title:
Phase diagram and spin correlations of the Kitaev-Heisenberg model:
  Importance of quantum effects

abstract:
  We explore the phase diagram of the Kitaev-Heisenberg model with nearest
neighbor interactions on the honeycomb lattice using the exact diagonalization
of finite systems combined with the cluster mean field approximation, and
supplemented by the insights from the linear spin-wave and second--order
perturbation theories. This study confirms that by varying the balance between
the Heisenberg and Kitaev term, frustrated exchange interactions stabilize in
this model four phases with magnetic long range order: N\'eel phase,
ferromagnetic phase, and two other phases with coexisting antiferromagnetic and
ferromagnetic bonds, zigzag and stripy phases. They are separated by two
disordered quantum spin-liquid phases, and the one with ferromagnetic Kitaev
interactions has a substantially broader range of stability as the neighboring
competing ordered phases, ferromagnetic and stripy, have very weak quantum
fluctuations. Focusing on the quantum spin-liquid phases, we study spatial spin
correlations and dynamic spin structure factor of the model by the exact
diagonalization technique, and discuss the evolution of gapped low-energy spin
response across the quantum phase transitions between the disordered spin
liquid and magnetic phases with long range order.


title: 331 Models and Grand Unification: From Minimal SU(5) to Minimal SU(6)

abstract:
  We consider the possibility of grand unification of the $\mathrm{ SU(3)_c
\otimes SU(3)_L \otimes U(1)_X}$ model in an SU(6) gauge unification group. Two
possibilities arise. Unlike other conventional grand unified theories, in SU(6)
one can embed the $\mathrm{ SU(3)_c \otimes SU(3)_L \otimes U(1)_X}$ model as a
subgroup such that different multiplets appear with different multiplicities.
Such a scenario may emerge from the flux breaking of the unified group in an
E(6) F-theory GUT. This provides new ways of achieving gauge coupling
unification in $\mathrm{ SU(3)_c \otimes SU(3)_L \otimes U(1)_X}$ models while
providing the radiative origin of neutrino masses. Alternatively, a sequential
variant of the $\mathrm{ SU(3)_c \otimes SU(3)_L \otimes U(1)_X}$ model can fit
within a minimal SU(6) grand unification, which in turn can be a natural E(6)
subgroup. This minimal SU(6) embedding does not require any bulk exotics to
account for the chiral families while allowing for a TeV scale $\mathrm{
SU(3)_c \otimes SU(3)_L \otimes U(1)_X}$ model with seesaw-type neutrino
masses.


title: Explicit Bj\"orling Surfaces with Prescribed Geometry

abstract:
  We develop a new method to construct explicit, regular minimal surfaces in
Euclidean space that are defined on the entire complex plane with controlled
geometry. More precisely we show that for a large class of planar curves
$(x(t), y(t))$ one can find a third coordinate $z(t)$ and normal fields $n(t)$
along the space curve $c(t)=(x(t), y(t), z(t))$ so that the Bj\"orling formula
applied to $c(t)$ and $n(t)$ can be explicitly evaluated. We give many
examples.


title:
Two-loop scale-invariant scalar potential and quantum effective
  operators

abstract:
  Spontaneous breaking of quantum scale invariance may provide a solution to
the hierarchy and cosmological constant problems. In a scale-invariant
regularization, we compute the two-loop potential of a higgs-like scalar $\phi$
in theories in which scale symmetry is broken only spontaneously by the dilaton
($\sigma$). Its vev $\langle\sigma\rangle$ generates the DR subtraction scale
($\mu\sim\langle\sigma\rangle$), which avoids the explicit scale symmetry
breaking by traditional regularizations (where $\mu$=fixed scale). The two-loop
potential contains effective operators of non-polynomial nature as well as new
corrections, beyond those obtained with explicit breaking ($\mu$=fixed scale).
These operators have the form: $\phi^6/\sigma^2$, $\phi^8/\sigma^4$, etc, which
generate an infinite series of higher dimensional polynomial operators upon
expansion about $\langle\sigma\rangle\gg \langle\phi\rangle$, where such
hierarchy is arranged by {\it one} initial, classical tuning. These operators
emerge at the quantum level from evanescent interactions ($\propto\epsilon$)
between $\sigma$ and $\phi$ that vanish in $d=4$ but are demanded by classical
scale invariance in $d=4-2\epsilon$. The Callan-Symanzik equation of the
two-loop potential is respected and the two-loop beta functions of the
couplings differ from those of the same theory regularized with $\mu=$fixed
scale. Therefore the running of the couplings enables one to distinguish
between spontaneous and explicit scale symmetry breaking.


title:
Superconductivity and Superconductor-Insulator Transition in Single
  Crystal Sb2Te3 Nanoflakes

abstract:
  We report on transport properties of the topological insulator single crystal
$Sb2Te3$ nanoflakes with thickness about from 7 to 50nm. A steep drop of
resistance is appeared near $3K$ in the ultrathin $Sb2Te3$ nanoflakes,
manifesting a superconducting transition.The magnetic field induced
superconductor insulator transition of disordered 2D superconductor system is
observed in the nanoflakes.The results show that the existence of certain
optimum degree of disorder is a necessary condition for emergence of
superconductivity.Temperature dependence of magneto-resistance shows a
consecutive transformation of weak antilocalization cusp into the
superconducting transition at low field when $B < BC$.


title: The multi-level Monte Carlo method for simulations of turbulent flows

abstract:
  In this paper the application of the multi-level Monte Carlo (MLMC) method on
numerical simulations of turbulent flows with uncertain parameters is
investigated. Several strategies for setting up the MLMC method are presented,
and the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are also discussed. A
numerical experiment is carried out using the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
(ACC) with uncertain, small-scale bottom topographic features. It is
demonstrated that, unlike the pointwise solutions, the averaged volume
transports are correlated across grid resolutions, and the MLMC method could
increase simulation efficiency without losing accuracy in uncertainty
assessment.


title: Photo Filter Recommendation by Category-Aware Aesthetic Learning

abstract:
  Nowadays, social media has become a popular platform for the public to share
photos. To make photos more visually appealing, users usually apply filters on
their photos without domain knowledge. However, due to the growing number of
filter types, it becomes a major issue for users to choose the best filter
type. For this purpose, filter recommendation for photo aesthetics takes an
important role in image quality ranking problems. In these years, several works
have declared that Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) outperform traditional
methods in image aesthetic categorization, which classifies images into high or
low quality. Most of them do not consider the effect on filtered images; hence,
we propose a novel image aesthetic learning for filter recommendation. Instead
of binarizing image quality, we adjust the state-of-the-art CNN architectures
and design a pairwise loss function to learn the embedded aesthetic responses
in hidden layers for filtered images. Based on our pilot study, we observe
image categories (e.g., portrait, landscape, food) will affect user preference
on filter selection. We further integrate category classification into our
proposed aesthetic-oriented models. To the best of our knowledge, there is no
public dataset for aesthetic judgment with filtered images. We create a new
dataset called Filter Aesthetic Comparison Dataset (FACD). It contains 28,160
filtered images based on the AVA dataset and 42,240 reliable image pairs with
aesthetic annotations using Amazon Mechanical Turk. It is the first dataset
containing filtered images and user preference labels. We conduct experiments
on the collected FACD for filter recommendation, and the results show that our
proposed category-aware aesthetic learning outperforms aesthetic classification
methods (e.g., 12% relative improvement).


title: Relativistic Kinematics of Two-Parametric Riemann Surface in Genus Two

abstract:
  It is considered a model of compact Riemann surface in genus two, represented
geometrically by two-parametric hyperbolic octagon with an order four
automorphism and described algebraically by the corresponding Fuchsian group.
Introducing the Fenchel--Nielsen variables, we compute the Weil--Petersson (WP)
symplectic two-form for parameter space and analyze the closed isoperimetric
orbits of octagons. WP-Area in parameter space and the canonical action--angle
variables for the orbits are found. Exploiting the ideas from the loop quantum
gravity, we generate relativistic kinematics by the Lorentz boost and quantize
WP-area. We treat the evolution in terms of global variables within the "big
bounce" concept.


title: Fermion masses as mixing parameters in the SM

abstract:
  Flavor transitions via the charged current interactions are parametrized by a
three dimensional and unitary transformation. This so called mixing matrix
requires of four mixing parameters. Here we show that under the
phenomenological observation of hierarchical fermion masses, $m_3 \gg m_2 \gg
m_1$, a mixing parametrization can be built with its mixing parameters being
the corresponding four independent mass ratios of each fermion sector, i.e.,
$m_u/m_c$, $m_c/m_t$, $m_d/m_s$, and $m_s/m_b$ and $m_e/m_\mu$, $m_\mu/m_\tau$,
$m_{\nu 1}/m_{\nu 2}$, and $m_{\nu
  2}/m_{\nu 3}$, for the quark and lepton sector, respectively.


title: Scaling Relations of Starburst-Driven Galactic Winds

abstract:
  Using synthetic absorption lines generated from 3D hydro-dynamical
simulations we explore how the velocity of a starburst-driven galactic wind
correlates with the star formation rate (SFR) and SFR density. We find strong
correlations until the scaling relations flatten abruptly at a point set by the
mass loading of the starburst. Below this point the scaling relation depends on
the temperature regime being probed by the absorption line, not on the mass
loading. The exact scaling relation depends on whether the maximum or mean
velocity of the absorption line is used. We find that the outflow velocity of
neutral gas is four to five times lower than the average velocity of the
hottest gas, with the difference in velocity between the neutral and ionized
gas increasing with gas ionization. Thus, absorption lines of neutral or low
ionized gas will underestimate the outflow velocity of hot gas, severely
underestimating outflow energetics.


title: Decoupled Neural Interfaces using Synthetic Gradients

abstract:
  Training directed neural networks typically requires forward-propagating data
through a computation graph, followed by backpropagating error signal, to
produce weight updates. All layers, or more generally, modules, of the network
are therefore locked, in the sense that they must wait for the remainder of the
network to execute forwards and propagate error backwards before they can be
updated. In this work we break this constraint by decoupling modules by
introducing a model of the future computation of the network graph. These
models predict what the result of the modelled subgraph will produce using only
local information. In particular we focus on modelling error gradients: by
using the modelled synthetic gradient in place of true backpropagated error
gradients we decouple subgraphs, and can update them independently and
asynchronously i.e. we realise decoupled neural interfaces. We show results for
feed-forward models, where every layer is trained asynchronously, recurrent
neural networks (RNNs) where predicting one's future gradient extends the time
over which the RNN can effectively model, and also a hierarchical RNN system
with ticking at different timescales. Finally, we demonstrate that in addition
to predicting gradients, the same framework can be used to predict inputs,
resulting in models which are decoupled in both the forward and backwards pass
-- amounting to independent networks which co-learn such that they can be
composed into a single functioning corporation.


