Constraints on Dark Matter Properties from Observations of Milky Way Satellite Galaxies.

We perform a comprehensive study of Milky Way (MW) satellite galaxies to constrain the fundamental properties of dark matter (DM). This analysis fully incorporates inhomogeneities in the spatial distribution and detectability of MW satellites and marginalizes over uncertainties in the mapping between galaxies and DM halos, the properties of the MW system, and the disruption of subhalos by the MW disk. Our results are consistent with the cold, collisionless DM paradigm and yield the strongest cosmological constraints to date on particle models of warm, interacting, and fuzzy dark matter. At 95% confidence, we report limits on (i) the mass of thermal relic warm DM, m_{WDM}>6.5 keV (free-streaming length, λ_{fs}≲10h^{-1} kpc), (ii) the velocity-independent DM-proton scattering cross section, σ_{0}<8.8×10^{-29} cm^{2} for a 100 MeV DM particle mass [DM-proton coupling, c_{p}≲(0.3 GeV)^{-2}], and (iii) the mass of fuzzy DM, m_{ϕ}>2.9×10^{-21} eV (de Broglie wavelength, λ_{dB}≲0.5 kpc). These constraints are complementary to other observational and laboratory constraints on DM properties.

Detection of Cross-Correlation between Gravitational Lensing and γ Rays.

In recent years, many γ-ray sources have been identified, yet the unresolved component hosts valuable information on the faintest emission. In order to extract it, a cross-correlation with gravitational tracers of matter in the Universe has been shown to be a promising tool. We report here the first identification of a cross-correlation signal between γ rays and the distribution of mass in the Universe probed by weak gravitational lensing. We use data from the Dark Energy Survey Y1 weak lensing data and the Fermi Large Area Telescope 9-yr γ-ray data, obtaining a signal-to-noise ratio of 5.3. The signal is mostly localized at small angular scales and high γ-ray energies, with a hint of correlation at extended separation. Blazar emission is likely the origin of the small-scale effect. We investigate implications of the large-scale component in terms of astrophysical sources and particle dark matter emission.

Detection of CMB-Cluster Lensing using Polarization Data from SPTpol.

We report the first detection of gravitational lensing due to galaxy clusters using only the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The lensing signal is obtained using a new estimator that extracts the lensing dipole signature from stacked images formed by rotating the cluster-centered Stokes QU map cutouts along the direction of the locally measured background CMB polarization gradient. Using data from the SPTpol 500 deg^{2} survey at the locations of roughly 18 000 clusters with richness λ≥10 from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Year-3 full galaxy cluster catalog, we detect lensing at 4.8σ. The mean stacked mass of the selected sample is found to be (1.43±0.40)×10^{14}M_{⊙} which is in good agreement with optical weak lensing based estimates using DES data and CMB-lensing based estimates using SPTpol temperature data. This measurement is a key first step for cluster cosmology with future low-noise CMB surveys, like CMB-S4, for which CMB polarization will be the primary channel for cluster lensing measurements.

Cosmological Constraints from Multiple Probes in the Dark Energy Survey.

The combination of multiple observational probes has long been advocated as a powerful technique to constrain cosmological parameters, in particular dark energy. The Dark Energy Survey has measured 207 spectroscopically confirmed type Ia supernova light curves, the baryon acoustic oscillation feature, weak gravitational lensing, and galaxy clustering. Here we present combined results from these probes, deriving constraints on the equation of state, w, of dark energy and its energy density in the Universe. Independently of other experiments, such as those that measure the cosmic microwave background, the probes from this single photometric survey rule out a Universe with no dark energy, finding w=-0.80_{-0.11}^{+0.09}. The geometry is shown to be consistent with a spatially flat Universe, and we obtain a constraint on the baryon density of Ω_{b}=0.069_{-0.012}^{+0.009} that is independent of early Universe measurements. These results demonstrate the potential power of large multiprobe photometric surveys and pave the way for order of magnitude advances in our constraints on properties of dark energy and cosmology over the next decade.

Fluctuation-induced forces in confined ideal and imperfect Bose gases.

