cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GCN-RL Circuit Designer: Transferable Transistor Sizing with Graph Neural Networks and Reinforcement Learning

Automatic transistor sizing is a challenging problem in circuit design due to the large design space, complex performance tradeoffs, and fast technology advancements. Although there have been plenty of work on transistor sizing targeting on one circuit, limited research has been done on transferring the knowledge from one circuit to another to reduce the re-design overhead. In this paper, we present GCN-RL Circuit Designer, leveraging reinforcement learning (RL) to transfer the knowledge between different technology nodes and topologies. Moreover, inspired by the simple fact that circuit is a graph, we learn on the circuit topology representation with graph convolutional neural networks (GCN). The GCN-RL agent extracts features of the topology graph whose vertices are transistors, edges are wires. Our learning-based optimization consistently achieves the highest Figures of Merit (FoM) on four different circuits compared with conventional black box optimization methods (Bayesian Optimization, Evolutionary Algorithms), random search and human expert designs. Experiments on transfer learning between five technology nodes and two circuit topologies demonstrate that RL with transfer learning can achieve much higher FoMs than methods without knowledge transfer. Our transferable optimization method makes transistor sizing and design porting more effective and efficient.
Coherent State Path Integrals Without Resolutions of Unity

From the very beginning, coherent state path integrals have always relied on a coherent state resolution of unity for their construction. By choosing an inadmissible fiducial vector, a set of “coherent states” spans the same space but loses its resolution of unity, and for that reason has been called a set of weak coherent states. Despite having no resolution of unity, it is nevertheless shown how the propagator in such a basis may admit a phase-space path integral representation in essentially the same form as if it had a resolution of unity. Our examples are toy models of similar situations that arise in current studies of quantum gravity.
Nuclear envelope-vacuole contacts mitigate nuclear pore complex assembly stress

The intricacy of nuclear pore complex (NPC) biogenesis imposes risks of failure that can cause defects in nuclear transport and nuclear envelope (NE) morphology; however, cellular mechanisms used to alleviate NPC assembly stress are not well defined. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we demonstrate that NVJ1- and MDM1-enriched NE-vacuole contacts increase when NPC assembly is compromised in several nup mutants, including nup116ΔGLFG cells. These interorganelle nucleus-vacuole junctions (NVJs) cooperate with lipid droplets to maintain viability and enhance NPC formation in assembly mutants. Additionally, NVJs function with ATG1 to remodel the NE and promote vacuole-dependent degradation of specific nucleoporins in nup116ΔGLFG cells. Importantly, NVJs significantly improve the physiology of NPC assembly mutants, despite having only negligible effects when NPC biogenesis is unperturbed. These results therefore define how NE-vacuole interorganelle contacts coordinate responses to mitigate deleterious cellular effects caused by disrupted NPC assembly.
Tree Space Prototypes: Another Look at Making Tree Ensembles Interpretable

Ensembles of decision trees perform well on many problems, but are not interpretable. In contrast to existing approaches in interpretability that focus on explaining relationships between features and predictions, we propose an alternative approach to interpret tree ensemble classifiers by surfacing representative points for each class -- prototypes. We introduce a new distance for Gradient Boosted Tree models, and propose new, adaptive prototype selection methods with theoretical guarantees, with the flexibility to choose a different number of prototypes in each class. We demonstrate our methods on random forests and gradient boosted trees, showing that the prototypes can perform as well as or even better than the original tree ensemble when used as a nearest-prototype classifier. In a user study, humans were better at predicting the output of a tree ensemble classifier when using prototypes than when using Shapley values, a popular feature attribution method. Hence, prototypes present a viable alternative to feature-based explanations for tree ensembles.
Formal Game Grammar and Equivalence

We develop methods to formally describe and compare games, in order to probe questions of game structure and design, and as a stepping stone to predicting player behavior from design patterns. We define a grammar-like formalism to describe finite discrete games without hidden information, allowing for randomness, and mixed sequential and simultaneous play. We make minimal assumptions about the form or content of game rules or user interface. The associated game trees resemble hybrid extensive- and strategic-form games, in the game theory sense. By transforming and comparing game trees, we develop equivalence relations on the space of game systems, which equate games that give players the same meaningful agency. We bring these together to suggest a method to measure distance between games, insensitive to cosmetic variations in the game logic descriptions.
Fourier decay of fractal measures on hyperboloids

Let $\mu$ be an $\alpha$-dimensional probability measure. We prove new upper and lower bounds on the decay rate of hyperbolic averages of the Fourier transform $\widehat{\mu}$. More precisely, if $\mathbb{H}$ is a truncated hyperbolic paraboloid in $\mathbb{R}^d$ we study the optimal $\beta$ for which $$\int_{\mathbb{H}} |\hat{\mu}(R\xi)|^2 \, d \sigma (\xi)\leq C(\alpha, \mu) R^{-\beta}$$ for all $R > 1$. Our estimates for $\beta$ depend on the minimum between the number of positive and negative principal curvatures of $\mathbb{H}$; if this number is as large as possible our estimates are sharp in all dimensions.
Counting Locally Flat-Foldable Origami Configurations Via 3-Coloring Graphs

