GWTC-3: Compact Binary Coalescences Observed by LIGO and Virgo during the Second Part of the Third Observing Run
The Ligo Scientific Collaboration, The Virgo Collaboration, T. Abbott
et al.
The third Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC-3) describes signals detected with Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo up to the end of their third observing run. Updating the previous GWTC-2.1, we present candidate gravitational waves from compact binary coalescences during the second half of the third observing run (O3b) between 1 November 2019, 15:00 UTC and 27 March 2020, 17:00 UTC. There are 35 compact binary coalescence candidates identified by at least one of our search algorithms with a probability of astrophysical origin $p_\mathrm{astro}>0.5$. Of these, 18 were previously reported as low-latency public alerts, and 17 are reported here for the first time. Based upon estimates for the component masses, our O3b candidates with $p_\mathrm{astro}>0.5$ are consistent with gravitational-wave signals from binary black holes or neutron star-black hole binaries, and we identify none from binary neutron stars. However, from the gravitational-wave data alone, we are not able to measure matter effects that distinguish whether the binary components are neutron stars or black holes. The range of inferred component masses is similar to that found with previous catalogs, but the O3b candidates include the first confident observations of neutron star-black hole binaries. Including the 35 candidates from O3b in addition to those from GWTC-2.1, GWTC-3 contains 90 candidates found by our analysis with $p_\mathrm{astro}>0.5$ across the first three observing runs. These observations of compact binary coalescences present an unprecedented view of the properties of black holes and neutron stars.
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation: Executive summary for the update of an ASTRO Evidence-Based Consensus Statement.
C. Correa, E. Harris, M. Leonardi
et al.
Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: AUA/ASTRO Guideline, Part II: Principles of Active Surveillance, Principles of Surgery, and Follow-Up
J. Eastham, G. Auffenberg, D. Barocas
et al.
Purpose: The summary presented herein represents Part II of the three-part series dedicated to Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: AUA/ASTRO Guideline, discussing principles of active surveillance and surgery as well as follow-up for patients after primary treatment. Please refer to Parts I and III for discussion of risk assessment, staging, and risk-based management (Part I), and principles of radiation and future directions (Part III). Materials and Methods: The systematic review utilized to inform this guideline was conducted by an independent methodological consultant. A research librarian conducted searches in Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The methodology team supplemented searches of electronic databases with the studies included in the prior AUA review and by reviewing reference lists of relevant articles. Results: The Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer Panel created evidence- and consensus-based guideline statements to aid clinicians in the management of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Statements regarding active surveillance, surgical management, and patient follow-up are detailed. Conclusion: This guideline aims to inform clinicians treating patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Continued research and publication of high-quality evidence from future trials will be essential to further improve care for these men.
External Beam Radiation Therapy for Palliation of Symptomatic Bone Metastases: An ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline.
Sara Alcorn, Á. Cortés, Lisa Bradfield
et al.
PURPOSE This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for palliative external beam radiation therapy (RT) in symptomatic bone metastases. METHODS The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) convened a task force to address 5 key questions regarding palliative RT in symptomatic bone metastases. Based on a systemic review by the Agency for Health Research and Quality, recommendations using predefined consensus-building methodology were established; evidence quality and recommendation strength were also assessed. RESULTS For palliative RT for symptomatic bone metastases, RT is recommended for managing pain from bone metastases and spine metastases with or without spinal cord or cauda equina compression. Regarding other modalities with RT, for patients with spine metastases causing spinal cord or cauda equina compression, surgery and postoperative RT are conditionally recommended over RT alone. Furthermore, dexamethasone is recommended for spine metastases with spinal cord or cauda equina compression. Patients with non-spine bone metastases requiring surgery are recommended postoperative RT. Symptomatic bone metastases treated with conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy in 1 fraction (800 cGy/1fx), 2000 cGy/5fx, 2400 cGy/6fx, or 3000 cGy/10fx. Spinal cord or cauda equina compression in patients ineligible for surgery and receiving conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy/1fx, 1600 cGy/2fx, 2000 cGy/5fx, or 3000 cGy/10fx. Symptomatic bone metastases in selected patients with good performance status without surgery or neurological symptoms/signs are conditionally recommended SBRT over conventional palliative RT. Spine bone metastases re-irradiated with conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy/1fx, 2000 cGy/5fx, 2400 cGy/6fx, or 2000 cGy/8fx; non-spine bone metastases re-irradiated with conventional RT are recommended 800 cGy/1fx, 2000 cGy/5fx, or 2400 cGy/6fx. Determination of an optimal RT approach/regimen requires whole person assessment, including prognosis, previous RT dose if applicable, risks to normal tissues, quality of life, cost implications, and patient goals and values. Relatedly, for patient-centered optimization of treatment-related toxicities and quality of life, shared decision-making is recommended. CONCLUSIONS Based on published data, the ASTRO task force's recommendations inform best clinical practices on palliative RT for symptomatic bone metastases.