Fluctuation-induced ("Casimir") forces caused by thermal and quantum fluctuations are investigated for ideal and imperfect Bose gases confined to d-dimensional films of size ∞^{d-1}×D under periodic (P), antiperiodic (A), Dirichlet-Dirichlet (DD), Neumann-Neumann (NN), and Robin (R) boundary conditions (BCs). The full scaling functions Υ_{d}^{BC}(x_{λ}=D/λ_{th},x_{ξ}=D/ξ) of the residual reduced grand potential per area φ_{res,d}^{BC}(T,µ,D)=D^{-(d-1)}Υ_{d}^{BC}(x_{λ},x_{ξ}) are determined for the ideal gas case with these BCs, where λ_{th} and ξ are the thermal de Broglie wavelength and the bulk correlation length, respectively. The associated limiting scaling functions Θ_{d}^{BC}(x_{ξ})≡Υ_{d}^{BC}(∞,x_{ξ}) describing the critical behavior at the bulk condensation transition are shown to agree with those previously determined from a massive free O(2) theory for BC=P,A,DD,DN,NN. For d=3, they are expressed in closed analytical form in terms of polylogarithms. The analogous scaling functions Υ_{d}^{BC}(x_{λ},x_{ξ},c_{1}D,c_{2}D) and Θ_{d}^{R}(x_{ξ},c_{1}D,c_{2}D) under the RBCs (∂_{z}-c_{1})ϕ|_{z=0}=(∂_{z}+c_{2})ϕ|_{z=D}=0 with c_{1}≥0 and c_{2}≥0 are also determined. The corresponding scaling functions Υ_{∞,d}^{P}(x_{λ},x_{ξ}) and Θ_{∞,d}^{P}(x_{ξ}) for the imperfect Bose gas are shown to agree with those of the interacting Bose gas with n internal degrees of freedom in the limit n→∞. Hence, for d=3, Θ_{∞,d}^{P}(x_{ξ}) is known exactly in closed analytic form. To account for the breakdown of translation invariance in the direction perpendicular to the boundary planes implied by free BCs such as DDBCs, a modified imperfect Bose gas model is introduced that corresponds to the limit n→∞ of this interacting Bose gas. Numerically and analytically exact results for the scaling function Θ_{∞,3}^{DD}(x_{ξ}) therefore follow from those of the O(2n)ϕ^{4} model for n→∞.

Comment on "Nonlocal quartic interactions and universality classes in perovskite manganites".

In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. E 92, 012123 (2015)PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.92.012123], a modified d-dimensional Φ^{4} model was investigated that differs from the standard one in that the Φ^{4} term was replaced by a nonlocal one with a potential u(x-x^{'}) that depends on a parameter σ and decays exponentially as |x-x^{'}|→∞ on a scale |m|^{-1}<∞. The authors claim the upper critical dimension of this model to be d_{σ}=4+2σ. Performing a one-loop calculation, they arrive at expansions in powers of ε_{σ}=d_{σ}-d for critical exponents such as η and related ones to O(ε_{σ}) whose O(ε_{σ}) coefficients depend on σ and the ratio w=m^{2}/Λ^{2}, where Λ is the uv cutoff. It is shown that these claims are unfounded and based on misjudgments and an ill-conceived renormalization-group calculation.

The Influence of Religious Affiliation on Participant Responsiveness to the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) Lifestyle Intervention.

Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) and non-SDA (21.3 and 78.7 %, respectively) individuals (n = 7172) participating in the Complete Health Improvement Program, a 30-day diet and lifestyle intervention, in North America (241 programs, 2006-2012) were assessed for changes in selected chronic disease risk factors: body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), pulse, lipid profile and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Reductions were greater among the non-SDA for BMI, pulse and blood lipids. Furthermore, the majority of non-SDA in the highest risk classifications for BP, lipids and FPG, but only some lipids among SDA, were able to show improvement by 20 % or more.

Wide-Field Lensing Mass Maps from Dark Energy Survey Science Verification Data.

