Abstract: A switchable Josephson junction is provided that includes a plurality of ferromagnetic insulators that are defined by their respective magnetic alignments. A first superconducting layer that is positioned between any two of the ferromagnetic insulators, wherein the conductive state is controlled by the relative magnetization orientation of the ferromagnetic insulators where the first superconducting layer is superconducting when the two magnetizations are aligned in antiparallel but it turns normally conducting when the magnetic alignment is parallel. A second superconducting layer is adjacent one of the ferromagnetic layers, wherein Josephson tunneling occurs between the first superconducting layer and second superconducting layer across one of the ferromagnetic layers.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with determining a promotion price schedule for each item in a group are described. In one embodiment, a method includes computing an item coefficient that corresponds to a change in a value of an objective function when the item is priced at the promotion price. The objective function is based on a multiple product demand model. An item coefficient is computed for each item, each time period in the price schedule, and each promotion price in a price ladder for the item. An approximate objective function is formulated that includes products of item coefficients and binary decision variables. The item coefficients, the approximate objective function, and constraints are provided to an optimizer that determines values of the decision variables that maximize the approximate objective function. A promotion price schedule is created for each item based on values of the decision variables.

Abstract: A solid oxygen-redox nanocomposite material including an alkali metal oxide, peroxide, or superoxide, or alkaline earth metal oxide, peroxide, or superoxide core, and a catalytic nanoshell or skeleton surrounding the cores, as well as methods of manufacture, are described. Additionally, sealed electrochemical devices including a solid oxygen-redox nanocomposite are also described.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates induction of immunological tolerance thereby providing permanent allograft acceptance. This method obviates the need for a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressive agents which can increase the risk of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Immunological tolerance is thought to be mediated by regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg cells) with immunosuppressive capabilities. A therapeutically relevant platform comprising artificial constructs are contemplated comprising numerous soluble and surface bound Treg cell stimulating factors that may induce tolerance following allograft transplantation. Such artificial constructs, being the size of a cell, have surface bound monoclonal antibodies specific to regulatory T-cell surface moieties and encapsulated soluble regulatory T-cell modulating factors.