Testing quantum computers with the protocol of quantum state matching

The presence of noise in quantum computers hinders their effective operation. Even though quantum error correction can theoretically remedy this problem, its practical realization is still a challenge. Testing and benchmarking noisy, intermediate-scale quantum (NISC) computers is therefore of high importance. Here, we suggest the application of the so-called quantum state matching protocol for testing purposes. This protocol was originally proposed to determine if an unknown quantum state falls in a prescribed neighborhood of a reference state. We decompose the unitary specific to the protocol and construct the quantum circuit implementing one step of the dynamics for different characteristic parameters of the scheme and present test results for two different IBM quantum computers. By comparing the experimentally obtained relative frequencies of success to the ideal success probability with a maximum statistical tolerance, we discriminate statistical errors from device specific ones. For the characterization of noise, we also use the fact that while the output of the ideal protocol is insensitive to the internal phase of the input state, the actual implementation may lead to deviations. For systematically varied inputs we find that the device with the smaller quantum volume performs better on our tests than the one with larger quantum volume, while for random inputs they show a more similar performance

Obtaining of FeCO3 microparticles

Usinghydrothermal decomposition of the Fe(III)-EDTA complex in the presence of urea, we developed a new procedure for synthesizing highly crystalline FeCO3 starting from Ferric Ammonium Sulfate and Na4EDTA as main precursors. Single phase FeCO3 microcrystals with size in the range of 50µm-200µm have been obtained after high pressure-temperature treatment time between 15 hours and 26 hours at 230ºC and 250ºC

Modulation of mitochondrial respiratory function and ROS production by novel benzopyran analogues

A substantial body of evidence indicates that pharmacological activation of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels (mKATP) in the heart is protective in conditions associated with ischemia/reperfusion injury. Several mechanisms have been postulated to be responsible for cardioprotection, including the modulation of mitochondrial respiratory function. The aim of the present study was to characterize the dose-dependent effects of novel synthetic benzopyran analogues, derived from a BMS-191095, a selective mKATP opener, on mitochondrial respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in isolated rat heart mitochondria. Mitochondrial respiratory function was assessed by high-resolution respirometry, and H2O2 production was measured by the Amplex Red fluorescence assay. Four compounds, namely KL-1487, KL-1492, KL-1495, and KL-1507, applied in increasing concentrations (50, 75, 100, and 150 �mol/L, respectively) were investigated. When added in the last two concentrations, all compounds significantly increased State 2 and 4 respiratory rates, an effect that was not abolished by 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 100 �mol/L), the classic mKATP inhibitor. The highest concentration also elicited an important decrease of the oxidative phosphorylation in a K+ independent manner. Both concentrations of 100 and 150 �mol/L for KL-1487, KL-1492, and KL-1495, and the concentration of 150 �mol/L for KL-1507, respectively, mitigated the mitochondrial H2O2 release. In isolated rat heart mitochondria, the novel benzopyran analogues act as protonophoric uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation and decrease the generation of reactive oxygen species in a dose-dependent manner

Notes on the use and interpretation of radiostereometric analysis

ABSTRACT With increasing numbers of research groups carrying out radiostereometric analysis (RSA), it is important to reach a consensus on how the main aspects of the technique should be carried out and how the results should be presented in an appropriate and consistent way

Anesthetics Rapidly Promote Synaptogenesis during a Critical Period of Brain Development

Experience-driven activity plays an essential role in the development of brain circuitry during critical periods of early postnatal life, a process that depends upon a dynamic balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals. Since general anesthetics are powerful pharmacological modulators of neuronal activity, an important question is whether and how these drugs can affect the development of synaptic networks. To address this issue, we examined here the impact of anesthetics on synapse growth and dynamics. We show that exposure of young rodents to anesthetics that either enhance GABAergic inhibition or block NMDA receptors rapidly induce a significant increase in dendritic spine density in the somatosensory cortex and hippocampus. This effect is developmentally regulated; it is transient but lasts for several days and is also reproduced by selective antagonists of excitatory receptors. Analyses of spine dynamics in hippocampal slice cultures reveals that this effect is mediated through an increased rate of protrusions formation, a better stabilization of newly formed spines, and leads to the formation of functional synapses. Altogether, these findings point to anesthesia as an important modulator of spine dynamics in the developing brain and suggest the existence of a homeostatic process regulating spine formation as a function of neural activity. Importantly, they also raise concern about the potential impact of these drugs on human practice, when applied during critical periods of development in infants

Identification of 34 Novel Proinflammatory Proteins in a Genome-Wide Macrophage Functional Screen

