438 research outputs found
High fidelity quantum memory via dynamical decoupling: theory and experiment
Quantum information processing requires overcoming decoherence---the loss of
"quantumness" due to the inevitable interaction between the quantum system and
its environment. One approach towards a solution is quantum dynamical
decoupling---a method employing strong and frequent pulses applied to the
qubits. Here we report on the first experimental test of the concatenated
dynamical decoupling (CDD) scheme, which invokes recursively constructed pulse
sequences. Using nuclear magnetic resonance, we demonstrate a near order of
magnitude improvement in the decay time of stored quantum states. In
conjunction with recent results on high fidelity quantum gates using CDD, our
results suggest that quantum dynamical decoupling should be used as a first
layer of defense against decoherence in quantum information processing
implementations, and can be a stand-alone solution in the right parameter
regime.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures. Published version. This paper was initially
entitled "Quantum gates via concatenated dynamical decoupling: theory and
experiment", by Jacob R. West, Daniel A. Lidar, Bryan H. Fong, Mark F. Gyure,
Xinhua Peng, and Dieter Suter. That original version split into two papers:
http://arxiv.org/abs/1012.3433 (theory only) and the current pape
Aperiodic dynamical decoupling sequences in presence of pulse errors
Dynamical decoupling (DD) is a promising tool for preserving the quantum
states of qubits. However, small imperfections in the control pulses can
seriously affect the fidelity of decoupling, and qualitatively change the
evolution of the controlled system at long times. Using both analytical and
numerical tools, we theoretically investigate the effect of the pulse errors
accumulation for two aperiodic DD sequences, the Uhrig's DD UDD) protocol [G.
S. Uhrig, Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 98}, 100504 (2007)], and the Quadratic DD (QDD)
protocol [J. R. West, B. H. Fong and D. A. Lidar, Phys. Rev. Lett {\bf 104},
130501 (2010)]. We consider the implementation of these sequences using the
electron spins of phosphorus donors in silicon, where DD sequences are applied
to suppress dephasing of the donor spins. The dependence of the decoupling
fidelity on different initial states of the spins is the focus of our study. We
investigate in detail the initial drop in the DD fidelity, and its long-term
saturation. We also demonstrate that by applying the control pulses along
different directions, the performance of QDD protocols can be noticeably
improved, and explain the reason of such an improvement. Our results can be
useful for future implementations of the aperiodic decoupling protocols, and
for better understanding of the impact of errors on quantum control of spins.Comment: updated reference
A Schottky top-gated two-dimensional electron system in a nuclear spin free Si/SiGe heterostructure
We report on the realization and top-gating of a two-dimensional electron
system in a nuclear spin free environment using 28Si and 70Ge source material
in molecular beam epitaxy. Electron spin decoherence is expected to be
minimized in nuclear spin-free materials, making them promising hosts for
solid-state based quantum information processing devices. The two-dimensional
electron system exhibits a mobility of 18000 cm2/Vs at a sheet carrier density
of 4.6E11 cm-2 at low temperatures. Feasibility of reliable gating is
demonstrated by transport through split-gate structures realized with palladium
Schottky top-gates which effectively control the two-dimensional electron
system underneath. Our work forms the basis for the realization of an
electrostatically defined quantum dot in a nuclear spin free environment.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figure
Flux-Line Lattice Structures in Untwinned YBa2Cu3O
A small angle neutron scattering study of the flux-line lattice in a large
single crystal of untwinned YBa2Cu3O is presented. In fields parallel to the
c-axis, diffraction spots are observed corresponding to four orientations of a
hexagonal lattice, distorted by the a-b anisotropy. A value for the anisotropy,
the penetration depth ratio, of 1.18(2) was obtained. The high quality of the
data is such that second order diffraction is observed, indicating a well
ordered FLL. With the field at 33 degrees to c a field dependent re-orientation
of the lattice is observed around 3T.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure
Abrupt global events in the Earth's history: a physics perspective
The timeline of the Earth's history reveals quasi-periodicity of the
geological record over the last 542 Myr, on timescales close, in the order of
magnitude, to 1 Myr. What is the origin of this quasi-periodicity? What is the
nature of the global events that define the boundaries of the geological time
scale? I propose that a single mechanism is responsible for all three types of
such events: mass extinctions, geomagnetic polarity reversals, and sea-level
fluctuations. The mechanism is fast, and involves a significant energy release.
The mechanism is unlikely to have astronomical causes, both because of the
energies involved, and because it acts quasi-periodically. It must then be
sought within the Earth itself. And it must be capable of reversing the Earth's
magnetic field. The last requirement makes it incompatible with the consensus
model of the origin of the geomagnetic field - the hydromagnetic dynamo
operating in the Earth's fluid core. In the second part of the paper, I show
that a vast amount of seemingly unconnected geophysical and geological data can
be understood in a unified way if the source of the Earth's main magnetic field
is a ~200-km-thick lithosphere, repeatedly magnetized as a result of
methane-driven oceanic eruptions, which produce ocean flow capable of dynamo
action. The eruptions are driven by the interplay of buoyancy forces and
exsolution of dissolved gas, which accumulates in the oceanic water masses
prone to stagnation and anoxia. Polarity reversals, mass extinctions, and
sequence boundaries are consequences of these eruptions. Unlike the consensus
model of geomagnetism, this scenario is consistent with the paleomagnetic data
showing that "directional changes during a [geomagnetic polarity] reversal can
be astonishingly fast, possibly occurring as a nearly instantaneous jump from
one inclined dipolar state to another in the opposite hemisphere".Comment: Final journal version. New title, significant changes. Supersedes v.
