Batalin-Vilkovisky Integrals in Finite Dimensions

The Batalin-Vilkovisky method (BV) is the most powerful method to analyze functional integrals with (infinite-dimensional) gauge symmetries presently known. It has been invented to fix gauges associated with symmetries that do not close off-shell. Homological Perturbation Theory is introduced and used to develop the integration theory behind BV and to describe the BV quantization of a Lagrangian system with symmetries. Localization (illustrated in terms of Duistermaat-Heckman localization) as well as anomalous symmetries are discussed in the framework of BV.Comment: 35 page

Academic and clinical preparation in speech-language pathology and audiology: a global training consortium

ABSTRACT: Purpose: To describe a research-based global\ud curriculum in speech-language pathology and audiology that\ud is part of a funded cross-linguistic consortium among 2 U.S.\ud and 2 Brazilian universities.\ud Method: The need for a global curriculum in speechlanguage\ud pathology and audiology is outlined, and different\ud funding sources are identified to support development of a\ud global curriculum. The U.S. Department of Education’s Fund\ud for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE), in\ud conjunction with the Brazilian Ministry of Education (Fundacao\ud Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel\ud Superior; CAPES), funded the establishment of a shared\ud research curriculum project, “Consortium for Promoting\ud Cross-Linguistic Understanding of Communication Disabilities\ud in Children” for East Tennessee State University and the University of Northern Iowa and 2 Brazilian universities\ud (Universidade Federal de Santa Maria and Universidade de\ud São Paulo-Baurú).\ud Results: The goals and objectives of the research-based\ud global curriculum are summarized, and a description of an\ud Internet-based course, “Different Languages, One World,” is\ud provided\ud Conclusion: Partnerships such as the FIPSE–CAPES consortium\ud provide a foundation for training future generations of\ud globally and research-prepared practitioners in speechlanguage\ud pathology and audiology.U.S. Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education P116M100014Brazilian Ministry of Education Fundacao Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior 094/1

Generalized Force Model of Traffic Dynamics

Floating car data of car-following behavior in cities were compared to existing microsimulation models, after their parameters had been calibrated to the experimental data. With these parameter values, additional simulations have been carried out, e.g. of a moving car which approaches a stopped car. It turned out that, in order to manage such kinds of situations without producing accidents, improved traffic models are needed. Good results have been obtained with the proposed generalized force model.Comment: For related work see http://www.theo2.physik.uni-stuttgart.de/helbing.htm

An analysis-ready and quality controlled resource for pediatric brain white-matter research

We created a set of resources to enable research based on openly-available diffusion MRI (dMRI) data from the Healthy Brain Network (HBN) study. First, we curated the HBN dMRI data (N = 2747) into the Brain Imaging Data Structure and preprocessed it according to best-practices, including denoising and correcting for motion effects, susceptibility-related distortions, and eddy currents. Preprocessed, analysis-ready data was made openly available. Data quality plays a key role in the analysis of dMRI. To optimize QC and scale it to this large dataset, we trained a neural network through the combination of a small data subset scored by experts and a larger set scored by community scientists. The network performs QC highly concordant with that of experts on a held out set (ROC-AUC = 0.947). A further analysis of the neural network demonstrates that it relies on image features with relevance to QC. Altogether, this work both delivers resources to advance transdiagnostic research in brain connectivity and pediatric mental health, and establishes a novel paradigm for automated QC of large datasets

Lawson criterion for ignition exceeded in an inertial fusion experiment

For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion