title: Bayesian Nonparametrics for Sparse Dynamic Networks

abstract:
  In this paper we propose a Bayesian nonparametric approach to modelling
sparse time-varying networks. A positive parameter is associated to each node
of a network, which models the sociability of that node. Sociabilities are
assumed to evolve over time, and are modelled via a dynamic point process
model. The model is able to capture long term evolution of the sociabilities.
Moreover, it yields sparse graphs, where the number of edges grows
subquadratically with the number of nodes. The evolution of the sociabilities
is described by a tractable time-varying generalised gamma process. We provide
some theoretical insights into the model and apply it to three datasets: a
simulated network, a network of hyperlinks between communities on Reddit, and a
network of co-occurences of words in Reuters news articles after the September
11th attacks.


title: On the set-generic multiverse

abstract:
  The forcing method is a powerful tool to prove the consistency of
set-theoretic assertions relative to the consistency of the axioms of set
theory. Laver's theorem and Bukovsk\'y's theorem assert that set-generic
extensions of a given ground model constitute a quite reasonable and
sufficiently general class of standard models of set-theory.
  In sections 2 and 3 of this note, we give a proof of Bukovsk\'y's theorem in
a modern setting (for another proof of this theorem see Bukovsk\'y [4]). In
section 4 we check that the multiverse of set-generic extensions can be treated
as a collection of countable transitive models in a conservative extension of
ZFC. The last section then deals with the problem of the existence of
infinitely-many independent buttons, which arose in the modal-theoretic
approach to the set-generic multiverse by J.Hamkins and B.Loewe [12].


title:
Variational Tricomplex, Global Symmetries and Conservation Laws of Gauge
  Systems

abstract:
  Using the concept of variational tricomplex endowed with a presymplectic
structure, we formulate the general notion of symmetry. We show that each
generalized symmetry of a gauge system gives rise to a sequence of conservation
laws that are represented by on-shell closed forms of various degrees. This
extends the usual Noether's correspondence between global symmetries and
conservation laws to the case of lower-degree conservation laws and not
necessarily variational equations of motion. Finally, we equip the space of
conservation laws of a given degree with a Lie bracket and establish a
homomorphism of the resulting Lie algebra to the Lie algebra of global
symmetries.


title: Noise dependent synchronization of a degenerate SDE

abstract:
  We provide an example of an SDE with degenerate additive noise where
synchronization depends on the strength of noise and the number of directions
in which the noise acts. Here, synchronization means that the weak random
attractor consists of a single random point. Indicated by a change of sign of
the top Lyapunov exponent, we prove synchronization respectively no (weak)
synchronization.


title: Guided Alignment Training for Topic-Aware Neural Machine Translation

abstract:
  In this paper, we propose an effective way for biasing the attention
mechanism of a sequence-to-sequence neural machine translation (NMT) model
towards the well-studied statistical word alignment models. We show that our
novel guided alignment training approach improves translation quality on
real-life e-commerce texts consisting of product titles and descriptions,
overcoming the problems posed by many unknown words and a large type/token
ratio. We also show that meta-data associated with input texts such as topic or
category information can significantly improve translation quality when used as
an additional signal to the decoder part of the network. With both novel
features, the BLEU score of the NMT system on a product title set improves from
18.6 to 21.3%. Even larger MT quality gains are obtained through domain
adaptation of a general domain NMT system to e-commerce data. The developed NMT
system also performs well on the IWSLT speech translation task, where an
ensemble of four variant systems outperforms the phrase-based baseline by 2.1%
BLEU absolute.


title:
Relativistic dynamics of superfluid-superconducting mixtures in the
  presence of topological defects and an electromagnetic field with application
  to neutron stars

abstract:
  The relativistic dynamic equations are derived for a
superfluid-superconducting mixture coupled to the electromagnetic field. For
definiteness, and bearing in mind possible applications of our results to
neutron stars, it is assumed that the mixture is composed of superfluid
neutrons, superconducting protons, and normal electrons. Proton
superconductivity of both I and II types is analysed, and possible presence of
neutron and proton vortices (or magnetic domains in the case of type-I proton
superconductivity) is allowed for. The derived equations neglect all
dissipative effects except for the mutual friction dissipation and are valid
for arbitrary temperatures (i.e. they do not imply that all nucleons are
paired), which is especially important for magnetar conditions. It is
demonstrated that these general equations can be substantially simplified for
typical neutron stars, for which a kind of magnetohydrodynamic approximation is
justified. Our results are compared to the nonrelativistic formulations
existing in the literature and a number of discrepancies are found. In
particular, it is shown that, generally, the electric displacement ${\pmb D}$
does not coincide with the electric field ${\pmb E}$, contrary to what is
stated in the previous works. The relativistic framework developed here is
easily extendable to account for more sophisticated microphysics models and it
provides the necessary basis for realistic modelling of neutron stars.


title:
Double-Frame Current Control with a Multivariable PI Controller and
  Power Compensation forWeak Unbalanced Networks

abstract:
  The handling of weak networks with asymmetric loads and disturbances implies
the accurate handling of the second-harmonic component that appears in an
unbalanced network. This paper proposes a classic vector control approach using
a PI-based controller with superior decoupling capabilities for operation in
weak networks with unbalanced phase voltages. A synchronization method for weak
unbalanced networks is detailed, with dedicated dimensioning rules. The use of
a double-frame controller allows a current symmetry or controlled imbalance to
be forced for compensation of power oscillations by controlling the negative
current sequence. This paper also serves as a useful reminder of the proper way
to cancel the inherent coupling effect due to the transformation to the
synchronous rotating reference frame, and of basic considerations of the
relationship between switching frequency and control bandwidth.


title: Bayesian emulation for optimization in multi-step portfolio decisions

abstract:
  We discuss the Bayesian emulation approach to computational solution of
multi-step portfolio studies in financial time series. "Bayesian emulation for
decisions" involves mapping the technical structure of a decision analysis
problem to that of Bayesian inference in a purely synthetic "emulating"
statistical model. This provides access to standard posterior analytic,
simulation and optimization methods that yield indirect solutions of the
decision problem. We develop this in time series portfolio analysis using
classes of economically and psychologically relevant multi-step ahead portfolio
utility functions. Studies with multivariate currency, commodity and stock
index time series illustrate the approach and show some of the practical
utility and benefits of the Bayesian emulation methodology.


title:
Charge specific baryon mass relations with deformed SU_q(3) flavor
  symmetry

abstract:
  The quantum group $SU_q(3)=U_q(su(3))$ is taken as a baryon flavor symmetry.
Accounting for electromagnetic contributions to baryons masses to zeroth order,
new charge specific $q$-deformed octet and decuplet baryon mass formulas are
obtained. These new mass relations have errors of only 0.02\% and 0.08\%
respectively; a factor of 20 reduction compared to the standard Gell-Mann-Okubo
mass formulas. A new relation between the octet and decuplet baryon masses that
is accurate to 1.2\% is derived. An explicit formula for the Cabibbo angle,
taken to be $\frac{\pi}{14}$, in terms of the deformation parameter $q$ and
spin parity $J^P$ of the baryons is obtained.


title: A toy model for weak interaction based on condensed gauge bosons

abstract:
  We construct a toy model for weak interaction based on the assumption that
gauge bosons form condensates. We then discuss the model predictions calculated
from the effective Feynman rules which are derived through computing the
effective action.


title: Lattice Structure of Variable Precision Rough Sets

abstract:
  The main purpose of this paper is to study the lattice structure of variable
precision rough sets. The notion of variation in precision of rough sets have
been further extended to variable precision rough set with variable
classification error and its algebraic properties are also studied.


title: Directed Percolation with a Conserved Field and the Depinning Transition

abstract:
  Conserved directed-percolation (C-DP) and the depinning transition of a
disordered elastic interface belong to the same universality class as has been
proven very recently by Le Doussal and Wiese [Phys. Rev. Lett.~\textbf{114},
110601 (2015)] through a mapping of the field theory for C-DP onto that of the
quenched Edwards-Wilkinson model. Here, we present an alternative derivation of
the C-DP field theoretic functional, starting with the coherent state path
integral formulation of the C-DP and then applying the
Grassberger-transformation, that avoids the disadvantages of the so-called
Doi-shift. We revisit the aforementioned mapping with focus on a specific term
in the field theoretic functional that has been problematic in the past when it
came to assessing its relevance. We show that this term is redundant in the
sense of the renormalization group.


title:
The Cassie-Wenzel transition of fluids on nanostructured substrates:
  Macroscopic force balance versus microscopic density-functional theory

abstract:
  Classical density functional theory is applied to investigate the validity of
a phenomenological force-balance description of the stability of the Cassie
state of liquids on substrates with nanoscale corrugation. A bulk free-energy
functional of third order in local density is combined with a square-gradient
term, describing the liquid-vapor interface. The bulk free energy is
parameterized to reproduce the liquid density and the compressibility of water.
The square-gradient term is adjusted to model the width of the water-vapor
interface. The substrate is modeled by an external potential, based upon
Lennard-Jones interactions. The three-dimensional calculation focuses on
substrates patterned with nanostripes and square-shaped nanopillars. Using both
the force-balance relation and density-functional theory, we locate the
Cassie-to-Wenzel transition as a function of the corrugation parameters. We
demonstrate that the force-balance relation gives a qualitatively reasonable
description of the transition even on the nanoscale. The force balance utilizes
an effective contact angle between the fluid and the vertical wall of the
corrugation to parameterize the impalement pressure. This effective angle is
found to have values smaller than the Young contact angle. This observation
corresponds to an impalement pressure that is smaller than the value predicted
by macroscopic theory. Therefore, this effective angle embodies effects
specific to nanoscopically corrugated surfaces, including the finite range of
the liquid-solid potential (which has both repulsive and attractive parts),
line tension, and the finite interface thickness. Consistently with this
picture, both patterns (stripes and pillars) yield the same effective contact
angles for large periods of corrugation.