Origami, where two-dimensional sheets are folded into complex structures, is rich with combinatorial and geometric structure, most of which remains to be fully understood. In this paper we consider flat origami, where the sheet of material is folded into a two-dimensional object, and consider the mountain (convex) and valley (concave) creases that result, called a MV assignment of the crease pattern. An open problem is to count the number locally valid MV assignments $$\mu $$ of a given flat-foldable crease pattern C, where locally valid means that each vertex will fold flat under $$\mu $$ with no self-intersections of the folded material. In this paper we solve this problem for a large family of crease patterns by creating a planar graph $$C^*$$ whose 3-colorings are in one-to-one correspondence with the locally valid MV assignments of C. This reduces the problem of enumerating locally valid MV assignments to the enumeration of 3-colorings of graphs.
Link concordance and generalized doubling operators

We introduce a technique for showing classical knots and links are not slice. As one application we show that the iterated Bing doubles of many algebraically slice knots are not topologically slice. Some of the proofs do not use the existence of the Cheeger‐Gromov bound, a deep analytical tool used by Cochran‐Teichner. We define generalized doubling operators, of which Bing doubling is an instance, and prove our nontriviality results in this more general context. Our main examples are boundary links that cannot be detected in the algebraic boundary link concordance group. 57M10, 57M25
MAGNETIC UNTWISTING IN SOLAR JETS THAT GO INTO THE OUTER CORONA IN POLAR CORONAL HOLES

We present results from 14 exceptionally high‐reaching large solar jets observed in the polar coronal holes. EUV movies from SDO/AIA show that each jet is similar to many other similar‐size and smaller jets that erupt in coronal holes, but each is exceptional in that it goes higher than most other jets, so high that it is observed in the outer corona beyond 2.2 R(sub Sun) in images from the SOHO/LASCO/C2 coronagraph. For these high‐reaching jets, we find: (1) the front of the jet transits the corona below 2.2 R(sub Sun) at a speed typically several times the sound speed; (2) each jet displays an exceptionally large amount of spin as it erupts; (3) in the outer corona, most jets display oscillatory swaying having an amplitude of a few degrees and a period of order 1 hour. We conclude that these jets are magnetically driven, propose that the driver is a magnetic‐untwisting wave that is grossly a large‐amplitude (i.e., nonlinear) torsional Alfven wave that is put into the reconnected open magnetic field in the jet by interchange reconnection as the jet erupts, and estimate from the measured spinning and swaying that the magnetic‐untwisting wave loses most of its energy in the inner corona below 2.2 R(sub Sun). From these results for these big jets, we reason that the torsional magnetic waves observed in Type‐II spicules should dissipate in the corona in the same way and could thereby power much of the coronal heating in coronal holes.
Integral Points on Elliptic Curves and Explicit Valuations of Division Polynomials

Assuming Lang's conjectured lower bound on the heights of non-torsion points on an elliptic curve, we show that there exists an absolute constant such that for any elliptic curve and non-torsion point , there is at most one integral multiple such that . The proof is a modification of a proof of Ingram giving an unconditional, but not uniform, bound. The new ingredient is a collection of explicit formulae for the sequence of valuations of the division polynomials. For of non-singular reduction, such sequences are already well described in most cases, but for of singular reduction, we are led to define a new class of sequences called elliptic troublemaker sequences, which measure the failure of the Neron local height to be quadratic. As a corollary in the spirit of a conjecture of Lang and Hall, we obtain a uniform upper bound on for integer points having two large integral multiples.
Enhanced superconducting transition temperature in electroplated rhenium

We show that electroplated Re films in multilayers with noble metals such as Cu, Au, and Pd have an enhanced superconducting critical temperature relative to previous methods of preparing Re. The dc resistance and magnetic susceptibility indicate a critical temperature of approximately 6 K. The magnetic response as a function of field at 1.8 K demonstrates type-II superconductivity, with an upper critical field on the order of 2.5 T. Critical current densities greater than 107 A/m2 were measured above liquid-helium temperature. Low-loss at radio frequency was obtained below the critical temperature for multilayers deposited onto resonators made with Cu traces on commercial circuit boards. These electroplated superconducting films can be integrated into a wide range of standard components for low-temperature electronics.
Resolvent estimates for spacetimes bounded by Killing Horizons

We show that the resolvent grows at most exponentially with frequency for the wave equation on a class of stationary spacetimes which are bounded by non-degenerate Killing horizons, without any assumptions on the trapped set. Correspondingly, there exists an exponentially small resonance-free region, and solutions of the Cauchy problem exhibit logarithmic energy decay.
DIHEDRAL BLOCKS WITH TWO SIMPLE MODULES

