Finding Short Vectors in Structured Lattices with Reduced Quantum Resources

Leading protocols of post-quantum cryptosystems are based on the mathematical problem of finding short vectors in structured lattices. It is assumed that the structure of these lattices does not give an advantage for quantum and classical algorithms attempting to find short vectors. In this work we focus on cyclic and nega-cyclic lattices and give a quantum algorithmic framework of how to exploit the symmetries underlying these lattices. This framework leads to a significant saving in the quantum resources (e.g. qubits count and circuit depth) required for implementing a quantum algorithm attempting to find short vectors. We benchmark the proposed framework with the variational quantum eigensolver, and show that it leads to better results while reducing the qubits count and the circuit depth. The framework is also applicable to classical algorithms aimed at finding short vectors in structured lattices, and in this regard it could be seen as a quantum-inspired approach

Evolthon

In experimental evolution, scientists evolve organisms in the lab, typically by challenging them to new environmental conditions. How best to evolve a desired trait? Should the challenge be applied abruptly, gradually, periodically, sporadically? Should one apply chemical mutagenesis, and do strains with high innate mutation rate evolve faster? What are ideal population sizes of evolving populations? There are endless strategies, beyond those that can be exposed by individual labs. We therefore arranged a community challenge, Evolthon, in which students and scientists from different labs were asked to evolve Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae for an abiotic stress-low temperature. About 30 participants from around the world explored diverse environmental and genetic regimes of evolution. After a period of evolution in each lab, all strains of each species were competed with one another. In yeast, the most successful strategies were those that used mating, underscoring the importance of sex in evolution. In bacteria, the fittest strain used a strategy based on exploration of different mutation rates. Different strategies displayed variable levels of performance and stability across additional challenges and conditions. This study therefore uncovers principles of effective experimental evolutionary regimens and might prove useful also for biotechnological developments of new strains and for understanding natural strategies in evolutionary arms races between species. Evolthon constitutes a model for community-based scientific exploration that encourages creativity and cooperation

A Close Eye on the Eagle-Eyed Visual Acuity Hypothesis of Autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been associated with sensory hypersensitivity. A recent study reported visual acuity (VA) in ASD in the region reported for birds of prey. The validity of the results was subsequently doubted. This study examined VA in 34 individuals with ASD, 16 with schizophrenia (SCH), and 26 typically developing (TYP). Participants with ASD did not show higher VA than those with SCH and TYP. There were no substantial correlations of VA with clinical severity in ASD or SCH. This study could not confirm the eagle-eyed acuity hypothesis of ASD, or find evidence for a connection of VA and clinical phenotypes. Research needs to further address the origins and circumstances associated with altered sensory or perceptual processing in ASD

Über die Rückbildung der Dickdarmzotten des Meerschweinchens

von Daria Schirma

Seed Production and Spring Seedling Establishment of Diffuse and Spotted Knapweed

Annual seed production of diffuse (Centurea diffusa) and spotted knapweed (Centurea maculosa) is reduced in dry years by a reduction in the number of viable seeds per seed head and increases when above-normal precipitation occurs by increase in the number of heads/flower stem. Seed production was approximately 1,000-fold that needed to maintain observed levels of infestation. Seedlings emerging in April had a high rate of survival with most plants flowering the following season, while those emerging after May 15 had a very low survival rate and almost no flower stem production the following season.This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries.The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact [email protected] for further information.Migrated from OJS platform August 202