title: Deformation of an Elastic Substrate Due to a Resting Sessile Droplet

abstract:
  On a sufficiently-soft substrate, a resting fluid droplet will cause
significant deformation of the substrate. This deformation is driven by a
combination of capillary forces at the contact line and the fluid pressure at
the solid surface. These forces are balanced at the surface by the solid
traction stress induced by the substrate deformation. Young's Law, which
predicts the equilibrium contact angle of the droplet, also indicates an a
priori radial force balance for rigid substrates, but not necessarily for soft
substrates which deform under loading. It remains an open question whether the
contact line transmits a non-zero radial force to the substrate surface in
addition to the conventional vertical force. We present an analytic Fourier
transform solution technique that includes general interfacial energy
conditions which govern the contact angle of a 2D droplet. This includes
evaluating the effect of gravity on the droplet shape in order to determine the
correct fluid pressure at the substrate surface for larger droplets.
Importantly, we find that in order to avoid a strain singularity at the contact
line under a nonzero radial contact line force, it is necessary to include a
previously-neglected radial traction boundary condition. To quantify the
effects of the contact line and identify key quantities that will be
experimentally-accessible for testing the model, we evaluate solutions for the
substrate surface displacement field as a function of Poisson's ratio and
zero/non-zero radial contact line forces.


title:
Twist-3 T-odd fragmentation functions $G^\perp$ and $\tilde{G}^\perp$ in
  a spectator model

abstract:
  We present a calculation of the twist-3 T-odd chiral-even fragmentation
functions $G^{\perp}$ and $\tilde{G}^{\perp}$ using a spectator model. We
consider the effect gluon exchange to calculate all necessary one-loop diagrams
for the quark-quark and quark-gluon-quark correlation functions. We find that
the gluon loops corrections generate non-zero contribution to these two
fragmentation function. We numerically calculate their half-$k_T$ moments by
integrating over the transverse momentum and also verify the equation of motion
relation among $G^{\perp}$, $\tilde{G}^{\perp}$ and the Collins function.


title: Deciphering Malware's use of TLS (without Decryption)

abstract:
  The use of TLS by malware poses new challenges to network threat detection
because traditional pattern-matching techniques can no longer be applied to its
messages. However, TLS also introduces a complex set of observable data
features that allow many inferences to be made about both the client and the
server. We show that these features can be used to detect and understand
malware communication, while at the same time preserving the privacy of benign
uses of encryption. These data features also allow for accurate malware family
attribution of network communication, even when restricted to a single,
encrypted flow.
  To demonstrate this, we performed a detailed study of how TLS is used by
malware and enterprise applications. We provide a general analysis on millions
of TLS encrypted flows, and a targeted study on 18 malware families composed of
thousands of unique malware samples and ten-of-thousands of malicious TLS
flows. Importantly, we identify and accommodate the bias introduced by the use
of a malware sandbox. The performance of a malware classifier is correlated
with a malware family's use of TLS, i.e., malware families that actively evolve
their use of cryptography are more difficult to classify.
  We conclude that malware's usage of TLS is distinct from benign usage in an
enterprise setting, and that these differences can be effectively used in rules
and machine learning classifiers.


title:
Quantum dynamics of nuclear spins and spin relaxation in organic
  semiconductors

abstract:
  We investigate the role of the nuclear spin quantum dynamics in
hyperfine-induced spin relaxation of hopping carriers in organic
semiconductors. The fast hopping regime with a small carrier spin precession
during a waiting time between hops is typical for organic semiconductors
possessing long spin coherence times. We consider this regime and focus on a
carrier random walk diffusion in one dimension, where the effect of the nuclear
spin dynamics is expected to be the strongest. Exact numerical simulations of
spin systems with up to 25 nuclear spins are performed using the Suzuki-Trotter
decomposition of evolution operator. Larger nuclear spin systems are modeled
utilizing the spin-coherent state $P$-representation approach developed
earlier. We find that the nuclear spin dynamics strongly influences the carrier
spin relaxation at long times. If the random walk is restricted to a small
area, it leads to the quenching of carrier spin polarization at a non-zero
value at long times. If the random walk is unrestricted, the carrier spin
polarization acquires a long-time tail, decaying as $ 1/\sqrt{t}$. Based on the
numerical results, we devise a simple formula describing the effect
quantitatively.


title: Zero-line modes at stacking faulted domain walls in multilayer graphene

abstract:
  Rhombohedral multilayer graphene is a physical realization of the chiral
two-dimensional electron gas that can host zero-line modes (ZLMs), also known
as kink states, when the local ap opened by inversion symmetry breaking
potential changes sign in real space. Here we study how the variations in the
local stacking coordination of multilayer graphene affects the formation of the
ZLMs. Our analysis indicates that the valley Hall effect develops whenever an
interlayer potential difference is able to open up a band gap in stacking
faulted multilayer graphene, and that ZLMs can appear at the domain walls
separating two distinct regions with imperfect rhombohedral stacking
configurations. Based on a tight-binding formulation with distant hopping terms
between carbon atoms, we first show that topologically distinct domains
characterized by the valley Chern number are separated by a metallic region
connecting AA and AA$'$ stacking line in the layer translation vector space. We
find that gapless states appear at the interface between the two stacking
faulted domains with different layer translation or with opposite perpendicular
electric field if their valley Chern numbers are different.


title: Cryptanalyzing an Image-Scrambling Encryption Algorithm of Pixel Bits

abstract:
  Position scrambling (permutation) is widely used in multimedia encryption
schemes and some international encryption standards, such as the Data
Encryption Standard and the Advanced Encryption Standard. In this article, the
authors re-evaluate the security of a typical image-scrambling encryption
algorithm (ISEA). Using the internal correlation remaining in the cipher image,
they disclose important visual information of the corresponding plain image in
a ciphertext-only attack scenario. Furthermore, they found that the real
scrambling domain--the position-scrambling scope of ISEA's scrambled
elements--can be used to support an efficient known or chosen-plaintext attack
on it. Detailed experimental results have verified these points and demonstrate
that some advanced multimedia processing techniques can facilitate the
cryptanalysis of multimedia encryption algorithms.


title:
A configurable accelerator for manycores: the Explicitly Many-Processor
  Approach

abstract:
  A new approach to designing processor accelerators is presented. A new
computing model and a special kind of accelerator with dynamic (end-user
programmable) architecture is suggested. The new model considers a processor,
in which a newly introduced supervisor layer coordinates the job of the cores.
The cores have the ability (based on the parallelization information provided
by the compiler, and using the help of the supervisor) to outsource part of the
job they received to some neighbouring core. The introduced changes essentially
and advantageously modify the architecture and operation of the computing
systems. The computing throughput drastically increases, the efficiency of the
technological implementation (computing performance per logic gates) increases,
the non-payload activity for using operating system services decreases, the
real-time behavior changes advantageously, and connecting accelerators to the
processor greatly simplifies. Here only some details of the architecture and
operation of the processor are discussed, the rest is described elsewhere.


title: Dynamical scheme for hadronization with first-order phase transition

abstract:
  We present a dynamical scheme for hadronization with first-order confinement
phase transition. The thermodynamical conditions of phase equilibrium, the
fluid velocity profile, and the dissipative effect determine the macroscopic
changes of the parton volume and the corresponding hadron volume during the
phase transition. The macroscopic volume changes are the basis for building up
a dynamical scheme by considering microscopic transition processes from partons
to hadrons and backwards. The established scheme is proved by comparing the
numerical results with the analytical solutions in the case of a
one-dimensional expansion of a dissipative fluid with Bjorken boost invariance.
The comparisons show almost perfect agreements, which demonstrate the
applicability of the introduced scheme.


title: The Nuclear Window to the Extragalactic Universe

abstract:
  We investigate two recent parameterizations of the galactic magnetic field
with respect to their impact on cosmic nuclei traversing the field. We present
a comprehensive study of the size of angular deflections, dispersion in the
arrival probability distributions, multiplicity in the images of arrival on
Earth, variance in field transparency, and influence of the turbulent field
components. To remain restricted to ballistic deflections, a cosmic nucleus
with energy E and charge Z should have a rigidity above E/Z=6 EV. In view of
the differences resulting from the two field parameterizations as a measure of
current knowledge in the galactic field, this rigidity threshold may have to be
increased. For a point source search with E/Z>60 EV, field uncertainties
increase the required signal events for discovery moderately for sources in the
northern and southern regions, but substantially for sources near the galactic
disk.


title: Quadrupole Splittings in the near-infrared spectrum of $^{14}$NH$_3$

abstract:
  Sub-Doppler, saturation dip, spectra of lines in the $v_1 + v_3$, $v_1 +
2v_4$ and $v_3 + 2v_4$ bands of $^{14}$NH$_3$ have been measured by frequency
comb-referenced diode laser absorption spectroscopy. The observed spectral line
widths are dominated by transit time broadening, but show resolved or
partially-resolved hyperfine splittings that are primarily determined by the
$^{14}$N quadrupole coupling. Modeling of the observed line shapes based on the
known hyperfine level structure of the ground state of the molecule shows that,
in nearly all cases, the excited state level has hyperfine splittings similar
to the same rotational level in the ground state. The data provide accurate
frequencies for the line positions and easily separate lines overlapped in
Doppler-limited spectra. The observed hyperfine splittings can be used to make
and confirm rotational assignments and ground state combination differences
obtained from the measured frequencies are comparable in accuracy to those
obtained from conventional microwave spectroscopy. One upper state level shows
very clear differences from the expected splittings. Examination of the known
vibration-rotation level structure shows there is a near degeneracy between
this level in $v_1+v_3$ and a rotational level in the $v_1 + 2v_4$ manifold
which is of the appropriate symmetry to be mixed by magnetic hyperfine terms
that couple ortho- and para- forms of the molecule.


title: One-way quantum deficit for $2\otimes d$ systems

abstract:
  We investigate one-way quantum deficit for $2\otimes d$ systems. Analytical
expressions of one-way quantum deficit under both von Neumann measurement and
weak measurement are presented. As an illustration, qubit-qutrit systems are
studied in detail. It is shown that there exists non-zero one-way quantum
deficit even quantum entanglement vanishes. Moreover, one-way quantum deficit
via weak measurement turns out to be weaker than that via von Neumann
measurement. The dynamics of entanglement and one-way quantum deficit under
dephasing channels is also investigated.


title:
Comment on Adler's "Does the Peres experiment using photons test for
  hyper-complex (quaternionic) quantum theories?"

