Relative Signs Research Articles

Shifts in intertrial interval duration in autoshaping with rats: Implications for path dependence

Rats exposed to spaced (S) conditions of training, with intertrial intervals (ITIs) averaging 90 s, acquired autoshaping performance (contact with a retractable lever presented 10 s before the response-independent delivery of 5 food pellets) faster than rats exposed to massed (M) training, with ITIs averaging 15 s. Gradual or abrupt transitions between S and M training were followed by concomitant gradual and abrupt changes in behavior. However, S-to-M and M-to-S transitions supported different levels of adjustment. S-to-M transitions were generally less open to competition between sign and goal tracking than M-to-S transitions. These results suggest that responses that become dominant early in training regulate terminal performance after extensive training. Thus, initial massed training promotes strong goal tracking that interferes with sign tracking even under conditions that would otherwise promote sign tracking. By contrast, initial spaced training tends to promote sign tracking that can interfere with goal tracking even when ITI duration favors goal tracking. These results are discussed in the context of the theoretical issue of path dependence. Their implications for learning theory and their potential applicability to the nature of sign and goal tracking endophenotypes in relation to substance use disorders are briefly discussed.

The prevalence of nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver in long-term thiopurine-treated inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) has been associated with thiopurine therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but prevalence and prognosis of NRH remain unclear. This study is a cross-sectional search for NRH in IBD patients with long-term azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine treatment. Thirty-three IBD patients with continuous azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine treatment for at least 5 years were included. Laboratory tests, thiopurine metabolite levels, liver histology, MRI were examined for NRH and signs of portal hypertension. NRH was not observed in this cohort of 33 patients. Nevertheless, some possibly related signs of vascular changes were found by MRI in three patients. Also, splenomegaly, which may be associated with portal hypertension, was found in one patient. No high thiopurine dose neither high metabolite levels were found in these patients. No NRH was found in this group of IBD patients with long-term azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine treatment. Larger multicenter studies are needed to determine the prevalence of NRH in thiopurine-treated IBD patients.

Thermal lens in diode-pumped square-section rods of Nd-doped phosphate glass and 0.5%Nd:5%Lu:CaF2 crystal: simulations and experiments.

We performed simulations and experiments of wavefront distortions induced by propagating through diode-pumped square-section amplifying laser rods of Nd-doped phosphate glass and 0.5%Nd:5%Lu:CaF2. We observed that depending on the material, wavefront distortions' profile can vary from a circular lens-like distortion to a complex astigmatic distortion. We showed that this difference comes from the relative sign of piezo-optic tensor coefficients.

A dynamic cruise control system (DCCS) for effective navigation system

With the fast development of artificial intelligence, robotics, and embedded system along with sensor technologies, the speed control mechanism is required in various other applications such as automatic or self-piloting aircraft, auto-driven vehicles, auto driven lifts and much other robotics based automation plants, etc. For each unpredictable and progressed vehicular framework accompanies a better route that is fit for utilizing the two GPS and INS related sign. There have been a noteworthy number of research works being completed towards creating sliding mode control framework. In case of inaccurate navigational data or no availability of navigational service, the cruise control could also stop working. Hence, there is a need to evolve up with a novel system offering reliable and fault tolerant navigation system in order to minimize the dependencies on GPS-based information and maximize the utilization of INS based information. This manuscript presents a dynamic cruise control system to achieve better navigation under uncertainties. The performance of the system is analyzed by incorporating sliding mode and fuzzy logic and achieves better accuracy in tracking error, computational complexity (28 sec of simulation time) under chattering and switching action operation.

Higher-spin symmetry vs. boundary locality, and a rehabilitation of dS/CFT

We consider the holographic duality between 4d type-A higher-spin gravity and a 3d free vector model. It is known that the Feynman diagrams for boundary correlators can be encapsulated in an HS-algebraic twistorial expression. This expression can be evaluated not just on separate boundary insertions, but on entire finite source distributions. We do so for the first time, and find that the result ZHS disagrees with the usual CFT partition function. While such disagreement was expected due to contact corrections, it persists even in their absence. We ascribe it to a confusion between on-shell and off-shell boundary calculations. In Lorentzian boundary signature, this manifests via wrong relative signs for Feynman diagrams with different permutations of the source points. In Euclidean, the signs are instead ambiguous, spoiling would-be linear superpositions. Framing the situation as a conflict between boundary locality and HS symmetry, we sacrifice locality and choose to take ZHS seriously. We are rewarded by the dissolution of a long-standing pathology in higher-spin dS/CFT. Though we lose the connection to the local CFT, the precise form of ZHS can be recovered from first principles, by demanding a spin-local boundary action.

