}$|⁠ , |$\overline{E}_{33}=1.55^{+0.26}_{-0.22}$|⁠ , and γ = 0.77 ± 0.24. Here α is the spectral index, γ is the exponent of the Schechter luminosity function, and |$\overline{E}_{33}$| is the mean FRB energy in units of |$10^{33} \, {\rm J}$| across 2128–2848 MHz in the FRB rest frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arbitrary deprivation of liberty of women is a global problem. Women continue to be deprived of their liberty on discriminatory grounds in proceedings that do not meet basic standards of due process, both in the criminal justice and administrative detention contexts. Despite the development of standards to address this phenomenon and greater recognition by international human rights mechanisms of the challenges faced by female detainees, governments and private actors repeatedly exercise control over women by depriving them of their liberty, often for prolonged periods. This not only violates the right to liberty, but may in some circumstances prevent women from enjoying other fundamental human rights to equality, dignity, fair trial, privacy and family life, health, housing, education, work, as well as freedom from torture and ill-treatment, freedom of movement, religion or belief, expression, peaceful assembly and association. In this practice note, I consider five recent cases encountered by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention involving women deprived of their liberty in different detention settings and countries. I argue that the increasing focus on gendered detention practices by the Working Group, which has a worldwide mandate from the Human Rights Council to investigate cases of arbitrary deprivation of liberty, may offer opportunities for change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent observational studies of γ-ray emission from massive globular clusters (GCs) have revealed possible evidence of dark matter (DM) annihilation within GCs. It is, however, still controversial whether the emission comes from DM or from millisecond pulsars. We here present the new results of numerical simulations, which demonstrate that GCs with DM can originate from nucleated dwarfs orbiting the ancient Milky Way. The simulated stripped nuclei (i.e. GCs) have the central DM densities ranging from 0.1 to several M⊙ pc−3, depending on the orbits and the masses of the host dwarf galaxies. However, GCs born outside the central regions of their hosts can have no/little DM after their hosts are destroyed and the GCs become the Galactic halo GCs. These results suggest that only GCs originating from stellar nuclei of dwarfs can possibly have DM. We further calculate the expected γ-ray emission from these simulated GCs and compare them to observations of ω Cen. Given the large range of DM densities in the simulated GCs, we suggest that the recent possible detection of DM annihilation from GCs should be more carefully interpreted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of hip fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Between 2012 and 2015, 789 hip fractures were treated at our hospital. Patients with RA were checked and their characteristics were compared with data recorded 10 years before, and with the general population. Results: There were 11 patients with RA, who were all female, and the mean age was 76 ± 7.0 years. The age at the time of hip fracture was 4 years older than that recorded 10 years before (72 ± 4.5 years, p<.05), but was younger than that of the general population (84 ± 8.0 years, p<.001). The mean prednisolone dose of 2.5 ± 2.6mg/day was lower than that recorded 10 years before (4.8 ± 2.9mg/day, p<.05). The rate of patients treated with anti-osteoporotic medications at fracture (73%) was higher than 10 years before (42%); however, the difference was not significant. The incidence of secondary fracture was not high compared to the general population. No mortality was recorded at 1 year, and no infective complications occurred. Conclusion: The age at the time of hip fracture in RA patients is increasing, but is still younger than that of the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two dominant krill species Meganyctiphanes norvegica (Sars, 1857) and Thysanoessa raschii (Sars, 1864) coexist in the subarctic waters of lower St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada. Both species perform diel vertical migrations representing often large displacements of ~100–150 m through several temperature regimes. We studied the impact of temperature, a fundamental factor controlling the metabolism of ectothermic species, on the metabolic rate and swimming activity of the two species. Annular respirometers were used to quantify simultaneously oxygen consumption (Ṁ O2g–1wet mass) and the spontaneous swimming activity of individual krill over a period of 24 h at six temperatures, by intermittent-flow respirometry. Both species significantly increased their low routine and maximal metabolic rates from 0 °C to 15 °C, suggesting high thermal plasticity. The spontaneous swimming activity of M. norvegica was reduced to almost zero at 0 °C, whereas T. raschii swam 1.0 cm s–1at this temperature. Based on swimming performance, M. norvegica might avoid the cold intermediate layer (CIL, < 1 °C) in the estuary, which coincides with actual daytime distribution below the CIL in the warmer deep-water layer. Despite the rare occurrence of 15 °C in the estuary, both species still showed high metabolic and swimming performance at that temperature. High and differential thermal plasticity of both krill species might have important ecological consequences for their distribution patterns in their natural environment, as energy requirements differ in the two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by progressive joint destruction. Recent studies have indicated the critical involvement of osteoclasts in bone destruction in RA. The osteoclast differentiation factor receptor activator of NF-jB ligand (RANKL), which belongs to the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, plays a critical role in osteoclast differentiation and bone destruction in RA. Denosumab, an antibody against human RANKL, efficiently suppressed the progression of bone erosion in RA patients in randomized controlled studies, and is considered as a putative therapeutic option for preventing bone destruction in RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by decreased mass and compromised bone strength predisposing to an increased risk of fractures. Although idiopathic osteoporosis is the most common form of osteoporosis, secondary factors may