Puzzling Effect Research Articles

Floquet surface hopping: Laser-driven dissociation and ionization dynamics ofH2+

A quantum-classical approach is developed to describe the strong-field molecular dynamics of ${{\mathrm{H}}_{2}}^{+}$, taking into account all degrees of freedom and simultaneously dissociation as well as ionization. The electron and nuclei are treated correlated, by propagating the nuclei stochastically on potential energy surfaces. It is demonstrated that Floquet surface hopping (FSH) is particularly well suited to describe the laser-driven dynamics. The method is tested against exact solutions of the time-dependent Schr\odinger equation, where available. In addition, the FSH results are in excellent agreement with recent experimental data of the dissociation and ionization dynamics of ${{\mathrm{H}}_{2}}^{+}$. As an additional issue of this work, the primary importance of the focal volume average is worked out for the understanding of experimental results. It determines the gross features of the experimental spectra and provides also a natural explanation of the puzzling saturation effect in the dissociation spectra, observed experimentally. Future applications and further extensions of the method are discussed.

Interatomic Coulomb interaction and electron nematic bond order in FeSe

Despite having the simplest atomic structure, bulk FeSe has an observed electronic structure with the largest deviation from the band theory predictions among all Fe-based superconductors and exhibits a low temperature nematic electronic state without intervening magnetic order. We show that the Fe-Fe interatomic Coulomb repulsion $V$ offers a natural explanation for the puzzling electron correlation effects in FeSe superconductors. It produces a strongly renormalized low-energy band structure where the van Hove singularity sits remarkably close to Fermi level in the high-temperature electron liquid phase as observed experimentally. This proximity enables the quantum fluctuations in $V$ to induce a rotational symmetry breaking electronic bond order in the $d$-wave channel. We argue that this emergent low-temperature $d$-wave bond nematic state, different from the commonly discussed ferro-orbital order and spin-nematicity, has been observed recently by several angle resolved photoemission experiments detecting the lifting of the band degeneracies at high symmetry points in the Brillouin zone. We present a symmetry analysis of the space group and identify the hidden antiunitary $T$-symmetry that protects the band degeneracy and the electronic order/interaction that can break the symmetry and lift the degeneracy. We show that the $d$-wave nematic bond order, together with the spin-orbit coupling, provide a unique explanation of the temperature dependence, momentum space anisotropy, and domain effects observed experimentally. We discuss the implications of our findings on the structural transition, the absence of magnetic order, and the intricate competition between nematicity and superconductivity in FeSe superconductors.

Interference effects of categorization on decision making

Many decision making tasks in life involve a categorization process, but the effects of categorization on subsequent decision making has rarely been studied. This issue was explored in three experiments (N=721), in which participants were shown a face stimulus on each trial and performed variations of categorization-decision tasks. On C-D trials, they categorized the stimulus and then made an action decision; on X-D trials, they were told the category and then made an action decision; on D-alone trials, they only made an action decision. An interference effect emerged in some of the conditions, such that the probability of an action on the D-alone trials (i.e., when there was no explicit categorization before the decision) differed from the total probability of the same action on the C-D or X-D trials (i.e., when there was explicit categorization before the decision). Interference effects are important because they indicate a violation of the classical law of total probability, which is assumed by many cognitive models. Across all three experiments, a complex pattern of interference effects systematically occurred for different types of stimuli and for different types of categorization-decision tasks. These interference effects present a challenge for traditional cognitive models, such as Markov and signal detection models, but a quantum cognition model, called the belief-action entanglement (BAE) model, predicted that these results could occur. The BAE model employs the quantum principles of superposition and entanglement to explain the psychological mechanisms underlying the puzzling interference effects. The model can be applied to many important and practical categorization-decision situations in life.