abstract:
  In his recent article [arXiv:1604.04950], Adler questions the usefulness of
the bound found in our experimental search for genuine effects of hyper-complex
quantum mechanics [arXiv:1602.01624]. Our experiment was performed using a
black-box (instrumentalist) approach to generalized probabilistic theories;
therefore, it does not assume a priori any particular underlying mechanism.
From that point of view our experimental results do indeed place meaningful
bounds on possible effects of "post-quantum theories", including quaternionic
quantum mechanics. In his article, Adler compares our experiment to
non-relativistic and M\"oller formal scattering theory within quaternionic
quantum mechanics. With a particular set of assumptions, he finds that
quaternionic effects would likely not manifest themselves in general. Although
these assumptions are justified in the non-relativistic case, a proper
calculation for relativistic particles is still missing. Here, we provide a
concrete relativistic example of Klein-Gordon scattering wherein the
quaternionic effects persist. We note that when the Klein-Gordon equation is
formulated using a Hamiltonian formalism it displays a so-called "indefinite
metric", a characteristic feature of relativistic quantum wave equations. In
Adler's example this is directly forbidden by his assumptions, and therefore
our present example is not in contradiction to his work. In complex quantum
mechanics this problem of an indefinite metric is solved in second
quantization. Unfortunately, there is no known algorithm for canonical field
quantization in quaternionic quantum mechanics.


title: Randomized methods for matrix computations

abstract:
  The purpose of this text is to provide an accessible introduction to a set of
recently developed algorithms for factorizing matrices. These new algorithms
attain high practical speed by reducing the dimensionality of intermediate
computations using randomized projections. The algorithms are particularly
powerful for computing low-rank approximations to very large matrices, but they
can also be used to accelerate algorithms for computing full factorizations of
matrices. A key competitive advantage of the algorithms described is that they
require less communication than traditional deterministic methods.


title:
Efficient Image Reconstruction and Practical Decomposition for
  Dual-energy Computed Tomography

abstract:
  Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has shown great potential and
promising applications in advanced imaging fields for its capabilities of
material decomposition. However, image reconstructions and decompositions under
sparse views dataset suffers severely from multi factors, such as
insufficiencies of data, appearances of noise, and inconsistencies of
observations. Under sparse views, conventional filtered back-projection type
reconstruction methods fails to provide CT images with satisfying quality.
Moreover, direct image decomposition is unstable and meet with noise boost even
with full views dataset. This paper proposes an iterative image reconstruction
algorithm and a practical image domain decomposition method for DECT. On one
hand, the reconstruction algorithm is formulated as an optimization problem,
which containing total variation regularization term and data fidelity term.
The alternating direction method is utilized to design the corresponding
algorithm which shows faster convergence speed compared with the existing ones.
On the other hand, the image domain decomposition applies the penalized least
square (PLS) estimation on decomposing the material mappings. The PLS includes
linear combination term and the regularization term which enforces the
smoothness on estimation images. The authors implement and evaluate the
proposed joint method on real DECT projections and compare the method with
typical and state-of-the-art reconstruction and decomposition methods. The
experiments on dataset of an anthropomorphic head phantom show that our methods
have advantages on noise suppression and edge reservation, without blurring the
fine structures in the sinus area in the phantom. Compared to the existing
approaches, our method achieves a superior performance on DECT imaging with
respect to reconstruction accuracy and decomposition quality.


title:
Nonlinear network model analysis of vibrational energy transfer and
  localisation in the Fenna-Matthews-Olson complex

abstract:
  Collective protein modes are expected to be important for facilitating energy
transfer in the Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) complex, however to date little work
has focussed on the microscopic details of these vibrations. The nonlinear
network model (NNM) provides a computationally inexpensive approach to studying
vibrational modes at the microscopic level, whilst incorporating anharmonicity
in the inter-residue interactions which can influence protein dynamics. We
apply the NNM to the FMO complex and find evidence for the existence of
nonlinear discrete breather modes. These modes tend to transfer energy to the
highly connected core pigments, potentially opening up alternative excitation
energy transfer routes. Incorporating localised modes based on these discrete
breathers in the optical spectra calculations for FMO using ab initio site
energies and excitonic couplings can substantially improve their agreement with
experimental results.


title:
Parametric amplification of light in a cavity with a moving dielectric
  membrane: Landau-Zener problem for the Maxwell field

abstract:
  We perform a theoretical investigation into the classical and quantum
dynamics of an optical field in a cavity containing a moving membrane
("membrane-in-the-middle" set-up). Our approach is based on the Maxwell wave
equation, and complements previous studies based on an effective Hamiltonian.
The analysis shows that for slowly moving and weakly reflective membranes the
dynamics can be approximated by unitary, first-order-in-time evolution given by
an effective Schr\"{o}dinger-like equation with a Hamiltonian that does not
depend on the membrane speed. This approximate theory is the one typically
adopted in cavity optomechanics and we develop a criterion for its validity.
However, in more general situations the full second-order wave equation
predicts light dynamics which do not conserve energy, giving rise to parametric
amplification (or reduction) that is forbidden under first order dynamics and
can be considered to be the classical counterpart of the dynamical Casimir
effect. The case of a membrane moving at constant velocity can be mapped onto
the Landau-Zener problem but with additional terms responsible for field
amplification. Furthermore, the nature of the adiabatic regime is rather
different from the ordinary Schr\"odinger case, since mode amplitudes need not
be constant even when there are no transitions between them. The Landau-Zener
problem for a field is therefore richer than in the standard single-particle
case. We use the work-energy theorem applied to the radiation pressure on the
membrane as a self-consistency check for our solutions of the wave equation and
as a tool to gain an intuitive understanding of energy pumped into/out of the
light field by the motion of the membrane.


title: Ultrafast Structure Switching through Nonlinear Phononics

abstract:
  We describe an ultrafast coherent control of the transient structural
distortion arising from nonlinear phononics in ErFeO$_3$. Using density
functional theory, we calculate the structural properties as input to an
anharmonic phonon model that describes the response of the system to a pulsed
optical excitation. We find that the trilinear coupling of two orthogonal
infrared-active phonons to a Raman-active phonon causes a transient distortion
of the lattice. The direction of the distortion is determined by the
polarization of the exciting light, suggesting a route to nonlinear phononic
lattice control and switching. Since the occurrence of the coupling is
determined by the symmetry of the system we propose that it is a universal
feature of orthorhombic and tetragonal perovskites.


title: Gluon and Wilson loop TMDs for hadrons of spin $\leq$ 1

abstract:
  In this paper we consider the parametrizations of gluon transverse momentum
dependent (TMD) correlators in terms of TMD parton distribution functions
(PDFs). These functions, referred to as TMDs, are defined as the Fourier
transforms of hadronic matrix elements of nonlocal combinations of gluon
fields. The nonlocality is bridged by gauge links, which have characteristic
paths (future or past pointing), giving rise to a process dependence that
breaks universality. For gluons, the specific correlator with one future and
one past pointing gauge link is, in the limit of small $x$, related to a
correlator of a single Wilson loop. We present the parametrization of Wilson
loop correlators in terms of Wilson loop TMDs and discuss the relation between
these functions and the small-$x$ `dipole' gluon TMDs. This analysis shows
which gluon TMDs are leading or suppressed in the small-$x$ limit. We discuss
hadronic targets that are unpolarized, vector polarized (relevant for
spin-$1/2$ and spin-$1$ hadrons), and tensor polarized (relevant for spin-$1$
hadrons). The latter are of interest for studies with a future Electron-Ion
Collider with polarized deuterons.


title: L1 penalization of volumetric dose objectives in optimal control of PDEs

abstract:
  This work is concerned with a class of optimal control problems governed by a
partial differential equation that are motivated by an application in
radiotherapy treatment planning, where the primary design objective is to
minimize the volume where a functional of the state violates a prescribed
level, but prescribing these levels in the form of pointwise state constraints
can lead to infeasible problems. We therefore propose an alternative approach
based on $L^1$ penalization of the violation. We establish well-posedness of
the corresponding optimal control problem, derive first-order optimality
conditions, and present a semismooth Newton method for the efficient numerical
solution of these problems. The performance of this method for a model problem
is illustrated and contrasted with the alternative approach based on
(regularized) state constraints.


title:
Delayed hepatic uptake of multi-phosphonic acid poly(ethylene glycol)
  coated iron oxide measured by real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging

abstract:
  We report on the synthesis, characterization, stability and pharmacokinetics
of novel iron based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Statistical copolymers combining multiple phosphonic acid groups and
poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesized and used as coating agents for 10
nm iron oxide nanocrystals. In vitro, protein corona and stability assays show
that phosphonic acid PEG copolymers outperform all other coating types
examined, including low molecular weight anionic ligands and polymers. In vivo,
the particle pharmacokinetics is investigated by monitoring the MRI signal
intensity from mouse liver, spleen and arteries as a function of the time,
between one minute and seven days after injection. Iron oxide particles coated
with multi-phosphonic acid PEG polymers are shown to have a blood circulation
lifetime of 250 minutes, i.e. 10 to 50 times greater than that of recently
published PEGylated probes and benchmarks. The clearance from the liver takes
in average 2 to 3 days and is independent of the core size, coating and
particle stability. By comparing identical core particles with different
coatings, we are able to determine the optimum conditions for stealth MRI
probes.


title: Deterministic Graph Exploration with Advice

abstract:
  We consider the task of graph exploration. An $n$-node graph has unlabeled
nodes, and all ports at any node of degree $d$ are arbitrarily numbered
$0,\dots, d-1$. A mobile agent has to visit all nodes and stop. The exploration
time is the number of edge traversals. We consider the problem of how much
knowledge the agent has to have a priori, in order to explore the graph in a
given time, using a deterministic algorithm. This a priori information (advice)
is provided to the agent by an oracle, in the form of a binary string, whose
length is called the size of advice. We consider two types of oracles. The
instance oracle knows the entire instance of the exploration problem, i.e., the
port-numbered map of the graph and the starting node of the agent in this map.
The map oracle knows the port-numbered map of the graph but does not know the
starting node of the agent.
  We first consider exploration in polynomial time, and determine the exact
minimum size of advice to achieve it. This size is $\log\log\log n -\Theta(1)$,
for both types of oracles.
  When advice is large, there are two natural time thresholds: $\Theta(n^2)$
for a map oracle, and $\Theta(n)$ for an instance oracle, that can be achieved
with sufficiently large advice. We show that, with a map oracle, time
$\Theta(n^2)$ cannot be improved in general, regardless of the size of advice.
We also show that the smallest size of advice to achieve this time is larger
than $n^\delta$, for any $\delta <1/3$.
  For an instance oracle, advice of size $O(n\log n)$ is enough to achieve time
$O(n)$. We show that, with any advice of size $o(n\log n)$, the time of
exploration must be at least $n^\epsilon$, for any $\epsilon <2$, and with any
advice of size $O(n)$, the time must be $\Omega(n^2)$.
  We also investigate minimum advice sufficient for fast exploration of
hamiltonian graphs.