contribute to the bone loss and increased fracture risk in patients presenting with fragility fractures or osteoporosis. Several medical conditions and medications significantly increase the risk for bone loss and skeletal fragility. This review focuses on some of the common causes of osteoporosis, addressing the underlying mechanisms, diagnostic approach and treatment of low bone mass in the presence of these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Part I of this article, US President, Barack Obama, is reported as saying to his inner circle that their objective in Afghanistan is not to build a Jeffersonian democracy. Part II is about the idea that a more Jeffersonian architecture of rural republicanism in tune with Afghan traditions is a remedy to limits of the Hobbesian analysis of cases like Afghanistan in Part I. Anomic spaces where policing and justice do not work are vacuums that can attract tyrannical forms of law and order, such as the rule of the Taliban. Peace with justice cannot prevail in the aftermath of such an occupation without a reliance on both local community justice and state justice that are mutually constitutive. Supporting checks on abuse of power through balancing local and national institutions that deliver justice is a more sustainable peace-building project than regime change and top-down re-engineering of successor regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although membership changes within teams are a common practice, research into this phenomenon is relatively nascent (Summers et al.; Acad Manag J 55:314-338, ). The small literature base, however, does provide insight into skills required for effective adaptation. The purpose of this effort is to provide a brief research synopsis, leading to research hypotheses about medical team training. By generalizing previous scientific findings regarding skills required for effective membership adaptation in different kinds of teams, we posit mechanisms whereby teamwork training might also support adaptation among medical teams (Burke et al.; Qual & Saf Health Care 13:i96-i104, and Salas et al.; Theor Issues Ergon Sci 8:381-394, ). We provide an overview of the membership change literature. Drawing upon literature from both within and outside of the medical domain, we suggest a framework and research propositions to aid in research efforts designed to determine the best content for helping to create adaptable medical teams through team training efforts. For effective adaptation, we suggest ad hoc teams should be trained on generalizable teamwork skills, to share just 'enough' and the 'right' information, to engage in shared leadership, and to shift from explicit to implicit coordination. Our overarching goal was to present what is known from the general research literature on successful team adaptation to membership changes, and to propose a research agenda to evaluate whether findings generalize to member changes in medical teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Music therapists have had an interest in bibliographic research for over 20 years, beginning with Jellison's 1973 analysis of the frequency and types of articles appearing in the existing music therapy literature. Since then, several other researchers have continued in this line of inquiry. The purpose of this study was to (a) identify historical trends in the types of articles that have been published in major music therapy periodicals in the English language, (b) identify historical trends for each type of article within each music therapy journal, (c) to compare percentages of article types within each music therapy journal and (d) to compare percentages of article types across journals. Specifically, how many quantitative, qualitative, historical, philosophical/theoretical, clinical and professional articles have been published throughout the history of the following journals: Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy: Journal of the American Association for Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives, The Arts in Psychotherapy, Journal of the Association for Music & Imagery, The Australian Journal of Music Therapy, The Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, The British Journal of Music Therapy, and The New Zealand Society for Music Therapy Journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Subject categories are those in by Nathan W. Shock, published by Stanford University Press, Stanford, California (1951). Only major headings are used and the Roman numerals correspond to those given in the bibliography. Insofar as possible, references are classified according to organ systems. Thus, most of the material on Geriatrics will be found under the organ system involved in the disease. Cross references are indicated by numbers at the end of each section. When available, abstract references are given . Abbreviations for journals are those in . For journals not listed, abbreviations were devised to the general rules used in the above source. It is impossible to cover all journals and list all papers concerned with aging and the aged. Authors and publishers are requested to call attention to publications or to send reprints to the Gerontology Research Center, Baltimore City Hospitals, Baltimore, Maryland 21224. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As part of a large study designed to develop schedules for smallpox immunization with reduced morbidity, 799 children received primary immunization with subcutaneous vaccine. Four vaccines (New York City Board of Health calf lymph, New York City chorioallantoic membrane, CV-1, and Lister) at three dosages (103, 104, 105 pockforming units) were administered. Eighty-two percent responded with hemagglutination- inhibiting antibody at one month, and only 22% with neutralizing antibody. There was no correlation between concentration of vaccine and antibody response. The CV-1 strain was slightly but significantly less likely to induce antibody than the other three vaccines. Subcutaneous vaccination was not associated with significant temperature elevation in general. However, some children developed erythema at the vaccination site or a swollen arm, and fever did tend to occur in this small group. Four children developed nonspecific vaccinia-related rashes, and one had generalized vaccinia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This section presents abstracts of studies related to epidemiology including the link between maternal alcohol consumption and infant clefts, lipid level as a predictor of type 2 diabetes and the prevalence of hyperglycemia.