Let be an algebraically closed field of characteristic , and let be a finite group. Suppose is a block of with dihedral defect groups such that there are precisely two isomorphism classes of simple -modules. The description by Erdmann of the quiver and relations of the basic algebra of is usually only given up to a certain parameter whose value is either 0 or . In this article, we show that if there exists a central extension of by a group of order together with a block of with generalized quaternion defect groups such that is contained in the image of under the natural surjection from onto . As a special case, we obtain that if for some odd prime power and is the principal block of .
Structural and magnetic properties of molecular beam epitaxy grown chromium selenide thin films

Chromium selenide thin films were grown epitaxially on $\mathrm{A}{\mathrm{l}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}(0001)$ and Si(111)-(7 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} 7) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. Sharp streaks in reflection high-energy electron diffraction and triangular structures in scanning tunneling microscopy indicate flat smooth film growth along the $c$ axis, which is very similar to that from a hexagonal surface. The x-ray diffraction pattern confirms the growth along the $c$ axis with a $c$-axis lattice constant of 17.39 \AA{}. The grown film is semiconducting, having a small band gap of about 0.034 eV, as calculated from the temperature-dependent resistivity. The antiferromagnetic nature of the film with a N\'eel temperature of about 40 K is estimated from the magnetic exchange bias measurements. A larger out-of-plane exchange bias, along with a smaller in-plane exchange bias is observed below 40 K. Exchange bias training effects are analyzed based on different models and are observed to be following a modified power-law decay behavior.
Phosphorene FETs — Promising transistors based on a few layers of phosphorus atoms

This paper reviews the emergence and progress of phosphorene FETs, all within about a year. In such a short time, back-gated FETs evolved into top-gated FETs, gate length was reduced to the sub-micron range, passivation by high-k dielectrics or hexagonal boron nitride was demonstrated with temporal, thermal and mechanical stability, ohmic contact was achieved down to cryogenic temperatures, and cutoff frequencies was pushed above 10 GHz. These and other attractive characteristics of phosphorene promise the phosphorene FET to be a viable candidate for current-generation flexible electronics as well as future-generation ultra-thin-body low-power-consumption high-speed and high-frequency transistors.
Some Torsional Local Models of Heterotic Strings

We construct solutions to the Strominger system on a class of noncompact Calabi-Yau 3-folds. These spaces include $\mathbb{C}^3$ and resolved conifold $\mathcal{O}(-1,-1)$ as special examples.
Shear-flow transition: the basin boundary

The basin of attraction of a stable equilibrium point is investigated for a dynamical system (W97) that has been used to model transition to turbulence in shear flows. The basin boundary contains a linearly unstable equilibrium point Xlb which, in the self-sustaining scenario, plays a role in mediating the transition in that transition orbits cluster around its unstable manifold. However we find—for W97 with canonical parameter values—that this role is played not by Xlb but rather by a periodic orbit also lying on the basin boundary. Moreover, it appears via numerical computations that all orbits beginning near Xlb relaminarize. We offer numerical evidence that the parameter values of W97 are post-critical in the following sense: for some, subcritical parameter values, the basin boundary coincides with the stable manifold of Xlb and only a subset of nearby orbits relaminarize, whereas for supercritical values the basin boundary is the union of two stable manifolds, one belonging to the periodic orbit and dominating the basin boundary, and the other belonging to Xlb and detectable only as edge separating relaminarizing orbits of different characters. The periodic orbit appears at the critical parameter value via a homoclinic connection. This further leads to a proposal for the structure of the 'edge of chaos' somewhat different from that which has previously been proposed.
Singlet excited states of anions with higher main group elements

Previous studies have shown that dipole-bound excited states exist for certain small anions. However, valence excited states have been reported for some closed-shell anions, but those with singlet valence excited states have, thus far, contained a single silicon atom. This work uses high-level coupled cluster theory previously shown to reproduce excited state energies to better than 0.1 eV compared with experiment in order to examine the electronic excited state properties of anions containing silicon and other higher main group atoms as well as their first row analogues. Of the 14 anions involved in this study, 9 possess bound excited states of some kind: CH2SN−, C3H−, CCSiH−, CCSH−, CCNH−2, CCPH−2, BH3PH−2, AlH3NH−2 and AlH3PH−2. Two possess clear valence states: CCSiH− and its first row analogue C3H−. Substantial mixing appears to be present in the valence and dipole-bound characters for the first excited state wavefunctions of many of the systems reporting excited states, but the mixing is most pronou...
High-speed electro-optic modulator integrated with graphene-boron nitride heterostructure and photonic crystal nanocavity.