title: Some remarks on nodal geometry in the smooth setting

abstract:
  We consider a Laplace eigenfunction $\varphi_\lambda$ on a smooth closed
Riemannian manifold, that is, satisfying $-\Delta \varphi_\lambda = \lambda
\varphi_\lambda$. We introduce several observations about the geometry of its
vanishing (nodal) set and corresponding nodal domains.
  First, we give asymptotic upper and lower bounds on the volume of a tubular
neighbourhood around the nodal set of $\varphi_\lambda$. This extends previous
work of Jakobson and Mangoubi in case $ (M, g) $ is real-analytic. A
significant ingredient in our discussion are some recent techniques due to
Logunov (cf. \cite{L1}).
  Second, we exhibit some remarks related to the asymptotic geometry of nodal
domains. In particular, we observe an analogue of a result of Cheng in higher
dimensions regarding the interior opening angle of a nodal domain at a singular
point. Further, for nodal domains $\Omega_\lambda$ on which $\varphi_\lambda$
satisfies exponentially small $L^\infty$ bounds, we give some quantitative
estimates for radii of inscribed balls.


title: Forbidden Dark Matter at the Weak Scale via the Top Portal

abstract:
  At the tail of its velocity distribution, cold dark matter (DM) can
annihilate at finite temperature to states heavier than itself. We explore the
possibility that DM freezeout is dictated by these "forbidden annihilations" at
the electroweak scale. Demanding that annihilation products be Standard Model
particles, we find that for the forbidden mechanism to primarily set the DM
relic abundance, DM must couple predominantly, if not solely, to top quarks.
This can be arranged by invoking a non-trivial flavor structure such as Minimal
Flavor Violation. We avail two avenues to achieve the correct thermal
cross-section, requiring a mediator exchanged in the $s$- or $t$-channel. These
simplified models submit easily to direct detection and collider searches, and
necessarily hide from indirect detection signals. Viable supersymmetric spectra
involving the forbidden mechanism may be found if combined with
co-annihilation.


title: Diversified Top-k Similarity Search in Large Attributed Networks

abstract:
  Given a large network and a query node, finding its top-k similar nodes is a
primitive operation in many graph-based applications. Recently enhancing search
results with diversification have received much attention. In this paper, we
explore an novel problem of searching for top-k diversified similar nodes in
attributed networks, with the motivation that modeling diversification in an
attributed network should consider both the emergence of network links and the
attribute features of nodes such as user profile information. We formulate this
practical problem as two optimization problems: the Attributed Coverage
Diversification (ACD) problem and the r-Dissimilar Attributed Coverage
Diversification (r-DACD) problem. Based on the submodularity and the
monotonicity of ACD, we propose an efficient greedy algorithm achieving a tight
approximation guarantee of 1-1/e. Unlike the expension based methods only
considering nodes' neighborhood, ACD generalize the definition of
diversification to nodes' own features. To capture diversification in
topological structure of networks, the r-DACD problem introduce a dissimilarity
constraint. We refer to this problem as the Dissimilarity Constrained
Non-monotone Submodular Maximization (DCNSM) problem. We prove that there is no
constant-factor approximation for DCNSM, and also present an efficient greedy
algorithms achieving $1/\rho$ approximation, where $\rho\le\Delta$, $\Delta$ is
the maximum degree of its dissimilarity based graph. To the best of our
knowledge, it is the first approximation algorithm for the Submodular
Maximization problem with a distance constraint. The experimental results on
real-world attributed network datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our
methods, and confirm that adding dissimilarity constraint can significantly
enhance the performance of diversification.


title: Probabilistic Data Analysis with Probabilistic Programming

abstract:
  Probabilistic techniques are central to data analysis, but different
approaches can be difficult to apply, combine, and compare. This paper
introduces composable generative population models (CGPMs), a computational
abstraction that extends directed graphical models and can be used to describe
and compose a broad class of probabilistic data analysis techniques. Examples
include hierarchical Bayesian models, multivariate kernel methods,
discriminative machine learning, clustering algorithms, dimensionality
reduction, and arbitrary probabilistic programs. We also demonstrate the
integration of CGPMs into BayesDB, a probabilistic programming platform that
can express data analysis tasks using a modeling language and a structured
query language. The practical value is illustrated in two ways. First, CGPMs
are used in an analysis that identifies satellite data records which probably
violate Kepler's Third Law, by composing causal probabilistic programs with
non-parametric Bayes in under 50 lines of probabilistic code. Second, for
several representative data analysis tasks, we report on lines of code and
accuracy measurements of various CGPMs, plus comparisons with standard baseline
solutions from Python and MATLAB libraries.


title:
Spitzer IRAC observations of IR excess in Holmberg IX X-1: A
  circumbinary disk or a variable jet?

abstract:
  We present Spitzer Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) photometric observations of
the Ultra-luminous X-ray Source (ULX, X-1) in Holmberg IX. We construct a
spectral energy distribution (SED) for Holmberg IX X-1 based on published
optical, UV and X-ray data combined with the IR data from this analysis. We
modeled the X-ray and optical data with disk and stellar models, however we
find a clear IR excess in the ULX SED that cannot be explained by fits or
extrapolations of any of these models. Instead, further analysis suggests that
the IR excess results either from dust emission, possibly from a circumbinary
disk or from a variable jet.


title: Vector soliton of the Love wave in ZnO/LiNbO_{3} structure

abstract:
  A theory of an acoustic vector soliton of the Love wave is constructed. The
nonlinear Love wave propagating along the interface between of a plane surface
layer and the elastic semi-space under the condition of acoustic self-induced
transparency is investigated. A thin resonance transition layer containing
paramagnetic impurity atoms or semiconductor quantum dots sandwiched between
these two connected media. Explicit analytical expressions for the profile and
parameters of the Love vector soliton are obtained. It is shown that the
properties of the nonlinear Love wave depends on the parameters of the
transition resonance layer, the connected elastic media and the transverse
structure of the Love mode. Numerical investigations of the Love vector soliton
is executed for the parameters of the layered structure ZnO/LiNbO_{3} and
surface acoustic waves which can be reached in current experiments.


title:
A new treatment for some periodic Schr\"odinger operators II: the wave
  function

abstract:
  Following the approach of our previous paper we continue to study the
asymptotic solution of periodic Schr\"{o}dinger operators. Using the
eigenvalues obtained earlier the corresponding asymptotic wave functions are
derived. This gives further evidence in favor of the monodromy relations for
the Floquet exponent proposed in the previous paper. In particular, the large
energy asymptotic wave functions are related to the instanton partition
function of N=2 supersymmetric gauge theory with surface operator. A relevant
number theoretic dessert is appended.


title:
Toric Calabi-Yau threefolds as quantum integrable systems. R-matrix and
  RTT relations

abstract:
  R-matrix is explicitly constructed for simplest representations of the
Ding-Iohara-Miki algebra. The calculation is straightforward and significantly
simpler than the one through the universal R-matrix used for a similar
calculation in the Yangian case by A.~Smirnov but less general. We investigate
the interplay between the R-matrix structure and the structure of DIM algebra
intertwiners, i.e.\ of refined topological vertices and show that the R-matrix
is diagonalized by the action of the spectral duality belonging to the SL(2,Z)
group of DIM algebra automorphisms. We also construct the T-operators
satisfying the RTT relations with the R-matrix from refined amplitudes on
resolved conifold. We thus show that topological string theories on the toric
Calabi-Yau threefolds can be naturally interpreted as lattice integrable
models. Integrals of motion for these systems are related to q-deformation of
the reflection matrices of the Liouville/Toda theories.


title: Bounded Diameter Arboricity

abstract:
  We introduce the notion of \emph{bounded diameter arboricity}. Specifically,
the \emph{diameter-$d$ arboricity} of a graph is the minimum number $k$ such
that the edges of the graph can be partitioned into $k$ forests each of whose
components has diameter at most $d$. A class of graphs has bounded diameter
arboricity $k$ if there exists a natural number $d$ such that every graph in
the class has diameter-$d$ arboricity at most $k$. We conjecture that the class
of graphs with arboricity at most $k$ has bounded diameter arboricity at most
$k+1$. We prove this conjecture for $k\in \{2,3\}$ by proving the stronger
assertion that the union of a forest and a star forest can be partitioned into
two forests of diameter at most 18. We use these results to characterize the
bounded diameter arboricity for planar graphs of girth at least $g$ for all
$g\ne 5$. As an application we show that every 6-edge-connected planar
(multi)graph contains two edge-disjoint $\frac{18}{19}$-thin spanning trees.


title:
Transverse spin observables in hard-scattering hadronic processes within
  collinear factorization

abstract:
  We review what is currently known about the transverse spin structure of
hadrons, in particular from observables that can be analyzed within a collinear
framework. These effects have been around for 40 years and represent a critical
test of perturbative QCD. We look at both proton-proton and lepton-nucleon
collisions for various final states. While the main focus is on transverse
single-spin asymmetries, we also discuss how longitudinal-transverse
double-spin asymmetries offer a complimentary, yet equally important, source of
information on the quark-gluon content of hadrons. We also summarize some
recent progress in solidifying the theoretical formalism behind these
observables and give an outlook on future directions of research.


abstract:
  An algebraic interpretation of the $q$-Meixner polynomials is obtained. It is
based on representations of $\mathcal{U}_q(\mathfrak{su}(1,1))$ on
$q$-oscillator states with the polynomials appearing as matrix elements of
unitary $q$-pseudorotation operators. These operators are built from
$q$-exponentials of the $\mathcal{U}_q(\mathfrak{su}(1,1))$ generators. The
orthogonality, recurrence relation, difference equation, and other properties
of the $q$-Mexiner polynomials are systematically obtained in the proposed
framework.


title:
A variational treatment of material configurations with application to
  interface motion and microstructural evolution

abstract:
  We present a unified variational treatment of evolving configurations in
crystalline solids with microstructure. The crux of our treatment lies in the
introduction of a vector configurational field. This field lies in the
material, or configurational, manifold, in contrast with the traditional
displacement field, which we regard as lying in the spatial manifold. We
identify two distinct cases which describe (a) problems in which the
configurational field's evolution is localized to a mathematically sharp
interface, and (b) those in which the configurational field's evolution can
extend throughout the volume. The first case is suitable for describing
incoherent phase interfaces in polycrystalline solids, and the latter is useful
for describing smooth changes in crystal structure and naturally incorporates
coherent (diffuse) phase interfaces. For sharp interfaces that are
out-of-equilibrium, the second law of thermodynamics furnishes restrictions on
the kinetic law for the interface velocity. The class of problems in which the
material undergoes configurational changes between distinct, stable crystal
structures are characterized by free energy density functions that are
non-convex with respect to configurational strain. For physically meaningful
solutions and mathematical well-posedness, it becomes necessary to incorporate
interfacial energy. This we have done by introducing a configurational strain
gradient dependence in the free energy density function following ideas laid
out by Toupin (Arch. Rat. Mech. Anal. 11, 1962, 385-414). The variational
treatment leads to a system of partial differential equations governing the
configuration that is coupled with the traditional equations of nonlinear
elasticity. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate interface motion as
well as evolving microstructures of crystal structures.