Blockade of MMP14 Activity in Murine Breast Carcinomas: Implications for Macrophages, Vessels, and Radiotherapy
Background: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 14 may mediate tumor progression through vascular and immune-modulatory effects. Methods: Orthotopic murine breast tumors (4T1 and E0771 with high and low MMP14 expression, respectively; n = 5-10 per group) were treated with an anti-MMP14 inhibitory antibody (DX-2400), IgG control, fractionated radiation therapy, or their combination. We assessed primary tumor growth, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, macrophage phenotype, and vascular parameters. A linear mixed model with repeated observations, with Mann-Whitney or analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc adjustment, was used to determine statistical significance. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: DX-2400 inhibited tumor growth compared with IgG control treatment, increased macrophage numbers, and shifted the macrophage phenotype towards antitumor M1-like. These effects were associated with a reduction in active TGFβ and SMAD2/3 signaling. DX-2400 also transiently increased iNOS expression and tumor perfusion, reduced tissue hypoxia (median % area: control, 20.2%, interquartile range (IQR) = 6.4%-38.9%; DX-2400: 1.2%, IQR = 0.2%-3.2%, P = .044), and synergistically enhanced radiation therapy (days to grow to 800mm3: control, 12 days, IQR = 9-13 days; DX-2400 plus radiation, 29 days, IQR = 26-30 days, P < .001) in the 4T1 model. The selective iNOS inhibitor, 1400W, abolished the effects of DX-2400 on vessel perfusion and radiotherapy. On the other hand, DX-2400 was not capable of inducing iNOS expression or synergizing with radiation in E0771 tumors. Conclusion: MMP14 blockade decreased immunosuppressive TGFβ, polarized macrophages to an antitumor phenotype, increased iNOS, and improved tumor perfusion, resulting in reduced primary tumor growth and enhanced response to radiation therapy, especially in high MMP14-expressing tumor
Immigrant community integration in world cities
As a consequence of the accelerated globalization process, today major cities
all over the world are characterized by an increasing multiculturalism. The
integration of immigrant communities may be affected by social polarization and
spatial segregation. How are these dynamics evolving over time? To what extent
the different policies launched to tackle these problems are working? These are
critical questions traditionally addressed by studies based on surveys and
census data. Such sources are safe to avoid spurious biases, but the data
collection becomes an intensive and rather expensive work. Here, we conduct a
comprehensive study on immigrant integration in 53 world cities by introducing
an innovative approach: an analysis of the spatio-temporal communication
patterns of immigrant and local communities based on language detection in
Twitter and on novel metrics of spatial integration. We quantify the "Power of
Integration" of cities --their capacity to spatially integrate diverse
cultures-- and characterize the relations between different cultures when
acting as hosts or immigrants.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures + Appendi
Landslide susceptibility mapping in North-East Wales
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk on 4th October 2011, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/19475705.2011.600778In North-East Wales, United Kingdom, slope instability is a known environmental hazard which has caused significant damage to the built environment in the recent past. This paper reports on the creation of a digital landslide inventory for North-East Wales and the use of a Geographical Information System (GIS) to create landslide susceptibility models that are applicable to landslide hazard management in the area. The research undertaken has resulted in the most comprehensive landslide inventory of North-East Wales to date, documenting 430 landslides within the area. Landslide susceptibility models created within a GIS using a statistical (multiple logistic regression) approach, divide the landscape of North-East Wales into areas of ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ landslide susceptibility using calculated probability values. These models indicate that 8% of the surface exposure of drift deposits and 12% of the area of solid geology is of high or very high susceptibility to slope instability. Validation tests have demonstrated the accuracy of these models and their potential value in a predictive sense. The digital landslide database and susceptibility models created are readily available to interested stakeholders, and may be useful tools in land-use planning, development of civil contingency plans and as guidance for the insurance industry
Heterogenized Pyridine-Substituted Cobalt(II) Phthalocyanine Yields Reduction of CO2 by Tuning the Electron Affinity of the Co Center
Conversion of CO2 to reduced products is a promising route to alleviate irreversible climate change. Here we report the synthesis of a Co-based phthalocyanine with pyridine moieties (CoPc-Pyr), which is supported on a carbon electrode and shows Faradaic efficiency ∼90% for CO at 490 mV of overpotential (-0.6 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)). In addition, its catalytic activity at -0.7 V versus RHE surpasses other Co-based molecular and metal-organic framework catalysts for CO2 reduction at this bias. Density functional theory calculations show that pyridine moieties enhance CO2 adsorption and electron affinity of the Co center by an inductive effect, thus lowering the overpotential necessary for CO2 conversion. Our study shows that CoPc-Pyr reduces CO2 at lower overpotential and with higher activity than noble metal electrodes, such as silver
Gratitude and hospitality: Tamil refugee employment in London and the conditional nature of integration
Healy, R. L. 2014. The definitive, peer-reviewed and edited version of this article is published in Environment and Planning A, 2014, 46(3), pp. 614-628, http:dx/doi.org/10.1068/a4655The policy of integration attempts to address different elements of exclusion, yet relatively little research has considered what integration means to the refugees themselves. This paper explores one key area for supporting integration: employment.ESRC PTA-030-2005-0082
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