cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-order optical nonlinearity at low light levels

We observe a nonlinear optical process in a gas of cold atoms that simultaneously displays the largest reported fifth-order nonlinear susceptibility χ(5)=1.9×10− 12 (m/V)4 and high transparency. The nonlinearity results from the simultaneous cooling and crystallization of the gas, and gives rise to efficient Bragg scattering in the form of six-wave mixing at low light levels. For large atom-photon coupling strengths, the back-action of the scattered fields influences the light-matter dynamics. We confirm this interpretation by investigating the nonlinearity for different polarization configurations. In addition, we demonstrate excellent agreement between our experimental measurements and a theoretical model with no free parameters, and compare our results to those obtained using alternative approaches. This system may have important applications in many-body physics, quantum information processing, and multidimensional soliton formation.
Quasinormal Modes of Charged Dilaton Black Holes in 2 + 1 Dimensions

We have studied the scalar perturbation of static charged dilaton black holes in 2 + 1 dimensions. The black hole considered here is a solution to the low-energy string theory in 2 + 1 dimensions. It is asymptotic to the anti-de Sitter space. The exact values of quasinormal modes for the scalar perturbations are calculated. For both the charged and uncharged cases, the quasinormal frequencies are pure-imaginary leading to purely damped modes for the perturbations.
Frontier at your fingertips.

Between the nano- and micrometre scales, the collective behaviour of matter can give rise to startling emergent properties that hint at the nexus between biology and physics.
A flat torus theorem for convex co-compact actions of projective linear groups

In this paper, we consider discrete groups in ${\rm PGL}_d(\mathbb{R})$ acting convex co-compactly on a properly convex domain in real projective space. For such groups, we establish an analogue of the well known flat torus theorem for ${\rm CAT}(0)$ spaces.
Jet Geometry and Rate Estimate of Coincident Gamma-Ray Burst and Gravitational-wave Observations

Short Gamma-Ray Burst (SGRB) progenitors have long been thought to be coalescing binary systems of two Neutron Stars (NSNS) or a Neutron Star and a Black Hole (NSBH). The August 17$^{\rm th}$, 2017 detection of the GW170817 gravitational-wave signal by Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo in coincidence with the electromagnetic observation of the SGRB GRB 170817A confirmed this scenario and provided new physical information on the nature of these astronomical events. We use SGRB observations by the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory Burst Alert Telescope and GW170817/GRB 170817A observational data to estimate the detection rate of coincident gravitational-wave and electromagnetic observations by a gravitational-wave detector network and constrain the physical parameters of the SGRB jet structure. We estimate the rate of gravitational-wave detections coincident with SGRB electromagnetic detections by the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor to be between $\sim$ 0.1 and $\sim$ 0.6 yr$^{-1}$ in the third LIGO-Virgo observing run and between $\sim$ 0.3 and $\sim$ 1.8 yr$^{-1}$ for the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA network at design sensitivity. Assuming a structured model with a uniform ultra-relativistic jet surrounded by a region with power-law decay emission, we find the jet half-opening angle and the power-law decay exponent to be $\theta_c\sim 7\,{}^\circ$ -- $22\,{}^\circ$ and $s\sim 5$ -- $30$ at 1$\sigma$ confidence level, respectively.
The ELM Survey South. I. An Effective Search for Extremely Low Mass White Dwarfs

We begin the search for extremely-low mass ($M\leq0.3M_{\odot}$, ELM) white dwarfs (WDs) in the southern sky based on photometry from the VST ATLAS and SkyMapper surveys. We use a similar color-selection method as the Hypervelocity star survey. We switched to an astrometric selection once Gaia Data Release 2 became available. We use the previously known sample of ELM white dwarfs to demonstrate that these objects occupy a unique parameter space in parallax and magnitude. We use the SOAR 4.1m telescope to test the Gaia-based selection, and identify more than two dozen low-mass white dwarfs, including 6 new ELM white dwarf binaries with periods as short as 2 h. The better efficiency of the Gaia-based selection enables us to extend the ELM Survey footprint to the southern sky. We confirm one of our candidates, J0500$-$0930, to become the brightest ($G=12.6$ mag) and closest ($d=72$ pc) ELM white dwarf binary currently known. Remarkably, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) full-frame imaging data on this system reveals low-level ($<0.1$%) but significant variability at the orbital period of this system ($P=9.5$ h), likely from the relativistic beaming effect. TESS data on another system, J0642$-$5605, reveals ellipsoidal variations due to a tidally distorted ELM WD. These demonstrate the power of TESS full-frame images in confirming the orbital periods of relatively bright compact object binaries.
Probabilistic N-k failure-identification for power systems