Transformation of higher-order cosh-Gaussian beams into an Airy-related beams by an optical airy transform system

In this paper, we investigate the transformation of a higher-order cosh-Gaussian beam into an Airy-related beam by an Airy transform optical system. Based on the Huygens-Fresnel integral diffraction, the analytical expression of the generated curved beam is derived. The effects of the decentered parameter b, the beam orders, and the phase constants (α and β) on the generated beam are discussed numerically. It is shown that the number and the intensity distributions of side lobes of the generated beam pattern depend on the parameter b and the beam orders. Peak band structures are observed for higher-orders and large b. Furthermore, the localization of the beam pattern in the plane depends on the relative signs of α and β. The obtained results may be useful in practical applications dealing with Airy beams.

Prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorder in the Lebanese population, and its association with depression, anxiety, and stress

BackgroundThe objectives of this study were to study the prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and its association with anxiety, depression, and stress among the general Lebanese population as well as in a sample of patients recruited from an otolaryngologist clinic.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2018 and December 2019, which enrolled 459 participants from all districts of Lebanon (sample 1) and 37 patients from the otolaryngologist clinic at the Eye and Ear Hospital (sample 2). The temporomandibular disorder screening checklist was used to screen for temporomandibular joint disorder. The Fonseca’s anamnestic index was used to assess for temporomandibular joint disorder related signs and symptoms, as well as for symptoms severity.ResultsThe results showed that 19.7% of the general Lebanese population had TMD, from which 55.9% were female. In contrast, 59.5% of patients in the sample recruited from the clinic were found to have TMD. Higher stress, anxiety, and depression scores were associated with higher temporomandibular disorder severity score (B = 0.23; B = 0.10 and B = 0.10 respectively). Patients in the sample recruited from the clinic had higher mean stress (20.75 vs 11.43), anxiety (12.46 vs 5.78), depression (13.24 vs 6.52), and temporomandibular disorder severity scores (59.5% vs 19.7%) than the general population.ConclusionTemporomandibular joint disorder appears to be associated significantly with depression, anxiety, and stress and remains largely underdiagnosed in the general population.

Tree-level interference in vector boson fusion production of Vh

Vector boson scattering is a well known probe of electroweak symmetry breaking. Here we study a related process of two electroweak vector bosons scattering into a vector boson and a Higgs boson ($VV \rightarrow Vh, V=W,Z$). This process exhibits tree level interference and grows with energy if the Higgs couplings to electroweak bosons deviate from their Standard Model values. Therefore, this process is particularly sensitive to the relative sign of the ratio of the coupling between the Higgs and the $W$ and $Z$, $\lambda_{WZ}$. In this work we show that a high energy lepton collider is well suited to study this process through vector boson fusion, estimate the potential sensitivity to this ratio, and show that a relatively modest amount of data can exclude $\lambda_{WZ} \simeq -1$.

Four-dimensional vector multiplets in arbitrary signature (II)

Following the classification up to isomorphism of [Formula: see text] Poincaré Lie superalgebras in four dimensions with arbitrary signature obtained in a companion paper, we present off-shell vector multiplet representations and invariant Lagrangians realizing these algebras. By dimensional reduction of five-dimensional off-shell vector multiplets, we obtain two representations in each four-dimensional signature. In Euclidean and neutral signature, these representations can be mapped to each other by a field redefinition induced by the action of the Schur group on the space of superbrackets. In Minkowski signature, we show that the superbrackets underlying the two vector multiplet representations belong to distinct open orbits of the Schur group and are therefore inequivalent. Our formalism allows to answer questions about the possible relative signs between terms in the Lagrangian systematically by relating them to the underlying space of superbrackets.