Nanoscale and power-efficient electro-optic (EO) modulators are essential components for optical interconnects that are beginning to replace electrical wiring for intra- and interchip communications.1−4 Silicon-based EO modulators show sufficient figures of merits regarding device footprint, speed, power consumption, and modulation depth.5−11 However, the weak electro-optic effect of silicon still sets a technical bottleneck for these devices, motivating the development of modulators based on new materials. Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon allotrope, has emerged as an alternative active material for optoelectronic applications owing to its exceptional optical and electronic properties.12−14 Here, we demonstrate a high-speed graphene electro-optic modulator based on a graphene-boron nitride (BN) heterostructure integrated with a silicon photonic crystal nanocavity. Strongly enhanced light-matter interaction of graphene in a submicron cavity enables efficient electrical tuning of the cavity reflection. We...
DYNAMICS OF T=0 BCS CONDENSATES

Fermi-surface bosonization is used to show that the long-wavelength, T=0, dynamics of a BCS superfluid or superconductor is described by a galilean invariant non-linear time-dependent Schrodinger equation. This equation is of same form as the Gross-Pitaevskii equation for a Bose superfluid, but the “wavefunction” is not the superfluid order parameter.
Enhanced Microlensing by Stars around the Black Hole in the Galactic Center

The effect of stars on the lensing properties of the supermassive black hole in the Galactic center is similar to the effect of planets on microlensing by a star. We show that the dense stellar cluster around Sgr A* increases by factors of a few the probability of high-magnification lensing events of a distant background source by the black hole. Conversely, the gravitational shear of the black hole changes and enhances the microlensing properties of the individual stars. The effect is largest when the source image lies near the Einstein radius of the black hole (175 ± 020 for a source at infinity). We estimate that the probability of observing at least one distant background star, which is magnified by a factor greater than 5 in any infrared snapshot of the inner ~2'' of the Galactic center, is ~1% with a K-band detection threshold of 20 mag. The largest source of uncertainty in this estimate is the luminosity function of the background stars. The gravitational shear of the black hole lengthens the duration of high-magnification events near the Einstein radius up to a few months and introduces a large variety of light-curve shapes that are different from those of isolated microlenses. Identification of such events by image subtraction can be used to probe the mass function, density, and velocity distributions of faint stars near the black hole, which are not detectable otherwise.
Level Correlations in Integrable Systems

We derive a simple analytical expression for the level correlation function of an integrable system. It accounts for both the lack of correlations at smaller energy scales and for global rigidity (level number conservation) at larger scales. We apply our results to a rectangle with incommensurate sides and show that they are in excellent agreement with the limiting cases established in the semiclassical theory of level rigidity.
K-theory and homotopies of 2-cocycles on higher-rank graphs

This paper continues our investigation into the question of when a homotopy of 2-cocycles on a locally compact Hausdorff groupoid gives rise to an isomorphism of the K-theory groups of the twisted groupoid C � algebras. Our main result, which builds on work by Kumjian, Pask, and Sims, shows that a homotopy of 2-cocycles on a row-finite higher-rank
Measurement of the rate capability of Resistive Plate Chambers

This paper reports on detailed measurements of the performance of Resistive Plate Chambers in a proton beam with variable intensity. Short term effects, such as dead time, are studied using consecutive events. On larger time scales, for various beam intensities the chamber's efficiency is studied as a function of time within a spill of particles. The correlation between the efficiency of chambers placed in the same beam provides an indication of the lateral size of the observed effects. The measurements are compared to the predictions of a simple model based on the assumption that the resistive plates behave as pure resistors.
Homotopy algebra structures on twisted tensor products and string topology operations

Given a C1 coalgebra C , a strict dg Hopf algebra H and a twisting cochain W C ! H such that Im./ Prim.H /, we describe a procedure for obtaining an A1 coalgebra on C H . This is an extension of Brown’s work on twisted tensor products. We apply this procedure to obtain an A1 coalgebra model of the chains on the free loop space LM based on the C1 coalgebra structure of H .M/ induced by the diagonal map M ! M M and the Hopf algebra model of the based loop space given by T.H .M/a 1c/. When C has cyclic C1 coalgebra structure, we describe an A1 algebra on C H . This is used to give an explicit (nonminimal) A1 algebra model of the string topology loop product. Finally, we discuss a representation of the loop product in principal G ‐bundles. 55P35, 55R99, 57N65, 57R22, 57M99; 55Q33, 55Q32
THE COLD DUST CONTENT OF THE OXYGEN-RICH SUPERNOVA REMNANT G292.0+1.8

We present far-infrared images of the Galactic oxygen-rich supernova remnant (SNR) G292.0+1.8, acquired with the PACS and SPIRE instruments of the Herschel Space Observatory. We find that the SNR shell is detected in the PACS blue (100 μm) band, but not in the red (160 μm) band, broadly consistent with results from AKARI observations. There is no discernible emission from G292.0+1.8 in SPIRE imagery at 250, 350 and 500 μm. Comparing the 100 μm emission to that observed with Spitzer at 24 and 70 μm, we find a very similar appearance for G292.0+1.8 at all three wavelengths. The infrared emission is dominated by dust from non-radiative circumstellar shocks. In addition, the radiatively shocked O-rich clump known as the "Spur" on the eastern side of G292.0+1.8 is clearly detected in the PACS blue images, with marginal detection in the red. Fitting the existing 14–40 μm IRS spectra of the Spur together with photometric measurements from 70 μm MIPS and 100 μm PACS photometry, we place an upper limit of M ⊙ of ejecta dust mass in the Spur, under the most conservative assumption that the ejecta dust has a temperature of 15 K. Modeling the dust continuum in the IRS spectra at four positions around the rim, we estimate post-shock densities ranging from cm−3 to 11 cm−3. The integrated spectrum of the entire SNR, dominated by swept-up circumstellar dust, can be fitted with a two-component dust model with a silicate component at 62 K and graphite component at 40 K for a total dust mass of 0.023 M ⊙.
Gluon distributions and color charge correlations in a saturated light-cone wavefunction☆