This paper considers a probabilistic generalization of the $N$-$k$ failure-identification problem in power transmission networks, where the probability of failure of each component in the network is known a priori and the goal of the problem is to find a set of $k$ components that maximizes disruption to the system loads weighted by the probability of simultaneous failure of the $k$ components. The resulting problem is formulated as a bilevel mixed-integer nonlinear program. Convex relaxations, linear approximations, and heuristics are developed to obtain feasible solutions that are close to the optimum. A general cutting-plane algorithm is proposed to solve the convex relaxation and linear approximations of the $N$-$k$ problem. Extensive numerical results corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms on small-, medium-, and large-scale test instances, the test instances include the IEEE 14-bus system, the IEEE single-area and three-area RTS96 systems, the IEEE 118-bus system, the WECC 240-bus test system, the 1354-bus PEGASE system, and the 2383-bus Polish winter-peak test system.
Connecting string/M theory to the electroweak scale and to LHC data

The Standard Model of particle physics explains (almost) all observed non-gravitational microscopic phenomena but has many open theoretical questions. We are on the threshold of unravelling the mysteries of the Standard Model and discovering its extension. This could be achieved in the near future with the help of many experiments in particle physics and cosmology, the LHC in particular. Assuming that data confirming the existence of new physics beyond the Standard Model is obtained, one is left with the very important and challenging task of solving the “Inverse Problem”, viz. “How can one deduce the nature of the underlying (perhaps microscopic) theory from data?” This paper explores this question in detail, and also proposes an approach to address the problem in a meaningful way which could prove crucial to the possible solution to this problem in the future. The proposed approach has three aspects – a) To systematically study classes of microscopic (string/M theory) constructions to the extent that they could be connected to low energy physics (electroweak scale), b) To find patterns of experimental observables which are sensitive to the properties of the underlying theoretical constructions thereby allowing us to distinguish among different constructions, and c) To try to get insights about the qualitative features of the theoretical model from data in a bottom-up approach which complements the top-down approach and strengthens it as well. This paper studies all the above aspects in detail. The methods used and results obtained in this paper will hopefully be of great importance in solving the Inverse Problem.
ISOSINGLET SCALAR MESONS BELOW 2 GeV AND THE SCALAR GLUEBALL MASS

A collective treatment of the I=0 scalar mesons below 2 GeV [σ(550), f0(980), f0(1370), f0(1500) and f0(1710)] in a nonlinear chiral Lagrangian framework that is constrained by the mass and the partial decay widths of the I=1/2,1 scalars [κ(900), $K_0^*(1430)$, a0(980) and a0(1450)] is presented. The sub-structure of these states in terms of two and four quark components, as well as a glueball component is explored, and its correlation with the mass of f0(1370) is studied. Consistency with the available experimental data suggests that the σ(550) is dominantly a nonstrange four-quark state, whereas the sub-structure of other I=0 states are sensitive to the input mass of f0(1370). This investigation estimates the scalar glueball mass in the range 1.47–1.64 GeV.
Toda fields on Riemann surfaces: Remarks on the Miura transformation

We point out that the Miura transformation is related to a holomorphic foliation in a relative flag manifold over a Riemann surface. Certain differential operators corresponding to a free field description ofW-algebras are thus interpreted as partial connections associated to the foliation.
Impact of Batch Size on Stopping Active Learning for Text Classification

When using active learning, smaller batch sizes are typically more efficient from a learning efficiency perspective. However, in practice due to speed and human annotator considerations, the use of larger batch sizes is necessary. While past work has shown that larger batch sizes decrease learning efficiency from a learning curve perspective, it remains an open question how batch size impacts methods for stopping active learning. We find that large batch sizes degrade the performance of a leading stopping method over and above the degradation that results from reduced learning efficiency. We analyze this degradation and find that it can be mitigated by changing the window size parameter of how many past iterations of learning are taken into account when making the stopping decision. We find that when using larger batch sizes, stopping methods are more effective when smaller window sizes are used.
Improved Quantum Sensing with a Single Solid-State Spin via Spin-to-Charge Conversion

Monitoring the coherent evolution of a quantum system due to controlled interaction with its environment allows the probing of those surroundings. Such a quantum sensor can be improved by prolonging its coherence time, or using better state-readout techniques. This study shows how the choice of spin-readout technique impacts the performance of a single N-$V$ center in diamond. In particular, a technique based on spin-to-charge conversion significantly improves both readout noise per shot and sensitivity in ac magnetometry. The authors also identify applications where single-shot spin-readout noise, not sensitivity, is the limiting factor, such as some types of biomagnetometry.
A Robust and Efficient Deep Learning Method for Dynamical Mass Measurements of Galaxy Clusters

