The GECAM Real-time Burst Alert System

Gravitational wave high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor(GECAM),consisting of two microsatellites,is designed to detect gamma-ray bursts associated with gravitational-wave events.Here,we introduce the real-time burst alert system of GECAM,with the adoption of the BeiDou-3 short message communication service.We present the post-trigger operations,the detailed ground-based analysis,and the performance of the system.In the first year of the in-flight operation,GECAM was triggered by 42 gamma-ray bursts.The GECAM real-time burst alert system has the ability to distribute the alert within~1 minute after being triggered,which enables timely follow-up observations.

Time-resolved Spectral Properties of Fermi-GBM Bright Long Gamma-Ray Bursts

The prompt emission mechanism of gamma-ray bursts(GRBs)is still unclear,and the time-resolved spectral analysis of GRBs is a powerful tool for studying their underlying physical processes.We performed a detailed time-resolved spectral analysis of 78 bright long GRB samples detected by Fermi/Gamma-ray Burst Monitor.A total of 1490 spectra were obtained and their properties were studied using a typical Band-shape model.First,the parameter distributions of the time-resolved spectrum are given as follows:the low-energy spectral indexα~-0.72,high-energy spectral indexβ~2.42,the peak energy E_(p)~221.69 keV,and the energy flux F~7.49×10^(-6)erg cm^(-2)s^(-1).More than 80%of the bursts exhibit the hardest low-energy spectral indexα_(max),exceeding the synchrotron limit(-2/3).Second,the evolution patterns of a and E_(p)were statistically analyzed.The results show that for multi-pulse GRBs the intensity-tracking pattern is more common than the hard-to-soft pattern in the evolution of both E_(p)andα.The hard-to-soft pattern is generally shown in single-pulse GRBs or in the initial pulse of multi-pulse GRBs.Finally,we found a significant positive correlation between F and E_(p),with half of the samples exhibiting a positive correlation between F andα.We discussed the spectral evolution of different radiation models.The diversity of spectral evolution patterns indicates that there may be more than one radiation mechanism occurring in the GRB radiation process,including photo spheric radiation and synchrotron radiation.However,it may also involve only one radiation mechanism,but more complicated physical details need to be considered.

Applying Hybrid Clustering in Pulsar Candidate Sifting with Multi-modality for FAST Survey

Pulsar search is always the basis of pulsar navigation,gravitational wave detection and other research topics.Currently,the volume of pulsar candidates collected by the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope(FAST)shows an explosive growth rate that has brought challenges for its pulsar candidate filtering system.Particularly,the multi-view heterogeneous data and class imbalance between true pulsars and non-pulsar candidates have negative effects on traditional single-modal supervised classification methods.In this study,a multi-modal and semi-supervised learning based on a pulsar candidate sifting algorithm is presented,which adopts a hybrid ensemble clustering scheme of density-based and partition-based methods combined with a feature-level fusion strategy for input data and a data partition strategy for parallelization.Experiments on both High Time Resolution Universe SurveyⅡ(HTRU2)and actual FAST observation data demonstrate that the proposed algorithm could excellently identify pulsars:On HTRU2,the precision and recall rates of its parallel mode reach0.981 and 0.988 respectively.On FAST data,those of its parallel mode reach 0.891 and 0.961,meanwhile,the running time also significantly decreases with the increment of parallel nodes within limits.Thus,we can conclude that our algorithm could be a feasible idea for large scale pulsar candidate sifting for FAST drift scan observation.

A Localization Method of High Energy Transients for All-sky Gamma-ray Monitor

Fast and reliable localization of high-energy transients is crucial for characterizing the burst properties and guiding the follow-up observations.Localization based on the relative counts of different detectors has been widely used for all-sky gamma-ray monitors.There are two major methods for this count distribution localization:χ^(2)minimization method and the Bayesian method.Here we propose a modified Bayesian method that could take advantage of both the accuracy of the Bayesian method and the simplicity of the χ^(2)method.With comprehensive simulations,we find that our Bayesian method with Poisson likelihood is generally more applicable for various bursts than the χ^(2)method,especially for weak bursts.We further proposed a location-spectrum iteration approach based on the Bayesian inference,which could alleviate the problems caused by the spectral difference between the burst and location templates.Our method is very suitable for scenarios with limited computation resources or timesensitive applications,such as in-flight localization software,and low-latency localization for rapidly follow-up observations.