Dark-matter-induced transients over cosmic time: The role of star formation history profiles
Heinrich Steigerwald
The dark matter (DM) conundrum is one of the most intriguing due to its resistance in direct detection experiments. In recent years, attempts to identify non-gravitational signatures as the result of DM traversing or accumulating within stars have attracted a lot of attention. These calculations are usually evaluated at the order-of-magnitude level for stellar populations where the DM density is highest, such as galactic centers. However, if the signature implies the destruction of the host star, their population could have been diminished over a Hubble time in the most DM-dense regions, unless replenished by star formation. This circumstance exemplifies the need for galactic star formation history profiles when deriving DM-induced transient rates, in particular for predicting the host-offset distribution. Here, we combine theoretical and empirical scaling relations of galaxy structure, star formation, and stellar initial mass function to construct a simple and efficient framework that permits us to estimate the target population formation rate and mass function within galactocentric radial zones across galaxy stellar masses and cosmic time. In a companion paper, we apply the framework to the hypothesis that DM in the form of primordial black holes accounts for the ignition of normal type Ia supernovae when colliding with white dwarf stars.
en
astro-ph.GA, astro-ph.CO
Refined Constraints on the Hubble Constant from Localized FRBs with Assessment of Systematic Effects
Chenyuan Xu, Yi Feng, Jiaying Xu
The dispersion measure-redshift relation of fast radio bursts (FRBs) provides a valuable cosmological probe for constraining the Hubble constant, offering an independent measurement that could help resolve the ongoing Hubble tension. In this paper, we begin with a sample of 117 localized FRBs and use 95 of them to constrain $H_0$ to $71.28^{+1.90}_{-2.08}$ km s$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-1}$ within the standard Lambda Cold Dark Matter ($Λ$CDM) model. The resulting statistical uncertainty is below 2.8\%, improving previous FRB-based measurements and highlighting the promise of larger future samples. Beyond statistical improvements, we note that different parameter choices have been adopted in previous studies and some results show discrepancies in $H_0$. To address this issue, we perform a systematic assessment of modeling uncertainties that can affect the inferred value of $H_0$, including Galactic electron density models, the contribution of the Galactic halo, outliers such as FRB~20190520B located in extreme environments, and the other parameter selections. We also discuss possible approaches to mitigate these sources of uncertainty, emphasizing both the challenges and prospects of using FRBs as reliable cosmological tools.
en
astro-ph.CO, astro-ph.HE
Radiation Therapy Summary of the AUA/ASTRO Guideline on Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer.
C. Deville, Sophia C. Kamran, Scott C. Morgan
et al.
PURPOSE Our purpose was to develop a summary of recommendations regarding the management of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer based on the American Urologic Association/ ASTRO Guideline on Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer. METHODS The American Urologic Association and ASTRO convened a multidisciplinary, expert panel to develop recommendations based on a systematic literature review using an a priori defined consensus-building methodology. The topics covered were risk assessment, staging, risk-based management, principles of management including active surveillance, surgery, radiation, and follow-up after treatment. Presented are recommendations from the guideline most pertinent to radiation oncologists with an additional statement on health equity, diversity, and inclusion related to guideline panel composition and the topic of clinically localized prostate cancer. SUMMARY Staging, risk assessment, and management options in prostate cancer have advanced over the last decade and significantly affect shared decision-making for treatment management. Current advancements and controversies discussed to guide staging, risk assessment, and treatment recommendations include the use of advanced imaging and tumor genomic profiling. An essential active surveillance strategy includes prostate-specific antigen monitoring and periodic digital rectal examination with changes triggering magnetic resonance imaging and possible biopsy thereafter and histologic progression or greater tumor volume prompting consideration of definitive local treatment. The panel recommends against routine use of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) for patients with prostate cancer after prostatectomy with negative nodes and an undetectable prostate-specific antigen, while acknowledging that patients at highest risk of recurrence were relatively poorly represented in the 3 largest randomized trials comparing adjuvant RT to early salvage and that a role may exist for adjuvant RT in selected patients at highest risk. RT for clinically localized prostate cancer has evolved rapidly, with new trial results, therapeutic combinations, and technological advances. The recommendation of moderately hypofractionated RT has not changed, and the updated guideline incorporates a conditional recommendation for the use of ultrahypofractionated treatment. Health disparities and inequities exist in the management of clinically localized prostate cancer across the continuum of care that can influence guideline concordance.
Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: AUA/ASTRO Guideline. Part III: Principles of Radiation and Future Directions
J. Eastham, G. Auffenberg, D. Barocas
et al.
Purpose: The summary presented herein represents Part III of the three-part series dedicated to Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: AUA/ASTRO Guideline, discussing principles of radiation and offering several future directions of further relevant study in patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer. Please refer to Parts I and II for discussion of risk assessment, staging, and risk-based management (Part I), and principles of active surveillance and surgery and follow-up (Part II). Materials and Methods: The systematic review utilized to inform this guideline was conducted by an independent methodological consultant. A research librarian conducted searches in Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The methodology team supplemented searches of electronic databases with the studies included in the prior AUA review and by reviewing reference lists of relevant articles. Results: The Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer Panel created evidence- and consensus-based guideline statements to aid clinicians in the management of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Statements regarding management of patients using radiation therapy as well as important future directions of research are detailed herein. Conclusions: This guideline aims to inform clinicians treating patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Continued research and publication of high-quality evidence from future trials will be essential to further improve care for these men.
Fractionation for whole breast irradiation: an American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) evidence-based guideline.
Benjamin D. Smith, S. Bentzen, C. Correa
et al.
Higgs inflation and its extensions and the further refining dS swampland conjecture
Yang Liu
Abstract On the one hand, Andriot and Roupec (Fortsch Phys, 1800105, 2019) proposed an alternative refined de Sitter conjecture, which gives a natural condition on a combination of the first and second derivatives of the scalar potential (Andriot and Roupec 2019). On the other hand, in our previous article (Liu in Eur Phys J Plus 136:901, 2021) , we have found that Palatini Higgs inflation model is in strong tension with the refined de Sitter swampland conjecture (Liu 2021). Therefore, following our previous research, in this article we examine if Higgs inflation model and its two variations: Palatini Higgs inflation and Higgs-Dilaton model (Rubio in Front Astron Space Sci, https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2018.00050 , 2019) can satisfy the “further refining de Sitter swampland conjecture” or not. Based on observational data (Ade et al., Phys Rev Lett 121:221301, 2018; Akrami et al., Planck 2018 results. X. Constraints on inflation, arXiv:1807.06211 [astro-ph.CO], 2018; Aghanim et al., Planck 2018 results: VI. Cosmological parameters, arXiv:1807.06209 [astro-ph.CO], 2018), we find that these three inflationary models can always satisfy this new swampland conjecture if only we adjust the relevant parameters a, $$b = 1-a$$ b = 1 - a and q. Therefore, if the “further refining de Sitter swampland conjecture” does indeed hold, then the three inflationary models might all be in “landscape”.
Astrophysics, Nuclear and particle physics. Atomic energy. Radioactivity
Hitomi (ASTRO-H) X-ray Astronomy Satellite
Tadayuki Takahashi, M. Kokubun, K. Mitsuda
et al.
Abstract. The Hitomi (ASTRO-H) mission is the sixth Japanese x-ray astronomy satellite developed by a large international collaboration, including Japan, USA, Canada, and Europe. The mission aimed to provide the highest energy resolution ever achieved at E > 2 keV, using a microcalorimeter instrument, and to cover a wide energy range spanning four decades in energy from soft x-rays to gamma rays. After a successful launch on February 17, 2016, the spacecraft lost its function on March 26, 2016, but the commissioning phase for about a month provided valuable information on the onboard instruments and the spacecraft system, including astrophysical results obtained from first light observations. The paper describes the Hitomi (ASTRO-H) mission, its capabilities, the initial operation, and the instruments/spacecraft performances confirmed during the commissioning operations for about a month.
100 sitasi
en
Engineering
Astronaut Cardiovascular Health and Risk Modification (Astro-CHARM) Coronary Calcium Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Calculator
A. Khera, M. Budoff, C. O’Donnell
et al.