title: Singular SRB measures for a non 1--1 map of the unit square

abstract:
  We consider a map of the unit square which is not 1--1, such as the memory
map studied in \cite{MwM1}. Memory maps are defined as follows:
$x_{n+1}=M_{\alpha}(x_{n-1},x_{n})=\tau (\alpha \cdot x_{n}+(1-\alpha )\cdot
x_{n-1}),$ where $\tau$ is a one-dimensional map on $I=[0,1]$ and $0<\alpha <1$
determines how much memory is being used. In this paper we let $\tau $ to be
the symmetric tent map. To study the dynamics of $M_\alpha$, we consider the
two-dimensional map $$ G_{\alpha }:[x_{n-1},x_{n}]\mapsto [x_{n},\tau (\alpha
\cdot x_{n}+(1-\alpha )\cdot x_{n-1})]\, .$$ The map $G_\alpha$ for
$\alpha\in(0,3/4]$ was studied in \cite{MwM1}. In this paper we prove that for
$\alpha\in(3/4,1)$ the map $G_\alpha$ admits a singular Sinai-Ruelle-Bowen
measure. We do this by applying Rychlik's results for the Lozi map. However,
unlike the Lozi map, the maps $G_\alpha$ are not invertible which creates
complications that we are able to overcome.


title: Fundamental partial compositeness

abstract:
  We construct renormalizable Standard Model extensions, valid up to the Planck
scale, that give a composite Higgs from a new fundamental strong force acting
on fermions and scalars. Yukawa interactions of these particles with Standard
Model fermions realize the partial compositeness scenario. Under certain
assumptions on the dynamics of the scalars, successful models exist because
gauge quantum numbers of Standard Model fermions admit a minimal enough 'square
root'. Furthermore, right-handed SM fermions have an SU(2)$_R$-like structure,
yielding a custodially-protected composite Higgs. Baryon and lepton numbers
arise accidentally. Standard Model fermions acquire mass at tree level, while
the Higgs potential and flavor violations are generated by quantum corrections.
We further discuss accidental symmetries and other dynamical features stemming
from the new strongly interacting scalars. If the same phenomenology can be
obtained from models without our elementary scalars, they would reappear as
composite states.


title: Whitney-type extension theorems for jets generated by Sobolev functions

abstract:
  Let $L^m_p(R^n)$, $p\in [1,\infty]$, be the homogeneous Sobolev space, and
let $E\subset R^n$ be a closed set. For each $p>n$ and each non-negative
integer $m$ we give an intrinsic characterization of the restrictions to $E$ of
$m$-jets generated by functions $F\in L^{m+1}_p(R^n)$. Our trace criterion is
expressed in terms of variations of corresponding Taylor remainders of $m$-jets
evaluated on a certain family of "well separated" two point subsets of $E$. For
$p=\infty$ this result coincides with the classical Whitney-Glaeser extension
theorem for $m$-jets.
  Our approach is based on a representation of the Sobolev space
$L^{m+1}_p(R^n)$, $p>n$, as a union of $C^{m,(d)}(R^n)$-spaces where $d$
belongs to a family of metrics on $R^n$ with certain "nice" properties. Here
$C^{m,(d)}(R^n)$ is the space of $C^m$-functions on $R^n$ whose partial
derivatives of order $m$ are Lipschitz functions with respect to $d$.
  This enables us to show that, for every non-negative integer $m$ and every
$p\in (n,\infty)$, the very same classical linear Whitney extension operator
provides an almost optimal extension of $m$-jets generated by
$L^{m+1}_p$-functions.


title:
Existence condition of strong stationary times for continuous time
  Markov chains on discrete graphs

abstract:
  We consider a random walk on a discrete connected graph having some infinite
branches plus finitely many vertices with finite degrees. We find the generator
of a strong stationary dual in the sense of Fill, and use it to find some
equivalent condition to the existence of a strong stationary time. This strong
stationary dual process lies in the set of connected compact sets of the
compactification of the graph. When this graph is Z, this is simply the set of
(possibly infinite) segments of Z.


title:
Impurity states in the magnetic topological insulator
  V:(Bi,Sb)$_2$Te$_3$

abstract:
  The ferromagnetic topological insulator V:(Bi,Sb)$_2$Te$_3$ has been recently
reported as a quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) system. Yet the microscopic origins
of the QAH effect and the ferromagnetism remain unclear. One key aspect is the
contribution of the V atoms to the electronic structure. Here the valence band
of V:(Bi,Sb)$_2$Te$_3$ thin films was probed in an element-specific way by
resonant photoemission spectroscopy. The signature of the V $3d$ impurity band
was extracted, and exhibits a high density of states near Fermi level.
First-principles calculations support the experimental results and indicate the
coexistence of ferromagnetic superexchange and double exchange interactions.
The observed impurity band is thus expected to contribute to the ferromagnetism
via the interplay of different mechanisms.


title: Morse-Novikov cohomology of closed one-forms of rank 1

abstract:
  We discuss the Morse-Novikov cohomology of a compact manifold, associated to
a closed one--form whose free abelian group generated by its periods $\langle
\int_\gamma \eta \mid [\gamma] \in \pi_1(M)\rangle$ is of rank 1, the focus
being on locally conformally symplectic manifolds. In particular, we provide an
explicit computation for the Inoue surface $\mathcal{S}^0$.


title:
Personalized Optimization for Computer Experiments with Environmental
  Inputs

abstract:
  Optimization problems with both control variables and environmental variables
arise in many fields. This paper introduces a framework of personalized
optimization to han- dle such problems. Unlike traditional robust optimization,
personalized optimization devotes to finding a series of optimal control
variables for different values of environmental variables. Therefore, the
solution from personalized optimization consists of optimal surfaces defined on
the domain of the environmental variables. When the environmental variables can
be observed or measured, personalized optimization yields more reasonable and
better solution- s than robust optimization. The implementation of personalized
optimization for complex computer models is discussed. Based on statistical
modeling of computer experiments, we provide two algorithms to sequentially
design input values for approximating the optimal surfaces. Numerical examples
show the effectiveness of our algorithms.


title: Frictionally decaying frontal warm-core eddies

abstract:
  The dynamics of nonstationary, nonlinear, axisymmetric, warm-core geophysical
surface frontal vortices affected by Rayleigh friction is investigated
semi-analytically using the nonlinear, nonstationary reduced-gravity
shallow-water equations. In this frame, it is found that vortices characterized
by linear distributions of their radial velocity and arbitrary structures of
their section and azimuthal velocity can be described exactly by a set of
nonstationary, nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations. The
first-order problem (i.e., that describing vortices characterized by a linear
azimuthal velocity field and a quadratic section) consists of a system of 4
differential equations, and each further order introduces in the system three
additional ordinary differential equations and two algebraic equations. In
order to illustrate the behavior of the nonstationary decaying vortices, the
system's solution for the first-order and for the second-order problem is then
obtained numerically using a Runge-Kutta method. The solutions demonstrate that
inertial oscillations and an exponential attenuation dominate the vortex
dynamics: Expansions and shallowings, contractions and deepenings alternate
during an exact inertial period while the vortex decays. The dependence of the
vortex dissipation rate on its initial radius is found to be non-monotonic: It
is higher for small and large radii. Our analysis adds realism to previous
theoretical investigations on mesoscale vortices, represents an ideal tool for
testing the accuracy of numerical models in simulating nonlinear, nonstationary
frictional frontal phenomena in a rotating ocean, and paves the way to further
extensions of (semi-) analytical solutions of hydrodynamical geophysical
problems to more arbitrary forms and more complex density stratifications.


title:
$L^p$-$L^q$ off-diagonal estimates for the Ornstein--Uhlenbeck
  semigroup: some positive and negative results

abstract:
  We investigate $L^p(\gamma)$-$L^q(\gamma)$ off-diagonal estimates for the
Ornstein-Uhlenbeck semigroup $(e^{tL})_{t > 0}$. For sufficiently large $t$
(quantified in terms of $p$ and $q$) these estimates hold in an unrestricted
sense, while for sufficiently small $t$ they fail when restricted to maximal
admissible balls and sufficiently small annuli. Our counterexample uses Mehler
kernel estimates.


title:
Anomalous screening in two-dimensional materials with an extremum ring
  in the dispersion law

abstract:
  A variety of two-dimensional materials possess a band structure with an
energy extremal ridge along a ring in momentum space. Examples are biased
bilayer graphene, and surfaces and interfaces with a Rashba spin-orbit
interaction where at low doping the carriers fill an annulus. This topological
feature causes an anomalous screening behavior, which we study using the
Thomas-Fermi theory. Specifically, reducing the doping is predicted to enhance
the linear screening response, while at zero doping the size of the screening
cloud surrounding a Coulomb impurity is found to increase as the cube root of
the impurity charge.


title: Tensor Decomposition for Signal Processing and Machine Learning

abstract:
  Tensors or {\em multi-way arrays} are functions of three or more indices
$(i,j,k,\cdots)$ -- similar to matrices (two-way arrays), which are functions
of two indices $(r,c)$ for (row,column). Tensors have a rich history,
stretching over almost a century, and touching upon numerous disciplines; but
they have only recently become ubiquitous in signal and data analytics at the
confluence of signal processing, statistics, data mining and machine learning.
This overview article aims to provide a good starting point for researchers and
practitioners interested in learning about and working with tensors. As such,
it focuses on fundamentals and motivation (using various application examples),
aiming to strike an appropriate balance of breadth {\em and depth} that will
enable someone having taken first graduate courses in matrix algebra and
probability to get started doing research and/or developing tensor algorithms
and software. Some background in applied optimization is useful but not
strictly required. The material covered includes tensor rank and rank
decomposition; basic tensor factorization models and their relationships and
properties (including fairly good coverage of identifiability); broad coverage
of algorithms ranging from alternating optimization to stochastic gradient;
statistical performance analysis; and applications ranging from source
separation to collaborative filtering, mixture and topic modeling,
classification, and multilinear subspace learning.