Abstract We describe the light-cone wavefunction in the saturation regime in terms of the density of gluons per unit of transverse phase space, the occupation number, and in terms of the color charge correlator. The simple McLerran–Venugopalan model gives what are claimed to be general results for the phase space gluon density, but it does not well describe the general case for the charge correlator. We derive the general momentum dependence and rapidity dependence of the color charge correlator which exhibits strong color shielding. A simple physical picture which leads to these general results is described.
Conductivities for hyperscaling violating geometries

We show that many results about holographic conductivities in geometries with hyperscaling violating scaling can be reproduced from simple scaling laws in the dual field theory. We show that the electro-magnetic response of probe branes in these systems require at least one additional scaling parameter Φ beyond the usual dynamical exponent z and hyperscaling violating exponent θ, as also pointed out in earlier work. We show that the scaling exponents can be chosen in such a way that the temperature dependence of DC conductivity and Hall angle in strange metals can be reproduced.
Reinforcement Learning in Deep Structured Teams: Initial Results with Finite and Infinite Valued Features

In this paper, we consider Markov chain and linear quadratic models for deep structured teams with discounted and time-average cost functions under two non-classical information structures, namely, deep state sharing and no sharing. In deep structured teams, agents are coupled in dynamics and cost functions through deep state, where deep state refers to a set of orthogonal linear regressions of the states. In this article, we consider a homogeneous linear regression for Markov chain models (i.e., empirical distribution of states) and a few orthonormal linear regressions for linear quadratic models (i.e., weighted average of states). Some planning algorithms are developed for the case when the model is known, and some reinforcement learning algorithms are proposed for the case when the model is not known completely. The convergence of two model-free (reinforcement learning) algorithms, one for Markov chain models and one for linear quadratic models, is established. The results are then applied to a smart grid.
Late D-term inflation and the cosmological moduli problem in TeV scale strings

We show that a short period of late D-term inflation can solve the cosmological moduli (radion) problem of (asymmetric) inflation at the TeV scale. Late inflation happens after the large compact dimensions are stabilized which is crucial for obtaining the extremely small Hubble constant and inflaton mass required.
Cluster formation in quantum critical systems

The presence of magnetic clusters has been verified in both antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic quantum critical systems. We review some of the strongest evidence for strongly doped quantum critical systems (Ce(Ru0.24Fe0.76)2Ge2) and we discuss the implications for the response of the system when cluster formation is combined with finite size effects. In particular, we discuss the change of universality class that is observed close to the order-disorder transition. We detail the conditions under which clustering effects will play a significant role also in the response of stoichiometric systems and their experimental signature.
A Wilson group of non-uniformly exponential growth

Abstract This Note constructs a finitely generated group W whose word-growth is exponential, but for which the infimum of the growth rates over all finite generating sets is 1 – in other words, of non-uniformly exponential growth. This answers a question by Mikhael Gromov (Structures metriques pour les varietes riemanniennes, in: J. Lafontaine, P. Pansu (Eds.), CEDIC, Paris, 1981). The construction also yields a group of intermediate growth V that locally resembles W in that (by changing the generating set of W ) there are isomorphic balls of arbitrarily large radius in V and W 's Cayley graphs. To cite this article: L. Bartholdi, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 336 (2003).
Self-consistent spin fluctuation spectrum and correlated electronic structure of actinides

We present an overview of various theoretical methods with detailed emphasis on an intermediate Coulomb-U coupling model. This model is based on material-specific ab initio band structure from which correlation effects are computed via self-consistent GW-based self-energy corrections arising from spin fluctuations. We apply this approach to four isostructural intermetallic actinides PuCoIn5, PuCoGa5, PuRhGa5 belonging to the Pu-115 family, and UCoGa5 a member of the U-115 family. The 115 families share the property of spin–orbit split density of states enabling substantial spin fluctuations around 0.5 eV, whose feedback effect on the electronic structure creates mass renormalization and electronic “hot spots,” i.e., regions of large spectral weight. A detailed comparison is provided for the angle-resolved and angle-integrated photoemission spectra and de Haas–van Alphen experimental data as available. The results suggest that this class of actinides is adequately described by the intermediate Coulomb interaction regime, where both itinerant and incoherent features coexist in the electronic structure.
PROMPT PLANETESIMAL FORMATION BEYOND THE SNOW LINE

NASA [NNX13AI58G, NNX16AB42G]; NSF AAG grant AST [1313021]; NSF AAG grant [1211329]; California Institute of Technology (Caltech); Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) - NASA through the Sagan Fellowship Program
Burgeoning Data Repository Systems, Characteristics, and Development Strategies: Insights of Natural Resources and Environmental Scientists

Nowadays, we have the emergence and abundance of many different data repositories and archival systems for scientific data discovery, use, and analysis. With the burgeoning data sharing platforms available, this study addresses how natural resources and environmental scientists navigate these diverse data sources, what their concerns and value propositions are towards multiple data discovery channels, and most importantly, how they perceive the characteristics and compare the functionalities of different types of data repository systems. Through a user community research of domain scientists on their data use dynamics and insights, this research provides strategies and discusses ideas on how to leverage these different platforms. Further, it proposes a top-down, novel approach to search, browsing, and visualization for dynamic exploration of environmental data.
Diverse Group Formation based on Multiple Demographic Features.

