Efficient Coherent Control by Optimized Sequences of Pulses of Finite Duration

Reliable long-time storage of arbitrary quantum states is a key element for quantum information processing. In order to dynamically decouple a spin or quantum bit from a dephasing environment, we introduce an optimized sequence of $N$ control pulses of finite durations \tau\pp and finite amplitudes. The properties of this sequence of length $T$ stem from a mathematically rigorous derivation. Corrections occur only in order $T^{N+1}$ and \tau\pp^3 without mixed terms such as T^N\tau\pp or T^N\tau\pp^2. Based on existing experiments, a concrete setup for the verification of the properties of the advocated realistic sequence is proposed.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figur

Energy-based predictions in Lorenz system by a unified formalism and neural network modelling

In the framework of a unified formalism for Kolmogorov-Lorenz systems, predictions of times of regime transitions in the classical Lorenz model can be successfully achieved by considering orbits characterised by energy or Casimir maxima. However, little uncertainties in the starting energy usually lead to high uncertainties in the return energy, so precluding the chance of accurate multi-step forecasts. In this paper, the problem of obtaining good forecasts of maximum return energy is faced by means of a neural network model. The results of its application show promising results

Hidden order in bosonic gases confined in one dimensional optical lattices

We analyze the effective Hamiltonian arising from a suitable power series expansion of the overlap integrals of Wannier functions for confined bosonic atoms in a 1d optical lattice. For certain constraints between the coupling constants, we construct an explicit relation between such an effective bosonic Hamiltonian and the integrable spin-$S$ anisotropic Heisenberg model. Therefore the former results to be integrable by construction. The field theory is governed by an anisotropic non linear $\sigma$-model with singlet and triplet massive excitations; such a result holds also in the generic non-integrable cases. The criticality of the bosonic system is investigated. The schematic phase diagram is drawn. Our study is shedding light on the hidden symmetry of the Haldane type for one dimensional bosons.Comment: 5 pages; 1 eps figure. Revised version, to be published in New. J. Phy

Development and Testing of Pt/Al2O3 Catalysts for Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition

Supported Pt/Al2O3 and Pt/SiC catalysts for hydrogen peroxide (HP) decomposition have been prepared by means of two innovative implantation techniques on spheres and granules of several alumina-based carriers (lanthanum-doped alumina, bimodal delta –alumina and theta –alumina, silicon carbide and alpha–alumina) with BET surface areas between 4 and 200 m2/g. In order to evaluate the chemical activity and thermal shock resistance of the supporting pellets, two focused sets of experiments have been carried out in a specifically-designed test bench. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements of the platinum load on the supporting surface have been used to assess the effectiveness of the deposition and monitor the degradation induced by hydrogen peroxide decomposition. Two of the Pt/α−Al2O3 catalysts showed excellent activity, high thermo-mechanical strength, and negligible loss of platinum after repeated cycles of hydrogen peroxide decomposition. In addition, h..

Predictive value of hematological and phenotypical parameters on postchemotherapy leukocyte recovery

Background: Grade IV chemotherapy toxicity is defined as absolute neutrophil count <500/μL. The nadir is considered as the lowest neutrophil number following chemotherapy, and generally is not expected before the 7th day from the start of chemotherapy. The usual prophylactic dose of rHu-G-CSF (Filgrastim) is 300 μg/day, starting 24-48 h after chemotherapy until hematological recovery. However, individual patient response is largely variable, so that rHu-G-CSF doses can be different. The aim of this study was to verify if peripheral blood automated flow cytochemistry and flow cytometry analysis may be helpful in predicting the individual response and saving rHu-G-CSF. Methods: During Grade IV neutropenia, blood counts from 30 cancer patients were analyzed daily by ADVIA 120 automated flow cytochemistry analyzer and by Facscalibur flow cytometer till the nadir. "Large unstained cells" (LUCs), myeloperoxidase index (MPXI), blasts, and various cell subpopulations in the peripheral blood were studied. At nadir rHu-G-CSF was started and 81 chemotherapy cycles were analyzed. Cycles were stratified according to their number and to two dose-levels of rHuG-CSF needed to recovery (300-600 vs. 900-1200 μg) and analyzed in relation to mean values of MPXI and mean absolute number of LUCs in the nadir phase. The linear regressions of LUCs % over time in relation to two dose-levels of rHu-G-CSF and uni-multivariate analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations, CD34+ cells, MPXI, and blasts were also performed. Results: In the nadir phase, the increase of MPXI above the upper limit of normality (>10; median 27.7), characterized a slow hematological recovery. MPXI levels were directly related to the cycle number and inversely related to the absolute number of LUCs and CD34 +/CD45+ cells. A faster hematological recovery was associated with a higher LUC increase per day (0.56% vs. 0.25%), higher blast (median 36.7/μL vs. 19.5/μL) and CD34+/CD45+ cell (median 2.2/μL vs. 0.82/μL) counts. Conclusions: Our study showed that some biological indicators such as MPXI, LUCs, blasts, and CD34 +/CD45+ cells may be of clinical relevance in predicting individual hematological response to rHu-G-CSF. Special attention should be paid when nadir MPXI exceeds the upper limit of normality because the hematological recovery may be delayed. © 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society

Olive oil by-product as functional ingredient in bakery products. Influence of processing and evaluation of biological effects