title: One-Quadrant Switched-Mode Power Converters

abstract:
  This article presents the main topics related to one-quadrant power
converters. The basic topologies are analysed and a simple methodology to
obtain the steady-state output-input voltage ratio is set out. A short
discussion of different methods to control one-quadrant power converters is
presented. Some of the reported derived topologies of one-quadrant power
converters are also considered. Some topics related to one-quadrant power
converters such as synchronous rectification, hard and soft commutation, and
interleaved converters are discussed. Finally, a brief introduction to resonant
converters is given.


title: The Banks-Zaks expansion in perturbative QCD: an update

abstract:
  The recent QCD calculations of the five-loop beta function and of R(e+e-) to
O(alpha_s^4) provide one more term in the Banks-Zaks expansion in (16.5-nf).
There is no longer any hope that the expansion could extend, even crudely, to
low nf. Above nf=9, however, the results appear to be reasonably consistent
from order to order.


title:
Discovery potential for supernova relic neutrinos with slow liquid
  scintillator detectors

abstract:
  Detection of supernova relic neutrinos could provide key support for our
current understanding of stellar and cosmological evolution, and precise
measurements of these neutrinos could yield novel insights into the universe.
In this paper, we studied the detection potential of supernova relic neutrinos
using linear alkyl benzene (LAB) as a slow liquid scintillator. The linear
alkyl benzene features good separation of Cherenkov and scintillation lights,
thereby providing a new route for particle identification. We further addressed
key issues in current experiments, including (1) the charged current background
of atmospheric neutrinos in water Cherenkov detectors and (2) the neutral
current background of atmospheric neutrinos in typical liquid scintillator
detectors. A kiloton-scale LAB detector at Jinping with $\mathcal{O}$(10) years
of data could discover supernova relic neutrinos with a sensitivity comparable
to that of large-volume water Cherenkov detectors, typical liquid scintillator
detectors, and liquid argon detectors.


title: On sensitivity of uniform mixing times

abstract:
  We show that the order of the $L_{\infty}$-mixing time of simple random walks
on a sequence of uniformly bounded degree graphs of size $n$ may increase by an
optimal factor of $\Theta( \log \log n)$ as a result of a bounded perturbation
of the edge weights. This answers a question and a conjecture of Kozma.


title:
Measurement of forward direct photon production in p-A at the LHC with
  ALICE - A probe for nuclear PDFs and saturation

abstract:
  Probes for the small-x parton densities and predicted effects of gluon
saturation are discussed. At very low x and intermediate Q, only results on
hadronic observables at the LHC are available, which do not provide unambiguous
information. It is shown that the measurement of direct photons at forward
rapidity at the LHC is particularly promising to provide a unique signal. We
further discuss the possibilities to perform such measurements with a detector
upgrade in the ALICE experiment and present the R&D activities ongoing.


title:
Applications of Steiner symmetrization to some extremal problems in
  geometric function theory

abstract:
  In this paper we investigate properties of the Steiner symmetrization in the
complex plane. We use two recursive dynamic processes in order to derive some
sharp inequalities on analytic functions in the unit disk. We answer a question
that was asked by Albert Baernstein II, regarding the coefficients of circular
symmetrization. We mostly deal with the Steiner symmetrization $G$ of an
analytic function $f$ in the unit disk $U$. We pose few problems we can not
solve. An intriguing one is that of the inequality $$ \int_{0}^{2\pi}
|f(re^{i\theta})|^{p}d\theta\le\int_{0}^{2\pi}
|G(re^{i\theta})|^{p}d\theta,\,\,0<p<\infty $$ which is true for $p=2$ (we
prove) but can not be true for too large $p$. What is the largest such exponent
or its supremum?


title:
QCD phase transitions via a refined truncation of Dyson-Schwinger
  equations

abstract:
  We investigate both the chiral and deconfinement phase transitions of QCD
matter in a refined scheme of Dyson-Schwinger equations, which have been shown
to be successful in giving the meson mass spectrum and matching the interaction
with the results from ab initio computation. We verify the equivalence of the
chiral susceptibility criterion with different definitions for the
susceptibility and confirm that the chiral susceptibility criterion is
efficient to fix not only the chiral phase boundary but also the critical end
point (CEP), especially when one could not have the effective thermodynamical
potential. We propose a generalized Schwinger function criterion for the
confinement. We give the phase diagram of both phase transitions and show that
in the refined scheme the position of the CEP shifts to lower chemical
potential and higher temperature. Based on our calculation and previous results
of the chemical freeze out conditions, we propose that the CEP locates in the
states of the matter generated by the Au--Au collisions with
$\sqrt{s_{NN}^{}}=9\sim15$ GeV.


title:
Transverse single-spin asymmetry of weak bosons and Drell-Yan production
  in p+p collisions at STAR: present and future

abstract:
  Accessing the Sivers TMD function in proton+proton collisions through the
measurement of transverse single spin asymmetries (TSSAs) in Drell-Yan and weak
boson production is an effective path to test the fundamental QCD prediction of
the non-universality of the Sivers function. Furthermore, it provides data to
study the spin-flavor structure of valence and sea quarks inside the proton and
to test the evolution of parton distributions. The TSSA amplitude, $A_{N}$, has
been measured at STAR in proton+proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 500$ GeV, with
a recorded integrated luminosity of 25 pb$^{-1}$. Within relatively large
statistical uncertainties, the current data favor theoretical models that
include a change of sign for the Sivers function relative to observations in
SIDIS measurements, if TMD evolution effects are small. RHIC plans to run
proton+proton collisions of transversely polarized beams at $\sqrt{s} = 510$
GeV in 2017, delivering an integrated luminosity of 400 pb$^{-1}$. This will
allow STAR to perform a precise measurement of TSSAs in both Drell-Yan and weak
boson production. The present status and future plans for the Sivers function
program at STAR will be discussed as well as other observables sensitive to the
non-universality of the Sivers function in the Twist-3 framework, e.g. the TSSA
of direct photons.


title:
Current and future constraints on Bekenstein-type models for varying
  couplings

abstract:
  Astrophysical tests of the stability of dimensionless fundamental couplings,
such as the fine-structure constant $\alpha$ and the proton-to-electron mass
ratio $\mu$, are an optimal probe of new physics. There is a growing interest
in these tests, following indications of possible spacetime variations at the
few parts per million level. Here we make use of the latest astrophysical
measurements, combined with background cosmological observations, to obtain
improved constraints on Bekenstein-type models for the evolution of both
couplings. These are arguably the simplest models allowing for $\alpha$ and
$\mu$ variations, and are characterized by a single free dimensionless
parameter, $\zeta$, describing the coupling of the underlying dynamical degree
of freedom to the electromagnetic sector. In the former case we find that this
parameter is constrained to be $|\zeta_\alpha|<4.8\times10^{-6}$ (improving
previous constraints by a factor of 6), while in the latter (which we
quantitatively compare to astrophysical measurements for the first time) we
find $\zeta_\mu=(2.7\pm3.1)\times10^{-7}$; both of these are at the $99.7\%$
confidence level. For $\zeta_\alpha$ this constraint is about 20 times stronger
than the one obtained from local Weak Equivalence Principle tests, while for
$\zeta_\mu$ it is about 2 orders of magnitude weaker. We also discuss the
improvements on these constraints to be expected from the forthcoming ESPRESSO
and ELT-HIRES spectrographs, conservatively finding a factor around 5 for the
former and around 50 for the latter.


title:
Maximal torsion-free subgroups of certain lattices of hyperbolic
  buildings and Davis complexes

abstract:
  We give an explicit construction of a maximal torsion-free finite-index
subgroup of a certain type of Coxeter group. The subgroup is constructed as the
fundamental group of a finite and non-positively curved polygonal complex.
First we consider the special case where the universal cover of this polygonal
complex is a hyperbolic building, and we construct finite-index embeddings of
the fundamental group into certain cocompact lattices of the building. We show
that in this special case the fundamental group is an amalgam of surface groups
over free groups. We then consider the general case, and construct a
finite-index embedding of the fundamental group into the Coxeter group whose
Davis complex is the universal cover of the polygonal complex. All of the
groups which we embed have minimal index among torsion-free subgroups, and
therefore are maximal among torsion-free subgroups.


title:
On a method for Rock Classification using Textural Features and Genetic
  Optimization

abstract:
  In this work we present a method to classify a set of rock textures based on
a Spectral Analysis and the extraction of the texture Features of the resulted
images. Up to 520 features were tested using 4 different filters and all 31
different combinations were verified. The classification process relies on a
Naive Bayes classifier. We performed two kinds of optimizations: statistical
optimization with covariance-based Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and a
genetic optimization, for 10,000 randomly defined samples, achieving a final
maximum classification success of 91% against the original 70% success ratio
(without any optimization nor filters used). After the optimization 9 types of
features emerged as most relevant.


title: Challenges for D-brane large-field inflation with stabilizer fields

abstract:
  We study possible string theory compactifications which, in the low-energy
limit, describe chaotic inflation with a stabilizer field. We first analyze
type IIA setups where the inflationary potential arises from a D6-brane
wrapping an internal three-cycle, and where the stabilizer field is either an
open-string or bulk K\"ahler modulus. We find that after integrating out the
relevant closed-string moduli consistently, tachyonic directions arise during
inflation which cannot be lifted. This is ultimately due to the shift
symmetries of the type IIA K\"ahler potential at large compactification volume.
This motivates us to search for stabilizer candidates in the complex structure
sector of type IIB orientifolds, since these fields couple to D7-brane Wilson
lines and their shift symmetries are generically broken away from the large
complex structure limit. However, we find that in these setups the challenge is
to obtain the necessary hierarchy between the inflationary and Kaluza-Klein
scales.