Background: Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is a powerful novel risk indicator for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Currently, there is no available ASCVD risk prediction tool that integrates traditional risk factors and CAC. Methods: To develop a CAC ASCVD risk tool for younger individuals in the general population, subjects aged 40 to 65 without prior cardiovascular disease from 3 population-based cohorts were included. Cox proportional hazards models were developed incorporating age, sex, systolic blood pressure, total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension treatment, family history of myocardial infarction, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and CAC scores (Astro-CHARM model [Astronaut Cardiovascular Health and Risk Modification]) as dependent variables and ASCVD (nonfatal/fatal myocardial infarction or stroke) as the outcome. Model performance was assessed internally, and validated externally in a fourth cohort. Results: The derivation study comprised 7382 individuals with a mean age 51 years, 45% women, and 55% nonwhite. The median CAC was 0 (25th, 75th [0,9]), and 304 ASCVD events occurred in a median 10.9 years of follow-up. The c-statistic was 0.784 for the risk factor model, and 0.817 for Astro-CHARM (P<0.0001). In comparison with the risk factor model, the Astro-CHARM model resulted in integrated discrimination improvement (0.0252), and net reclassification improvement (0.121; P<0.0001), as well. The Astro-CHARM model demonstrated good discrimination (c=0.78) and calibration (Nam-D’Agostino &khgr;2, 13.2; P=0.16) in the validation cohort (n=2057; 55 events). A mobile application and web-based tool were developed to facilitate clinical application of this tool (www.AstroCHARM.org). Conclusion: The Astro-CHARM tool is the first integrated ASCVD risk calculator to incorporate risk factors, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and family history, and CAC data. It improves risk prediction in comparison with traditional risk factor equations and could be useful in risk-based decision making for cardiovascular disease prevention in the middle-aged general population.
The clustering of LRGs in the DECaLS DR8 footprint: distance constraints from baryon acoustic oscillations using photometric redshifts
Srivatsan Sridhar, Yong-Seon Song, Ashley J. Ross
et al.
A photometric redshift sample of Luminous Red Galaxies (hereafter LRGs) obtained from The DECam Legacy Survey (DECaLS) is analysed to probe cosmic distances by exploiting the wedge approach of the two-point correlation function. Although the cosmological information is highly contaminated by the uncertainties existing in the photometric redshifts from the galaxy map, an angular diameter distance can be probed at the perpendicular configuration in which the measured correlation function is minimally contaminated. An ensemble of wedged correlation functions selected up to a given threshold based on having the least contamination was studied in the previous work (arXiv:1903.09651v2 [astro-ph.CO]) using simulations, and the extracted cosmological information was unbiased within this threshold. We apply the same methodology for analysing the LRG sample from DECaLS which will provide the optical imaging for targeting two-thirds of the DESI footprint and measure the angular diameter distances at $z=0.69$ and $z=0.87$ to be $D_{A}(0.697)=(1499 \pm 77\,\mathrm{Mpc})(r_{d}/r_{d,fid})$ and $D_{A}(0.874)=(1680 \pm 109\,\mathrm{Mpc})(r_{d}/r_{d,fid})$ with a fractional error of 5.14% and 6.48% respectively. We obtain a value of $H_{0}=67.59\pm5.52$ km/s/Mpc which supports the $H_0$ measured by all other BAO results and is consistent with $Λ$CDM model.
Narrow lines correlations in an SDSS sample of type 1 quasars
I. Jankov, D. Ilić
Investigation of quasar emission line properties and relationships between spectral parameters is important for understanding the physical mechanisms that originate inside different regions of the active galactic nuclei. In this paper, we investigate the optical spectral parameters of type 1 quasars taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 Quasar Catalog (arXiv:1006.5178 [astro-ph.CO]). Spectral parameters, such are equivalent widths and full widths at half maximum of both narrow and broad lines are taken into account. We perform the analysis of correlation matrix and principal component analysis of our sample. We obtain that the narrow line Baldwin effect is significant enough and deserves further investigation. We provide the correlation coefficients and slope values for Baldwin effect in several narrow lines.
Scale symmetry, the Higgs and the Cosmos
Javier Rubio
I review the Higgs-Dilaton model: a scale-invariant extension of the Standard Model and gravity able to support inflation and dark energy with just an additional degree of freedom on top of the Standard Model content. Potential extensions of the simplest realization on the basis of transverse diffeomorphisms are also discussed.
The Astro-H high resolution soft x-ray spectrometer
R. Kelley, H. Akamatsu, P. Azzarello
et al.