Pleiotropic and puzzling effects of ATF3 in maladaptive cardiac remodeling

Pleiotropic and puzzling effects of ATF3 in maladaptive cardiac remodeling

Evidence for the Regulation of Actin-myosin Binding Strength by Lever Arm and Subfragment-2 Regions of Myosin Molecule in Contracting Skinned Muscle Fibers as Revealed by the Effect of Antibodies

It is generally believed that myosin heads (M) extending from myosin filaments form weak binding with actin filament (A) in the form of A-M-ADP-Pi, and strong binding with A in the form of A-M-ADP and A-M. During muscle contraction, M first attaches weakly to A in the form of M-ADP-Pi, and then release Pi to attach strongly with A in the form of A-MADP to exert power stroke producing myofilament sliding. The weak to strong binding transition between M and A is therefore essential for producing muscle contraction. After power stroke, associated with release of ADP, M detaches from A on binding with next ATP to form M-ADP-Pi. Thus, M repeats attachment-detachment cycle with A, coupled with ATP hydrolysis. Using antibodies to myosin lever arm domain (anti-LD antibody) and to myosin subfragment-2 region (anti-S-2 antibody), we have found that, if these antibodies attach to LD or S-2 regions, myosin heads no longer generate force, but still hydrolyse ATP at a normal rate without contributing to muscle fiber stiffness and internal resistance against fiber shortening. The puzzling effect of antibodies can be accounted for by assuming that in myosin molecules, with antibodies attached to their LD or S-2 region, (1) the strength of A-M binding is markedly reduced to be readily broken by small length perturbations or muscle fiber shortening, and (2) such myosin heads still repeat attachmentdetachment cycle coupled with ATP hydrolysis without passing through weak to strong A-M binding transition. Thus, the present work indicates functional influence of LD and S-2 regions on the A-M binding of myosin molecule, suggesting essential role of these regions in muscle contraction.

Discrete-time behavioral portfolio selection under cumulative prospect theory

We formulate and study three multi-period behavioral portfolio selection models under cumulative prospect theory: (i) S-shaped utility maximization without probability weighting in a market with one risky asset; (ii) S-shaped utility maximization without probability weighting in a market with multiple risky assets which follow a joint elliptical distribution; and (iii) S-shaped utility maximization with inverse-S-shaped probability weighting in a market with one risky asset. For the first two time consistent models, we identify the well-posedness conditions and derive the semi-analytical optimal policies. For the third time inconsistent model, we assume that the investor is aware of the time inconsistency but is unable to commit to his initial plan of action. Then, we reformulate the model into an intrapersonal game model and derive the semi-analytical subgame perfect Nash equilibrium (time consistent) policy under well-posedness condition. All the three policies take a piecewise linear feedback form. Our analysis of the three models not only partially explains the well documented phenomena of non-participation puzzle and horizon effect, but also extends the two fund separation theorem into multi-period S-shaped utility setting and pushes forward the study on time inconsistency issue incurred by probability weighting.

I cartelloni di Nespolo

Nespolo’s posters have both advertising and educative value. Their style is the same of his artwork based on the inlay technique and the puzzle effect of the configurations. Various cultural events are advertised in Nespolo’s posters: music festival, sports competitions, conferences and also his own art exhibitions. The main features of this posters are: a chromatically salience, a visually simplicity and the typical Nespolo’s ludic attitude. These are the guarantee of the success of his posters.

Doing More with Less: Innovation Input and Output in Family Firms

Family firms are often portrayed as an important yet conservative form of organization that is reluctant to invest in innovation; however, simultaneously, evidence has shown that family firms are flourishing and in fact constitute many of the world’s most innovative firms. Our study contributes to disentangling this puzzling effect. We argue that family firms—owing to the family’s high level of control over the firm, wealth concentration, and importance of nonfinancial goals—invest less in innovation but have an increased conversion rate of innovation input into output and, ultimately, a higher innovation output than nonfamily firms. Empirical evidence from a meta-analysis based on 108 primary studies from 42 countries supports our hypotheses. We further argue and empirically show that the observed effects are even stronger when the CEO of the family firm is a later-generation family member. However, when the CEO of the family firm is the firm’s founder, innovation input is higher and, contrary to our initial expectations, innovation output is lower than that in other firms. We further show that the family firm–innovation input–output relationships depend on country-level factors; namely, the level of minority shareholder protection and the education level of the workforce in the country.

