Quantum algorithm for tree size estimation, with applications to backtracking and 2-player games

We study quantum algorithms on search trees of unknown structure, in a model where the tree can be discovered by local exploration. That is, we are given the root of the tree and access to a black box which, given a vertex $v$, outputs the children of $v$. We construct a quantum algorithm which, given such access to a search tree of depth at most $n$, estimates the size of the tree $T$ within a factor of $1\pm \delta$ in $\tilde{O}(\sqrt{nT})$ steps. More generally, the same algorithm can be used to estimate size of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) in a similar model. We then show two applications of this result: a) We show how to transform a classical backtracking search algorithm which examines $T$ nodes of a search tree into an $\tilde{O}(\sqrt{T}n^{3/2})$ time quantum algorithm, improving over an earlier quantum backtracking algorithm of Montanaro (arXiv:1509.02374). b) We give a quantum algorithm for evaluating AND-OR formulas in a model where the formula can be discovered by local exploration (modeling position trees in 2-player games). We show that, in this setting, formulas of size $T$ and depth $T^{o(1)}$ can be evaluated in quantum time $O(T^{1/2+o(1)})$. Thus, the quantum speedup is essentially the same as in the case when the formula is known in advance.Comment: Fixed some typo

A Randomized Trial Comparing Digital and Live Lecture Formats

Problem Statement and Background – Medical education is increasingly being conducted in community-based teaching sites making it difficult to provide a consistent curriculum. We conducted a randomized trial to assess whether digital lectures could replace live lectures. Methods – Students were randomized to either attending a lecture series at our main campus or viewing digital versions of the same lectures at community sites. Both groups completed an examination based on the lectures and the group viewing the digital lectures completed a feedback form. Results – The group who viewed the digital lectures performed slightly better than the live lecture group however the differences were not statistically significant. Despite technical problems the students who viewed the digital lectures overwhelmingly felt the digital lectures could replace live lectures. Conclusions – Digital lectures appear to be a viable alternative to live lectures as a means of delivering didactic presentations in a community-based setting

CfA Plasma Talks

Notes from a series of 13 one hour (or more) lectures on Plasma Physics given to Ramesh Narayan' research group at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, between January and July 2012. Lectures 1 to 5 cover various key Plasma Physics themes. Lectures 6 to 12 mainly go over the Review Paper on "Multidimensional electron beam-plasma instabilities in the relativistic regime" [\emph{Physics of Plasmas} \textbf{17}, 120501 (2010)]. Lectures 13 talks about the so-called Biermann battery and its ability to generate magnetic fields from scratch.Comment: 58 pages, 21 figure

Lectures on string theory and cosmology

In these lectures I review recent attempts to apply string theory to cosmology, including string cosmology and various models of brane cosmology. In addition, the review includes an introduction to inflation as well as a discussion of transplanckian signatures. I also provide a critical discussion of the possible role of holography. The material is based on lectures given in January 2004 at the RTN String School in Barcelona, but also contain some additional material.Comment: Lectures given in January 2004 at the RTN Barcelona String School, 50 pages, 9 figure

Feynman Graphs

In these lectures I discuss Feynman graphs and the associated Feynman integrals. Of particular interest are the classes functions, which appear in the evaluation of Feynman integrals. The most prominent class of functions is given by multiple polylogarithms. The algebraic properties of multiple polylogarithms are reviewed in the second part of these lectures. The final part of these lectures is devoted to Feynman integrals, which cannot be expressed in terms of multiple polylogarithms. Methods from algebraic geometry provide tools to tackle these integrals.Comment: 24 pages, lectures given at the LHCPHENOnet school on Integration, Summation and Special Functions in Quantum Field Theor

Symmetries of Discrete Systems

In this series of lectures presented at the CIMPA Winter School on Discrete Integrable Systems in Pondicherry, India, in February, 2003 we give a review of the application of Lie point symmetries, and their generalizations to the study of difference equations. The overall theme of these lectures could be called "continuous symmetries of discrete equations".Comment: 58 pages, 5 figures, Lectures presented at the Winter School on Discrete Integrable Systems in Pondicherry, India, February 200

Generalizations of local bijectivity of Keller maps and a proof of 22-dimensional Jacobian conjecture

We give a proof of two-dimensional Jacobian conjecture.Comment: This FINAL version is prepared based on the author's two days' lectures (on May 22, 2022 and May 29,2022; the video of the lectures can be found at https://m.koushare.com/video/videodetail/27869