We demonstrate the ability of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to mitigate systematics in the virial scaling relation and produce dynamical mass estimates of galaxy clusters with remarkably low bias and scatter. We present two models, CNN$_\mathrm{1D}$ and CNN$_\mathrm{2D}$, which leverage this deep learning tool to infer cluster masses from distributions of member galaxy dynamics. Our first model, CNN$_\text{1D}$, infers cluster mass directly from the distribution of member galaxy line-of-sight velocities. Our second model, CNN$_\text{2D}$, extends the input space of CNN$_\text{1D}$ to learn on the joint distribution of galaxy line-of-sight velocities and projected radial distances. We train each model as a regression over cluster mass using a labeled catalog of realistic mock cluster observations generated from the MultiDark simulation and UniverseMachine catalog. We then evaluate the performance of each model on an independent set of mock observations selected from the same simulated catalog. The CNN models produce cluster mass predictions with lognormal residuals of scatter as low as $0.132$ dex, greater than a factor of 2 improvement over the classical $M$-$\sigma$ power-law estimator. Furthermore, the CNN model reduces prediction scatter relative to similar machine learning approaches by up to $17\%$ while executing in drastically shorter training and evaluation times (by a factor of 30) and producing considerably more robust mass predictions (improving prediction stability under variations in galaxy sampling rate by $30\%$).
Brane Tilings and Non-Commutative Geometry

We derive the quiver gauge theory on the world-volume of D3-branes transverse to an La,b,c singularity by computing the endomorphism algebra of a tilting object first constructed by Van den Bergh. The quiver gauge theory can be concisely specified byan embedding of a graph into a face-centered cubic lattice. In this description, planar Seiberg dualities of the gauge theory act by changing the graph embedding. We use this description of Seiberg duality to show these quiver gauge theories possess periodic Seiberg dualities whose existence were expected from the AdS/CFT correspondence.
Nanoscale Imaging of Lithium Ion Distribution During In Situ Operation of Battery Electrode and Electrolyte

A major challenge in the development of new battery materials is understanding their fundamental mechanisms of operation and degradation. Their microscopically inhomogeneous nature calls for characterization tools that provide operando and localized information from individual grains and particles. Here, we describe an approach that enables imaging the nanoscale distribution of ions during electrochemical charging of a battery in a transmission electron microscope liquid flow cell. We use valence energy-loss spectroscopy to track both solvated and intercalated ions, with electronic structure fingerprints of the solvated ions identified using an ab initio nonlinear response theory. Equipped with the new electrochemical cell holder, nanoscale spectroscopy and theory, we have been able to determine the lithiation state of a LiFePO4 electrode and surrounding aqueous electrolyte in real time with nanoscale resolution during electrochemical charge and discharge. We follow lithium transfer between electrode and ...
Gyrokinetic understanding of the edge pedestal transport driven by resonant magnetic perturbations in a realistic divertor geometry

Self-consistent simulations of neoclassical and electrostatic turbulent transport in a DIII-D H-mode edge plasma under resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) have been performed using the global total-f gyrokinetic particle-in-cell code x-point gyrokinetic code (XGC), in order to study density pump-out and electron heat confinement. The RMP field is imported from the extended magneto-hydrodynamics code M3D-C1, taking into account the linear two-fluid plasma response. With both neoclassical and turbulence physics considered together, the XGC simulation reproduces two key features of experimentally observed edge transport under RMPs: increased radial particle transport in the pedestal region that is sufficient to account for the experimental pump-out rate and suppression of the electron heat flux in the steepest part of the edge pedestal. In the simulation, the density fluctuation amplitude of modes moving in the electron diamagnetic direction increases due to interaction with RMPs in the pedestal shoulder and outward, while the electron temperature fluctuation amplitude decreases.
Dynamics of the normal-superconductor phase transition and the puzzle of the Meissner effect

Abstract The analysis of Pippard (1950) for the growth of the normal phase into the superconducting phase in the presence of a magnetic field H > H c is applied in reverse to the case H H c ( H c = critical magnetic field). We carry out the analysis both for a planar and a cylindrical geometry. As the superconducting phase grows into the normal phase, a supercurrent is generated at the superconductor–normal phase boundary that flows in direction opposite to the Faraday electric field resulting from the moving phase boundary. This supercurrent motion is in direction opposite to what is dictated by the Lorentz force on the current carriers, and in addition requires that mechanical momentum of opposite sign be transferred to the system as a whole to ensure momentum conservation. In the cylindrical geometry case, a macroscopic torque of unknown origin acts on the body as a whole as the magnetic field is expelled. We argue that the conventional BCS-London theory of superconductivity cannot explain these facts, and that as a consequence the Meissner effect remains unexplained within the conventional theory of superconductivity. We propose that the Meissner effect can only be understood by assuming that there is motion of charge in direction perpendicular to the normal–superconductor phase boundary and point out that the unconventional theory of hole superconductivity describes this physics.
Diffuse Interstellar Bands: How are they related to known Gas-Phase Constituents of the ISM?