The goal of group formation is to build a team to accomplish a specific task. Algorithms are employed to improve the effectiveness of the team so formed and the efficiency of the group selection process. However, there is concern that team formation algorithms could be biased against minorities due to the algorithms themselves or the data on which they are trained. Hence, it is essential to build fair team formation systems that incorporate demographic information into the process of building the group. Although there has been extensive work on modeling individuals expertise for expert recommendation and or team formation, there has been relatively little prior work on modeling demographics and incorporating demographics into the group formation process. We propose a novel method to represent experts demographic profiles based on multidimensional demographic features. Moreover, we introduce two diversity ranking algorithms that form a group by considering demographic features along with the minimum required skills. Unlike many ranking algorithms that consider one Boolean demographic feature (e.g., gender or race), our diversity ranking algorithms consider multiple multivalued demographic attributes simultaneously. We evaluate our proposed algorithms using a real dataset based on members of a computer science program committee. The result shows that our algorithms form a program committee that is more diverse with an acceptable loss in utility.
Modelling a Transition-Edge Sensor X-Ray Microcalorimeter Linear Array for Compton Profile Measurements and Energy Dispersive Diffraction

Transition-edge sensors (TES) are a type of superconducting detector that offers high energy resolution based on their sharp resistance-temperature feature in the superconducting-to-normal transition. TES X-ray microcalorimeters have typically been designed and used for spectroscopic applications. In this work, we present a design optimization for a TES X-ray microcalorimeter array for high-energy scattering and diffraction measurements. In particular, Compton scattering provides information about the electron momentum distribution, while energy dispersive diffraction provides structural information about dense engineering materials. Compton scattering and energy dispersive diffraction experiments must be conducted in the very hard X-ray regime (∼100 keV), demanding a high X-ray stopping power in the detector; therefore, an absorber with a large heat capacity is needed in conjunction with the TES. In addition, both applications would benefit from an array composed of parallel strips. We present a design for a TES X-ray microcalorimeter optimized for such applications. In particular, we model the longitudinal position dependence due to the finite thermal diffusion time in the absorber.
Identifying Elusive Electromagnetic Counterparts to Gravitational Wave Mergers: An End-to-end Simulation

Combined gravitational wave (GW) and electromagnetic (EM) observations of compact binary mergers should enable detailed studies of astrophysical processes in the strong-field gravity regime. This decade, ground-based GW interferometers promise to routinely detect compact binary mergers. Unfortunately, networks of GW interferometers have poor angular resolution on the sky and their EM signatures are predicted to be faint. Therefore, a challenging goal will be to unambiguously pinpoint the EM counterparts of GW mergers. We perform the first comprehensive end-to-end simulation that focuses on: (1) GW sky localization, distance measures, and volume errors with two compact binary populations and four different GW networks; (2) subsequent EM detectability by a slew of multiwavelength telescopes; and (3) final identification of the merger counterpart amidst a sea of possible astrophysical false positives. First, we find that double neutron star binary mergers can be detected out to a maximum distance of 400 Mpc (or 750 Mpc) by three (or five) detector GW networks, respectively. Neutron-star-black-hole binary mergers can be detected a factor of 1.5 further out; their median to maximum sky localizations are 50-170 deg^2 (or 6-65 deg^2) for a three (or five) detector GW network. Second, by optimizing depth, cadence, and sky area, we quantify relative fractions of optical counterparts that are detectable by a suite of different aperture-size telescopes across the globe. Third, we present five case studies to illustrate the diversity of scenarios in secure identification of the EM counterpart. We discuss the case of a typical binary, neither beamed nor nearby, and the challenges associated with identifying an EM counterpart at both low and high Galactic latitudes. For the first time, we demonstrate how construction of low-latency GW volumes in conjunction with local universe galaxy catalogs can help solve the problem of false positives. We conclude with strategies that would best prepare us for successfully identifying the elusive EM counterpart of a GW merger.
QPSK waveform for MIMO radar with spectrum sharing constraints