We present a mass map reconstructed from weak gravitational lensing shear measurements over 139 deg2 from the Dark Energy Survey science verification data. The mass map probes both luminous and dark matter, thus providing a tool for studying cosmology. We find good agreement between the mass map and the distribution of massive galaxy clusters identified using a red-sequence cluster finder. Potential candidates for superclusters and voids are identified using these maps. We measure the cross-correlation between the mass map and a magnitude-limited foreground galaxy sample and find a detection at the 6.8σ level with 20 arc min smoothing. These measurements are consistent with simulated galaxy catalogs based on N-body simulations from a cold dark matter model with a cosmological constant. This suggests low systematics uncertainties in the map. We summarize our key findings in this Letter; the detailed methodology and tests for systematics are presented in a companion paper.

Inverse-scattering-theory approach to the exact n→∞ solutions of O(n) ϕ4 models on films and semi-infinite systems bounded by free surfaces.

The O(n) ϕ(4) model on a strip bounded by a pair of planar free surfaces at separation L can be solved exactly in the large-n limit in terms of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of a self-consistent one-dimensional Schrödinger equation. The scaling limit of a continuum version of this model is considered. It is shown that the self-consistent potential can be eliminated in favor of scattering data by means of appropriately extended methods of inverse scattering theory. The scattering data (Jost function) associated with the self-consistent potential are determined for the L=∞ semi-infinite case in the scaling regime for all values of the temperature scaling field t=(T-T(c))/T(c) above and below the bulk critical temperature T(c). These results are used in conjunction with semiclassical and boundary-operator expansions and a trace formula to derive exact analytical results for a number of quantities such as two-point functions, universal amplitudes of two excess surface quantities, the universal amplitude difference associated with the thermal singularity of the surface free energy, and potential coefficients. The asymptotic behaviors of the scaled eigenenergies and eigenfunctions of the self-consistent Schrödinger equation as function of x=t(L/ξ(+))(1/ν) are determined for x→-∞. In addition, the asymptotic x→-∞ forms of the universal finite-size scaling functions Θ(x) and ϑ(x) of the residual free energy and the Casimir force are computed exactly to order 1/x, including their x(-1)ln|x| anomalies.

Comment on "Casimir force in the O(n→∞) model with free boundary conditions".

In a recent paper by D. Dantchev, J. Bergknoff, and J. Rudnick [Phys. Rev. E 89, 042116 (2014)], the problem of the Casimir force in the O(n) model on a slab with free boundary conditions, investigated earlier by us [Europhys. Lett. 100, 10004 (2012)], is reconsidered using a mean-spherical model with separate constraints for each layer. The authors (i) question the applicability of the Ginzburg-Landau-Wilson approach to the low-temperature regime, arguing for the superiority of their model compared to the family of ϕ(4) models A and B whose numerically exact solutions we determined both for values of the coupling constant 0

Large-n approach to thermodynamic Casimir effects in slabs with free surfaces.

The classical n-vector ϕ{4} model with O(n) symmetrical Hamiltonian H is considered in a ∞{2}×L slab geometry bounded by a pair of parallel free surface planes at separation L. Standard quadratic boundary terms implying Robin boundary conditions are included in H. The temperature-dependent scaling functions of the excess free energy and the thermodynamic Casimir force are computed in the large-n limit for temperatures T at, above, and below the bulk critical temperature T_{c}. Their n=∞ limits can be expressed exactly in terms of the spectrum and eigenfunctions of a self-consistent one-dimensional Schrödinger equation. This equation is solved by numerical means for two distinct discretized versions of the model: in the first ("model A"), only the coordinate z across the slab is discretized and the integrations over momenta conjugate to the lateral coordinates are regularized dimensionally; in the second ("model B"), a simple cubic lattice with periodic boundary conditions along the lateral directions is used. Renormalization-group ideas are invoked to show that, in addition to corrections to scaling ∝L{-1}, anomalous ones ∝L{-1}lnL should occur. They can be considerably decreased by taking an appropriate g→∞ (T_{c}→∞) limit of the ϕ{4} interaction constant g. Depending on the model A or B, they can be absorbed completely or to a large extent in an effective thickness L_{eff}=L+δL. Excellent data collapses and consistent high-precision results for both models are obtained. The approach to the low-temperature Goldstone values of the scaling functions is shown to involve logarithmic anomalies. The scaling functions exhibit all qualitative features seen in experiments on the thinning of wetting layers of {4}He and Monte Carlo simulations of XY models, including a pronounced minimum of the Casimir force below T_{c}. The results are in conformity with various analytically known exact properties of the scaling functions.