In this brief review of recent work relating the DIBs to other gas-phase constituents of the ISM, we explore correlations between DIB equivalent widths and the column densities of various atomic and molecular species, drawn from a large database constructed for that purpose. The tightness and slopes of the correlations can provide information on how the DIBs might be related to those species (physically, chemically, spatially) and on various properties of the DIB carriers. Deviations from the mean relationships can reveal dependences of DIB strengths on other parameters, regional variations in DIB behavior, and individual sight lines where unusual environmental conditions affect the DIBs. Variations in DIB profiles (e.g., wings, substructure) and relative strengths may be related to differences in physical conditions inferred from atomic and/or molecular absorption lines.
Are Protoplanetary Disks Born with Vortices? Rossby Wave Instability Driven by Protostellar Infall

We carry out two-fluid, two-dimensional global hydrodynamic simulations to test whether protostellar infall can trigger the Rossby wave instability (RWI) in protoplanetry disks. Our results show that infall can trigger the RWI and generate vortices near the outer edge of the mass landing on the disk (i.e., centrifugal radius). We find that the RWI is triggered under a variety of conditions, although the details depend on the disk parameters and the infall pattern. The common key feature of triggering the RWI is the steep radial gradient of the azimuthal velocity induced by the local increase in density at the outer edge of the infall region. Vortices form when the instability enters the nonlinear regime. In our standard model where self-gravity is neglected, vortices merge together to a single vortex within ~20 local orbital times, and the merged vortex survives for the remaining duration of the calculation (>170 local orbital times). The vortex takes part in outward angular momentum transport, with a Reynolds stress of 10−2. Our two-fluid calculations show that vortices efficiently trap dust particles with stopping times of the order of the orbital time, locally enhancing the dust to gas ratio for particles of the appropriate size by a factor of ~40 in our standard model. When self-gravity is considered, however, vortices tend to be impeded from merging and may eventually dissipate. We conclude it may well be that protoplanetary disks have favorable conditions for vortex formation during the protostellar infall phase, which might enhance early planetary core formation.
Choice-Driven Phase Transition in Complex Networks

We investigate choice-driven network growth. In this model, nodes are added one by one according to the following procedure: for each addition event a set of target nodes is selected, each according to linear preferential attachment, and a new node attaches to the target with the highest degree. Depending on precise details of the attachment rule, the resulting networks have three possible outcomes: (i) a non-universal power-law degree distribution; (ii) a single macroscopic hub (a node whose degree is of the order of N, the number of network nodes), while the remainder of the nodes comprise a non-universal power-law degree distribution; (iii) a degree distribution that decays as (k lnk)−2 at the transition between cases (i) and (ii). These properties are robust when attachment occurs to the highest degree node from at least two targets. When attachment is made to a target whose degree is not the highest, the degree distribution has the ultra-narrow double-exponential form exp(−const. ×ek), from which the largest degree grows only as lnlnN.
Low-temperature magnetization relaxation in magnetic molecular solids

Abstract The low temperature relaxation of the magnetization in molecular magnetic solids such as Fe 8 is studied using Monte Carlo simulations. A set of rate equations is then developed to understand the simulations, and the results are compared. The simulations show that the magnetization of an initially saturated sample deviates as a square-root in time at short times, as observed experimentally, and this law is derived from the rate equations analytically.
Leptonic scalars at the LHC

We explore the collider prospects of neutrino non-standard interaction with a Standard Model (SM) gauge-singlet leptonic scalar ϕ carrying two units of lepton-number-charge. These leptonic scalars are forbidden from interacting with the SM fermions at the renormalizable level and, if one allows for higher-dimensional operators, couple predominantly to SM neutrinos. For masses at or below the electroweak scale, ϕ decays exclusively into neutrinos. Its characteristic production signature at hadron collider experiments like the LHC would be via the vector boson fusion process and leads to same-sign dileptons, two forward jets in opposite hemispheres, and missing transverse energy, i.e., $$ pp\to {\mathrm{\ell}}_{\alpha}^{\pm }{\mathrm{\ell}}_{\beta}^{\pm } jj+{E}_T^{\mathrm{miss}}\left(\alpha, \beta =e,\mu, \tau \right) $$ . Exploiting the final states of electrons and muons, we estimate, for the first time, the sensitivity of the LHC to these lepton-number-charged scalars. We show that the LHC sensitivity is largely complementary to that of low-energy precision measurements of the decays of charged leptons, charged mesons, W, Z and the SM Higgs boson, as well as the neutrino beam experiments like MINOS, and searches for neutrino self-interactions at IceCube and in cosmological observations. For ϕ mass larger than roughly 10 GeV, our projected LHC sensitivity would surpass all existing bounds.
Intensity Gradients Technique: Synergy with Velocity Gradients and Polarization Studies

Magnetic fields are ubiquitous in the interstellar medium but are notoriously difficult to study through observation. Making use of the advances in our understanding of MHD turbulence and turbulent reconnection, the Velocity Gradient Technique (VGT) was suggested and successfully applied to study magnetic fields utilizing spectroscopic data. Applying the tools developed for VGT to intensity statistics, we introduce the Intensity Gradients Technique (IGT) as a complementary tool that can be used synergistically with VGT. In this paper, we apply IGT to a diffuse HI region selected from the GALFA-HI survey and compare the intensity gradient maps with those obtained using velocity gradients as well as Planck polarization measurements. We demonstrate the possibility of using IGT and VGT for both studying the magnetic field and identifying shocks in the diffuse interstellar medium. We also explore the ability of IGT in locating self-gravitating regions and calculating Alfvenic Mach number, both alone and in combination with VGT and polarimetry. We compare IGT with the Histogram of Relative Orientation (HRO), which utilizes intensity gradients to characterize the relative orientation of column density structures and local magnetic fields.
Black hole critical phenomena without black holes