A Salient and Task-Irrelevant Collinear Structure Hurts Visual Search

Salient distractors draw our attention spontaneously, even when we intentionally want to ignore them. When this occurs, the real targets close to or overlapping with the distractors benefit from attention capture and thus are detected and discriminated more quickly. However, a puzzling opposite effect was observed in a search display with a column of vertical collinear bars presented as a task-irrelevant distractor [6]. In this case, it was harder to discriminate the targets overlapping with the salient distractor. Here we examined whether this effect originated from factors known to modulate attentional capture: (a) low probability—the probability occurrence of target location at the collinear column was much less (14%) than the rest of the display (86%), and observers might strategically direct their attention away from the collinear distractor; (b) attentional control setting—the distractor and target task interfered with each other because they shared the same continuity set in attentional task; and/or (c) lack of time to establish the optional strategy. We tested these hypotheses by (a) increasing to 60% the trials in which targets overlapped with the same collinear distractor columns, (b) replacing the target task to be connectivity-irrelevant (i.e., luminance discrimination), and (c) having our observers practice the same search task for 10 days. Our results speak against all these hypotheses and lead us to conclude that a collinear distractor impairs search at a level that is unaffected by probabilistic information, attentional setting, and learning.

Geomagnetic polar observatories: the role of Concordia station at Dome C, Antarctica

<p>A geomagnetic observatory is a permanent facility where magnetic declination and inclination are recorded in conjunction with the temporal evolution of the magnetic field components. Polar regions are scarcely covered by observational points then the contributions from observatories located there are particularly relevant. The geomagnetic observatory at Concordia station, Dome C - Antarctica is located in the inner part of the continent, its position is favorable for two key reasons, i) data are unaltered by the "coastal effect” and ii) crustal effect is negligible due to the thickness, almost 3 km, of ice coverage. Nevertheless, these latter conditions imply an unconsidered aspect which characterizes the entire station and every structure laying on the ice surface: the dome on which Concordia station resides is sliding horizontally and moving vertically with a velocity of few millimeter to centimeters per year as indicated by independent geodetic observations. This slow and continuous movement has a puzzling effect on the trend of horizontal components of the magnetic field, sampled in a time window of a decade since the establishing of the observatory in 2005. During the International Polar Year (2007-2009) the observatory was upgraded with new equipment fulfilling the requirements of the Intermagnet consortium, and becoming an observatory member in 2011. In this paper are illustrated the strategy adopted to track any possible displacement of the observatory reference points (i.e. the azimuth mark, the pillar position) and all the ordinary and extraordinary actions required for collecting high quality data.</p>

Software Puzzle: A Countermeasure to Resource-Inflated Denial-of-Service Attacks

Denial-of-service (DoS) and distributed DoS (DDoS) are among the major threats to cyber-security, and client puzzle, which demands a client to perform computationally expensive operations before being granted services from a server, is a well-known countermeasure to them. However, an attacker can inflate its capability of DoS/DDoS attacks with fast puzzle-solving software and/or built-in graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware to significantly weaken the effectiveness of client puzzles. In this paper, we study how to prevent DoS/DDoS attackers from inflating their puzzle-solving capabilities. To this end, we introduce a new client puzzle referred to as software puzzle. Unlike the existing client puzzle schemes, which publish their puzzle algorithms in advance, a puzzle algorithm in the present software puzzle scheme is randomly generated only after a client request is received at the server side and the algorithm is generated such that: 1) an attacker is unable to prepare an implementation to solve the puzzle in advance and 2) the attacker needs considerable effort in translating a central processing unit puzzle software to its functionally equivalent GPU version such that the translation cannot be done in real time. Moreover, we show how to implement software puzzle in the generic server-browser model.