Inner filter effect as a sensitive sensing platform for detection of nitrofurantoin using luminescent drug-based carbon nanodots.

In the present paper, a sensitive and selective inner filter effect sensing platform was designed to detect nitrofurantoin (NIT) in pharmaceutical dosage form. Nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon nanodots (CNDs) prepared via solvothermal treatment of folic acid and phosphoric acid. The prepared CNDs exhibit greenish fluorescence at 470nm when excited at 340nm with fluorescence quantum yield up to 40%. The CNDs exhibit high stability in various pH, temperature, and ionic strength which adds valuable merits to its pharmaceutical applications. The emission is quenched in the presence of absorber (here NIT) while the fluorophores were not quench by the presence of common pharmaceutical excipients. A fluorometric assay was fabricated to determine NIT in capsules by quenching of the CNDs. The linear response for the proposed method was from 5.0μM to 90μM with the detection limit being 1.4μM. To validate the method, the recovery of NIT in spiked sample was measured which was 96.6% -103.3%. The method was applied to the determination of NIT in pharmaceutical capsule samples, with comparable results of a reference method stated by the British Pharmacopeia (BP). Furthermore, the sub-acute toxicity studies of CNDs were investigated using normal male Balb/c mice forcefully drunk with 3 different dosages of CNDs. Animals did not produce treatment related signs of toxicity or mortality in any of the animals tested during the 28days observation period. Additionally, no significant (P>0.05) changes in the body weight, haematological and biochemical parameters compared with the control group were not revealed. Similarly, histopathological examination of the internal vital organs did not show any morphological alterations.

Perfectly matched layers for Schrödinger-type equations with nontrivial energy–momentum dispersion

The construction of perfectly-matched-layer (PML) boundary conditions is extended to wave equations with non-trivial energy–momentum dispersion relation. Complex coordinate extension is based upon the relative sign between the surface-normal component of group velocity and the k-vector. This ensures selective damping of propagating and counter-propagating modes at the simulation boundaries. Moreover, the technical complexity of the PML method can be inferred from the energy–momentum dispersion relation of the underlying wave equation, respectively, the finite-difference scheme employed. The PML transform is derived for selected Schrödinger-type (i.e. first-order-in-time) kinetic transport equations. Spectral analysis demonstrates proper damping behaviour of out-propagating modes. Results are presented for the Schrödinger equation for particles and holes, the s- and p-wave Bogoliubov–de Gennes equation, the Dirac equation, and the Dohnal k⋅p model. Where available, a comparison to previous PML formulations is made.

Cosmic censorship conjecture in a general Kerr–Newman black hole

Using some probes, the violation of cosmic censorship conjecture in a general Kerr–Newman black hole is investigated. The result depends on many factors, like the relative sign of charge and rotation direction of the probe and black hole. Moreover the comparison of the angular momentum of the black hole and its charge has an impressive effect. Considering all these together, we have found the range of the angular momentum, energy and charge of the probe for which the event horizon disappears. We have found that cosmic censorship conjecture violation is possible only for near extremal black hole if the parameters of the probe are too large and fine tuned. Taking into account the hoop conjecture, we see that the cosmic censorship conjecture is respected for a general kerr–Newman black hole subject to a large enough number of falling particles and also field quanta.

Coherent dipoles in a mixed layer with variable buoyancy: Theory compared to observations

Motivated by recent observations of coherent dipolar cyclone–anticyclone structures in the ocean, the modons, and their signature in the surface temperature field, we demonstrate that the classical modon solutions of the barotropic quasi-geostrophic equations can be generalized to include buoyancy or temperature as an active tracer. The properties of such “thermal” modons, and especially their ability to carry heat anomaly over long distances, depend on the relative sign of the associated vorticity and buoyancy anomalies. We show using numerical simulations with the thermal shallow water equations, and their quasi-geostrophic version, that the evolution of the modons is consistent with the observations.

Subtle Cerebellar Features in Relatives of Essential Tremor Cases.