Studying the threshold of black hole formation via numerical evolution has led to the discovery of fascinating nonlinear phenomena. Power-law mass scaling, aspects of universality, and self-similarity have now been found for a large variety of models. However, questions remain. Here I briefly review critical phenomena, discuss some recent results, and describe a model which demonstrates similar phenomena without gravity.
Rapid Cycling Synchrotron Option for Project X

This paper presents an 8 GeV Rapid Cycling Synchrotron (RCS) option for Project X. It has several advantages over an 8 GeV SC linac. In particular, the cost could be lower. With a 2 GeV 10 mA pulsed linac as injector, the RCS would be able to deliver 4 MW beam power for a muon collider. If, instead, a 2 GeV 1 mA CW linac is used, the RCS would still be able to meet the Project X requirements but it would be difficult for it to serve a muon collider due to the very long injection time.
Superstring orientifolds with torsion: O5 orientifolds of torus fibrations and their massless spectra

Using a “Superstrings with Torsion” type description, we study a class of IIB orientifolds in which spacefilling O5 planes and D5 branes wrap the T2 fiber in a warped modification of the product of 4D Minkowski space and a T2 fibration. For the case that the base is T4, we provide examples that preserve 4D = 1, 2, and 3 supersymmetry, both with internal RR flux, and with a combination of internal RR and NS flux. In these examples, the internal geometries admit integrable complex structure; however, the almost complex structure selected by the supersymmetry conditions is nonintegrable in the case that there is NS flux. We indicate explicitly the massless spectrum of gauge fields and moduli in each example. In a previous investigation, this class of orientifolds was studied using T-duality. Here, we extend the previous analysis, first by providing an intrinsic description that does not rely on duality, and then by elaborating on details of the T-duality map, which we use to check our results.
Calculus III: Taylor Series

We study functors from spaces to spaces or spectra that preserve weak homotopy equivalences. For each such functor we construct a universal n-excisive approximation, which may be thought of as its n-excisive part. Homogeneous functors, meaning n-excisive functors with trivial (n 1)-excisive part, can be classied: they correspond to symmetric functors of n variables that are reduced and 1-excisive in each variable. We discuss some important examples, including the identity functor and Waldhausen’s algebraic K -theory.
Ballistic transport of long wavelength phonons and thermal conductivity accumulation in nanograined silicon-germanium alloys

Computationally efficient modeling of the thermal conductivity of materials is crucial to thorough experimental planning and theoretical understanding of thermal properties. We present a modeling approach in this work that utilizes a frequency-dependent effective medium theory to calculate the lattice thermal conductivity of nanostructured solids. This method accurately predicts a significant reduction in the experimentally measured thermal conductivity of nanostructured Si80Ge20 systems reported in this work, along with previously reported thermal conductivities in nanowires and nanoparticles in matrix materials. We use our model to gain insights into the role of long wavelength phonons on the thermal conductivity of nanograined silicon-germanium alloys. Through thermal conductivity accumulation calculations with our modified effective medium model, we show that phonons with wavelengths much greater than the average grain size will not be impacted by grain boundary scattering, counter to the traditionall...
Combinatorial Scoring of Phylogenetic Networks

Construction of phylogenetic trees and networks for extant species from their characters represents one of the key problems in phylogenomics. While solution to this problem is not always uniquely defined and there exist multiple methods for tree/network construction, it becomes important to measure how well the constructed networks capture the given character relationship across the species.
A hierarchical structure of transformation semigroups with applications to probability limit measures

The structure of transformation semigroups on a finite set is analysed by introducing a hierarchy of functions mapping subsets to subsets. The resulting hierarchy of semigroups has a corresponding hierarchy of minimal ideals, or kernels. This kernel hierarchy produces a set of tools that provides direct access to computations of interest in probability limit theorems; in particular, finding certain factors of idempotent limit measures. In addition, when considering transformation semigroups that arise naturally from edge colourings of directed graphs, as in the road-colouring problem, the hierarchy produces simple techniques to determine the rank of the kernel and to decide when a given kernel is a right group. In particular, it is shown that all kernels of rank one less than the number of vertices must be right groups and their structure for the case of two generators is described.
Real Structures on Almost-Commutative Spectral Triples

We refine the reconstruction theorem for almost-commutative spectral triples to a result for real almost-commutative spectral triples, clarifying in the process both concrete and abstract definitions of real commutative and almost-commutative spectral triples. In particular, we find that a real almost-commutative spectral triple algebraically encodes the commutative *-algebra of the base manifold in a canonical way, and that a compact oriented Riemannian manifold admits real (almost-)commutative spectral triples of arbitrary KO-dimension. Moreover, we define a notion of smooth family of real finite spectral triples and of the twisting of a concrete real commutative spectral triple by such a family, with interesting KK-theoretic and gauge-theoretic implications.
In Situ and Ex Situ Formation Models of Kepler 11 Planets

