1,816 research outputs found
Modular Properties of 3D Higher Spin Theory
In the three-dimensional sl(N) Chern-Simons higher-spin theory, we prove that
the conical surplus and the black hole solution are related by the
S-transformation of the modulus of the boundary torus. Then applying the
modular group on a given conical surplus solution, we generate a 'SL(2,Z)'
family of smooth constant solutions. We then show how these solutions are
mapped into one another by coordinate transformations that act non-trivially on
the homology of the boundary torus. After deriving a thermodynamics that
applies to all the solutions in the 'SL(2,Z)' family, we compute their
entropies and free energies, and determine how the latter transform under the
modular transformations. Summing over all the modular images of the conical
surplus, we write down a (tree-level) modular invariant partition function.Comment: 51 pages; v2: minor corrections and additions; v3: final version, to
appear in JHE
Minerals in Vugs at Pint\u27s Quarry, Raymond, Iowa
Dolomitic limestones of the Middle Devonian Cedar Valley Formation are exposed at Pint\u27s Quarry. The mineralized vugs contain well developed crystals of barite, calcite, fluorite, galena, marcasite, quartz, pyrite, and sphalerite
An interactively recurrent functional neural fuzzy network with fuzzy differential evolution and its applications
In this paper, an interactively recurrent functional neural fuzzy network (IRFNFN) with fuzzy differential evolution (FDE) learning method was proposed for solving the control and the prediction problems. The traditional differential evolution (DE) method easily gets trapped in a local optimum during the learning process, but the proposed fuzzy differential evolution algorithm can overcome this shortcoming. Through the information sharing of nodes in the interactive layer, the proposed IRFNFN can effectively reduce the number of required rule nodes and improve the overall performance of the network. Finally, the IRFNFN model and associated FDE learning algorithm were applied to the control system of the water bath temperature and the forecast of the sunspot number. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method
Camptothecin-Loaded Liposomes with α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Enhance Cytotoxicity Toward and Cellular Uptake by Melanomas: An Application of Nanomedicine on Natural Product
ABSTRACTIn this study, we attempted to develop functional liposomes loaded with camptothecin and attached to α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) to target melanoma cells. The liposomes were mainly composed of phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and stearylamine, and were characterized by the vesicle size, zeta potential, camptothecin encapsulation efficiency, and release behavior. Results revealed that α-MSH liposomes possessed an average size of approximately 250nm with a surface charge of 60mV. Camptothecin was successfully entrapped by the targeted liposomes with an encapsulation percentage of nearly 95%. The liposomes provided sustained and controlled camptothecin release. Non-targeted liposomes with the drug exerted superior cytotoxicity against melanomas compared to the free control. Cell viability was reduced from 48% to 32% compared to conventional liposomes. Peptide ligand conjugation further promoted cytotoxicity to 18% viability, which was a 2.7-fold decrease versus the free control. According to the images of fluorescence microscopy, α-MSH liposomes exhibited greater cell endocytosis than did non-targeted liposomes and the free control. α-MSH liposomes were predominantly internalized in the cytoplasm. These findings demonstrate that α-MSH liposomes could enhance the anti-melanoma activity of camptothecin owing to their targeting ability and controlled drug delivery
Housing and stock market nexus in the US
Purpose: The research aims to study the causality between the US stock and housing markets in the period from 1890 to 2014. Design/Methodology/Approach: The Granger-Causality bootstrap rolling-window test is used for studying the causality between the stock as well as real estate markets in the US. Findings: The results provide robust evidence that the causality running from the housing in the stock markets has positive effects between 1918 and 1922, 1926 and 1931, 1953 and 1955 but negative effects between 1932 and 1934 and from 1971 to 1972, displaying the occurrence of a credit-price effect. In contrast, the S&P 500 stomped the housing market between 1965 and 1970, when the wealth effect dominated in the US economy. Specifically, when the negative causality of both markets happens, investors gain by allocating housing and stocks assets as various portfolios. Practical Implications: This finding specifies that housing markets may be employed to predict stock markets and vice versa in the US. Studying both markets’ causality offers policymakers and practitioners more situation on where the market may be going and how it works over time. Originality/Value: Original research.peer-reviewe
Empirical Study of Online Auction Seller Switching: The Case of Yahoo vs. Ruten in Taiwan
Most online auction platform providers (OAPPs) agree that the majority of their profits comes from users, i.e., their buyers and sellers. The major concern of OAPPs is how to gain and lock in users in order to maintain and enhance a competitive edge. Customer switching is one of the primary problems of all companies, including OAPPs. This study focused on online auction sellers and attempted to understand their switching behavior. We developed an integrated model that consisted of OAPP strategies (anti-switching and anti-lock-in), value-based factors (platform qualities and switching costs), lock-in factors (network effects), and perceived values to explore the switching intentions of online auction sellers. The model was tested using a field study of 248 sellers from two online auction websites. The results show that OAPP strategies will affect switching costs which affect perceived value which, in turn, impacts a seller’s switching behavior. Our findings indicate that value-based factors directly influence perceived value which could suitably explain a seller’s decision to switch from one OAPP to another. The study suggests that OAPPs should develop strategies and leverage the network effect to avoid customer switching
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