title: Calibrating the Planck Cluster Mass Scale with CLASH

abstract:
  We determine the mass scale of Planck galaxy clusters using gravitational
lensing mass measurements from the Cluster Lensing And Supernova survey with
Hubble (CLASH). We have compared the lensing masses to the Planck
Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) mass proxy for 21 clusters in common, employing a
Bayesian analysis to simultaneously fit an idealized CLASH selection function
and the distribution between the measured observables and true cluster mass. We
used a tiered analysis strategy to explicitly demonstrate the importance of
priors on weak lensing mass accuracy. In the case of an assumed constant bias,
$b_{SZ}$, between true cluster mass, $M_{500}$, and the Planck mass proxy,
$M_{PL}$, our analysis constrains $1- b_{SZ} = 0.73\pm 0.10$ when moderate
priors on weak lensing accuracy are used, including a zero-mean Gaussian with
standard deviation of 8% to account for possible bias in lensing mass
estimations. Our analysis explicitly accounts for possible selection bias
effects in this calibration sourced by the CLASH selection function. Our
constraint on the cluster mass scale is consistent with recent results from the
Weighing the Giants program and the Canadian Cluster Comparison Project. It is
also consistent, at 1.34$\sigma$, with the value needed to reconcile the Planck
SZ cluster counts with Planck's base $\Lambda$CDM model fit to the primary
cosmic microwave background anisotropies.


title: Self-Directed Channel Memristor for High Temperature Operation

abstract:
  Ion-conducting memristors comprised of the layered chalcogenide materials
Ge2Se3/SnSe/Ag are described. The memristor, termed a self-directed channel
(SDC) device, can be classified as a generic memristor and can tolerate
continuous high temperature operation (at least 150 {\deg}C). Unlike other
chalcogenide-based ion conducting device types, the SDC does not require
complicated fabrication steps, such as photodoping or thermal annealing, making
these devices faster and more reliable to fabricate. Device pulsed response
shows fast state switching in the 10E-9 s range. Device cycling at both room
temperature and 140 {\deg}C show cycling lifetimes of at least 1 billion.


title:
Binary Constraint Satisfaction Problems Defined by Excluded Topological
  Minors

abstract:
  The binary Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP) is to decide whether there
exists an assignment to a set of variables which satisfies specified
constraints between pairs of variables. A binary CSP instance can be presented
as a labelled graph encoding both the forms of the constraints and where they
are imposed. We consider subproblems defined by restricting the allowed form of
this graph. One type of restriction that has previously been considered is to
forbid certain specified substructures (patterns). This captures some tractable
classes of the CSP, but does not capture classes defined by language
restrictions, or the well-known structural property of acyclicity.
  In this paper we extend the notion of pattern and introduce the notion of a
topological minor of a binary CSP instance. By forbidding a finite set of
patterns from occurring as topological minors we obtain a compact mechanism for
expressing novel tractable subproblems of the binary CSP, including new
generalisations of the class of acyclic instances. Forbidding a finite set of
patterns as topological minors also captures all other tractable structural
restrictions of the binary CSP. Moreover, we show that several patterns give
rise to tractable subproblems if forbidden as topological minors but not if
forbidden as sub-patterns. Finally, we introduce the idea of augmented patterns
that allows for the identification of more tractable classes, including all
language restrictions of the binary CSP.


title: Generalized refracted L\'evy process and its application to exit problem

abstract:
  Generalizing Kyprianou--Loeffen's refracted L\'evy processes, we define a new
refracted L\'evy process which is a Markov process whose positive and negative
motions are L\'evy processes different from each other. To construct it we
utilize the excursion theory. We study its exit problem and the potential
measures of the killed processes. We also discuss approximation problem.


title:
Simultaneous model selection and parameter estimation: A superconducting
  qubit coupled to a bath of incoherent two-level systems

abstract:
  In characterization of quantum systems, adapting measurement settings based
on data while it is collected can generally outperform in efficiency
conventional measurements that are carried out independently of data. The
existing methods for choosing measurement settings adaptively assume that the
model, or the number of unknown parameters, is known. We introduce simultaneous
adaptive model selection and parameter estimation. We apply our technique for
characterization of a superconducting qubit and a bath of incoherent two-level
systems, a leading decoherence mechanism in the state-of-the-art
superconducting qubits.


title:
A regularity criterion for solutions of the three-dimensional
  Cahn-Hilliard-Navier-Stokes equations and associated computations

abstract:
  We consider the 3D Cahn-Hilliard equations coupled to, and driven by, the
forced, incompressible 3D Navier-Stokes equations. The combination, known as
the Cahn-Hilliard-Navier-Stokes (CHNS) equations, is used in statistical
mechanics to model the motion of a binary fluid. The potential development of
singularities (blow-up) in the contours of the order parameter $\phi$ is an
open problem. To address this we have proved a theorem that closely mimics the
Beale-Kato-Majda theorem for the $3D$ incompressible Euler equations [Beale et
al. Commun. Math. Phys., Commun. Math. Phys., ${\rm 94}$, $ 61-66 ({\rm
1984})$]. By taking an $L^{\infty}$ norm of the energy of the full binary
system, designated as $E_{\infty}$, we have shown that
$\int_{0}^{t}E_{\infty}(\tau)\,d\tau$ governs the regularity of solutions of
the full 3D system. Our direct numerical simulations (DNSs), of the 3D CHNS
equations, for (a) a gravity-driven Rayleigh Taylor instability and (b) a
constant-energy-injection forcing, with $128^3$ to $512^3$ collocation points
and over the duration of our DNSs, confirm that $E_{\infty}$ remains bounded as
far as our computations allow.


title: On explicit solutions to Ito diffusions

abstract:
  Strong solutions of p-dimensional stochastic differential equations that can
be represented locally in explicit simulation form are considered. The
following three-way equivalence is established: 1) There exists such a
representation from all starting points, 2) the representation pair satisfies a
set differential equations, and 3) the stochastic differential equation
coefficients satisfy commutation relations. Next, construction theorems, based
on a diffeomorphism between the original equation solutions and the strong
solutions to a simpler Ito integral equation, with a possible deterministic
component, are given. Finally, motivating examples are provided and reference
to its importance in filtering and option pricing is given.


title:
(2,2) and (0,4) Supersymmetric Boundary Conditions in 3d N = 4 Theories
  and Type IIB Branes

abstract:
  The half-BPS boundary conditions preserving $\mathcal{N}=(2,2)$ and
$\mathcal{N}=(0,4)$ supersymmetry in 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ supersymmetric gauge
theories are examined. The BPS equations admit decomposition of the bulk
supermultiplets into specific boundary supermultiplets of preserved
supersymmetry. Nahm-like equations arise in the vector multiplet BPS boundary
condition preserving $\mathcal{N}=(0,4)$ supersymmetry and Robin-type boundary
conditions appear for the hypermultiplet coupled to vector multiplet when
$\mathcal{N}=(2,2)$ supersymmetry is preserved. The half-BPS boundary
conditions are realized in the brane configurations of Type IIB string theory.


title: Pulsatile lipid vesicles under osmotic stress

abstract:
  The response of lipid bilayers to osmotic stress is an important part of
cellular function. Previously, in [Oglecka et al. 2014], we reported that
cell-sized giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) exposed to hypotonic media,
respond to the osmotic assault by undergoing a cyclical sequence of swelling
and bursting events, coupled to the membrane's compositional degrees of
freedom. Here, we seek to deepen our quantitative understanding of the
essential pulsatile behavior of GUVs under hypotonic conditions, by advancing a
comprehensive theoretical model for vesicle dynamics. The model quantitatively
captures our experimentally measured swell-burst parameters for
single-component GUVs, and reveals that thermal fluctuations enable rate
dependent pore nucleation, driving the dynamics of the swell-burst cycles. We
further identify new scaling relationships between the pulsatile dynamics and
GUV properties. Our findings provide a fundamental framework that has the
potential to guide future investigations on the non-equilibrium dynamics of
vesicles under osmotic stress.


title: On the bilinear covariants associated to mass dimension one spinors

abstract:
  In this paper we approach the issue of Clifford algebra basis deformation,
allowing for bilinear covariants associated to Elko spinors which satisfy the
Fierz-Pauli-Kofink identities. We present a complete analysis of covariance,
taking into account the involved dual structure associated to Elko. Moreover,
the possible generalizations to the recently presented new dual structure are
performed.


title:
Quantum Backreaction on Three-Dimensional Black Holes and Naked
  Singularities

abstract:
  We analytically investigate backreaction by a quantum scalar field on two
rotating Ba\~nados-Teitelboim-Zanelli (BTZ) geometries: that of a black hole
and that of a naked singularity. In the former case, we explore the quantum
effects on various regions of relevance for a rotating black hole space-time.
We find that the quantum effects lead to a growth of both the event horizon and
the radius of the ergosphere, and to a reduction of the angular velocity,
compared to the unperturbed values. Furthermore, they give rise to the
formation of a curvature singularity at the Cauchy horizon and show no evidence
of the appearance of a superradiant instability. In the case of a naked
singularity, we find that quantum effects lead to the formation of a horizon
that shields it, thus supporting evidence for the r\^ole of quantum mechanics
as a cosmic censor in nature.


title: Fruitful symbioses between termites and computers

abstract:
  The living-together of distinct organisms in a single termite nest along with
the termite builder colony, is emblematic in its ecological and evolutionary
significance. On top of preserving biodiversity, these interspecific and
intraspecific symbioses provide useful examples of interindividual associations
thought to underly transitions in organic evolution. Being interindividual in
nature, such processes may involve emergent phenomena and hence call for
analytical solutions provided by computing tools and modelling, as opposed to
classical biological methods of analysis. Here we provide selected examples of
such solutions, showing that termite studies may profit from a symbiotic-like
link with computing science to open up wide and new research avenues in ecology
and evolution.


title: Scaling Bounded Model Checking By Transforming Programs With Arrays

abstract:
  Bounded Model Checking is one the most successful techniques for finding bugs
in program. However, for programs with loops iterating over large-sized arrays,
bounded model checkers often exceed the limit of resources available to them.
We present a transformation that enables bounded model checkers to verify a
certain class of array properties. Our technique transforms an
array-manipulating program in ANSI-C to an array-free and loop-free program.
The transformed program can efficiently be verified by an off-the-shelf bounded
model checker. Though the transformed program is, in general, an abstraction of
the original program, we formally characterize the properties for which the
transformation is precise. We demonstrate the applicability and usefulness of
our technique on both industry code as well as academic benchmarks.


title: Anisotropies in the HI gas distribution toward 3C196

abstract:
  The local Galactic HI gas was found to contain cold neutral medium (CNM)
filaments that are aligned with polarized dust emission. These filaments appear
to be dominated by the magnetic field and in this case turbulence is expected
to show distinct anisotropies. We use the Galactic Effelsberg--Bonn HI Survey
(EBHIS) to derive 2D turbulence spectra for the HI distribution in direction to
3C196 and two more comparison fields. Prior to Fourier transform we apply a
rotational symmetric 50% Tukey window to apodize the data. We derive average as
well as position angle dependent power spectra. Anisotropies in the power
distribution are defined as the ratio of the spectral power in orthogonal
directions. We find strong anisotropies. For a narrow range in position angle,
in direction perpendicular to the filaments and the magnetic field, the
spectral power is on average more than an order of magnitude larger than
parallel. In the most extreme case the anisotropy reaches locally a factor of
130. Anisotropies increase on average with spatial frequency as predicted by
Goldreich and Sridhar, at the same time the Kolmogorov spectral index remains
almost unchanged. The strongest anisotropies are observable for a narrow range
in velocity and decay with a power law index close to --8/3, almost identical
to the average isotropic spectral index of $-2.9 < \gamma < -2.6$. HI
filaments, associated with linear polarization structures in LOFAR observations
in direction to 3C196, show turbulence spectra with marked anisotropies.
Decaying anisotropies appear to indicate that we witness an ongoing shock
passing the HI and affecting the observed Faraday depth.


title: The Super-GUT CMSSM Revisited

abstract:
  We revisit minimal supersymmetric SU(5) grand unification (GUT) models in
which the soft supersymmetry-breaking parameters of the minimal supersymmetric
Standard Model (MSSM) are universal at some input scale, $M_{in}$, above the
supersymmetric gauge coupling unification scale, $M_{GUT}$. As in the
constrained MSSM (CMSSM), we assume that the scalar masses and gaugino masses
have common values, $m_0$ and $m_{1/2}$ respectively, at $M_{in}$, as do the
trilinear soft supersymmetry-breaking parameters $A_0$. Going beyond previous
studies of such a super-GUT CMSSM scenario, we explore the constraints imposed
by the lower limit on the proton lifetime and the LHC measurement of the Higgs
mass, $m_h$. We find regions of $m_0$, $m_{1/2}$, $A_0$ and the parameters of
the SU(5) superpotential that are compatible with these and other
phenomenological constraints such as the density of cold dark matter, which we
assume to be provided by the lightest neutralino. Typically, these allowed
regions appear for $m_0$ and $m_{1/2}$ in the multi-TeV region, for suitable
values of the unknown SU(5) GUT-scale phases and superpotential couplings, and
with the ratio of supersymmetric Higgs vacuum expectation values $\tan \beta
\lesssim 6$.


title:
Surjectivity of Galois Representations in Rational Families of Abelian
  Varieties

abstract:
  In this article, we show that for any non-isotrivial family of abelian
varieties over a rational base with big monodromy, those members that have
adelic Galois representation with image as large as possible form a density-$1$
subset. Our results can be applied to a number of interesting families of
abelian varieties, such as rational families dominating the moduli of Jacobians
of hyperelliptic curves, trigonal curves, or plane curves. As a consequence, we
prove that for any dimension $g \geq 3$, there are infinitely many abelian
varieties over $\mathbb Q$ with adelic Galois representation having image equal
to all of $\operatorname{GSp}_{2g}(\widehat{\mathbb Z})$.


title: Slicing and dicing polytopes

abstract:
  Using tropical convexity Dochtermann, Fink, and Sanyal proved that regular
fine mixed subdivisions of Minkowski sums of simplices support minimal cellular
resolutions. They asked if the regularity condition can be removed. We give an
affirmative answer by a different method. A new easily checked sufficient
condition for a subdivided polytope to support a cellular resolution is proved.
The main tool used is discrete Morse theory.


title: Zonal-flow dynamics from a phase-space perspective

abstract:
  The wave kinetic equation (WKE) describing drift-wave (DW) turbulence is
widely used in studies of zonal flows (ZFs) emerging from DW turbulence.
However, this formulation neglects the exchange of enstrophy between DWs and
ZFs and also ignores effects beyond the geometrical-optics limit. We derive a
modified theory that takes both of these effects into account, while still
treating DW quanta ("driftons") as particles in phase space. The drifton
dynamics is described by an equation of the Wigner-Moyal type, which is
commonly known in the phase-space formulation of quantum mechanics. In the
geometrical-optics limit, this formulation features additional terms missing in
the traditional WKE that ensure exact conservation of the total enstrophy of
the system, in addition to the total energy, which is the only conserved
invariant in previous theories based on the WKE. Numerical simulations are
presented to illustrate the importance of these additional terms. The proposed
formulation can be considered as a phase-space representation of the
second-order cumulant expansion, or CE2.


title: DNN-based Speech Synthesis for Indian Languages from ASCII text

abstract:
  Text-to-Speech synthesis in Indian languages has a seen lot of progress over
the decade partly due to the annual Blizzard challenges. These systems assume
the text to be written in Devanagari or Dravidian scripts which are nearly
phonemic orthography scripts. However, the most common form of computer
interaction among Indians is ASCII written transliterated text. Such text is
generally noisy with many variations in spelling for the same word. In this
paper we evaluate three approaches to synthesize speech from such noisy ASCII
text: a naive Uni-Grapheme approach, a Multi-Grapheme approach, and a
supervised Grapheme-to-Phoneme (G2P) approach. These methods first convert the
ASCII text to a phonetic script, and then learn a Deep Neural Network to
synthesize speech from that. We train and test our models on Blizzard Challenge
datasets that were transliterated to ASCII using crowdsourcing. Our experiments
on Hindi, Tamil and Telugu demonstrate that our models generate speech of
competetive quality from ASCII text compared to the speech synthesized from the
native scripts. All the accompanying transliterated datasets are released for
public access.


title: Carrier Lifetimes in a III-V-N Intermediate Band Semiconductor

abstract:
  We have used transient absorption spectroscopy to measure carrier lifetimes
in the multiband band semiconductor GaPAsN. These measurements probe the
electron populations in the conduction band, intermediate band and valance band
as a function of time after an excitation pulse. Following photoexcitation of
GaP0.32As0.67N0.01 we find that the electron population in the conduction band
decays exponentially with a time constant 23ps. The electron population in the
intermediate band exhibits bimolecular recombination with recombination
constant r = 2 10^-8 cm-3/s. In our experiment an optical pump pulse excited
electrons from the valance band to the intermediate and conduction bands, and
the change in interband absorption due to absorption saturation and induced
absorption was probed with a delayed white light pulse. We modeled the optical
properties of our samples using the band anti-crossing model to extract carrier
densities as a function of time. These results indicate that the minority
carrier lifetimes are too short for efficient solar power conversion and that
improvements in material quality will be required for practical applications of
GaPAsN based intermediate band solar cells.


title:
Algorithms to solve coupled systems of differential equations in terms
  of power series

abstract:
  Using integration by parts relations, Feynman integrals can be represented in
terms of coupled systems of differential equations. In the following we suppose
that the unknown Feynman integrals can be given in power series
representations, and that sufficiently many initial values of the integrals are
given. Then there exist algorithms that decide constructively if the
coefficients of their power series representations can be given within the
class of nested sums over hypergeometric products. In this article we will work
out the calculation steps that solve this problem. First, we will present a
successful tactic that has been applied recently to challenging problems coming
from massive 3-loop Feynman integrals. Here our main tool is to solve scalar
linear recurrences within the class of nested sums over hypergeometric
products. Second, we will present a new variation of this tactic which relies
on more involved summation technologies but succeeds in reducing the problem to
solve scalar recurrences with lower recurrence orders. The article will work
out the different challenges of this new tactic and demonstrates how they can
be treated efficiently with our existing summation technologies.


title:
Classical branch structure from spatial redundancy in a many-body
  wavefunction

abstract:
  When the wavefunction of a large quantum system unitarily evolves away from a
low-entropy initial state, there is strong circumstantial evidence it develops
"branches": a decomposition into orthogonal components that is
indistinguishable from the corresponding incoherent mixture with feasible
observations. Is this decomposition unique? Must the number of branches
increase with time? These questions are hard to answer because there is no
formal definition of branches, and most intuition is based on toy models with
arbitrarily preferred degrees of freedom. Here, assuming only the tensor
structure associated with spatial locality, I show that branch decompositions
are highly constrained just by the requirement that they exhibit redundant
local records. The set of all redundantly recorded observables induces a
preferred decomposition into simultaneous eigenstates unless their records are
highly extended and delicately overlapping, as exemplified by the Shor
error-correcting code. A maximum length scale for records is enough to
guarantee uniqueness. Speculatively, objective branch decompositions may speed
up numerical simulations of nonstationary many-body states, illuminate the
thermalization of closed systems, and demote measurement from fundamental
primitive in the quantum formalism.


title: A Semi-Analytic Approach To Valuing Auto-Callable Accrual Notes

abstract:
  We develop a semi-analytic approach to the valuation of auto-callable
structures with accrual features subject to barrier conditions. Our approach is
based on recent studies of multi-assed binaries, present in the literature. We
extend these studies to the case of time-dependent parameters. We compare
numerically the semi-analytic approach and the day to day Monte Carlo approach
and conclude that the semi-analytic approach is more advantageous for high
precision valuation.


title:
Analysing parameter space correlations of recent 13 TeV gluino and
  squark searches in the pMSSM

abstract:
  This paper examines unexplored correlations in the parameter spaces probed by
recent ATLAS analyses for gluinos and squarks, addressing various shortcomings
in the literature. Six 13 TeV ATLAS analyses based on 3.2 fb$^{-1}$ of
integrated luminosity are interpreted in the 19-parameter R-parity conserving
phenomenological minimal supersymmetric extension to the Standard Model
(pMSSM). The distinct regions covered by each search are independent of prior,
and we reveal particularly striking complementarity between the 2-6 jets and
Multi-b searches. In the leptonic searches, we identify better sensitivity to
models than those used for analysis optimisation, notably a squark-slepton-wino
scenario for the SS/3L search. Further, we show how collider searches for
coloured states probe the structure of the pMSSM dark sector more extensively
than the Monojet analysis alone, with sensitivity to parameter spaces that are
challenging for direct detection experiments.