We present formation simulations of the six Kepler 11 planets. Models assume either in situ or ex situ assembly, the latter with migration, and are evolved to the estimated age of the system, 8 Gyr. Models combine detailed calculations of both the gaseous envelope and the condensed core structures, including accretion of gas and solids, of the disk's viscous and thermal evolution, including photo-evaporation and disk-planet interactions, and of the planets' evaporative mass loss after disk dispersal. Planet-planet interactions are neglected. Both sets of simulations successfully reproduce measured radii, masses, and orbital distances of the planets, except for the radius of Kepler 11b, which loses its entire gaseous envelope shortly after formation. Gaseous (H+He) envelopes account for 1000 K), planetary interiors can only be composed of metals and highly refractory materials. Sequestration of hydrogen by the core and subsequent outgassing is required to account for the observed radius of Kepler 11b. Ex situ models predict a relatively low-mass disk, whose initial sigma_Z varies from 10 to 5 g/cm2 at 0.5 < r < 7 AU and whose initial gas density ranges from 1e3 to 100 g/cm2. All planetary interiors are expected to be rich in H2O, as core assembly mostly occurs exterior to the ice condensation front. Kepler 11b is expected to have a steam atmosphere, and H2O is likely mixed with H+He in the envelopes of the other planets. Results indicate that Kepler 11g may not be more massive than Kepler 11e.
Exploring eternal stability with the simple harmonic universe

We construct nonsingular cyclic cosmologies that respect the null energy condition, have a large hierarchy between the minimum and maximum size of the universe, and are stable under linearized fluctuations. The models are supported by a combination of positive curvature, a negative cosmological constant, cosmic strings and matter that at the homogeneous level behaves as a perfect fluid with equation of state −1 < w < −1/3. We investigate analytically the stability of the perturbation equations and discuss the role of parametric resonances and nonlinear corrections. Finally, we argue that Casimir energy contributions associated to the compact spatial slices can become important at short scales and may lift nonperturbative decays towards vanishing size. This class of models (particularly in the static limit) can then provide a useful framework for studying the question of the ultimate (meta)stability of an eternal universe.
Black holes as incompressible fluids on the sphere

We consider finite deformations of the p + 2-dimensional Schwarzschild geometry which obey the vacuum Einstein equation, preserve the mean curvature and induced conformal metric on a sphere a distance λ from the horizon and are regular on the future horizon. We show perturbatively that in the limit λ → 0 the deformations are given by solutions of the nonlinear incompressible Navier-Stokes equation on the p-sphere. This relation provides a link between global existence for p-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes fluids and a novel form of cosmic censorship in p + 2-dimensional general relativity.
Local electric field measurement in GaN diodes by exciton Franz-Keldysh photocurrent spectroscopy

The eXciton Franz–Keldysh (XFK) effect is observed in GaN p–n junction diodes via the spectral variation of photocurrent responsivity data that redshift and broaden with increasing reverse bias. Photocurrent spectra are quantitatively fit over a broad photon energy range to an XFK model using only a single fit parameter that determines the line shape and the local bias ( V l), uniquely determining the local electric field maximum and depletion widths. As expected, the spectrally determined values of V l vary linearly with the applied bias ( V) and reveal a large reduction in the local electric field due to electrostatic non-uniformity. The built-in bias ( V b i) is estimated by extrapolating V l at V = 0, which, when compared with independent C-V measurements, indicates an overall ±0.31 V accuracy of V l. This demonstrates sub-bandgap photocurrent spectroscopy as a local probe of electric field in wide bandgap diodes that can be used to map out regions of device breakdown (hot spots) for improving electrostatic design of high-voltage devices.
Effective limit distribution of the Frobenius numbers

The Frobenius number . We will show that if the domain has piecewise smooth boundary, the error term for the convergence of the distribution function is at most a polynomial in the enlarging factor.
Building damage annotation on post-hurricane satellite imagery based on convolutional neural networks

After a hurricane, damage assessment is critical to emergency managers for efficient response and resource allocation. One way to gauge the damage extent is to quantify the number of flooded/damaged buildings, which is traditionally done by ground survey. This process can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. In this paper, we propose to improve the efficiency of building damage assessment by applying image classification algorithms to post-hurricane satellite imagery. At the known building coordinates (available from public data), we extract square-sized images from the satellite imagery to create training, validation, and test datasets. Each square-sized image contains a building to be classified as either ‘Flooded/Damaged’ (labeled by volunteers in a crowd-sourcing project) or ‘Undamaged’. We design and train a convolutional neural network from scratch and compare it with an existing neural network used widely for common object classification. We demonstrate the promise of our damage annotation model (over 97% accuracy) in the case study of building damage assessment in the Greater Houston area affected by 2017 Hurricane Harvey.
Holography in the EPRL Model