Srovnání měnových transmisních mechanismů České republiky a Polska pomocí funkcí odezvy

For the purpose of monetary policy analyses dynamic multivariate models are usually applied. The reason is the presence of significant lags between an action and the appropriate effects in the economy. We use the concept of structural VAR models, widely used approach next to the DSGE and simultaneous equations models. We estimate four and five variable VAR containing the key macroeconomic indicators and identify monetary transmission mechanism using SVAR. Using different identification schemes and impulse response functions we compare the effect of a restrictive monetary policy shock on the set of analysed variables, especially price level. We also compare the results of defined models for the Czech and Polish economies, that both intend to enter EMU. To avoid the possibility of a price puzzle effect, as a result of mixing policy regimes in the sample period, we use data from single monetary policy regime starting 1998, when the Czech central bank switched to the inflation targeting regime. The results indicate high sensitivity to the identification schemes in SVAR and not significant differences between responses to monetary policy shock in CR and Poland.

Nonthermal and purely electronic resistive switching in a Mott memory

Mott insulator to metal transitions under an electric field are currently the subject of numerous fundamental and applied studies. This puzzling effect, which involves nontrivial out-of-equilibrium effects in correlated systems, is indeed at play in the operation of a new class of electronic memories, the ``Mott memories.'' However, the combined electronic and thermal effects are difficult to disentangle in Mott insulators undergoing such transitions. We report here a comparison between the properties under an electric field of a canonical Mott insulator and a model built on a realistic two-dimensional resistor network able to capture both thermal effects and electronic transitions. This comparison made specifically on the family of narrow gap Mott insulators $A{M}_{4}{Q}_{8}$, ($A=\mathrm{Ga}$ or Ge; $M$ = V, Nb or Ta; and $Q=\mathrm{S}$ or Se) unambiguously establishes that the resistive transition experimentally observed under an electric field arises from a purely electronic mechanism.

A new piece in the puzzling effect of n-3 fatty acids on atherosclerosis?

Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) FA are reported to be protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD), notably through their beneficial action on atherosclerosis development. In this context dietary intake of long-chain marine eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is recommended and randomised trials largely support that EPA and DHA intake is associated with a reduction of CVD. However, mechanisms governing the atheroprotective action of n-3 FA are still unclear and numerous studies using mouse models conducted so far do not allow to reach a precise view of the cellular and molecular effects of n-3 FA on atherosclerosis. In the current issue of Atherosclerosis, Chang et al. provide important new information on the anti-atherogenic properties of n-3 FA by analysing the incremental replacement of saturated FA by pure fish oil as a source of EPA and DHA in Ldlr−/− mice fed a high fat/high cholesterol diet.

The puzzling immersion hand blender effect

The puzzling immersion hand blender effect

Rotational properties of nuclei aroundNo254investigated using a spectroscopic-quality Skyrme energy density functional

Nuclei in the $Z\approx100$ mass region represent the heaviest systems where detailed spectroscopic information is experimentally available. Although microscopic-macroscopic and self-consistent models have achieved great success in describing the data in this mass region, a fully satisfying precise theoretical description is still missing. By using fine-tuned parametrizations of the energy density functionals, the present work aims at an improved description of the single-particle properties and rotational bands in the nobelium region. Such locally optimized parameterizations may have better properties when extrapolating towards the superheavy region. Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogolyubov and Lipkin-Nogami methods were used to calculate the quasiparticle energies and rotational bands of nuclei in the nobelium region. Starting from the most recent Skyrme parametrization, UNEDF1, the spin-orbit coupling constants and pairing strengths have been tuned, so as to achieve a better agreement with the excitation spectra and odd-even mass differences in $^{251}$Cf and $^{249}$Bk. The quasiparticle properties of $^{251}$Cf and $^{249}$Bk were very well reproduced. At the same time, crucial deformed neutron and proton shell gaps open up at $N=152$ and $Z=100$, respectively. Rotational bands in Fm, No, and Rf isotopes, where experimental data are available, were also fairly well described. To help future improvements towards a more precise description, small deficiencies of the approach were carefully identified. In the $Z\approx100$ mass region, larger spin-orbit strengths than those from global adjustments lead to improved agreement with data. Puzzling effects of particle-number restoration on the calculated moment of inertia, at odds with the experimental behaviour, require further scrutiny.