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar is a relatively new concept in the field of radar signal processing. Many novel MIMO radar waveforms have been developed by considering various performance metrics and constraints. In this paper, we show that finite alphabet constant-envelope (FACE) quadrature-pulse shift keying (QPSK) waveforms can be designed to realize a given covariance matrix by transforming a constrained nonlinear optimization problem into an unconstrained nonlinear optimization problem. In addition, we design QPSK waveforms in a way that they do not cause interference to cellular system, by steering nulls towards a selected base station (BS). The BS is selected according to our algorithm which guarantees minimum degradation in radar performance due to null space projection (NSP) of radar waveforms. We design QPSK waveforms with spectrum sharing constraints for stationary and moving radar platform. We show that the waveform designed for stationary MIMO radar matches the desired beampattern closely, when the number of BS antennas N BS is considerably less than the number of radar antennas M , due to quasi-static interference channel. However, for moving radar the difference between designed and desired waveforms is larger than stationary radar, due to rapidly changing wireless channel.
The Higgs field as an inflaton

The Higgs field of the pure Standard Model can lead to the inflationary expansion of the early Universe if it is non-minimally coupled to gravity. The model predicts Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) parameters in perfect agreement with the current observations and has implications for the Higgs boson mass. We review the model, its predictions, problems arising with its quantization and some closely related models.
A Tale of Two Narrow-line Regions: Ionization, Kinematics, and Spectral Energy Distributions for a Local Pair of Merging Obscured Active Galaxies

We explore the gas ionization and kinematics, as well as the optical--IR spectral energy distributions for UGC 11185, a nearby pair of merging galaxies hosting obscured active galactic nuclei (AGNs), also known as SDSS J181611.72+423941.6 and J181609.37+423923.0 (J1816NE and J1816SW, $z \approx 0.04$). Due to the wide separation between these interacting galaxies ($\sim 23$ kpc), observations of these objects provide a rare glimpse of the concurrent growth of supermassive black holes at an early merger stage. We use BPT line diagnostics to show that the full extent of the narrow line emission in both galaxies is photoionized by an AGN and confirm the existence of a 10-kpc-scale ionization cone in J1816NE, while in J1816SW the AGN narrow-line region is much more compact (1--2 kpc) and relatively undisturbed. Our observations also reveal the presence of ionized gas that nearly spans the entire distance between the galaxies which is likely in a merger-induced tidal stream. In addition, we carry out a spectral analysis of the X-ray emission using data from {\em XMM-Newton}. These galaxies represent a useful pair to explore how the [\ion{O}{3}] luminosity of an AGN is dependent on the size of the region used to explore the extended emission. Given the growing evidence for AGN "flickering" over short timescales, we speculate that the appearances and impact of these AGNs may change multiple times over the course of the galaxy merger, which is especially important given that these objects are likely the progenitors of the types of systems commonly classified as "dual AGNs."
Robot gaining accurate pouring skills through self-supervised learning and generalization

Abstract Pouring is one of the most commonly executed tasks in humans’ daily lives, whose accuracy is affected by multiple factors, including the type of material to be poured and the geometry of the source and receiving containers. In this work, we propose a self-supervised learning approach that learns the pouring dynamics, pouring motion, and outcomes from unsupervised demonstrations for accurate pouring. The learned pouring model is then generalized by self-supervised practicing to different conditions such as using unaccustomed pouring cups. We have evaluated the proposed approach first with one container from the training set and four new but similar containers. The proposed approach achieved better pouring accuracy than a regular human with a similar pouring speed for all five cups. Both the accuracy and pouring speed outperform state-of-the-art works. We have also evaluated the proposed self-supervised generalization approach using unaccustomed containers that are far different from the ones in the training set. The self-supervised generalization reduces the pouring error of the unaccustomed containers to the desired accuracy level.
Robust Estimator-Based Safety Verification: A Vector Norm Approach

In this paper, we consider the problem of verifying safety constraint satisfaction for single-input single-output systems with uncertain transfer function coefficients. We propose a new type of barrier function based on a vector norm. This type of barrier function has a measurable upper bound without full state availability. An identifier-based estimator allows an exact bound for the uncertainty-based component of the barrier function estimate. Assuming that the system is safe initially allows an exponentially decreasing bound on the error due to the estimator transient. Barrier function and estimator synthesis is proposed as two convex sub-problems, exploiting linear matrix inequalities. The barrier function controller combination is then used to construct a safety backup controller. And we demonstrate the system in a simulation of a 1 degree-of-freedom human-exoskeleton interaction.
The Small Scatter of the Baryonic Tully–fisher Relation

In a LCDM cosmology, the baryonic Tully-Fisher relation (BTFR) is expected to show significant intrinsic scatter resulting from the mass-concentration relation of dark matter halos and the baryonic-to-halo mass ratio. We study the BTFR using a sample of 118 disc galaxies (spirals and irregulars) with data of the highest quality: extended HI rotation curves (tracing the outer velocity) and Spitzer photometry at 3.6 $\mu$m (tracing the stellar mass). Assuming that the stellar mass-to-light ratio (M*/L) is nearly constant at 3.6 $\mu$m, we find that the scatter, slope, and normalization of the BTFR systematically vary with the adopted M*/L. The observed scatter is minimized for M*/L > 0.5, corresponding to nearly maximal discs in high-surface-brightness galaxies and BTFR slopes close to ~4. For any reasonable value of M*/L, the intrinsic scatter is ~0.1 dex, below general LCDM expectations. The residuals show no correlations with galaxy structural parameters (radius or surface brightness), contrary to the predictions from some semi-analytic models of galaxy formation. These are fundamental issues for LCDM cosmology.
Tachyons and Gravitational Cherenkov Radiation