The In-Flight Realtime Trigger and Localization Software of GECAM

Realtime trigger and localization of bursts are the key functions of GECAM,an all-sky gamma-ray monitor launched on 2020 December 10.We developed a multifunctional trigger and localization software operating in the CPU of the GECAM Electronic Box.This onboard software has the following features:high trigger efficiency for real celestial bursts with a suppression of false triggers caused by charged particle bursts and background fluctuation,dedicated localization algorithm optimized for both short and long bursts,and low time latency of the trigger information which is downlinked through the Global Short Message Communication service of the global BeiDou navigation system.This paper provides a detailed description of the design and development of the trigger and localization software system for GECAM.It covers the general design,workflow,the main functions,and the algorithms used in the system.The paper also includes on-ground trigger tests using simulated gamma-ray bursts generated by a dedicated X-ray tube,as well as an overview of the performance for real celestial bursts during its in-orbit operation.

The Design of GECAM Scientific Ground Segment

The Gravitational wave burst high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor(GECAM)is a dedicated mission for monitoring high-energy transients.Here we report the design of the GECAM Scientific Ground Segment(GSGS)in terms of the scientific requirements,including the architecture,the external interfaces,the main function,and workflow.Judging from the analysis and verification results during the commissioning phase,the GSGS functions well and is able to monitor the status of the payloads,adjust the parameters,develop the scientific observation plans,generate the scientific data products,analyze the data,etc.Thus,the on-orbit operation and scientific researches of GECAM are guaranteed.

In-flight Energy Calibration of the GECAM Gamma-ray Detectors

The Gravitational wave high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor(GECAM)mission is designed to monitor the Gamma-Ray Bursts(GRBs)associated with gravitational waves and other high-energy transient sources.The mission consists of two microsatellites which are planned to operate at the opposite sides of the Earth.Each GECAM satellite could detect and localize GRBs in about 8 keV-5 MeV with its 25 Gamma-Ray Detectors(GRDs).In this work,we report the in-flight energy calibration of GRDs using the characteristic gamma-ray lines in the background spectra,and show their performance evolution during the commissioning phase.Besides,a preliminary cross-calibration of energy response with Fermi GBM data is also presented,validating the energy response of GRDs.

Results of 23 yr of Pulsar Timing of PSR J1453-6413

In this paper,we presented the 23.3 yr of pulsar timing results of PSR J1456-6413 based on the observations of Parkes 64 m radio telescope.We detected two new glitches at MJD 57093(3)and 59060(12)and confirmed its first glitch at MJD 54554(10).The relative sizes(Δν/ν)of these two new glitches are 0.9×10^(-9)and 1.16×10^(-9),respectively.Using the“Cholesky”timing analysis method,we have determined its position,proper motion,and two-dimensional transverse velocities from the data segments before and after the second glitch,respectively.Furthermore,we detected exponential recovery behavior after the first glitch,with a recovery timescale of approximately 200 days and a corresponding exponential recovery factor Q of approximately 0.15(2),while no exponential recovery was detected for the other two glitches.More interestingly,we found that the leading component of the integral pulse profile after the second glitch became stronger,while the main component became weaker.Our results will expand the sample of pulsars with magnetosphere fluctuation triggered by the glitch event.

Atlas of dynamic spectra of fast radio burst FRB 20201124A

Fast radio bursts(FRBs) are highly dispersed millisecond-duration radio bursts,[1,2]of which the physical origin is still not fully understood. FRB 20201124A is one of the most actively repeating FRBs. In this paper, we present the collection of 1863 burst dynamic spectra of FRB 20201124A measured with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope(FAST). The current collection, taken from the observation during the FRB active phase from April to June 2021, is the largest burst sample detected for any FRB so far. The standard PSRFITs format is adopted, including dynamic spectra of the burst, and the time information of the dynamic spectra, in addition, mask files help readers to identify the pulse positions are also provided. The dataset is available in Science Data Bank, with the link https://www.doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.j00113.00076.

