Phason dynamics in nonlinear photonic quasicrystals

We study the dynamics of phasons in a nonlinear photonic quasicrystal. The photonic quasicrystal is formed by optical induction, and its dynamics is initiated by allowing the light waves inducing the quasicrystal to nonlinearly interact with one another. We show quantitatively that, when phason strain is introduced in a controlled manner, it relaxes through the nonlinear interactions within the photonic quasicrystal. We establish experimentally that the relaxation rate of phason strain in the quasicrystal is substantially lower than the relaxation rate of phonon strain, as predicted for atomic quasicrystals. Finally, we monitor and identify individual 'atomic-scale' phason flips occurring in the photonic quasicrystal as its phason strain relaxes, as well as noise-induced phason fluctuations.     

Optical Transceiver Chips Based on Co-Integration of Capacitively Coupled Proximity Interconnects and VCSELs

Combining the strengths of both proximity communication and optical communication, a new hybrid input-output (I/O) platform delivers on-chip bandwidth off-chip and over distance. We demonstrate, for the first time, a four-channel hybrid I/O interface by integrating proximity communication and vertical-cavity surface-emitting-laser-based parallel optical interconnects on the same commercial 90-nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor platform. The optical I/O can operate at 5 Gb/s per channel, and the complete hybrid I/O interface achieved 2.5 Gb/s per channel. We characterize the I/O link performance for various data rates and chip separations, and show 10-mum chip separation tolerance for proximity communication     

A structured overview on the use of computational simulators for teaching statistical methods

Modern technology is affecting what is taught and how statistics is taught. Computer intensive methods like bootstrapping, generalized regression, coordinate exchange algorithms and computer experiment emulators are now part of the statistical toolkit. In parallel with these new methods and tools, a similar evolution appears in statistical education. Simulators offer opportunities for hands-on experience in the classroom, bridging the gap between theory and practice. In this article, we map a wide range of simulation based tools used in teaching statistical methods, putting them in the context of a quality ladder representing various maturity levels of organizations and course level sophistication. The mapping is designed to help educators assess and integrate options related to the incorporation of simulators as teaching aids in an educational and pedagogical roadmap. The mapping is applied to specific simulation products but provides a general framework that can be expanded and used in a generic way.     

Stereological estimation of the total volume of MR visible brain lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis

Point counting represents a convenient and efficient technique for estimating the area of transects through multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions on magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained for sections through the brain. When sectioning has been performed according to the Cavalieri method, unbiased estimates of the total volume of MR-visible MS plaques can be obtained with a precision of 3–5% in 5–10 min.     

Why is a computational framework for motivational and metacognitive control needed?

This paper discusses, in the context of computational modelling and simulation of cognition, the relevance of deeper structures in the control of behaviour. Such deeper structures include motivational control of behaviour, which provides underlying causes for actions, and also metacognitive control, which provides higher-order processes for monitoring and regulation. It is argued that such deeper structures are important and thus cannot be ignored in computational cognitive architectures. A general framework based on the Clarion cognitive architecture is outlined that emphasises the interaction amongst action selection, motivation, and metacognition. The upshot is that it is necessary to incorporate all essential processes; short of that, the understanding of cognition can only be incomplete.     

Health care reform is coming.

During my career in Congress, we have achieved some success in expanding health insurance coverage and keeping services affordable, but the problem of 46 million uninsured and 25 million underinsured must be addressed. In February 2009, I introduced the Healthy Americans Act (S. 391/H.R. 1321; Wyden, 2009), a comprehensive bipartisan health care reform bill that covers all Americans without breaking the bank, by weaving together the Democratic idea that we need to give every single person in the country health care coverage and the Republican belief in a private-market approach. This bill would favorably affect providers in nonprofit institutions, public institutions, and school systems, by ending cost shifting from public program underpayments to the privately insured. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)