In this research announcement, we propose a new interpretation of the Engle Pereira Rovelli (EPR) quantization of the Barrett-Crane (BC) model using a functor we call the time functor, which is the first example of a co-lax, amply renormalizable (claren) functor. Under the hypothesis that the universe is in the Kodama state, we construct a holographic version of the model. Generalisations to other claren functors and connections to model category theory are considered.
Ages of stars: Methods and uncertainties

Estimating ages for stars is difficult at best, but Galactic problems have their own requirements that go beyond those for other areas of astrophysics. As in other areas, asteroseismology is helping, and in this review I discuss some of the general problems encountered and some specific to large-scale studies of the Milky Way.
New Affine Coherent States Based on Elements of Nonrenormalizable Scalar Field Models

Recent proposals for a nontrivial quantization of covariant, nonrenormalizable, self-interacting, scalar quantum fields have emphasized the importance of quantum fields that obey affine commutation relations rather than canonical commutation relations. When formulated on a spacetime lattice, such models have a lattice version of the associated ground state, and this vector is used as the fiducial vector for the definition of the associated affine coherent states, thus ensuring that in the continuum limit, the affine field operators are compatible with the system Hamiltonian. In this article, we define and analyze the associated affine coherent states as well as briefly review the author's approach to nontrivial formulations of such nonrenormalizable models.
Human-Robot Trust Integrated Task Allocation and Symbolic Motion Planning for Heterogeneous Multi-Robot Systems

This paper presents a human-robot trust integrated task allocation and motion planning framework for multi-robot systems (MRS) in performing a set of tasks concurrently. A set of task specifications in parallel are conjuncted with MRS to synthesize a task allocation automaton. Each transition of the task allocation automaton is associated with the total trust value of human in corresponding robots. Here, the human-robot trust model is constructed with a dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) by considering individual robot performance, safety coefficient, human cognitive workload and overall evaluation of task allocation. Hence, a task allocation path with maximum encoded human-robot trust can be searched based on the current trust value of each robot in the task allocation automaton. Symbolic motion planning (SMP) is implemented for each robot after they obtain the sequence of actions. The task allocation path can be intermittently updated with this DBN based trust model. The overall strategy is demonstrated by a simulation with 5 robots and 3 parallel subtask automata.
Quantum Rings and Recursion Relations in 2d Quantum Gravity

I study tachyon condensate perturbations to the action of the two-dimensional string theory corresponding to the c=1 matrix model. These are shown to deform the action of the ground ring on the tachyon modules, confirming a conjecture of Witten. The ground ring structure is used to derive recursion relations which relate (N+1) and N tachyon bulk scattering amplitudes. These recursion relations allow one to compute all bulk amplitudes.
On the genus of a quotient of a numerical semigroup

We find a relation between the genus of a quotient of a numerical semigroup S and the genus of S itself. We use this identity to compute the genus of a quotient of S when S has embedding dimension 2. We also exhibit identities relating the Frobenius numbers and the genus of quotients of numerical semigroups that are generated by certain types of arithmetic progressions.
Consistent inclusion of continuum solvation in energy decomposition analysis: theory and application to molecular CO2 reduction catalysts.

To facilitate computational investigation of intermolecular interactions in the solution phase, we report the development of ALMO-EDA(solv), a scheme that allows the application of continuum solvent models within the framework of energy decomposition analysis (EDA) based on absolutely localized molecular orbitals (ALMOs). In this scheme, all the quantum mechanical states involved in the variational EDA procedure are computed with the presence of solvent environment so that solvation effects are incorporated in the evaluation of all its energy components. After validation on several model complexes, we employ ALMO-EDA(solv) to investigate substituent effects on two classes of complexes that are related to molecular CO2 reduction catalysis. For [FeTPP(CO2-κC)]2− (TPP = tetraphenylporphyrin), we reveal that two ortho substituents which yield most favorable CO2 binding, –N(CH3)3+ (TMA) and –OH, stabilize the complex via through-structure and through-space mechanisms, respectively. The coulombic interaction between the positively charged TMA group and activated CO2 is found to be largely attenuated by the polar solvent. Furthermore, we also provide computational support for the design strategy of utilizing bulky, flexible ligands to stabilize activated CO2via long-range Coulomb interactions, which creates biomimetic solvent-inaccessible “pockets” in that electrostatics is unscreened. For the reactant and product complexes associated with the electron transfer from the p-terphenyl radical anion to CO2, we demonstrate that the double terminal substitution of p-terphenyl by electron-withdrawing groups considerably strengthens the binding in the product state while moderately weakens that in the reactant state, which are both dominated by the substituent tuning of the electrostatics component. These applications illustrate that this new extension of ALMO-EDA provides a valuable means to unravel the nature of intermolecular interactions and quantify their impacts on chemical reactivity in solution.
Real-time Faulted Line Localization and PMU Placement in Power Systems through Convolutional Neural Networks