Background: Essential tremor (ET) cases often exhibit a range of mild cerebellar signs. Their unaffected relatives have been shown in prior studies to exhibit subtle (i.e., preclinical) disease features.Objective: To quantify subtle cerebellar signs in unaffected first-degree relatives of ET cases stratified based on their tremor severity.Methods: Two hundred sixty-nine first-degree relatives of ET cases, none of whom reported tremor or a diagnosis of ET, or were diagnosed with ET based on detailed neurological examination, were stratified based on total tremor score (TTS) into two groups (lower TTS vs. higher TTS) and quartiles. Changes in gait, balance, and intention tremor were quantified on neurological examination.Results: Higher TTS performed worse on the tandem stance task (p = 0.011). When stratified into TTS quartiles, higher quartile was associated with worse performance in tandem stance (p = 0.011) and stance with feet together (p = 0.028). Similarly, intention tremor in the arms (p = 0.0002) and legs (p = 0.047) were higher in the groups with more tremor.Discussion: The links between ET and the cerebellum are multiple. These data provide intriguing evidence that subtle cerebellar signs (i.e., changes in balance and intention tremor) are more prevalent among first-degree relatives of ET cases with more tremor (i.e., those who may be themselves on the pathway to developing ET). These data contribute to a better characterization of what may be an early subclinical stage of the disease.

Electron and Hole g Tensors of Neutral and Charged Excitons in Single Quantum Dots by High-Resolution Photocurrent Spectroscopy

We report a high-resolution photocurrent (PC) spectroscopy of a single self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) embedded in an n-i-Schottky device with an applied vector magnetic field. The PC spectra of positively charged exciton (X$^+$) and neutral exciton (X$^0$) are obtained by two-color resonant excitation. With an applied magnetic field in Voigt geometry, the double $\Lambda$ energy level structure of X$^+$ and the dark states of X$^0$ are observed in PC spectra clearly. In Faraday geometry, the PC amplitude of X$^+$ decreases and then quenches with the increasing of the magnetic field, which provides a new way to determine the relative sign of the electron and the hole g-factors. With an applied vector magnetic field, the electron and the hole g-factor tensors of X$^+$ and X$^0$ are obtained. The anisotropy of the hole g-factors of both X$^+$ and X$^0$ is larger than that of the electron.

CURRENT REALITIES OF MAPPING OF RUSSIAN ARCTIC

The concept of creating a new topographic map of the Arctic on the basis of a systematic approach, geoinformation mapping and use of remote sensing materials from space is considered. The zoning of the Siberian Arctic is substantiated in the interests of choosing decryption standards and extrapolating the results of their analysis to other territories. The clarification of the systematization and expansion of the set of maps signs in relation to the specifics of the region is proposed. The main tasks that need to be solved to implement the proposed concept are summarized.

Unilateral Oculomotor Nerve Dysfunction Induced by Ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm along with Isolated Intraventricular Hemorrhage in a Trauma Patient

Background: Many signs in relation to vascular events and consequent loss of consciousness could be easily incorrectly explained (unclear) in a setting of trauma, especially when these events are a result of the car accident. Third cranial nerve palsy widely occurs due to internal carotid and posterior communicating artery aneurysm. An anterior communicating(ACOM) aneurysm is a rare reason that could lead to oculomotor dysfunction. ACOM ruptured aneurysm may present with sub arachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) but isolated IVH is a rare finding for ACOM ruptured aneurysm. Case Description: A 56-year-old male presented to the hospital emergency department because of trauma after a car accident. He was unconscious with left-sided dilated pupil and ptosis with a brain CT indicating IVH. Brain CT angiography that performed two weeks after the accident revealed ACOM aneurysm. The patient underwent craniotomy and clipping the aneurysm. He was discharged, after completing the period of the following treatmentA combination of neuropathic agents and opioids helped to control pain. These analgesic included amitriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin, tramadol and morphine in various regimens. Paracetamol and ibuprofen were also used. Conclusion: This report is a unique case of synchronization of third cranial nerve palsy and isolated IVH without SAH due to ACOM aneurysm. In addition, it could be interesting to re-emphasize the need for a comprehensive assessment of traumatic patients for finding some primary pathologies, which could result in an accident.