Crossover from attractive to repulsive Casimir forces and vice versa.

Systems described by an O(n) symmetrical varphi;{4} Hamiltonian are considered in a d-dimensional film geometry at their bulk critical points. The critical Casimir forces between the film's boundary planes B_{j}, j=1,2, are investigated as functions of film thickness L for generic symmetry-preserving boundary conditions partial differential_{n}phi=c[over composite function]_{j}phi. The L-dependent part of the reduced excess free energy per cross-sectional area takes the scaling form f_{res} approximately D(c_{1}L;{Phi/nu},c_{2}L;{Phi/nu})/L;{d-1} when d<4, where c_{i} are scaling fields associated with the variables c[over composite function]_{i} and Phi is a surface crossover exponent. Explicit two-loop renormalization group results for the function D(c_{1},c_{2}) at d=4- dimensions are presented. These show that (i) the Casimir force can have either sign, depending on c_{1} and c_{2}, and (ii) for appropriate choices of the enhancements c[over composite function]_{j}, crossovers from attraction to repulsion and vice versa occur as L increases.

The effects of an intensive lifestyle modification program on sleep and stress disorders.

BACKGROUND: To determine if a lifestyle change program can modify behavior to reduce sleep and stress disorders. METHODS: Analyses are based on 2,624 individuals aged 30 to 80 years from the Rockford, Illinois metropolitan area who completed a lifestyle evaluation at baseline and again after four weeks, following participation in a 40-hour educational course given over a four-week period. Participants receive instruction on the importance of making better lifestyle choices related to making long-term improvements in nutrition and physical activity and they learn ways to improve sleep and reduce stress in their lives. RESULTS: Significant percent decreases were observed in the number experiencing selected sleep or stress disorders from baseline to four weeks later for "sleeps restlessly" (-59%), "suffers from insomnia" (-64%), "feels under pressure" (-37%), "easily emotionally upset" (-52%), and "feels fearful or depressed" (-61%). Experiencing a selected sleep or stress disorder after four weeks among those who had the disorder at baseline was significantly more likely in those not physically active and/or not having lowered their BMI after four weeks. Changes in alcohol consumption and smoking did not significantly contribute to changes in the disorders. Those who failed to lower their coffee/tea use after four weeks were significantly more likely to have a sleep disorder and be easily emotionally upset. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in lifestyle behaviors after attending an educational program significantly reduced sleep and stress disorders in as little as four weeks, primarily explained by decreasing BMI and/or increasing exercise.

Excess free energy and Casimir forces in systems with long-range interactions of van der Waals type: general considerations and exact spherical-model results.

We consider systems confined to a d-dimensional slab of macroscopic lateral extension and finite thickness L that undergo a continuous bulk phase transition in the limit L --> infinity and are describable by an O(n) symmetrical Hamiltonian. Periodic boundary conditions are applied across the slab. We study the effects of long-range pair interactions whose potential decays as bx-(d+sigma) as x --> infinity, with 2

Phase transition affects energy transfer efficiency in phospholipid vesicles.

The fluorescence quenching of 6-propionyl-2-dimethylaminonaphtalene (PRODAN) and 6-dodecanoyl-2-dimethylaminonaphtalene (LAURDAN) by octadecyl rhodamine B (ORB) in a model system of small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) of dipalmitoylphosphatidyl-choline (DPPC) was investigated. Non-linear Stern-Volmer behaviour was observed in both systems in the gel phase (25 degrees C) and in the fluid phase (50 degrees C), resulting from association processes and from static quenching. The relative quenching efficiencies of both dyes depend on the phase state of the bilayer and indicate a deeper incorporation of PRODAN and LAURDAN into the membrane in its fluid phase than in its gel phase.