title: Exploring Trust-Aware Neighbourhood in Trust-based Recommendation

abstract:
  Traditional Recommender Systems (RS) do not consider any personal user
information beyond rating history. Such information, on the other hand, is
widely available on social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter). As a result,
social networks have recently been used in recommendation systems. In this
paper, we propose an efficient method for incorporating social signals into the
recommendation process by building a trust network which supplements the users'
rating profiles. We first show the effect of different cold-start users types
on the Collaborative Filtering (CF) technique in several real-world datasets.
Later, we propose a "Trust-Aware Neighbourhood" algorithm which addresses a
performance issue of the former by limiting the trusted neighbourhood. We show
the doubling of the rating coverage compared to the traditional CF technique,
and a significant improvement in the accuracy for some datasets. Focusing
specifically on cold-start users, we propose a "Hybrid Trust-Aware
Neighbourhood" algorithm which expands the neighbourhood by considering both
trust and rating history of the users. We show a near complete coverage with a
rich trust network dataset-- Flixster. We conclude by discussing the potential
implementation of this algorithm in a budget-constrained cloud environment.


title:
Low-energy (0.7-74 keV) nuclear recoil calibration of the LUX dark
  matter experiment using D-D neutron scattering kinematics

abstract:
  The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment is a dual-phase liquid xenon
time projection chamber (TPC) operating at the Sanford Underground Research
Facility in Lead, South Dakota. A calibration of nuclear recoils in liquid
xenon was performed $\textit{in situ}$ in the LUX detector using a collimated
beam of mono-energetic 2.45 MeV neutrons produced by a deuterium-deuterium
(D-D) fusion source. The nuclear recoil energy from the first neutron scatter
in the TPC was reconstructed using the measured scattering angle defined by
double-scatter neutron events within the active xenon volume. We measured the
absolute charge ($Q_{y}$) and light ($L_{y}$) yields at an average electric
field of 180 V/cm for nuclear recoil energies spanning 0.7 to 74 keV and 1.1 to
74 keV, respectively. This calibration of the nuclear recoil signal yields will
permit the further refinement of liquid xenon nuclear recoil signal models and,
importantly for dark matter searches, clearly demonstrates measured ionization
and scintillation signals in this medium at recoil energies down to
$\mathcal{O}$(1 keV).


title: A birational Nevanlinna constant and its consequences

abstract:
  The purpose of this paper is to modify the notion of the Nevanlinna constant
$\operatorname{Nev}(D)$, recently introduced by the first author, for an
effective Cartier divisor on a projective variety $X$. The modified notion is
called the birational Nevanlinna constant and is denoted by
$\operatorname{Nev}_{\text{bir}}(D)$. By computing
$\operatorname{Nev}_{\text{bir}}(D)$ using the filtration constructed by
Autissier in 2011, we establish a general result (see the General Theorem in
the Introduction), in both the arithmetic and complex cases, which extends to
general divisors the 2008 results of Evertse and Ferretti and the 2009 results
of the first author. The notion $\operatorname{Nev}_{\text{bir}}(D)$ is
originally defined in terms of Weil functions for use in applications, and it
is proved later in this paper that it can be defined in terms of local
effectivity of Cartier divisors after taking a proper birational lifting. In
the last two sections, we use the notion $\operatorname{Nev}_{\text{bir}}(D)$
to recover the proof of an example of Faltings from his 2002 Baker's Garden
article.


title: Mott dissociation of pions and kaons in hot, dense quark matter

abstract:
  We describe the Mott dissociation of pions and kaons within a Beth-Uhlenbeck
approach based on the PNJL model, which allows for a unified description of
bound, resonant and scattering states. Within this model we evaluate the
temperature and chemical potential dependent modification of the phase shifts
both in the pseudoscalar and scalar isovector meson channels for $N_f=2+1$
quark flavors. We show that the character change of the pseudoscalar bound
states to resonances in the continuum at the Mott transition temperature is
signaled by a jump of the phase shift at the threshold from $\pi$ to zero, in
accordance with the Levinson theorem. In particular, we demonstrate the
importance of accounting for the scattering continuum states, which ensures
that the total phase shift in each of the meson channels vanishes at high
energies, thus eliminating mesonic correlations from the thermodynamics at high
temperatures. In this way, we prove that the present approach provides a
unified description of the transition from a meson gas to a quark-gluon plasma.
We discuss the occurrence of an anomalous mode for mesons composed of quarks
with unequal masses which is particularly pronounced for $K^+$ and $\kappa^+$
states at finite densities a a possible mechanism to explain the "horn" effect
for the $K^+/\pi^+$ ratio in heavy-ion collisions.


title:
Millimeter Wave Wireless Communications: New Results for Rural
  Connectivity

abstract:
  This paper shows the remarkable distances that can be achieved using
millimeter wave communications, and presents a new rural macrocell (RMa) path
loss model for millimeter wave frequencies, based on measurements at 73 GHz in
rural Virginia. Path loss models are needed to estimate signal coverage and
interference for wireless network design, yet little is known about rural
propagation at millimeter waves. This work identifies problems with the RMa
model used by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) TR 38.900 Release
14, and offers a close-in (CI) reference distance model that has improved
accuracy, fewer parameters, and better stability as compared with the existing
3GPP RMa path loss model. The measurements and models presented here are the
first to validate rural millimeter wave path loss models.


title:
Regularization of radial solutions of $p$-Laplace equations, and
  computations using infinite series

abstract:
  We consider radial solutions of equations with the $p$-Laplace operator in
$R^n$. We introduce a change of variables, which in effect removes the
singularity at $r=0$. While solutions are not of class $C^2$, in general, we
show that solutions are $C^2$ functions of $\displaystyle
r^{\frac{p}{2(p-1)}}$. Then we express the solution as an infinite series in
powers of $\displaystyle r^{\frac{p}{p-1}}$, and give explicit formulas for its
coefficients. We implement this algorithm, using Mathematica software.
Mathematica's ability to perform the exact computations turns out to be
crucial.


title:
Short Wave upwelling Radiative Flux (SWupRF) within NIR range for the
  selected greenhouse wavelength bands of O2, H2O, CO2 and CH4 by Argus 1000
  along with GENSPECT line by line radiative transfer model

abstract:
  This new study develops an algorithm for Short Wave upwelling Radiative Flux
(SWupRF) for the spectral variations within near infrared (NIR) from 1100 to
1700 nm wavelength band based on remote sensing data set of Argus 1000
micro-spectrometer observations. We calculate the SWupRF by investigating the
total radiative flux due to O2, H2O, CO2 and CH4 and also by the individual gas
within the selected wavelength bands of interest. A GENSPECT synthetic line by
line radiative transfer model is applied to perform radiative transfer
simulations to calculate the radiative flux by varying surface albedo, mixing
ratios of the selected greenhouse gases, surface temperature, solar sun and
zenith angles with different latitude and longitude of the instrument. Finally,
the SWupRFsyn estimated from GENSPECT was compared with SWupRFobs from Argus
1000 over a period of four years (2009 and 2013) covering all seasons. We
calculate and compare both the synthetic and real measured observed data set.
The synthetic model gives SWupRFsyn within the range of [0.3950 to 1.650] W/m2
and the selected Argus observed model gives SWupRFobs within the range of [0.10
to 3.15] W/m2. The simulated range of synthetic model also represents 1 to 32 K
rise of temperature within the different concentration of water vapor and other
gases. The authors determined that the satellite observed data of week 75 pass
43 & week 08 pass 61 showing minimum 0.850 [0.10 to 1.60] W/m2 and maximum 1.65
[0.12 to 3.15] W/m2 respectively.


title:
Strain-induced topological phase transition in phosphorene and
  phosphorene nanoribbons

abstract:
  Using the tight-binding (TB) approximation with inclusion of the spin-orbit
interaction, we predict a topological phase transition in the electronic band
structure of phosphorene in the presence of axial strains. We derive a
low-energy TB Hamiltonian that includes the spin-orbit interaction for bulk
phosphorene. Applying a compressive biaxial in-plane strain and perpendicular
tensile strain in ranges where the structure is still stable leads to a
topological phase transition. We also examine the influence of strain on zigzag
phosphorene nanoribbons (zPNRs) and the formation of the corresponding
protected edge states when the system is in the topological phase. For zPNRs up
to a width of 100 nm the energy gap is at least three orders of magnitude
larger than the thermal energy at room temperature.


title: Graphene infrared light emitting diode (GILED)

abstract:
  The present Letter proposes a device based on graphene for infrared light
emission. It is based on a n- and p-doped monolayer graphene (MGs), with Fermi
energies $E_F$ and -$E_F$, respectively, sandwiching a bilayer graphene (BG)
with bandgap $\Lambda=2|eV_g-\Delta|\geq 2E_F$, where $V_g$ is the gate voltage
across the BG and $\Delta$ the sub-lattice energy difference into each layer of
the BG. This device works as simple as tuning the gate voltage to decrease the
BG bandgap down to $2E_F$; and, once this condition is fulfilled, a current
flows from the n-doped MG to the p-doped MG. However, when electrons achieve
the other side of the device, i.e., into the p-doped MG, their energies ($E_F$)
are much bigger than the holes energies ($-E_F$), and thus these electrons
decay emitting infrared photons.


title: Rapidity Correlation Structures from Causal Hydrodynamics

abstract:
  Viscous diffusion can broaden the rapidity dependence of two-particle
transverse momentum fluctuations. Surprisingly, measurements at RHIC by the
STAR collaboration demonstrate that this broadening is accompanied by the
appearance of unanticipated structure in the rapidity distribution of these
fluctuations in the most central collisions. Although a first order classical
Navier-Stokes theory can roughly explain the rapidity broadening, it cannot
explain the additional structure. We propose that the rapidity structure can be
explained using the second order causal Israel-Stewart hydrodynamics with
stochastic noise.


title:
Constant Factor Approximate Solutions for Expanding Search on General
  Networks

abstract:
  We study the classical problem introduced by R. Isaacs and S. Gal of
minimizing the time to find a hidden point $H$ on a network $Q$ moving from a
known starting point. Rather than adopting the traditional continuous unit
speed path paradigm, we use the ``expanding search'' paradigm recently
introduced by the authors. Here the regions $S\left( t\right) $ that have been
searched by time $t$ are increasing from the starting point and have total
length $t$. Roughly speaking the search follows a sequence of arcs $a_{i}$ such
that each one starts at some point of an earlier one. This type of search is
often carried out by real life search teams in the hunt for missing persons,
escaped convicts, terrorists or lost airplanes. The paper which introduced this
type of search solved the adversarial problem (where $H$ is hidden to take a
long time to find) for the cases where $Q$ is a tree or is 2-arc-connected.
This paper solves the game on some additional families of networks. However the
main contribution is to give strategy classes which can be used on any network
and have expected search times which are within a factor close to 1 of the
value of the game (minimax search time). We identify cases where our strategies
are in fact optimal.