Diverse fault types, fast re-closures, and complicated transient states after a fault event make real-time fault location in power grids challenging. Existing localization techniques in this area rely on simplistic assumptions, such as static loads, or require much higher sampling rates or total measurement availability. This paper proposes a faulted line localization method based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) classifier using bus voltages. Unlike prior data-driven methods, the proposed classifier is based on features with physical interpretations that improve the robustness of the location performance. The accuracy of our CNN based localization tool is demonstrably superior to other machine learning classifiers in the literature. To further improve the location performance, a joint phasor measurement units (PMU) placement strategy is proposed and validated against other methods. A significant aspect of our methodology is that under very low observability (7% of buses), the algorithm is still able to localize the faulted line to a small neighborhood with high probability. The performance of our scheme is validated through simulations of faults of various types in the IEEE 39-bus and 68- bus power systems under varying uncertain conditions, system observability, and measurement quality.
Consensus-Based Distributed Quickest Detection of Attacks With Unknown Parameters

Sequential attack detection in a distributed sensor network is considered, where each sensor successively produces one-bit quantized samples of a desired deterministic scalar parameter corrupted by additive noise. The unknown parameters in the pre-attack and post-attack models, namely the desired parameter to be estimated and the injected malicious data at the attacked sensors pose a significant challenge for designing a computationally efficient scheme for each sensor to detect the occurrence of attacks by only using local communication with neighboring sensors. The generalized Cumulative Sum (GCUSUM) algorithm is considered, which replaces the unknown parameters with their maximum likelihood estimates in the CUSUM test statistic. For the problem under consideration, a sufficient condition is provided under which the expected false alarm period of the GCUSUM can be guaranteed to be larger than any given value. Next, we consider the distributed implementation of the GCUSUM. We first propose an alternative test statistic which is asymptotically equivalent to that of GCUSUM. Then based on the proposed alternative test statistic and running consensus algorithms, we propose a distributed approximate GCUSUM algorithm which significantly reduce the prohibitively high computational complexity of the centralized GCUSUM. Numerical results show that the proposed distributed approximate GCUSUM algorithm can provide a performance that is comparable to the centralized GCUSUM.
A Rényi quantum null energy condition: proof for free field theories

The Quantum Null Energy Condition (QNEC) is a lower bound on the stress-energy tensor in quantum field theory that has been proved quite generally. It can equivalently be phrased as a positivity condition on the second null shape derivative of the relative entropy Srel(ρ||σ) of an arbitrary state ρ with respect to the vacuum σ. The relative entropy has a natural one-parameter family generalization, the Sandwiched Renyi divergence Sn(ρ||σ), which also measures the distinguishability of two states for arbitrary n ∈ [1/2, ∞). A Renyi QNEC, a positivity condition on the second null shape derivative of Sn(ρ||σ), was conjectured in previous work. In this work, we study the Renyi QNEC for free and superrenormalizable field theories in spacetime dimension d > 2 using the technique of null quantization. In the above setting, we prove the Renyi QNEC in the case n > 1 for arbitrary states. We also provide counterexamples to the Renyi QNEC for n < 1.
Toward Data-Driven Generation and Evaluation of Model Structure for Integrated Representations of Human Behavior in Water Resources Systems

Simulations of human behavior in water resources systems are challenged by uncertainty in model structure and parameters. The increasing availability of observations describing these systems provid...
Energy Shaping Control of a CyberOctopus Soft Arm

This paper entails the application of the energy shaping methodology to control a flexible, elastic Cosserat rod model. Recent interest in such continuum models stems from applications in soft robotics, and from the growing recognition of the role of mechanics and embodiment in biological control strategies: octopuses are often regarded as iconic examples of this interplay. The dynamics of the Cosserat rod, here modeling a single octopus arm, are treated as a Hamiltonian system and the internal muscle actuators are modeled as distributed forces and couples. The proposed energy shaping control design procedure involves two steps: (1) a potential energy is designed such that its minimizer is the desired equilibrium configuration; (2) an energy shaping control law is implemented to reach the desired equilibrium. By interpreting the controlled Hamiltonian as a Lyapunov function, asymptotic stability of the equilibrium configuration is deduced. The energy shaping control law is shown to require only the deformations of the equilibrium configuration. A forward-backward algorithm is proposed to compute these deformations in an online iterative manner. The overall control design methodology is implemented and demonstrated in a dynamic simulation environment. Results of several bio-inspired numerical experiments involving the control of octopus arms are reported.
Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-Mediated Monounsaturated Fatty Acid Availability Supports Humoral Immunity

Summary Immune cells can metabolize glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids (FAs) to generate energy. The roles of different FA species and their impacts on humoral immunity remain poorly understood. Here, we report that proliferating B cells require monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) to maintain mitochondrial metabolism and mTOR activity and to prevent excessive autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, B cell-extrinsic stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) activity generates MUFA to support early B cell development and germinal center (GC) formation in vivo during immunization and influenza infection. Thus, SCD-mediated MUFA production is critical for humoral immunity.