We calculate the rate at which a free tachyon (faster than light particle) would emit gravitational radiation. It is very small.
PROBING GRAVITATIONAL INTERACTIONS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES

The gravitational interactions of elementary particles are suppressed by the Planck scale M*~1018GeV and are typically expected to be far too weak to be probed by experiments. We show that, contrary to conventional wisdom, such interactions may be studied by particle physics experiments in the next few years. As an example, we consider conventional supergravity with a stable gravitino as the lightest supersymmetric particle. The next-lightest supersymmetric particle (NLSP) decays to the gravitino through gravitational interactions after about a year. This lifetime can be measured by stopping NLSPs at colliders and observing their decays. Such studies will yield a measurement of Newton's gravitational constant on unprecedentedly small scales, shed light on dark matter, and provide a window on the early universe.
Colors of Inner Disk Classical Kuiper Belt Objects

We present new optical broadband colors, obtained with the Keck 1 and Vatican Advanced Technology telescopes, for six objects in the inner classical Kuiper Belt. Objects in the inner classical Kuiper Belt are of interest as they may represent the surviving members of the primordial Kuiper Belt that formed interior to the current position of the 3:2 resonance with Neptune, the current position of the plutinos, or, alternatively, they may be objects formed at a different heliocentric distance that were then moved to their present locations. The six new colors, combined with four previously published, show that the ten inner belt objects with known colors form a neutral clump and a reddish clump in B–R color. Nonparametric statistical tests show no significant difference between the B–R color distribution of the inner disk objects compared to the color distributions of Centaurs, plutinos, or scattered disk objects. However, the B–R color distribution of the inner classical Kuiper Belt Objects does differ significantly from the distribution of colors in the cold (low inclination) main classical Kuiper Belt. The cold main classical objects are predominately red, while the inner classical belt objects are a mixture of neutral and red. The color difference may reveal the existence of a gradient in the composition and/or surface processing history in the primordial Kuiper Belt, or indicate that the inner disk objects are not dynamically analogous to the cold main classical belt objects.
Identifying supermassive black hole binaries with broad emission line diagnosis

Double-peaked broad emission lines in active galactic nuclei may indicate the existence of a bound supermassive black hole (SMBH) binary where two distinct broad-line regions (BLRs) contribute together to the line profile. An alternative interpretation is a disk emitter origin for the double-peaked line profile. Using simple BLR models, we calculate the expected broad line profile for an SMBH binary at different separations. Under reasonable assumptions that both BLRs are illuminated by the two active SMBHs and that the ionizing flux at the BLR location is roughly constant, we confirm the emergence of double-peaked features and radial velocity drifts of the two peaks due to the binary orbital motion. However, such a clear double-peaked feature only arises in a particular stage of the binary evolution when the two black holes (BHs) are close enough such that the line-of-sight orbital velocity difference is larger than the FWHM of the individual broad components, while the two BLRs are still mostly distinct. Prior to this stage, the velocity splitting due to the orbit motion of the binary is too small to separate the emission from the two BLRs, leading to asymmetric broad line profiles in general. When the two BHs are even closer such that the two BLRs can no longer be distinct, the line profile becomes more complex and the splitting of the peaks does not correspond to the orbital motion of the binary. In this regime, there are no coherent radial velocity drifts in the peaks with time. Asymmetric line profiles are probably a far more common signature of binary SMBHs than double-peaked profiles. We discuss the temporal variations of the broad line profile for binary SMBHs and highlight the different behaviors of reverberation mapping in the binary and disk emitter cases, which may serve as a feasible tool to disentangle these two scenarios.
Characterization of plasma and gas-phase chemistry during boron-nitride nanomaterial synthesis by laser-ablation of boron-rich targets.

In this work, solid targets made from boron and boron nitride (BN) materials are ablated by a nanosecond pulsed laser at sub-atmospheric pressures of nitrogen and helium gases. The excited species in the ablation plume from the target are probed by spatiotemporally resolved optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The evaluation of the chemical composition of the plasma plume revealed that for both boron-rich targets, emission from BN molecules is always observed in nitrogen-rich environments. In addition, BN molecules are also present when ablating a boron nitride target in a helium gas environment, an indication that BN molecules in the plume may originate from the solid target. Furthermore, the ablation of the BN target features emission of B2N molecules, regardless of the pressure and surrounding gas. These results suggest that the ablation of the BN target is more favorable for the generation of complex molecules containing boron and nitrogen species and possibly hint that BN is also more favorable feedstock for high-yield BN nanomaterial synthesis. Plasma parameters such as the electron temperature (peak value of 1.3 eV) and density (peak value of 2 × 1018 cm−3) were also investigated in this work in order to discuss the chemical dynamics in the plume.