Signal transduction pathways activated by Toll-like Receptors and the IL-1 family of cytokines are fundamental to mounting an innate immune response and thus to clearing pathogens and promoting wound healing. Whilst mechanistic understanding of the regulation of innate signalling pathways has advanced considerably in recent years, there are still a number of critical controllers to be discovered. In order to characterise novel regulators of macrophage inflammation, we have carried out an extensive, cDNA-based forward genetic screen and identified 34 novel activators, based on their ability to induce the expression of cxcl2. Many are physiologically expressed in macrophages, although the majority of genes uncovered in our screen have not previously been linked to innate immunity. We show that expression of particular activators has profound but distinct impacts on LPS-induced inflammatory gene expression, including switch-type, amplifier and sensitiser behaviours. Furthermore, the novel genes identified here interact with the canonical inflammatory signalling network via specific mechanisms, as demonstrated by the use of dominant negative forms of IL1/TLR signalling mediators

Biodegradable ceramics consisting of hydroxyapatite for orthopaedic implants

This study aims to analyze hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings enriched with Mg and Ti prepared by a magnetron sputtering technique on Ti6Al4V substrate. For preparation of the coatings, three magnetron targets (HAP, MgO and TiO2) were simultaneously co-worked. The concentration of Mg added was varied by modifying the power applied to the MgO target. In all coatings, the Ti concentration was maintained constant by keeping the same cathode power fed during the whole deposition. The influence of different Mg dopant contents on the formation of phase, microstructure and morphology of the obtained Ti-doped HAP coatings were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the effects of Mg addition upon corrosion, mechanical and biological properties were also investigated. Mg- and Ti-doped HAP coating obtained at low radio-frequency (RF) power fed to the MgO target provided material with high corrosion resistance compared to other coatings and bare alloy. A slight decrease in hardness of the coatings was found after the Mg addition, from 8.8 to 5.7 GPa. Also, the values of elastic modulus were decreased from 87 to 53 GPa, this being an advantage for biomedical applications. The coatings with low Mg concentration proved to have good deformation to yielding and higher plastic properties. Biological test results showed that the novel surfaces exhibited excellent properties for the adhesion and growth of bone cells. Moreover, early adherent vital cell numbers were significantly higher on both coatings compared to Ti6Al4V, suggesting that Mg ions may accelerate initial osteoblast adhesion and proliferation

Corrosion improvement of 304l stainless steel by zrsin and zrsi(N,o) mono-and double-layers prepared by reactive cathodic arc evaporation

Zr-based nitrides and oxynitrides were deposited by reactive cathodic arc evaporation in monolayer and double-layer structures with the aim of increasing the corrosion protection of 304L stainless steel (SS) in a biomedical aggressive environment. All coatings had a total thickness of 1.2 m. Compared to the bare substrate, the surface roughness of the coated samples was higher, the presence of microdroplets being revealed by scanning electron micrography (SEM). The X-ray diffraction investigation of the ZrN phases revealed that the peaks shifted towards lower Bragg angles and the lattice constants increased as a result of Si and O2 inclusion in ZrN lattice, and of the ion bombardment characteristic of the cathodic arc method, augmented by the applied bias substrate. SS/ZrSiN/ZrSi(N,O) showed the best corrosion performance in an acidic environment (0.9% NaCl and 6% H2O2; pH = 4), which was ascribed to the blocking effect of the interfaces, which acted as a corrosion barrier for the electrolyte ingress. Moreover, the aforementioned bilayer had the highest amount of Si and O in the composition of the top layer, forming a stable passive layer with beneficial effects on corrosion protection

TMEM203 is a binding partner and regulator of STING-mediated inflammatory signaling in macrophages

Regulation of IFN signaling is critical in host recognition and response to pathogens while its dysregulation underlies the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. STimulator of IFN Genes (STING) has been identified as a critical mediator of IFN inducing innate immune pathways, but little is known about direct coregulators of this protein. We report here that TMEM203, a conserved putative transmembrane protein, is an intracellular regulator of STING-mediated signaling. We show that TMEM203 interacts, functionally cooperates, and comigrates with STING following cell stimulation, which in turn leads to the activation of the kinase TBK1, and the IRF3 transcription factor. This induces target genes in macrophages, including IFN-β. Using Tmem203 knockout bone marrow-derived macrophages and transient knockdown of TMEM203 in human monocyte-derived macrophages, we show that TMEM203 protein is required for cGAMPinduced STING activation. Unlike STING, TMEM203 mRNA levels are elevated in T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, a disease characterized by the overexpression of type I interferons. Moreover, TMEM203 mRNA levels are associated with disease activity, as assessed by serum levels of the complement protein C3. Identification of TMEM203 sheds light into the control of STING-mediated innate immune responses, providing a potential novel mechanism for therapeutic interventions in STING-associated inflammatory diseases