title:
Thermalization of one-dimensional photon gas and thermal lasers in
  erbium-doped fibers

abstract:
  We demonstrate thermalization and Bose-Einstein (BE) distribution of photons
in standard erbium-doped fibers (edf) in a broad spectral range up to ~200nm at
the 1550nm wavelength regime. Our measurements were done at a room temperature
~300K and 77K. It is a special demonstration of thermalization of photons in
fiber cavities and even in open fibers. They are one-dimensional (1D),
meters-long, with low finesse, high loss and small capture fraction of the
spontaneous emission. Moreover, we find in the edf cavities coexistence of
thermal equilibrium (TE) and lasing without an overall inversion. The
experimental results are supported by a theoretical analysis based on the rate
equations.


title:
Analytical formulation of the single-visit completeness joint
  probability density function

abstract:
  We derive an exact formulation of the multivariate integral representing the
single-visit obscurational and photometric completeness joint probability
density function for arbitrary distributions for planetary parameters. We
present a derivation of the region of nonzero values of this function which
extends previous work, and discuss time and computational complexity costs and
benefits of the method. We present a working implementation, and demonstrate
excellent agreement between this approach and Monte Carlo simulation results


title: Node-Centric Detection of Overlapping Communities in Social Networks

abstract:
  We present NECTAR, a community detection algorithm that generalizes Louvain
method's local search heuristic for overlapping community structures. NECTAR
chooses dynamically which objective function to optimize based on the network
on which it is invoked. Our experimental evaluation on both synthetic benchmark
graphs and real-world networks, based on ground-truth communities, shows that
NECTAR provides excellent results as compared with state of the art community
detection algorithms.


title: The zero-error randomized query complexity of the pointer function

abstract:
  The pointer function of G{\"{o}}{\"{o}}s, Pitassi and Watson
\cite{DBLP:journals/eccc/GoosP015a} and its variants have recently been used to
prove separation results among various measures of complexity such as
deterministic, randomized and quantum query complexities, exact and approximate
polynomial degrees, etc. In particular, the widest possible (quadratic)
separations between deterministic and zero-error randomized query complexity,
as well as between bounded-error and zero-error randomized query complexity,
have been obtained by considering {\em
variants}~\cite{DBLP:journals/corr/AmbainisBBL15} of this pointer function.
  However, as was pointed out in \cite{DBLP:journals/corr/AmbainisBBL15}, the
precise zero-error complexity of the original pointer function was not known.
We show a lower bound of $\widetilde{\Omega}(n^{3/4})$ on the zero-error
randomized query complexity of the pointer function on $\Theta(n \log n)$ bits;
since an $\widetilde{O}(n^{3/4})$ upper bound is already known
\cite{DBLP:conf/fsttcs/MukhopadhyayS15}, our lower bound is optimal up to a
factor of $\polylog\, n$.


title: Exterior power operations on higher $K$-groups via binary complexes

abstract:
  We use Grayson's binary multicomplex presentation of algebraic $K$-theory to
give a new construction of exterior power operations on the higher $K$-groups
of a (quasi-compact) scheme. We show that these operations satisfy the axioms
of a $\lambda$-ring, including the product and composition laws. To prove the
composition law we show that the Grothendieck group of the exact category of
integral polynomial functors is the universal $\lambda$-ring on one generator.


title:
Primitive recursive functions versus partial recursive functions:
  comparing the degree of undecidability

abstract:
  Consider a decision problem whose instance is a function. Its degree of
undecidability, measured by the corresponding class of the arithmetic (or
Kleene-Mostowski) hierarchy hierarchy, may depend on whether the instance is a
partial recursive or a primitive recursive function. A similar situation
happens for results like Rice Theorem (which is false for primitive recursive
functions). Classical Recursion Theory deals mainly with the properties of
partial recursive functions. We study several natural decision problems related
to primitive recursive functions and characterise their degree of
undecidability. As an example, we show that, for primitive recursive functions,
the injectivity problem is Pi^0_1-complete while the surjectivity problem is
Pi_2-complete (omit superscripts from now on). We compare the degree of
undecidability (measured by the level in the arithmetic hierarchy) of several
primitive recursive decision problems with the corresponding problems of
classical Recursion Theory. For instance, the problem "does the codomain of a
function have exactly one element?" is Pi_1-complete for primitive recursive
functions and belongs to the class [Delta_2 - (Sigma_1 UNION Pi_1)] for partial
recursive functions. An important decision problem, "does a given primitive
recursive function have at least one zero?" is studied in detail.


title: Products of general Menger spaces

abstract:
  We study products of general topological spaces with Menger's covering
property, and its refinements based on filters and semifilters. To this end, we
extend the projection method from the classic real line topology to the Michael
topology. Among other results, we prove that, assuming \CH{}, every
productively Lindel\"of space is productively Menger, and every productively
Menger space is productively Hurewicz. None of these implications is
reversible.


title:
On the set of harmonic solutions of a class of perturbed coupled and
  nonautonomous differential equations on manifolds

abstract:
  We study the set of $T$-periodic solutions of a class of $T$-periodically
perturbed coupled and nonautonomous differential equations on manifolds. By
using degree-theoretic methods we obtain a global continuation result for the
$T$-periodic solutions of the considered equations.


title: Short-time Behaviour and Criticality of Driven Lattice Gases

abstract:
  The nonequilibrium short-time critical behaviors of driven and undriven
lattice gases are investigated via Monte Carlo simulations in two spatial
dimensions starting from a fully disordered initial configuration. In
particular, we study the time evolution of suitably defined order parameters,
which account for the strong anisotropy introduced by the homogeneous drive. We
demonstrate that, at short times, the dynamics of all these models is
unexpectedly described by an effective continuum theory in which transverse
fluctuations, i.e., fluctuations averaged along the drive, are Gaussian,
irrespective of this being actually the case in the stationary state. Strong
numerical evidence is provided, in remarkable agreement with that theory, both
for the driven and undriven lattice gases, which therefore turn out to display
the same short-time dynamics.


title:
A New Hierarchical Redundancy Eliminated Tree Augmented Naive Bayes
  Classifier for Coping with Gene Ontology-based Features

abstract:
  The Tree Augmented Naive Bayes classifier is a type of probabilistic
graphical model that can represent some feature dependencies. In this work, we
propose a Hierarchical Redundancy Eliminated Tree Augmented Naive Bayes
(HRE-TAN) algorithm, which considers removing the hierarchical redundancy
during the classifier learning process, when coping with data containing
hierarchically structured features. The experiments showed that HRE-TAN obtains
significantly better predictive performance than the conventional Tree
Augmented Naive Bayes classifier, and enhanced the robustness against
imbalanced class distributions, in aging-related gene datasets with Gene
Ontology terms used as features.


title:
A Modified Activation Function with Improved Run-Times For Neural
  Networks

abstract:
  In this paper we present a modified version of the Hyperbolic Tangent
Activation Function as a learning unit generator for neural networks. The
function uses an integer calibration constant as an approximation to the Euler
number, e, based on a quadratic Real Number Formula (RNF) algorithm and an
adaptive normalization constraint on the input activations to avoid the
vanishing gradient. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed
modification using a hypothetical and real world dataset and show that lower
run-times can be achieved by learning algorithms using this function leading to
improved speed-ups and learning accuracies during training.


title:
Orbital mapping of energy bands and the truncated spin polarization in
  three-dimensional Rashba semiconductors

abstract:
  Associated with spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and inversion symmetry breaking,
Rashba spin polarization opens a new avenue for spintronic applications that
was previously limited to ordinary magnets. However, spin polarization effects
in actual Rashba systems are far more complicated than what conventional
single-orbital models would suggest. By studying via first-principles DFT and a
multi-orbital k.p model a 3D bulk Rashba system (free of complications by
surface effects) we find that the physical origin of the leading spin
polarization effects is SOC-induced hybridization between spin and multiple
orbitals, especially those with nonzero orbital angular momenta. In this
framework we establish a general understanding of the orbital mapping, common
to the surface of topological insulators and Rashba system. Consequently, the
intrinsic mechanism of various spin polarization effects, which pertain to all
Rashba systems even those with global inversion symmetry, is understood as a
manifestation of the orbital textures. This finding suggests a route for
designing high spin-polarization materials by considering the atomic-orbital
content.


title:
Multi-user quantum key distribution with entangled photons from an
  AlGaAs chip

abstract:
  In view of real world applications of quantum information technologies, the
combination of miniature quantum resources with existing fibre networks is a
crucial issue. Among such resources, on-chip entangled photon sources play a
central role for applications spanning quantum communications, computing and
metrology. Here, we use a semiconductor source of entangled photons operating
at room temperature in conjunction with standard telecom components to
demonstrate multi-user quantum key distribution, a core protocol for securing
communications in quantum networks. The source consists of an AlGaAs chip
emitting polarization entangled photon pairs over a large bandwidth in the main
telecom band around 1550 nm without the use of any off-chip compensation or
interferometric scheme; the photon pairs are directly launched into a dense
wavelength division multiplexer (DWDM) and secret keys are distributed between
several pairs of users communicating through different channels. We achieve a
visibility measured after the DWDM of 87% and show long-distance key
distribution using a 50-km standard telecom fibre link between two network
users. These results illustrate a promising route to practical,
resource-efficient implementations adapted to quantum network infrastructures.


title: Discrete Wave-Packet Representation in Nuclear Matter Calculations

abstract:
  The Lippmann-Schwinger equation for the nucleon-nucleon $t$-matrix as well as
the corresponding Bethe-Goldstone equation to determine the Brueckner reaction
matrix in nuclear matter are reformulated in terms of the resolvents for the
total two-nucleon Hamiltonians defined in free space and in medium
correspondingly. This allows to find solutions at many energies simultaneously
by using the respective Hamiltonian matrix diagonalization in the stationary
wave packet basis. Among other important advantages, this approach simplifies
greatly the whole computation procedures both for coupled-channel $t$-matrix
and the Brueckner reaction matrix. Therefore this principally novel scheme is
expected to be especially useful for self-consistent nuclear matter
calculations because it allows to accelerate in a high degree single-particle
potential iterations. Furthermore the method provides direct access to the
properties of possible two-nucleon bound states in the nuclear medium. The
comparison between reaction matrices found via the numerical solution of the
Bethe-Goldstone integral equation and the straightforward Hamiltonian
diagonalization shows a high accuracy of the method suggested. The proposed
fully discrete approach opens a new way to an accurate treatment of two- and
three-particle correlations in nuclear matter on the basis of three-particle
Bethe-Faddeev equation by an effective Hamiltonian diagonalization procedure.


