The geometry of quantum learning

Concept learning provides a natural framework in which to place the problems solved by the quantum algorithms of Bernstein-Vazirani and Grover. By combining the tools used in these algorithms--quantum fast transforms and amplitude amplification--with a novel (in this context) tool--a solution method for geometrical optimization problems--we derive a general technique for quantum concept learning. We name this technique "Amplified Impatient Learning" and apply it to construct quantum algorithms solving two new problems: BATTLESHIP and MAJORITY, more efficiently than is possible classically.Comment: 20 pages, plain TeX with amssym.tex, related work at http://www.math.uga.edu/~hunziker/ and http://math.ucsd.edu/~dmeyer

Improving ligament tissue scaffold with the use of genipin and gold nanoparticles

Decellularized tissue is used for a wide array of tissue injuries with tendon and ligament repair being among the most common. However, despite their frequent use there is concern over the lengthy inflammatory period and slow healing associated with allografts. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been shown to improve wound healing by decreasing inflammation and promoting cellularity and biological incorporation. The focus of this dissertation was testing the effects of AuNPs on ligament repair and assessing the use of genipin as a novel method of attaching the particles. In vitro studies were conducted to examine the ability of genipin to attach AuNPs to both unprocessed tissue and a decellularized tissue scaffold. Cell studies were conducted to observe the biocompatibility of the composite tissue. The results demonstrated successful attachment of the AuNPs and successful cell attachment and proliferation. An in vivo study was conducted using sheep to observe the effects of AuNPs on ACL repair. The experimental grafts had better histological scores and decreased inflammation in comparison to the controls

Faith Integration in the Higher Education Online Classroom: Perspectives and Practice

Online instruction in higher education has grown dramatically in recent years, and more faith-based colleges and universities are including online courses as a part of their educational offerings. The integration of faith in learning is an important goal in many of these faith-based institutions; however, the practice of faith integration in online settings presents unique challenges for faculty members. The purpose of this article is to provide support for faculty members teaching online in Christian colleges and universities with faith integration by presenting a series of strategies for their use. Approaches to faith integration are grouped utilizing a model presented by Dulaney et al. (2015) and adapted here for online contexts. Recommendations for working with students of differing faith backgrounds are also provided

Affiliation Bias in the Online Market for Rental Accommodation

We find evidence of taste-based discrimination against rival affiliations in the online market for rental accommodation. Airbnb hosts in college towns increase their listing prices more than hotels on home football games against rival teams. By setting listing prices too high as a result of their affiliation bias against rival fans, hosts experience a 30% reduction in rental income. The overestimation of demand, the cost (inconvenience) of temporary relocation, and the likelihood of incurring damage cannot explain the inverse relation between listing price increases, and rental incomes that is limited to games against rival teams. Instead, greater financial constraints are associated with smaller listing price increases, and higher rental incomes on rival games, suggesting that taste-based discrimination is a luxury

Efficacy of interventions that use apps to improve diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour : a systematic review

Background: Health and fitness applications (apps) have gained popularity in interventions to improve diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviours but their efficacy is unclear. This systematic review examined the efficacy of interventions that use apps to improve diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children and adults. Methods: Systematic literature searches were conducted in five databases to identify papers published between 2006 and 2016. Studies were included if they used a smartphone app in an intervention to improve diet, physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour for prevention. Interventions could be stand-alone interventions using an app only, or multi-component interventions including an app as one of several intervention components. Outcomes measured were changes in the health behaviours and related health outcomes (i.e., fitness, body weight, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, quality of life). Study inclusion and methodological quality were independently assessed by two reviewers. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included, most were randomised controlled trials (n = 19; 70%). Twenty-three studies targeted adults (17 showed significant health improvements) and four studies targeted children (two demonstrated significant health improvements). Twenty-one studies targeted physical activity (14 showed significant health improvements), 13 studies targeted diet (seven showed significant health improvements) and five studies targeted sedentary behaviour (two showed significant health improvements). More studies (n = 12; 63%) of those reporting significant effects detected between-group improvements in the health behaviour or related health outcomes, whilst fewer studies (n = 8; 42%) reported significant within-group improvements. A larger proportion of multi-component interventions (8 out of 13; 62%) showed significant between-group improvements compared to stand-alone app interventions (5 out of 14; 36%). Eleven studies reported app usage statistics, and three of them demonstrated that higher app usage was associated with improved health outcomes. Conclusions: This review provided modest evidence that app-based interventions to improve diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviours can be effective. Multi-component interventions appear to be more effective than standalone app interventions, however, this remains to be confirmed in controlled trials. Future research is needed on the optimal number and combination of app features, behaviour change techniques, and level of participant contact needed to maximise user engagement and intervention efficacy