Nowadays, the strong demand for adequate nutrition is accompanied by concern about environmental pollution and there is a considerable emphasis on the recovery and recycling of food by-products and wastes. In this study, we focused on the exploitation of olive pomace as functional ingredient in biscuits and bread. Standard and enriched bakery products were made using different flours and fermentation protocols. After characterization, they were in vitro digested and used for supplementation of intestinal cells (Caco-2), which underwent exogenous inflammation. The enrichment caused a significant increase in the phenolic content in all products, particularly in the sourdough fermented ones. Sourdough fermentation also increased tocol concentration. The increased concentration of bioactive molecules did not reflect the anti-inflammatory effect, which was modulated by the baking procedure. Conventionally fermented bread enriched with 4% pomace and sourdough fermented, not-enriched bread had the greatest anti-inflammatory effect, significantly reducing IL-8 secretion in Caco-2 cells. The cell metabolome was modified only after supplementation with sourdough fermented bread enriched with 4% pomace, probably due to the high concentration of tocopherol that acted synergistically with polyphenols. Our data highlight that changes in chemical composition cannot predict changes in functionality. It is conceivable that matrices (including enrichment) and processing differently modulated bioactive bioaccessibility, and consequently functionality

Implementation and performance evaluation of a broadband digital harmonic vector voltmeter

A broadband digital harmonic vector voltmeter proposed previously and studied theoretically by the authors was implemented using a special-purpose, random sampling strategy, to avoid the bandwidth limitations due to the finite conversion time of the sample-and-hold and analog-to-digital-conversion (S/H-ADC) devices. The experimental results have shown that the bandwidth of the instrument is not limited by the finite conversion time of S/H-ADC devices, since good accuracy can be achieved even when the average sampling frequency is much lower than the signal bandwidth. The amplitude and phase uncertainty, with sinusoidal test signals up to 1 MHz and an average sampling rate of 10 kHz, was found to be lower than 3% and 0.03 rad, respectively. For more careful testing of the broadband performance of our instrument, we also carried out two-frequency, variable order harmonic measurements, which showed good accuracy (amplitude error less than 1.5% and phase error less than 0.03 rad) with harmonics up to 300 kHz. Reasonable accuracy (i.e., sufficient to correctly reconstruct the actual signal waveform) was also found with a highly distorted square-wave signa

Long term electricity storage by oxygen liquefaction and LNG oxy-combustion

The paper proposes an innovative scheme exploiting oxygen liquefaction as a means for storing excess electricity generation from renewable sources. Liquid oxygen is then used in an oxy-combustion process with LNG to generate electricity when renewable energy generation is below the demand. An equivalent round trip efficiency is defined to make it possible comparing the system performances with hybrid plants including conventional generation and storage. The proposed scheme exhibits very high equivalent round trip efficiency, giving the system operators the opportunity to integrate more and more renewable energy generation inside power systems. Liquefied carbon dioxide and water are byproducts of the process. The size of the plant and of the storage tanks needed for a 4 TWh yearly demand with a peak around 800 MW is compatible with state-of-the-art systems used for LNG storage in similar size gas power plants

Seletividade de inseticidas reguladores de crescimento a adultos de Podisus nigrispinus em laboratório.

O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar o efeito de inseticidas reguladores de crescimento ao predador Podisus nigrispinus. Os testes foram conduzidos em laboratório sob condições controladas (25 ± 1oC, 70 ± 10% UR, e fotofase de 12 h) em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os inseticidas testados, em gramas de ingrediente ativo por hectare (g.i.a./ha) foram: lufenuron 0,75; teflubenzurom 7,5; triflumurom 14,4; tebufenozida 30; clorfluazurom 3,75; novalurom 7,5; metoxifenozido 21,6; clorpirifós 480 (testemunha positiva) e água (testemunha negativa), de acordo com protocolos padronizados pela International Organisation of Biological Control (IOBC). Os testes foram realizados em placas de vidro plano (13 x 13 cm), aprisionando o predador com o auxílio de uma superfície circular, anel de PVC, com 3 cm de altura e 7,5 cm de diâmetro. A extremidade superior do anel foi protegida com tecido (tuli), onde os adultos receberam aplicação tópica dos inseticidas por meio de uma torre de Potter. Avaliou-se a sobrevivência nos intervalos de 24, 48, 72, 96 e 120 horas após a exposição dos adultos aos respectivos tratamentos. Com os adultos sobreviventes de cada tratamento foram formados casais, avaliando-se o número de ovos postos até 10 dias, visando observar possíveis efeitos na fecundidade e fertilidade. Calculou-se o efeito total do produto sobre os adultos de P. nigrispinus (ABBOTT, 1925), considerando-se a razão entre a média diária de ovos postos por fêmea tratada e não tratada. Dos produtos (g i.a./ha) avaliados, apenas clorpirifós 480 foi classificado como nocivo (classe 4), por matar 100% dos predadores. Os inseticidas lufenuron e tebufenozida foram classificados como levemente nocivos (classe 2) e triflumurom, clorfluazurom, novalurom e metoxifenozido como inócuos (classe 1). A classificação toxicológica do tratamento teflubenzurom foi alterada de inócuo para levemente nocivo (classe 2), quando considerada a viabilidade dos ovos de P. nigrispinus