title:
Liouville quantum gravity and the Brownian map III: the conformal
  structure is determined

abstract:
  Previous works in this series have shown that an instance of a
$\sqrt{8/3}$-Liouville quantum gravity (LQG) sphere has a well-defined distance
function, and that the resulting metric measure space (mm-space) agrees in law
with the Brownian map (TBM). In this work, we show that given just the mm-space
structure, one can a.s. recover the LQG sphere. This implies that there is a
canonical way to parameterize an instance of TBM by the Euclidean sphere (up to
M\"obius transformation). In other words, an instance of TBM has a canonical
conformal structure.
  The conclusion is that TBM and the $\sqrt{8/3}$-LQG sphere are equivalent.
They ultimately encode the same structure (a topological sphere with a measure,
a metric, and a conformal structure) and have the same law. From this point of
view, the fact that the conformal structure a.s. determines the metric and
vice-versa can be understood as a property of this unified law. The results of
this work also imply that the analogous facts hold for Brownian and
$\sqrt{8/3}$-LQG surfaces with other topologies.


title: High-order tail in Kerr spacetime

abstract:
  We investigate the late-time tail of the retarded Green function for the
dynamics of a linear field perturbation of Kerr spacetime. We develop an
analytical formalism for obtaining the late-time tail up to arbitrary order for
general integer spin of the field. We then apply this formalism to obtain the
details of the first five orders in the late-time tail of the Green function
for the case of a scalar field: to leading order we recover the known power law
tail $t^{-2\ell-3}$, and at third order we obtain a logarithmic correction,
$t^{-2\ell-5}\ln t$, where $\ell$ is the field multipole.


title:
Field Theories for Gauged Symmetry Protected Topological Phases: Abelian
  Gauge Theories with non-Abelian Quasiparticles

abstract:
  Dijkgraaf-Witten (DW) theories are of recent interest to the condensed matter
community, in part because they represent topological phases of matter, but
also because they characterize the response theory of certain symmetry
protected topological (SPT) phases. However, as yet there has not been a
comprehensive treatment of the spectra of these models in the field theoretic
setting -- the goal of this work is to fill the gap in the literature, at least
for a selection of DW models with abelian gauge groups but non-abelian
topological order. As applications, various correlation functions and fusion
rules of line operators are calculated. We discuss for example the appearance
of non-abelian statistics in DW theories with abelian gauge groups.


title:
Evolution of area-decreasing maps between two-dimensional Euclidean
  spaces

abstract:
  We consider the mean curvature flow of the graph of a smooth map
$f:\mathbb{R}^2\to\mathbb{R}^2$ between two-dimensional Euclidean spaces. If
$f$ satisfies an area-decreasing property, the solution exists for all times
and the evolving submanifold stays the graph of an area-decreasing map $f_t$.
Further, we prove uniform decay estimates for the mean curvature vector of the
graph and all higher-order derivatives of the corresponding map $f_t$.


title: A Real QZ Algorithm for Structured Companion Pencils

abstract:
  We design a fast implicit real QZ algorithm for eigenvalue computation of
structured companion pencils arising from linearizations of polynomial
rootfinding problems. The modified QZ algorithm computes the generalized
eigenvalues of an $N\times N$ structured matrix pencil using $O(N)$ flops per
iteration and $O(N)$ memory storage. Numerical experiments and comparisons
confirm the effectiveness and the stability of the proposed method.


title: Fireballs from Superconducting Cosmic Strings

abstract:
  Thermalized fireballs should be created by cusp events on superconducting
cosmic strings. This simple notion allows to reliably estimate particle
emission from the cusps in a given background magnetic field. With plausible
assumptions about intergalactic magnetic fields, the cusp events can produce
observable fluxes of high-energy photons and neutrinos with unique signatures.


title: Rate calculation with correlated noise

abstract:
  The usual identification of reactive trajectories for the calculation of
reaction rates requires very time-consuming simulations, particularly if the
environment presents memory effects. In this paper, we develop a new method
that permits the identification of reactive trajectories in a system under the
action of a stochastic colored driving. This method is based on the
perturbative computation of the invariant structures that act as separatrices
for reactivity. Furthermore, using this perturbative scheme, we have obtained a
formally exact expression for the reaction rate in multidimensional systems
coupled to colored noisy environments.


title:
Equilibrium dynamical correlations in the Toda chain and other
  integrable models

abstract:
  We investigate the form of equilibrium spatio-temporal correlation functions
of conserved quantities, and of energy transport in the Toda lattice and in
other integrable models. From numerical simulations we find that the
correlations satisfy ballistic scaling with a remarkable collapse of data from
different times. We examine special limiting choices of parameter values, for
which the Toda lattice tends to either the harmonic chain or the equal mass
hard-particle gas. In both these limiting cases, one can obtain the
correlations exactly and we find excellent agreement with the direct Toda
simulation results. We also discuss a transformation to "normal mode"
variables, as commonly done in hydrodynamic theory of non-integrable systems,
and find that this is useful, to some extent, even for the integrable system.


title:
Hierarchical equations of motion approach to transport through an
  Anderson impurity coupled to interacting Luttinger liquid leads

abstract:
  We generalize the hierarchical equations of motion method to study electron
transport through a quantum dot or molecule coupled to one-dimensional
interacting leads that can be described as Luttinger liquids. Such leads can be
realized, for example, by quantum wires or fractional quantum Hall edge states.
In comparison to noninteracting metallic leads, Luttinger liquid leads involve
many-body correlations and the single-particle tunneling density of states
shows a power-law singularity at the chemical potential. Using the generalized
hierarchical equations of motion method, we assess the importance of the
singularity and the next-to-leading order many-body correlations. To this end,
we compare numerically converged results with second and first-order results of
the hybridization expansion that is inherent to our method. As a test case, we
study transport through a single-level quantum dot or molecule that can be
described by an Anderson impurity model. Cotunneling effects turn out to be
most pronounced for attractive interactions in the leads or repulsive ones if
an excitonic coupling between the dot and the leads is realized. We also find
that an interaction-induced negative differential conductance near the Coulomb
blockade thresholds is slightly suppressed as compared to a first-order and/or
rate equation result. Moreover, we find that the two-particle ($n$-particle)
correlations enter as a second-order ($n$-order) effect and are, thus, not very
pronounced at the high temperatures and parameters that we consider.


title: Multigrid waveform relaxation for the time-fractional heat equation

abstract:
  In this work, we propose an efficient and robust multigrid method for solving
the time-fractional heat equation. Due to the nonlocal property of fractional
differential operators, numerical methods usually generate systems of equations
for which the coefficient matrix is dense. Therefore, the design of efficient
solvers for the numerical simulation of these problems is a difficult task. We
develop a parallel-in-time multigrid algorithm based on the waveform relaxation
approach, whose application to time-fractional problems seems very natural due
to the fact that the fractional derivative at each spatial point depends on the
values of the function at this point at all earlier times. Exploiting the
Toeplitz-like structure of the coefficient matrix, the proposed multigrid
waveform relaxation method has a computational cost of $O(N M \log(M))$
operations, where $M$ is the number of time steps and $N$ is the number of
spatial grid points. A semi-algebraic mode analysis is also developed to
theoretically confirm the good results obtained. Several numerical experiments,
including examples with non-smooth solutions and a nonlinear problem with
applications in porous media, are presented.


title: Distributed Optimization of Convex Sum of Non-Convex Functions

abstract:
  We present a distributed solution to optimizing a convex function composed of
several non-convex functions. Each non-convex function is privately stored with
an agent while the agents communicate with neighbors to form a network. We show
that coupled consensus and projected gradient descent algorithm proposed in [1]
can optimize convex sum of non-convex functions under an additional assumption
on gradient Lipschitzness. We further discuss the applications of this analysis
in improving privacy in distributed optimization.


title: Black Hole Formation in AdS Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet Gravity

abstract:
  AdS spacetime has been shown numerically to be unstable against a large class
of arbitrarily small perturbations. In arXiv:1410.1869, the authors presented a
preliminary study of the effects on stability of changing the local dynamics by
adding a Gauss-Bonnet term to the Einstein action. Here we provide further
details as well as new results with improved numerical methods. In particular,
we elucidate new structure in Choptuik scaling plots. We also provide evidence
of chaotic behavior at the transition between immediate horizon formation and
horizon formation after the matter pulse reflects from the AdS conformal
boundary. Finally, we present data suggesting the formation of naked
singularities in spacetimes with ADM mass below the algebraic bound for black
hole formation.


title:
Discovery of Cycle-to-cycle Modulated Spectral Line Variability and
  Velocity Gradients in Long-period Cepheids

abstract:
  This work reports the discovery of cycle-to-cycle modulated spectral line and
atmospheric velocity gradient variability in long-period Cepheids based on 925
high-resolution optical spectra of $\ell$ Carinae (P $\sim$ 35.5 d) recorded
during three heavy duty-cycle monitoring campaigns (in 2014, 2015, and 2016).
Spectral line variability is investigated via cross-correlation functions
(CCFs) computed using three sets of spectral lines (weak, solar, strong). A
metallic line velocity gradient, {\delta}v$_r$ (t), is computed as the
difference between weak and strong-line RVs. CCF shape indicators BIS
(asymmetry), FWHM, and depth all exhibit clear phase-dependent variability
patterns that differ from one pulsation cycle to the next. Weak-line CCFs
exhibit these effects more clearly than strong-line CCFs. BIS exhibits the most
peculiar modulated variability and can be used to identify the presence of
cycle-to-cycle modulated line profile variations. {\delta}v$_r$ (t) clearly
exhibits cycle-to-cycle differences that correlate very closely with modulated
BIS variability, suggesting perturbations of the atmospheric velocity field as
the cause for modulated spectral line variability. These perturbations are most
significant during contraction and are not in phase with the pulsation,
transmitting information between consecutive pulsation cycles. This work shows
RV curve modulation to be a consequence of atmospheric velocity gradient
perturbations. Possible origins of these perturbations and their impact on
Cepheid RV measurements as well as the projection factor used in
Baade-Wesselink-type distance determinations are discussed.


title: Multi-Person Tracking by Multicut and Deep Matching

abstract:
  In [1], we proposed a graph-based formulation that links and clusters person
hypotheses over time by solving a minimum cost subgraph multicut problem. In
this paper, we modify and extend [1] in three ways: 1) We introduce a novel
local pairwise feature based on local appearance matching that is robust to
partial occlusion and camera motion. 2) We perform extensive experiments to
compare different pairwise potentials and to analyze the robustness of the
tracking formulation. 3) We consider a plain multicut problem and remove
outlying clusters from its solution. This allows us to employ an efficient
primal feasible optimization algorithm that is not applicable to the subgraph
multicut problem of [1]. Unlike the branch-and-cut algorithm used there, this
efficient algorithm used here is applicable to long videos and many detections.
Together with the novel feature, it eliminates the need for the intermediate
tracklet representation of [1]. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our overall
approach on the MOT16 benchmark [2], achieving state-of-art performance.