Measurement of decay parameters for Xi- --> Lambda pi- decay.

Based on 1.35 x 10(6) polarized Xi(-) events, we measure the parameter phi(Xi) to be -1.61 degrees +/-2.66 degrees +/-0.37 degrees for the Xi(-)-->Lambda pi(-) decay. New results for the parameters beta(Xi) and gamma(Xi) are also presented. Assuming that the CP-violating phase difference is negligible, we deduce the strong phase difference between the P-wave and S-wave amplitudes of the Lambda pi final state to be 3.17 degrees +/-5.28 degrees +/-0.73 degrees, reducing the uncertainty in estimating the level of CP violation in Xi-hyperon decay.

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of selected systemic and intravitreally dosed drugs in the cultures of human retinal pigment epithelial cell line and of pig primary retinal pigment epithelial cells.

The cytotoxicity of the selected systemic and intravitreally dosed drugs tamoxifen, toremifene, chloroquine, 5-fluorouracil, gentamicin and ganciclovir was studied in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in vitro. The cytotoxicity was assayed in the human RPE cell line D407 and the pig RPE cell culture using the WST-1 test, which is an assay of cell proliferation and viability. The effects of experimental conditions on the WST-1 test (cell density, serum content in the culture medium, the exposure time) were evaluated. The EC50 values in tamoxifen-treated D407 cells ranged between 6.7 and 8.9 micromol/l, and in pig RPE cells between 10.1 and 12.2 micromol/l, depending on the cell density used. The corresponding values for toremifene were 7.4 to 11.1 micromol/l in D407 cells and 10.0 to 11.6 micromol/l in pig RPE cells. In chloroquine-treated cells, the EC50 values were 110.0 micromol/l for D407 cells and 58.4 micromol/l for pig RPE cells. Gentamicin and ganciclovir did not show any toxicity in micromolar concentrations. The exposure time was a significant factor, especially when the drug did not induce cell death, but was antiproliferative (5-fluorouracil). Serum protected the cells from the toxic effects of the drugs. Both cell cultures were most sensitive to tamoxifen and toremifene, and next to chloroquine. The drug toxicities obtained in the present study were quite similar in both cell types; that is, the pig RPE cells and the human D 407 cell line, despite the differences in, for example, the growth rate and melanin contents of the cell types. Owing to the homeostatic functions important for the whole neuroretina, RPE is an interesting in vitro model for the evaluation of retinal toxicity, but, in addition to the WST-1 test, more specific tests and markers based on the homeostatic functions of the RPE are needed.

Prognostic value of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2 in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferon beta-1b.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of interferon (IFN) beta-1b on the serum levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNF-R1) and sTNF-R2 in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in correlation with clinical and magnetic resonance image (MRI) activity. Serum samples were obtained every 3 months from 24 patients treated with 8 x 10(6) U of IFN beta-1b every other day (treatment group) and from 21 patients without any immunomodulatory therapy (control group) over a 15-month observation period. The cytokine receptor levels were assessed by ELISA. Cranial MRI was performed every 6 months to determine the burden of disease. In the treatment group, the MRI responders had significantly larger mean values for the area under the concentration-time curve of sTNF-R1 (p = 0.04) and sTNF-R2 (p = 0.01) when compared to the MRI nonresponders during the 15-month observation period. With regard to an increase in sTNF-R1 and -2 of more than 20% during the first 3 months of treatment, we observed a sensitivity of 33 and 58%, respectively, a specificity of 90 and 60%, respectively, and a positive predictive value of 80 and 64%, respectively, for MRI response during the 15-month observation period. A decrease in sTNF-R1 and -2 of more than 20% during the first 3 months of treatment had a sensitivity of 40 and 20%, respectively, a specificity of 100 and 100%, respectively, and a positive predictive value of 100 and 100%, respectively, for further MRI nonresponse (during the 15-month observation period). The present data suggest that assessment of sTNF-Rs may contribute to the identification of subgroups of patients who are likely to respond better than others to treatment with IFN beta-1b. This could help to establish a cost-effective prescription pattern for this expensive treatment, which is of importance for the future management of patients with MS.