The Effectiveness of a Crossword Puzzle Game in Improving Numeracy Ability of Kindergarten Children

This research is motivated by the low numeracy ability of kindergarten children in Padang. The children still find it difficult to recognize the numbers, and the learning methods applied by teachers are less varied. This study aims at revealing the effectiveness of a crossword puzzle in improving numeracy ability of kindergarten children. This is a quantitative research with quasi experimental approach to compare between the children’s ability in the experimental class and in the control class. The population of this study is the students of group B at TK Arrahim Padang. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling. Based on the calculation of the t-test, it is obtained that tcalculated is 2.78, while ttable at the level of confidence (?) of 0.05 is 2.064, so that tcalculated > ttable, then the hypothesis can be accepted. It can be concluded that the use of a Crossword Puzzle Game is effective in improving numeracy ability of the kindergarten children.

Ping-Pong Positioning: Alternating Protein Interactions at Actin Filament Barbed Ends Helps Establish Polarity in Mammalian Oocytes

Ping-Pong Positioning: Alternating Protein Interactions at Actin Filament Barbed Ends Helps Establish Polarity in Mammalian Oocytes

A Lifespan Observation of a Novel Mouse Model: In Vivo Evidence Supports Aβ Oligomer Hypothesis

Transgenic mouse models are powerful tools in exploring the mechanisms of AD. Most current transgenic models of AD mimic the memory impairment and the main pathologic features, among which the formation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques is considered a dominant pathologic event. Recently, Aβ oligomers have been identified as more neurotoxic than Aβ plaques. However, no ideal transgenic mouse model directly support Aβ oligomers as a neurotoxic species due to the puzzling effects of amyloid plaques in the more widely-used models. Here, we constructed a single-mutant transgenic (Tg) model harboring the PS1V97L mutation and used Non-Tg littermates as a control group. Employing the Morris water maze, electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, and electron microscopy, we investigated behavioral changes and pathology progression in our single-mutant transgenic model. We discovered the pathological alteration of intraneuronal accumulation of Aβ oligomers without Aβ plaques in the PS1V97L-Tg mouse model, which might be the result of PS1 gene mutation. Following Aβ oligomers, we detected synaptic alteration, tau hyperphosphorylation and glial activation. This model supports an initial role for Aβ oligomers in the onset of AD and suggests that Aβ plaques may not be the only prerequisite. This model provides a useful tool for studying the role of Aβ oligomers in AD pathogenesis.

The Evolution of Boris Pasternak’s Poetic Language (Based on the Poems Melʹnitsy and Balʹzak)

The aim of this paper is to discuss how Pasternak’s poetic language changed over the 10-year period stretching from the mid-1910s to the mid-1920s. The transition from futurist text structure towards the search for an “unheard-of simplicity” will be shown through an analysis of two poems, Melʹnitsy and Balʹzak, written respectively in 1916 and 1927. We intend to prove that these texts contain the same set of images and themes, but they are constructed in such different ways that it becomes hard to identify their similarities. To show further evidence of this evolution, we will also carry out an analysis of the second version of Melʹnitsy, which was printed in 1929. As a result, we can say that Pasternak’s early poetry produces contradictory impressions, since an apparently direct self-expression coexists with a highly structural awareness. This puzzling effect can be explained as a peculiar form of communication, in which a specific meaning is hidden under what appears at the surface to be semantic incoherence. The later shift in Pasternak’s poetry towards a greater coherence and simplicity is due to his eagerness to reach a new public, one that—unlike his previous audience—was not able to penetrate the complex structure of his earlier approach.