title:
Hyperfine and spin-orbit coupling effects on decay of spin-valley states
  in a carbon nanotube

abstract:
  The decay of spin-valley states is studied in a suspended carbon nanotube
double quantum dot via leakage current in Pauli blockade and via dephasing and
decoherence of a qubit. From the magnetic field dependence of the leakage
current, hyperfine and spin-orbit contributions to relaxation from blocked to
unblocked states are identified and explained quantitatively by means of a
simple model. The observed qubit dephasing rate is consistent with the
hyperfine coupling strength extracted from this model and inconsistent with
dephasing from charge noise. However, the qubit coherence time, although longer
than previously achieved, is probably still limited by charge noise in the
device.


title:
Matrix product purifications for canonical ensembles and quantum number
  distributions

abstract:
  Matrix product purifications (MPPs) are a very efficient tool for the
simulation of strongly correlated quantum many-body systems at finite
temperatures. When a system features symmetries, these can be used to reduce
computation costs substantially. It is straightforward to compute an MPP of a
grand-canonical ensemble, also when symmetries are exploited. This paper
provides and demonstrates methods for the efficient computation of MPPs of
canonical ensembles under utilization of symmetries. Furthermore, we present a
scheme for the evaluation of global quantum number distributions using matrix
product density operators (MPDOs). We provide exact matrix product
representations for canonical infinite-temperature states, and discuss how they
can be constructed alternatively by applying matrix product operators to
vacuum-type states or by using entangler Hamiltonians. A demonstration of the
techniques for Heisenberg spin-1/2 chains explains why the difference in the
energy densities of canonical and grand-canonical ensembles decays as 1/L.


title: Introduction to finite $W$-algebras

abstract:
  These are notes of lectures given at UN Encuentro 2016 at the Colombia
National University. We begin with the definition of infinite $W$-algebras.
Then we explain the motivation for the definition if finite $W$-algebras. Then
we present basic facts about the structure and representations of finite
$W$-algebras. In these lectures we follow the historical development of the
subject.


title:
SPHYNX: an accurate density-based SPH method for astrophysical
  applications

abstract:
  Hydrodynamical instabilities and shocks are ubiquitous in astrophysical
scenarios. Therefore, an accurate numerical simulation of these phenomena is
mandatory to correctly model and understand many astrophysical events, such as
Supernovas, stellar collisions, or planetary formation. In this work, we
attempt to address many of the problems that the smoothed particle
hydrodynamics (SPH) technique has when dealing with subsonic hydrodynamical
instabilities or shocks. To that aim we built a new SPH code named SPHYNX, that
includes many of the recent advances in the SPH technique and some other new
ones, which we present here. SPHYNX is of Newtonian type and grounded in the
Euler-Lagrange formulation of the SPH technique. Its distinctive features are:
the use of an integral approach to estimating the gradients; the use of a
flexible family of interpolators called sinc kernels, which suppress pairing
instability; and the incorporation of a new type of volume element which
provides a better partition of the unity. Unlike other modern formulations,
which consider volume elements linked to pressure, our volume element choice
relies on density. SPHYNX conserves mass, linear and angular momentum, energy,
entropy, and preserves kernel normalization even in strong shocks. The coupling
between the integral approach to calculate gradients and the new family of
volume elements reduces the so-called tensile instability. Both features help
to suppress the damp which often prevents the growth of hydrodynamic
instabilities in regular SPH codes. On the whole, SPHYNX has passed the
verification tests described below. For identical particle setting and initial
conditions the results were similar (or better in some particular cases) than
those obtained with other SPH schemes such as GADGET-2, PSPH or with the recent
density-independent formulation (DISPH) and conservative reproducing kernel
(CRKSPH) techniques.


title:
Future singularities if the universe underwent Starobinsky inflation in
  the past

abstract:
  The effects which quantum fields and an $\alpha_0 R^2$ term in the
gravitational Lagrangian have on future singularities are investigated. While
all values of $\alpha_0$ are considered, an emphasis is placed on those values
which are compatible with the universe having undergone Starobinsky inflation
in the past. These are also values which lead to stable solutions to the
semiclassical backreaction equations in the present universe. The dark energy
is modeled as a perfect fluid, and the focus is on type I-IV singularities and
little rips which result when the classical Einstein equations are solved with
various types of dark energy as a source. First, evidence is provided that the
energy densities of massive conformally coupled scalar fields approach that of
the conformally invariant scalar field as a type III singularity is approached.
Then, solutions to the semiclassical backreaction equations are investigated
when conformally invariant fields and the $ \alpha_0 R^2$ term in the
gravitational Lagrangian are present. General proofs regarding the behaviors of
the solutions are given. The proofs are illustrated by analytic and numerical
calculations in specific cases.


title: Genericity of mode-locking for quasiperiodically forced circle maps

abstract:
  We show that a generic quasiperiodically forced circle homeomorphism is
mode-locked: the rotation number in the fibres is rationally related to the
rotation number in the base and it is stable under small perturbations of the
system. As a consequence, this implies that for a generic parameter family of
quasiperiodically forced circle homeomorphisms satisfying a twist condition,
the graph of the rotation number as a function of the parameter is a devil's
staircase.


title: Quark-hadron duality: pinched kernel approch

abstract:
  Hadronic spectral functions measured by the ALEPH collaboration in the vector
and axial-vector channels are used to study potential quark-hadron duality
violations (DV). This is done entirely in the framework of pinched kernel
finite energy sum rules (FESR), i.e. in a model independent fashion. The
kinematical range of the ALEPH data is effectively extended up to $s = 10\;
{\mbox{GeV}^2}$ by using an appropriate kernel, and assuming that in this
region the spectral functions are given by perturbative QCD. Support for this
assumption is obtained by using $e^+ e^-$ annihilation data in the vector
channel. Results in both channels show a good saturation of the pinched FESR,
without further need of explicit models of DV.


title:
CFT and Logarithmic Corrections to the Black Hole Entropy Product
  Formula

abstract:
  We examine the logarithmic corrections to the black hole (BH) entropy product
formula of outer horizon and inner horizon by taking into account the
\emph{effects of statistical quantum fluctuations around the thermal
equilibrium} and \emph{via conformal field theory} (CFT). We argue that
logarithmic corrections to the BH entropy product formula when calculated using
CFT and taking into the effects of quantum fluctuations around the thermal
equilibrium, the formula should \emph{not be universal} and it should also
\emph{not be quantized}. These results have been explicitly checked by giving
several examples.


title:
Weakly-correlated nature of ferromagnetism in non symmorphic CrO$_2$
  revealed by bulk-sensitive soft X ray ARPES

abstract:
  Chromium dioxide CrO$_2$ belongs to a class of materials called ferromagnetic
half-metals, whose peculiar aspect is to act as a metal in one spin orientation
and as semiconductor or insulator in the opposite one. Despite numerous
experimental and theoretical studies motivated by technologically important
applications of this material in spintronics, its fundamental properties such
as momentum resolved electron dispersions and Fermi surface have so far
remained experimentally inaccessible due to metastability of its surface that
instantly reduces to amorphous Cr$_2$O$_3$. In this work, we demonstrate that
direct access to the native electronic structure of CrO$_2$ can be achieved
with soft-X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy whose large probing
depth penetrates through the Cr$_2$O$_3$ layer. For the first time the
electronic dispersions and Fermi surface of CrO$_2$ are measured, which are
fundamental prerequisites to solve the long debate on the nature of electronic
correlations in this material. Since density functional theory augmented by a
relatively weak local Coulomb repulsion gives an exhaustive description of our
spectroscopic data, we rule out strong-coupling theories of CrO$_2$. Crucial
for the correct interpretation of our experimental data in terms of the valence
band dispersions is the understanding of a non-trivial spectral response of
CrO$_2$ caused by interference effects in the photoemission process originating
from the non-symmorphic space group of the rutile crystal structure of CrO$_2$.


title: Landauer Bound for Analog Computing Systems

abstract:
  By establishing a relation between information erasure and continuous phase
transitions we generalise the Landauer bound to analog computing systems. The
entropy production per degree of freedom during erasure of an analog variable
(reset to standard value) is given by the logarithm of the configurational
volume measured in units of its minimal quantum. As a consequence every
computation has to be carried on with a finite number of bits and infinite
precision is forbidden by the fundamental laws of physics, since it would
require an infinite amount of energy.


title: Studying photon structure at an EIC

abstract:
  A future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) will deliver luminosities of $10^{33} -
10^{34}$ cm$^{-2}$s$^{-1}$ for collisions of polarized electrons and protons
and heavy ions over a wide range of center-of-mass energies (40 $\mathrm{GeV}$
to 145 $\mathrm{GeV}$). One of its promising physics programs is to study the
partonic structure of quasi-real photons. Measuring di-jet in photoproduction
events, one can effectively access the underlying parton dynamics of the
photons through the selection of the resolved photon processes. In this paper,
we discuss the feasibility of tagging resolved photon processes and measuring
the di-jet cross section as a function of jet transverse momentum in ranges of
$x_{\gamma}^{rec}$ at an EIC. These studies show that parton distributions in
the photon can be extracted at an EIC.


title: Optimal Trajectories of Brain State Transitions

abstract:
  The complexity of neural dynamics stems in part from the complexity of the
underlying anatomy. Yet how the organization of white matter architecture
constrains how the brain transitions from one cognitive state to another
remains unknown. Here we address this question from a computational perspective
by defining a brain state as a pattern of activity across brain regions.
Drawing on recent advances in network control theory, we model the underlying
mechanisms of brain state transitions as elicited by the collective control of
region sets. Specifically, we examine how the brain moves from a specified
initial state (characterized by high activity in the default mode) to a
specified target state (characterized by high activity in primary sensorimotor
cortex) in finite time. Across all state transitions, we observe that the
supramarginal gyrus and the inferior parietal lobule consistently acted as
efficient, low energy control hubs, consistent with their strong anatomical
connections to key input areas of sensorimotor cortex. Importantly, both these
and other regions in the fronto-parietal, cingulo-opercular, and attention
systems are poised to affect a broad array of state transitions that cannot
easily be classified by traditional notions of control common in the
engineering literature. This theoretical versatility comes with a vulnerability
to injury. In patients with mild traumatic brain injury, we observe a loss of
specificity in putative control processes, suggesting greater susceptibility to
damage-induced noise in neurophysiological activity. These results offer
fundamentally new insights into the mechanisms driving brain state transitions
in healthy cognition and their alteration following injury.