Structure of negative parity states at {mathbf {6},lesssim , mathbf {E}_mathbf {x}

In the doubly magic nucleus ^{208}mathrm{Pb} states at excitation energies 6,lesssim , E_x <7.0 MeV populated by the inelastic proton scattering via the doublet isobaric analog resonances g_{{ 7}/{2}}+d_{{ 3}/{2}} in ^{209}mathrm{Bi} are studied. Sixteen states containing dominant strengths of the configurations g_{{ 7}/{2}}p_{{ 3}/{2}}, d_{{ 3}/{2}}p_{{ 3}/{2}}, g_{{ 7}/{2}}f_{{ 5}/{2}}, d_{{ 3}/{2}}f_{{ 5}/{2}} are newly assigned spins from 2^- to 6^-, among them ten states are newly identified. Amplitudes with relative signs of up to four one-particle one-hole configurations with strengths down to 0.05% are determined in 40 states with spins from 1^- to 6^-. Amplitudes of configurations d_{{ 3}/{2}}p_{{ 1}/{2}}, d_{{ 3}/{2}}p_{{ 3}/{2}}, d_{{ 3}/{2}}f_{{ 5}/{2}} for fourteen states and amplitudes of g_{{ 7}/{2}}p_{{ 1}/{2}}, g_{{ 7}/{2}}p_{{ 3}/{2}}, g_{{ 7}/{2}}f_{{ 5}/{2}} for twenty-seven states are determined. Total strengths up to the full strength are found for configurations d_{{ 3}/{2}}p_{{ 1}/{2}}, d_{{ 3}/{2}}p_{{ 3}/{2}}, d_{{ 3}/{2}}f_{{ 5}/{2}} with spins from 1^- to 3^- and for g_{{ 7}/{2}}p_{{ 1}/{2}}, g_{{ 7}/{2}}p_{{ 3}/{2}}, g_{{ 7}/{2}}f_{{ 5}/{2}} with spins from 1^- to 6^-.

Morphometric Variations in Leg Segments’ Length in the Family Dolichopodidae (Diptera)

Interspecific variations of legs’ morphometric signs have been investigated on 2885 individuals from 65 species of 22 genera of the family Dolichopodidae. Nine morphometric signs of legs, including lengths of femora, tibia, and first segment of tarsi have been measured, and the data on 12 relative signs have been obtained. The results of analysis of variance showed significant differences between the genera but not between the subfamilies. Most of the studied signs showed weak phylogenetic signal. Significant phylogenetic signal has been found in only one of the studied signs: the ratio of length of mid legs' femora and tibia. Principal component analysis revealed the set of characters most typical for the family representatives as well as two general trends in leg morphometry diversity: elongation of the first segment of the mid- and hind-legs and variation in the ratio of fore-, mid-, and hind-femora. Cluster analysis revealed three morphologically distinguishable species groups that also differed in terms of their microhabitats: Medetera-like species (lengths of fore-, mid-, and hind-femora are nearly equal), Hydrophorus-like species (mid- and hind-femora and tibia are significantly extended regarding the fore-femora and tibia), and Sciapus-like species (all first segments of tarsi are significantly extended). Each of the identified groups includes species belonging to different subfamilies. Therefore, the similarity in leg morphometry features in dolichopodids is supported to be related to convergent evolution and not to the presence of a common ancestor with a similar morphology.

Integrating biosemiotics: From a semiological point of view

This paper is a study in the ‘philosophy of semiotics’. It is centred on a critical approach to the Peircean sign conception, which underlies biosemiotics and the global perspective on signs. The present discussion tackles questions of ontological and epistemological interest, which it does by taking a distinctly semiological point of reference. The semiology which the present critique draws inspiration from is Roy Harris’ integrationism, an approach to human communication which rejects Saussurean semiology – the common target of Peircean semiotics. Integrationism explains signs in relation to human activities. It shares with biosemiotics a view of reality as speciesspecific, but takes a skeptical position towards the investigation of non-human signs on the grounds that it implies a metalanguage impervious to the radical indeterminacy of the sign. Integrationists take this indeterminacy as the starting point for their reflections on human communication.