Bioengineering models of female reproduction

The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries,the female gonads,and the reproductive tract organs of the fallopian tubes,uterus,cervix,and vagina.It functions to provide hormonal support and anatomical structure for the production of new offspring.A number of endogenous and exogenous factors can impact female reproductive health and fertility,including genetic vulnerability,medications,environmental exposures,age,nutrition,and diseases.To date,due to the ethical concerns of using human subjects in biomedical research,the majority of studies use in vivo animal models and 2D cell/tissue culture models to study female reproduction.However,the complexity and species difference of the female reproductive system in humans make it difficult to compare to those of animals.Moreover,the monolayered cells cultured on flat plastics or glass lose their 3D architecture as well as the physical and/or biochemical contacts with other cells in vivo.Further,all reproductive organs do not work alone but interconnect with each other and also with non-reproductive organs to support female reproductive,endocrine,and systemic health.These facts suggest that there is an urgent and unmet need to develop representative,effective,and efficient in vitro models for studying human female reproduction.The prodigious advancements of bioengineering(e.g.,biomaterials,3D printing,and organ-on-a-chip)allow us to study female reproduction in an entirely new way.Here,we review recent advances that use bioengineering methods to study female reproduction,including the bioengineering models of the ovary,fallopian tube,uterus,embryo implantation,placenta,and reproductive disease.

Infertility in China: Culture, society and a need for fertility counselling

With a high rate of infertility, it is important to understand the context of fertility and family planning in China, to inform the necessity of supportive care. A literature review was undertaken to explore the societal constructs informing perspectives of childbearing, family planning and infertility, alongside Chinese considerations of fertility treatments, including assisted reproductive technologies and fertility counselling. In China, childbearing attitudes and behaviours are shaped by tensions between traditional cultural values of the filial piety originating from Confucianism, the history of strict family planning policy, the recent termination of one-child policy and the socioeconomic circumstance. For infertile Chinese individuals, the inability to meet these childbearing expectations gives rise to significant pressure and consequent psychological distress, particularly depressive symptoms. Demographic factors such as gender, education, income and geographical location have been found to influence prevalence and degree of depression in infertile Chinese men and women. These difficulties are compounded by barriers of cultural acceptance, legislative restrictions and availability of resources for alternative options such as adoption and surrogacy. It is important that these fertility sociocultural factors are taken into consideration when assisting Chinese patients to access and utilise fertility treatment services.

Timing analysis of the black hole candidate EXO 1846–031 with Insight-HXMT monitoring

We present the observational results from a detailed timing analysis of the black hole candidate EXO 1846-031 during its outburst in 2019 with the observations of Insight-HXMT,NICER and MAXI.This outburst can be classified roughly into four different states.Type-C quasi-periodic oscillations(QPOs)observed by NICER(about 0.1-6 Hz)and Insight-HXMT(about 0.7-8 Hz)are also reported in this work.Meanwhile,we study various physical quantities related to QPO frequency.The QPO rms-frequency relationship in the energy band 1-10 keV indicates that there is a turning pointing in frequency around2 Hz,which is similar to that of GRS 1915+105.A possible hypothesis for the relationship above may be related to the inclination of the source,which may require a high inclination to explain it.The relationships between QPO frequency and QPO rms,hardness,total fractional rms and count rate have also been found in other transient sources,which can indicate that the origin of type-C QPOs is non-thermal.

Effects of Nitrogen Application Rate and Seeding Density on Plant Growth and Seed Yield of Direct-seeding Rape

[Objectives] This study was conducted to explore the effects of different N application rates and densities on the growth and development of direct-seeding rape as well as on its yield.[Methods] A field experiment was carried out by setting five N fertilizer treatments and three density levels.[Results] Increasing seeding density and N application rate could improve the seed yield of rape. The suitable N application rate for the three densities were calculated using the fitted fertilizer efficiency models, respectively, to be 186.77, 221.35 and 236.14 kg/hm^2, at which the yields were the highest. The results showed that in this area, the seeding density of direct-seeding rape could be selected in the range of 6.0×10^5-7.5×10^5 plants/hm^2, and the suitable N application rate could be in the range of 221.35-236.14 kg/hm^2.[Conclusions] This study provides a theoretical basis for the maximization of spatial resource and efficient utilization of fertilizer.