title:
New Formulas for Semi-Primes. Testing, Counting and Identification of
  the $n^{th}$ and next Semi-Primes

abstract:
  In this paper we give a new semiprimality test and we construct a new formula
for $\pi ^{(2)}(N)$, the function that counts the number of semiprimes not
exceeding a given number $N$. We also present new formulas to identify the
$n^{th}$ semiprime and the next semiprime to a given number. The new formulas
are based on the knowledge of the primes less than or equal to the cube roots
of $N : P_{1}, \; P_{2}....P_{\pi \left( \sqrt[3]{N}\right) }\leq \sqrt[3]{N}$.


title:
How many imputations do you need? A two-stage calculation using a
  quadratic rule

abstract:
  When using multiple imputation, users often want to know how many imputations
they need. An old answer is that 2 to 10 imputations usually suffice, but this
recommendation only addresses the efficiency of point estimates. You may need
more imputations if, in addition to efficient point estimates, you also want
standard error (SE) estimates that would not change (much) if you imputed the
data again. For replicable SE estimates, the required number of imputations
increases quadratically with the fraction of missing information (not linearly,
as previous studies have suggested). I recommend a two-stage procedure in which
you conduct a pilot analysis using a small-to-moderate number of imputations,
then use the results to calculate the number of imputations that are needed for
a final analysis whose SE estimates will have the desired level of
replicability. I implement the two-stage procedure using a new Stata command
called how_many_imputations (available from SSC) and a new SAS macro called
%mi_combine (available from the website missingdata.org).


title: Dark matter and dark energy induced by condensates

abstract:
  It is shown that the vacuum condensate induced by many phenomena behaves as a
perfect fluid which, under particular conditions, has zero or negative
pressure. In particular, the condensates of thermal states, of fields in curved
space and of mixed particles have been analyzed. It is shown that the thermal
states with the cosmic microwave radiation temperature, the Unruh and the
Hawking radiations give negligible contributions to the critical energy density
of the universe, while the thermal vacuum of the intercluster medium could
contribute to the dark matter, together with the vacuum energy of fields in
curved space-time and of mixed neutrinos. Moreover, a component of the dark
energy can be represented by the vacuum of axion-like particles mixed with
photons and superpartners of neutrinos. The formal analogy among the systems
characterized by the condensates can open new scenarios in the possibility to
detect the dark components of the universe in table top experiments.


title:
Determination of the extraction efficiency for $^{233}$U source
  $\alpha$-recoil ions from the MLL buffer-gas stopping cell

abstract:
  Following the $\alpha$ decay of $^{233}$U, $^{229}$Th recoil ions are shown
to be extracted in a significant amount from the MLL buffer-gas stopping cell.
The produced recoil ions and subsequent daughter nuclei are mass purified with
the help of a customized quadrupole mass spectrometer. The combined extraction
and mass-purification efficiency for $^{229}$Th$^{3+}$ is determined via
MCP-based measurements and via the direct detection of the $^{229}$Th $\alpha$
decay. A large value of $(10\pm2)$\% for the combined extraction and
mass-purification efficiency of $^{229}$Th$^{3+}$ is obtained at a mass
resolution of about 1 u/e. In addition to $^{229}$Th, also other
$\alpha$-recoil ions of the $^{233,232}$U decay chains are addressed.


title:
Connections between centrality and local monotonicity of certain
  functions on $C^*$-algebras

abstract:
  We introduce a quite large class of functions (including the exponential
function and the power functions with exponent greater than one), and show that
for any element $f$ of this function class, a self-adjoint element $a$ of a
$C^*$-algebra is central if and only if $a \leq b$ implies $f(a) \leq f(b).$
That is, we characterize centrality by local monotonicity of certain functions
on $C^*$-algebras. Numerous former results (including works of Ogasawara,
Pedersen, Wu, and Moln\'ar) are apparent consequences of our result.

categories: math.OA math-ph math.FA math.MP quant-ph


title: Rocky Planet Formation: Quick and Neat

abstract:
  We reconsider the commonly held assumption that warm debris disks are tracers
of terrestrial planet formation. The high occurrence rate inferred for
Earth-mass planets around mature solar-type stars based on exoplanet surveys
(roughly 20%) stands in stark contrast to the low incidence rate (less than
2-3%) of warm dusty debris around solar-type stars during the expected epoch of
terrestrial planet assembly (roughly 10 Myr). If Earth-mass planets at AU
distances are a common outcome of the planet formation process, this
discrepancy suggests that rocky planet formation occurs more quickly and/or is
much neater than traditionally believed, leaving behind little in the way of a
dust signature. Alternatively, the incidence rate of terrestrial planets has
been overestimated or some previously unrecognized physical mechanism removes
warm dust efficiently from the terrestrial planet region. A promising removal
mechanism is gas drag in a residual gaseous disk with a surface density of
roughly or somewhat more than 0.001% of the minimum mass solar nebula.


title:
Lattice dynamics and the nature of structural transitions in organolead
  halide perovskites

abstract:
  Organolead halide perovskites are a family of hybrid organic-inorganic
compounds whose remarkable optoelectronic properties have been under intensive
scrutiny in recent years. Here we use inelastic X-ray scattering to study
low-energy lattice excitations in single crystals of methylammonium lead iodide
and bromide perovskites. Our findings confirm the displacive nature of the
cubic-to-tetragonal phase transition, which is further shown, using neutron and
x-ray diffraction, to be close to a tricritical point. Lastly, we detect
quasistatic symmetry-breaking nanodomains persisting well into the
high-temperature cubic phase, possibly stabilized by local defects. These
findings reveal key structural properties of these materials, and also bear
important implications for carrier dynamics across an extended temperature
range relevant for photovoltaic applications.


title: Bulge-forming galaxies with an extended rotating disk at z~2

abstract:
  We present 0".2-resolution Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array
observations at 870 um for 25 Halpha-seleced star-forming galaxies (SFGs)
around the main-sequence at z=2.2-2.5. We detect significant 870 um continuum
emission in 16 (64%) of these SFGs. The high-resolution maps reveal that the
dust emission is mostly radiated from a single region close to the galaxy
center. Exploiting the visibility data taken over a wide $uv$ distance range,
we measure the half-light radii of the rest-frame far-infrared emission for the
best sample of 12 massive galaxies with logM*>11. We find nine galaxies to be
associated with extremely compact dust emission with R_{1/2,870um}<1.5 kpc,
which is more than a factor of 2 smaller than their rest-optical sizes,
R_{1/2,1.6um}=3.2 kpc, and is comparable with optical sizes of massive
quiescent galaxies at similar redshifts. As they have an exponential disk with
Sersic index of n=1.2 in the rest-optical, they are likely to be in the
transition phase from extended disks to compact spheroids. Given their high
star formation rate surface densities within the central 1 kpc of Sigma
SFR1kpc=40 Msol/yr/kpc^2, the intense circumnuclear starbursts can rapidly
build up a central bulge with Sigma M*1kpc>1e10 Msol/kpc^2 in several hundred
Myr, i.e. by z~2. Moreover, ionized gas kinematics reveal that they are
rotation-supported with an angular momentum as large as that of typical SFGs at
z=1-3. Our results suggest bulges are commonly formed in extended rotating
disks by internal processes, not involving major mergers.


title:
ALMA-SZ Detection of a Galaxy Cluster Merger Shock at Half the Age of
  the Universe

abstract:
  We present ALMA measurements of a merger shock using the thermal
Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect signal, at the location of a radio relic in the
famous El Gordo galaxy cluster at $z \approx 0.9$. Multi-wavelength analysis in
combination with the archival Chandra data and a high-resolution radio image
provides a consistent picture of the thermal and non-thermal signal variation
across the shock front and helps to put robust constraints on the shock Mach
number as well as the relic magnetic field. We employ a Bayesian analysis
technique for modeling the SZ and X-ray data self-consistently, illustrating
respective parameter degeneracies. Combined results indicate a shock with Mach
number ${\cal M} = 2.4^{+1.3}_{-0.6}$, which in turn suggests a high value of
the magnetic field (of the order of $4-10 ~\mu$G) to account for the observed
relic width at 2 GHz. At roughly half the current age of the universe, this is
the highest-redshift direct detection of a cluster shock to date, and one of
the first instances of an ALMA-SZ observation in a galaxy cluster. It shows the
tremendous potential for future ALMA-SZ observations to detect merger shocks
and other cluster substructures out to the highest redshifts.


title:
Unifying inflation with the axion, dark matter, baryogenesis and the
  seesaw mechanism

abstract:
  A minimal extension of the Standard Model (SM) with a single new mass scale
and providing a complete and consistent picture of particle physics and
cosmology up to the Planck scale is presented. We add to the SM three
right-handed SM-singlet neutrinos, a new vector-like color triplet fermion and
a complex SM singlet scalar $\sigma$ that stabilises the Higgs potential and
whose vacuum expectation value at $\sim 10^{11}$ GeV breaks lepton number and a
Peccei-Quinn symmetry simultaneously. Primordial inflation is produced by a
combination of $\sigma$ (non-minimally coupled to the scalar curvature) and the
SM Higgs. Baryogenesis proceeds via thermal leptogenesis. At low energies, the
model reduces to the SM, augmented by seesaw-generated neutrino masses, plus
the axion, which solves the strong CP problem and accounts for the dark matter
in the Universe. The model predicts a minimum value of the tensor-to-scalar
ratio $r\simeq 0.004$, running of the scalar spectral index $\alpha\simeq -
7\times 10^{-4}$, the axion mass $m_A\sim 100\,\mu{\rm eV}$ and cosmic axion
background radiation corresponding to an increase of the effective number of
relativistic neutrinos of $\sim 0.03$. It can be probed decisively by the next
generation of cosmic microwave background and axion dark matter experiments.