NAVIGATING DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING ACQUISITION PRACTICES

The purpose of this research is to examine acquisition practices related to the increased adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) in the Department of Defense (DOD). We explore policies, processes, organizational alignment, and data management to assess AM acquisition in the Air Force. We use a Government Accountability Office (GAO) framework to systematically assess the state of AM acquisitions. Our research includes a DOD spend analysis of AM, policy and guidance analysis, and stakeholder interviews with multiple agencies throughout the Air Force AM ecosystem. We consolidate our findings to develop recommendations that DOD customers can use when seeking 3D-printing requirements. Our conclusion highlights strengths and weaknesses of current acquisitions processes and provides recommendations for further research. While Air Force-centric, our research findings can be adopted to fit acquisition needs specific to all DOD services seeking to meet the call for improved contracting processes outlined in the Department of Defense Additive Manufacturing Strategy.Captain, United States Air ForceCaptain, United States Air ForceCaptain, United States Air ForceApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

Advancements in the Analysis of the Arabidopsis Plasma Membrane Proteome

The plasma membrane (PM) regulates diverse processes essential to plant growth, development, and survival in an ever-changing environment. In addition to maintaining normal cellular homeostasis and plant nutrient status, PM proteins perceive and respond to a myriad of environmental cues. Here we review recent advances in the analysis of the plant PM proteome with a focus on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Due to membrane heterogeneity, hydrophobicity, and low relative abundance, analysis of the PM proteome has been a special challenge. Various experimental techniques to enrich PM proteins and different protein and peptide separation strategies have facilitated the identification of thousands of integral and membrane-associated proteins. Numerous classes of proteins are present at the PM with diverse biological functions. PM microdomains have attracted much attention. However, it still remains a challenge to characterize these cell membrane compartments. Dynamic changes in the PM proteome in response to different biotic and abiotic stimuli are highlighted. Future prospects for PM proteomics research are also discussed

Building Adaptive Capacity in Tribal Communities of the Missouri River Basin to Manage Drought and Climate Extremes: A Case Study from the Wind River Indian Reservation

Native American peoples of the Northern and Central Plains have long endured harsh climate conditions, such as floods and droughts, and they possess valuable traditional knowledges that have enhanced their resilience to these extreme events. However, in recent times, limited capacity to adapt to a rapidly changing climate combined with a lack of resources have increased tribes’ vulnerability to climate extremes and their associated impacts. In response, a number of projects have been developed to assist tribes with their self-identified climate- and drought-related needs, particularly in the context of on-reservation decision-making. In this case study, we present an engagement strategy that was piloted for the tribes of the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming and replicated for other tribes across the Northern and Central Plains. We found that frequent, face-to-face interactions between tribal and scientific communities builds relationships and trust between these two groups. We also found that climate capacity-building projects that include a diverse team of physical and social scientists, as well as tribal members, provide the greatest benefit to tribes. Finally, we found that these capacity-building projects can help reinforce tribal sovereignty

Criterion Intervals for Pretreatment Drinking Measures in Treatment Evaluation

Drinking during a 30-day pretreatment period was found not to be representative of longer pretreatment intervals, especially in a population of seriously impaired inpatient alcoholic