Observation of spectral lines in the exceptional GRB 221009A

As the brightest gamma-ray burst ever observed,GRB 221009A provided a precious opportunity to explore spectral line features.In this article,we performed a comprehensive spectroscopy analysis of GRB 221009A jointly with GECAM-C and Fermi/GBM data to search for emission and absorption lines.For the first time we investigated the line feature throughout this GRB including the most bright part where many instruments suffered problems,and identified prominent emission lines in multiple time intervals.The central energy of the Gaussian emission line evolves from about 37 to 6 MeV,with a nearly constant ratio(about 10%)between the line width and central energy.Particularly,we find that both the central energy and the energy flux of the emission line evolve with time as a power law decay with power law index of–1 and–2,respectively.We suggest that the observed emission lines most likely origin from the blue-shifted electron positron pair annihilation 511 ke V line.We find that a standard high latitude emission scenario cannot fully interpret the observation,thus we propose that the emission line comes from some dense clumps with electron positron pairs traveling together with the jet.In this scenario,we can use the emission line to directly,for the first time,measure the bulk Lorentz factor of the jet(Γ)and reveal its time evolution(i.e.,Γ~t^(-1))during the prompt emission.Interestingly,we find that the flux of the annihilation line in the co-moving frame keeps constant.These discoveries of the spectral line features shed new and important lights on the physics of GRB and relativistic jet.

Attenuated retinoic acid signaling is among the early responses in mouse uterus approaching embryo attachment

The uterus is transiently receptive for embryo implantation.It remains to be understood why the uterus does not reject a semi-allogeneic embryo(to the biological mother)or an allogeneic embryo(to a surrogate)for implantation.To gain insights,we examined uterine early response genes approaching embryo attachment on day 3 post coitum(D3)at 22 hours when blue dye reaction,an indication of embryo attachment,had not manifested in mice.C57BL/6 pseudo-pregnant(control)and pregnant mouse uteri were collected on D3 at 22 hours for microarray analysis.The self-assembling-manifold(SAM)algorithm identified 21,858 unique probesets.Principal component analysis indicated a clear separation between the pseudo-pregnant and pregnant groups.There were 106 upregulated and five downregulated protein-coding genes in the pregnant uterus with fold change(fc)>1.5 andq value<5%.Gene ontology(GO)analysis of the 106 upregulated genes revealed 38 significant GO biological process(GOBP)terms(P<0.05),and 32(84%)of them were associated with immune responses,with a dominant natural killer(NK)cell activation signature.Among the top eight upregulated protein-coding genes,Cyp26a1 inactivates retinoic acid(RA)whileLrat promotes vitamin A storage,both of which are expected to attenuate RA bioavailability;Atp6v0d2 andGjb2 play roles in ion transport and transmembrane transport;Gzmb,Gzmc,andIl2rb are involved in immune responses;andTdo2 is important for kynurenine pathway.Most of these genes or their related pathways have functions in immune regulations.RA signaling has been implicated in immune tolerance and immune homeostasis,and uterine NK cells have been implicated in immunotolerance at the maternal-fetal interface in the placenta.The mechanisms of immune responses approaching embryo attachment remain to be elucidated.The coordinated effects of the early response genes may hold the keys to the question of why the uterus does not reject an implanting embryo.

Paired quasi-periodic pulsations of hard X-ray emission in a solar flare

We investigate high time resolution data obtained by the Gravitational wave high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor(GECAM)during the flare event on 2022 April 21 at 01:52 UT.Several subpeaks with durations of 4-6 s have been detected in the hard X-ray precursor phase,and the key feature is that they appear in pairs and seem like double-peak struc-tures.These subpeaks are rarely observed in hard X-ray band and confirmed by the microwave obtained by Nobeyama Radio Polarimeters(NoRP)and Radio Solar Telescope Network(RSTN).While an exponential function can describe the continuum component of the time profile from the precursor to part of the impulsive phase.The periods of quasi-periodic pulsations(QPPs)are detected to be about 7.3 and 12.8 s for the precursor and impulsive phase,respectively,with at least 95%confidence level.The paired QPPs are assumed to be double-peak QPPs and then the scenario of current loop coalescence model is found to be in good agreement with our observation.The precursor phase can be interpreted as the oscillating coalescence of two islands,while the impulsive phase can be interpreted as more islands to coalesce one by one to form larger islands.