title:
Transfer matrix approach to the persistent current in hybrid
  normal-superconducting rings

abstract:
  Using the properties of the transfer matrix of one-dimensional quantum
mechanical systems, we derive a technique to exactly compute the persistent
current across a hybrid normal-superconducting-mesoscopic ring pierced by a
magnetic flux Phi as a single integral of a known function of the system's
parameters. Our approach provides exact results at zero temperature, which can
be readily extended to finite temperatures T much below the superconducting
gap. We apply our technique to derive the persistent current through p-wave and
s-wave superconducting-normal hybrid rings, recovering at once a number of
effects such as the crossover in the current periodicity on increasing the size
of the ring and the signature of the topological phase transition in the p-wave
case. In the limit of a large ring size, resorting to a systematic expansion in
inverse powers of the ring length, we derive exact analytic closed-form
formulas, applicable to a number of cases of physical interest.


title:
Vector boson production in association with jets and heavy flavor quarks
  from CMS

abstract:
  This document is dedicated to recent results on the measurements of a vector
boson production associated with jets (V+jets) using CMS detector experiment,
with a central proton-proton (pp) collision energy of respectively 8 TeV (RunI)
and 13 TeV (RunII). The vector boson can be a W boson, Z boson, or
photon({\gamma}). The jets are of any flavor, as well as the ones containing
heavy flavor quarks, such as bottom(b) quarks. The inclusive cross sections of
V+jets processes and differential cross sections as a function of various
kinematic observables are presented and compared to several theoretical
predictions. In general, the comparison between theoretical calculations and
measurement are crucial for improving modeling and precision on QCD dynamics.


title:
Lagrangian filtered density function for LES-based stochastic modelling
  of turbulent dispersed flows

abstract:
  The Eulerian-Lagrangian approach based on Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) is one
of the most promising and viable numerical tools to study turbulent dispersed
flows when the computational cost of Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) becomes
too expensive. The applicability of this approach is however limited if the
effects of the Sub-Grid Scales (SGS) of the flow on particle dynamics are
neglected. In this paper, we propose to take these effects into account by
means of a Lagrangian stochastic SGS model for the equations of particle
motion. The model extends to particle-laden flows the velocity-filtered density
function method originally developed for reactive flows. The underlying
filtered density function is simulated through a Lagrangian Monte Carlo
procedure that solves for a set of Stochastic Differential Equations (SDEs)
along individual particle trajectories. The resulting model is tested for the
reference case of turbulent channel flow, using a hybrid algorithm in which the
fluid velocity field is provided by LES and then used to advance the SDEs in
time. The model consistency is assessed in the limit of particles with zero
inertia, when "duplicate fields" are available from both the Eulerian LES and
the Lagrangian tracking. Tests with inertial particles were performed to
examine the capability of the model to capture particle preferential
concentration and near-wall segregation. Upon comparison with DNS-based
statistics, our results show improved accuracy and considerably reduced errors
with respect to the case in which no SGS model is used in the equations of
particle motion.


title:
Refinements of the Weyl pure geometrical thick branes from
  information-entropic measure

abstract:
  This letter aims to analyse the so-called configurational entropy in the Weyl
pure geometrical thick brane model. The Weyl structure plays a prominent role
in the thickness of this model. We find a set of parameters associated to the
brane width where the configurational entropy exhibits critical points.
Furthermore, we show, by means of this information-theoretical measure, that a
stricter bound on the parameter of Weyl pure geometrical brane model arises
from the CE.


title:
Revealing proton shape fluctuations with incoherent diffraction at high
  energy

abstract:
  The differential cross section of exclusive diffractive vector meson
production in electron proton collisions carries important information on the
geometric structure of the proton. More specifically, the coherent cross
section as a function of the transferred transverse momentum is sensitive to
the size of the proton, while the incoherent, or proton dissociative cross
section is sensitive to fluctuations of the gluon distribution in coordinate
space. We show that at high energies the experimentally measured coherent and
incoherent cross sections for the production of $J/\Psi$ mesons are very well
reproduced within the color glass condensate framework when strong geometric
fluctuations of the gluon distribution in the proton are included. For $\rho$
meson production we also find reasonable agreement. We study in detail the
dependence of our results on various model parameters, including the average
proton shape, analyze the effect of saturation scale and color charge
fluctuations and constrain the degree of geometric fluctuations.


title:
Thermal Resistances of Thin-Films of Small Molecule Organic
  Semiconductors

abstract:
  We have measured the thermal resistances of thin films of the small molecule
organic semiconductors bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS-pn),
bis(triethylsilylethynyl) anthradithiophene (TES-ADT) and difluoro
bis(triethylsilylethynyl) anthradithiophene (diF-TES-ADT). For each material,
several films of different thicknesses have been measured to separate the
effects of intrinsic thermal conductivity from interface thermal resistance.
For non-crystalline films of all three materials, with thicknesses ranging from
< 100 nm to > 4 microns, the thermal conductivities are similar to that of
polymers and over an order of magnitude smaller than that of the crystals,
reflecting the large reduction in phonon mean-free path in the films. Thin (<
205 nm) crystalline films of TES-ADT, prepared by vapor-annealing spin-cast
films, have also been measured, but for these the thermal resistances are
dominated by interface scattering.


title: Flexible helical yarn swimmers

abstract:
  We investigate the motion of a flexible Stokesean flagellar swimmer realised
as a yarn made of two intertwined elastomer fibres, one active, that can
reversibly change its length in response to a local excitation causing
transition to the nematic state or swelling, and the other one, a passive
isotropic elastomer with identical mechanical properties. A propagating
chemical wave may provide an excitation mechanism ensuring a constant length of
the excited region. Generally, the swimmer moves along a helical trajectory,
and the propagation and rotation velocity are very sensitive to the ratio of
the excited region to the pitch of the yarn, as well as to the size of a
carried load. External excitation by a moving beam is less effective, unless
the direction of the beam is adjusted to rotation of the swimmer.


title:
WavePacket: A Matlab package for numerical quantum dynamics. I: Closed
  quantum systems and discrete variable representations

abstract:
  WavePacket is an open-source program package for the numerical simulation of
quantum-mechanical dynamics. It can be used to solve time-independent or
time-dependent linear Schr\"odinger and Liouville-von Neumann-equations in one
or more dimensions. Also coupled equations can be treated, which allows to
simulate molecular quantum dynamics beyond the Born-Oppenheimer approximation.
Optionally accounting for the interaction with external electric fields within
the semiclassical dipole approximation, WavePacket can be used to simulate
experiments involving tailored light pulses in photo-induced physics or
chemistry.The graphical capabilities allow visualization of quantum dynamics
'on the fly', including Wigner phase space representations. Being easy to use
and highly versatile, WavePacket is well suited for the teaching of quantum
mechanics as well as for research projects in atomic, molecular and optical
physics or in physical or theoretical chemistry.The present Part I deals with
the description of closed quantum systems in terms of Schr\"odinger equations.
The emphasis is on discrete variable representations for spatial discretization
as well as various techniques for temporal discretization.The upcoming Part II
will focus on open quantum systems and dimension reduction; it also describes
the codes for optimal control of quantum dynamics.The present work introduces
the MATLAB version of WavePacket 5.2.1 which is hosted at the Sourceforge
platform, where extensive Wiki-documentation as well as worked-out
demonstration examples can be found.


title:
Momentum correlations of scattered particles in quantum field theory:
  one-loop entanglement generation

abstract:
  We compute the entanglement entropy variation between initial (separable or
entangled in the momenta) and final states $\Delta S_E$ in an elastic
scattering of a bipartite system composed by two interacting scalar particles.
We perform a quantum field theoretical calculation to one loop order and verify
that $\Delta S_E $ changes as we vary the energy of incoming particles and the
coupling strength in a non-trivial way.


title: S-duality invariant perturbation theory improved by holography

abstract:
  We study anomalous dimensions of unprotected low twist operators in the
four-dimensional $SU(N)$ $\mathcal{N}=4$ supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. We
construct a class of interpolating functions to approximate the dimensions of
the leading twist operators for arbitrary gauge coupling $\tau$. The
interpolating functions are consistent with previous results on the
perturbation theory, holographic computation and full S-duality. We use our
interpolating functions to test a recent conjecture by the $\mathcal{N}=4$
superconformal bootstrap that upper bounds on the dimensions are saturated at
one of the duality-invariant points $\tau =i$ and $\tau =e^{i\pi /3}$. It turns
out that our interpolating functions have maximum at $\tau =e^{i\pi /3}$, which
are close to the conjectural values by the conformal bootstrap. In terms of the
interpolating functions, we draw the image of conformal manifold in the space
of the dimensions. We find that the image is almost a line despite the
conformal manifold is two-dimensional. We also construct interpolating
functions for the subleading twist operator and study level crossing phenomenon
between the leading and subleading twist operators. Finally we study the
dimension of the Konishi operator in the planar limit. We find that our
interpolating functions match with numerical result obtained by Thermodynamic
Bethe Ansatz very well. It turns out that analytic properties of the
interpolating functions reflect an expectation on a radius of convergence of
the perturbation theory.


title: Non-local probes for a relaxing non-Abelian plasma

abstract:
  The thermalization of a strongly coupled plasma is examined in the
holographic framework through non-local observables: the equal-time two-point
correlation function of a large dimension boundary operator, and Wilson loops
of different shapes. The evolution of the probes from an initial
far-from-equilibrium state to a hydrodynamic regime is found to depend on their
size. A hierarchy among the thermalization times of the energy density, the
pressures and the large size probes, is identified: the relaxation process is
faster at short distances.


title: Graphons, mergeons, and so on!

abstract:
  In this work we develop a theory of hierarchical clustering for graphs. Our
modeling assumption is that graphs are sampled from a graphon, which is a
powerful and general model for generating graphs and analyzing large networks.
Graphons are a far richer class of graph models than stochastic blockmodels,
the primary setting for recent progress in the statistical theory of graph
clustering. We define what it means for an algorithm to produce the "correct"
clustering, give sufficient conditions in which a method is statistically
consistent, and provide an explicit algorithm satisfying these properties.