title:
Observational Evidence of Dynamic Star Formation Rate in Milky Way Giant
  Molecular Clouds

abstract:
  Star formation on galactic scales is known to be a slow process, but whether
it is slow on smaller scales is uncertain. We cross-correlate 5469 giant
molecular clouds (GMCs) from a new all-sky catalog with 256 star forming
complexes (SFCs) to build a sample of 191 SFC-GMC complexes---collections of
multiple clouds each matched to 191 SFCs. The total mass in stars harbored by
these clouds is inferred from WMAP free-free fluxes. We measure the GMC mass,
the virial parameter, the star formation efficiency $\epsilon$ and the star
formation rate per free-fall time $\epsilon_{\rm ff}$. Both $\epsilon$ and
$\epsilon_{\rm ff}$ range over 3--4 orders of magnitude. We find that 68.3% of
the clouds fall within $\sigma_{\log\epsilon}=0.79\pm0.22\,{\rm dex}$ and
$\sigma_{\log\epsilon_{\rm ff}}=0.91\pm0.22\,{\rm dex}$ about the median.
Compared to these observed scatters, a simple model with a time independent
$\epsilon_{\rm ff}$ that depends on the host GMC properties predicts
$\sigma_{\log\epsilon_{\rm ff}}=$0.12-0.24. Allowing for a time-variable
$\epsilon_{\rm ff}$, we can recover the large dispersion in the rate of star
formation. This strongly suggests that star formation in the Milky Way is a
dynamic process on GMC scales. We also show that the surface star formation
rate profile of the Milky Way correlates well with the molecular gas surface
density profile.


title:
The survival of gas clouds in the Circumgalactic Medium of Milky
  Way-like galaxies

abstract:
  Observational evidence shows that low-redshift galaxies are surrounded by
extended haloes of multiphase gas, the so-called 'circumgalactic medium' (CGM).
To study the survival of relatively cool gas (T < 10^5 K) in the CGM, we
performed a set of hydrodynamical simulations of cold (T = 10^4 K) neutral gas
clouds travelling through a hot (T = 2x10^6 K) and low-density (n = 10^-4
cm^-3) coronal medium, typical of Milky Way-like galaxies at large
galactocentric distances (~ 50-150 kpc). We explored the effects of different
initial values of relative velocity and radius of the clouds. Our simulations
were performed on a two-dimensional grid with constant mesh size (2 pc) and
they include radiative cooling, photoionization heating and thermal conduction.
We found that for large clouds (radii larger than 250 pc) the cool gas survives
for very long time (larger than 250 Myr): despite that they are partially
destroyed and fragmented into smaller cloudlets during their trajectory, the
total mass of cool gas decreases at very low rates. We found that thermal
conduction plays a significant role: its effect is to hinder formation of
hydrodynamical instabilities at the cloud-corona interface, keeping the cloud
compact and therefore more difficult to destroy. The distribution of column
densities extracted from our simulations are compatible with those observed for
low-temperature ions (e.g. SiII and SiIII) and for high-temperature ions (OVI)
once we take into account that OVI covers much more extended regions than the
cool gas and, therefore, it is more likely to be detected along a generic line
of sight.


title:
Coevolution of metallicity and star formation in galaxies to z=3.7: I. A
  fundamental plane

abstract:
  With the aim of understanding the coevolution of star formation rate (SFR),
stellar mass (M*), and oxygen abundance (O/H) in galaxies up to redshift z=3.7,
we have compiled the largest available dataset for studying Metallicity
Evolution and Galaxy Assembly (MEGA); it comprises roughly 1000 galaxies with a
common O/H calibration and spans almost two orders of magnitude in metallicity,
a factor of 10^6 in SFR, and a factor of 10^5 in stellar mass. From a Principal
Component Analysis, we find that the 3-dimensional parameter space reduces to a
Fundamental Plane of Metallicity (FPZ) given by 12+log(O/H) = -0.14 log (SFR) +
0.37 log (M*) + 4.82. The mean O/H FPZ residuals are small (0.16 dex) and
consistent with trends found in smaller galaxy samples with more limited ranges
in M*, SFR, and O/H. Importantly, the FPZ is found to be redshift-invariant
within the uncertainties. In a companion paper, these results are interpreted
with an updated version of the model presented by Dayal et al. (2013).


title:
Coevolution of metallicity and star formation in galaxies to z=3.7: II.
  A theoretical model

abstract:
  Recent work suggests that galaxy evolution, and the build-up of stellar mass
(M*) over cosmic time, is characterized by changes with redshift of star
formation rate (SFR) and oxygen abundance (O/H). In a companion paper, we have
compiled a large dataset to study Metallicity Evolution and Galaxy Assembly
(MEGA), consisting of roughly 1000 galaxies to z=3.7 with a common O/H
calibration. Here we interpret the MEGA scaling relations of M*, SFR, and O/H
with an updated version of the model presented by Dayal et al. (2013). This
model successfully reproduces the observed O/H ratio of 80,000 galaxies
selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to within 0.05-0.06 dex. By
extending the model to the higher redshift MEGA sample, we find that although
the specific mass loading of outflows does not change measurably during the
evolution, the accretion rate and gas content of galaxies increase
significantly with redshift. These two effects can explain, either separately
or possibly in tandem, the observed lower metal abundance of high-z galaxies.


title: Symmetric States Requiring System Asymmetry

abstract:
  Spontaneous synchronization has long served as a paradigm for behavioral
uniformity that can emerge from interactions in complex systems. When the
interacting entities are identical and their coupling patterns are also
identical, the complete synchronization of the entire network is the state
inheriting the system symmetry. As in other systems subject to symmetry
breaking, such symmetric states are not always stable. Here we report on the
discovery of the converse of symmetry breaking--the scenario in which complete
synchronization is not stable for identically-coupled identical oscillators but
becomes stable when, and only when, the oscillator parameters are judiciously
tuned to nonidentical values, thereby breaking the system symmetry to preserve
the state symmetry. Aside from demonstrating that diversity can facilitate and
even be required for uniformity and consensus, this suggests a mechanism for
convergent forms of pattern formation in which initially asymmetric patterns
evolve into symmetric ones.


title:
Magnetic dilution and domain selection in the XY pyrochlore
  antiferromagnet Er$_{2}$Ti$_2$O$_7$

abstract:
  Below $T_N = 1.1$K, the XY pyrochlore Er$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ orders into a $k=0$
non-collinear, antiferromagnetic structure referred to as the $\psi_2$ state.
The magnetic order in Er$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ is known to obey conventional three
dimensional (3D) percolation in the presence of magnetic dilution, and in that
sense is robust to disorder. Recently, however, two theoretical studies have
predicted that the $\psi_2$ structure should be unstable to the formation of a
related $\psi_3$ magnetic structure in the presence of magnetic vacancies. To
investigate these theories, we have carried out systematic elastic and
inelastic neutron scattering studies of three single crystals of
Er$_{2-x}$Y$_x$Ti$_2$O$_7$ with $x=0$ (pure), 0.2 (10$\%$-Y) and 0.4
(20$\%$-Y), where magnetic Er$^{3+}$ is substituted by non-magnetic Y$^{3+}$.
We find that the $\psi_2$ ground state of pure Er$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ is
significantly affected by magnetic dilution. The characteristic domain
selection associated with the $\psi_2$ state, and the corresponding energy gap
separating $\psi_2$ from $\psi_3$, vanish for Y$^{3+}$ substitutions between
10$\%$-Y and 20$\%$-Y, far removed from the 3D percolation threshold of
$\sim$60$\%$-Y. The resulting ground state for Er$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ with magnetic
dilutions from 20$\%$-Y up to the percolation threshold is naturally
interpreted as a frozen mosaic of $\psi_2$ and $\psi_3$ domains.


title: Quantum corrections in nanoplasmonics: shape, scale, and material

abstract:
  The classical treatment of plasmonics is insufficient at the nanometer-scale
due to quantum mechanical surface phenomena. Here, an extension to the
classical paradigm is reported which rigorously remedies this deficiency
through the incorporation of first-principles surface response functions - the
Feibelman d-parameters - in general geometries. Several analytical results for
the leading-order plasmonic quantum corrections are obtained in a
first-principles setting; particularly, a clear separation of the roles of
shape, scale, and material is established. The utility of the formalism is
illustrated by the derivation of a modified sum-rule for complementary
structures, a rigorous reformulation of Kreibig's phenomenological damping
prescription, and an account of the small-scale resonance-shifting of simple
and noble metal nanostructures. These insights open the technological design
space and deepen our fundamental understanding of nanoplasmonics beyond the
classical regime.


title:
Hierarchical black hole triples in young star clusters: impact of
  Kozai-Lidov resonance on mergers

abstract:
  Mergers of compact object binaries are one of the most powerful sources of
gravitational waves (GWs) in the frequency range of second-generation
ground-based gravitational wave detectors (Advanced LIGO and Virgo). Dynamical
simulations of young dense star clusters (SCs) indicate that ~27 per cent of
all double compact object binaries are members of hierarchical triple systems
(HTs). In this paper, we consider 570 HTs composed of three compact objects
(black holes or neutron stars) that formed dynamically in N-body simulations of
young dense SCs. We simulate them for a Hubble time with a new code based on
the Mikkola's algorithmic regularization scheme, including the 2.5
post-Newtonian term. We find that ~88 per cent of the simulated systems develop
Kozai-Lidov (KL) oscillations. KL resonance triggers the merger of the inner
binary in three systems (corresponding to 0.5 per cent of the simulated HTs),
by increasing the eccentricity of the inner binary. Accounting for KL
oscillations leads to an increase of the total expected merger rate by ~50 per
cent. All binaries that merge because of KL oscillations were formed by
dynamical exchanges (i.e. none is a primordial binary) and have chirp mass >20
Msun. This result might be crucial to interpret the formation channel of the
first recently detected GW events.


title:
Photometric classification of type Ia supernovae in the SuperNova Legacy
  Survey with supervised learning

abstract:
  In the era of large astronomical surveys, photometric classification of
supernovae (SNe) has become an important research field due to limited
spectroscopic resources for candidate follow-up and classification. In this
work, we present a method to photometrically classify type Ia supernovae based
on machine learning with redshifts that are derived from the SN light-curves.
This method is implemented on real data from the SNLS deferred pipeline, a
purely photometric pipeline that identifies SNe Ia at high-redshifts
($0.2<z<1.1$).
  Our method consists of two stages: feature extraction (obtaining the SN
redshift from photometry and estimating light-curve shape parameters) and
machine learning classification. We study the performance of different
algorithms such as Random Forest and Boosted Decision Trees. We evaluate the
performance using SN simulations and real data from the first 3 years of the
Supernova Legacy Survey (SNLS), which contains large spectroscopically and
photometrically classified type Ia samples. Using the Area Under the Curve
(AUC) metric, where perfect classification is given by 1, we find that our
best-performing classifier (Extreme Gradient Boosting Decision Tree) has an AUC
of $0.98$.
  We show that it is possible to obtain a large photometrically selected type
Ia SN sample with an estimated contamination of less than $5\%$. When applied
to data from the first three years of SNLS, we obtain 529 events. We
investigate the differences between classifying simulated SNe, and real SN
survey data. In particular, we find that applying a thorough set of selection
cuts to the SN sample is essential for good classification. This work
demonstrates for the first time the feasibility of machine learning
classification in a high-$z$ SN survey with application to real SN data.