115 sitasi
en
Physics, Engineering
Dynamical suppression of spacetime torsion
Tanmoy Paul, Soumitra SenGupta
Abstract A surprising feature of our present four dimensional universe is that its evolution appears to be governed solely by spacetime curvature without any noticeable effect of spacetime torsion. In the present paper, we give a possible explanation of this enigma through “cosmological evolution” of spacetime torsion in the backdrop of a higher dimensional braneworld scenario. Our results reveal that the torsion field may had a significant value at early phase of our universe, but gradually decreased with the expansion of the universe. This leads to a negligible footprint of torsion in our present visible universe. We also show that at an early epoch, when the amplitude of the torsion field was not suppressed, our universe underwent through an inflationary stage having a graceful exit within a finite time. To link the model with observational constraints, we also determine the spectral index for curvature perturbation ($$n_s$$ ns ) and tensor to scalar ratio (r) in the present context, which match with the results of Planck 2018 (combining with BICEP-2 Keck-Array) data (Akrami et al. in arXiv:1807.06211 [astro-ph.CO], 2019; Ade et al. in Phys Rev Lett 116:031302 https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.031302, arXiv:1510.09217 [astro-ph.CO], 2016).
Astrophysics, Nuclear and particle physics. Atomic energy. Radioactivity
UV self-completion of a theory of superfluid dark matter
Andrea Addazi, Antonino Marcianò
Abstract We show that the model of superfluid dark matter developed in Refs. Khoury (Phys Rev D 91(2):024022, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.91.024022, arXiv:1409.0012 [hep-th], 2015), Berezhiani and Khoury (Phys Rev D 92:103510, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.92.103510, arXiv:1507.01019 [astro-ph.CO], 2015) and Berezhiani and Khoury (Phys Lett B 753:639, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physletb.2015.12.054, arXiv:1506.07877 [astro-ph.CO], 2016), which modifies the Newtonian potential and explains the galactic rotational curves, can be unitarized by the formation of classical configurations in the scattering amplitudes. The classicalization mechanism may also trigger the formation of the superfluid state from the early to the late Universe.
Astrophysics, Nuclear and particle physics. Atomic energy. Radioactivity
Astro- and Quantum Physical Tests of Screened Scalar Fields
Christian Käding
In general, modified gravity theories are modifications or extensions of Einstein's general relativity. Some of them give rise to additional scalar degrees of freedom in Nature. If these scalar fields exist and are light enough, they should cause a gravity-like fifth force that could, in principle, exceed gravity in its strength. However, there are tight constraints on fifth forces from Solar System-based tests. Screening mechanisms are popular means for avoiding these constraints by suppressing a fifth force in regions of high environmental mass density but allowing for phenomenologically interesting effects in environments of lower densities. In this thesis, scalar field models with screening mechanisms will be discussed and some astro- and quantum physical tests for their existence presented. At first, the impact of disformally coupled symmetrons on gravitational lensing by galaxies will be evaluated. Secondly, it will be shown how fluctuations of a chameleon scalar field induce the open dynamics of a quantum test particle. For this, tools from non-equilibrium quantum field theory will be introduced, developed and applied, and a quantum master equation derived.
Design, implementation, and performance of the Astro-H SXS calorimeter array and anticoincidence detector
C. Kilbourne, J. Adams, R. Brekosky
et al.
Abstract. The calorimeter array of the JAXA Astro-H (renamed Hitomi) soft x-ray spectrometer (SXS) was designed to provide unprecedented spectral resolution of spatially extended cosmic x-ray sources and of all cosmic x-ray sources in the Fe-K band around 6 keV, enabling essential plasma diagnostics. The SXS had a square array of 36 x-ray calorimeters at the focal plane. These calorimeters consisted of ion-implanted silicon thermistors and HgTe thermalizing x-ray absorbers. These devices demonstrated a resolution of better than 4.5 eV at 6 keV when operated at a heat-sink temperature of 50 mK. We will discuss the basic physical parameters of this array, including the array layout, thermal conductance of the link to the heat sink, resistance function, absorber details, and means of attaching the absorber to the thermistor-bearing element. We will also present the thermal characterization of the whole array, including thermal conductance and crosstalk measurements and the results of pulsing the frame temperature via alpha particles, heat pulses, and the environmental background. A silicon ionization detector was located behind the calorimeter array and served to reject events due to cosmic rays. We will briefly describe this anticoincidence detector and its performance.
25 sitasi
en
Engineering, Physics