Maximal positive cross shot noise from Andreev reflection

The current flowing from a superconductor to a two-terminal setup describing a nanostructure connected to normal-metal leads is studied. We provide an example of scattering matrix giving ideal splitting off electrons from a Cooper pair by means of Cauchy-Bunyakovsky-Schwarz inequality. The proposal of the junction and its possible variants are discussed in a context of possible experiments.Comment: 10 pages, 11 figures, to be published in PR

Global Feedstock Scenarios for Bioenergy - Land-Use Change and Trade-Offs

This paper presents scenarios of global feedstock supply for the production of bioenergy under specified social and environmental safeguard provisions. In particular, concerns for the preservation of biodiversity and the reduction of deforestation are considered in different combinations of scenarios. The objectives of this study were 3-fold: (a) to achieve a global perspective using an integrated modeling approach; (b) to frame the boundaries for lower scale assessments; and (c) to identify potential trade-offs to be considered in future research. The aggregate results, achieved through the application of an integrated global modeling cluster, are in line with other studies predicting a doubling of global biomass supplies by mid-century. These supplies will to the largest extent be sourced from the conversion of unmanaged forest into managed forest, from new fast growing short rotation plantations and from intensification as well as optimization of land-use. Depending on the underlying scenario, it can be shown that zero net deforestation by 2020 can be reached and uphold while implying only a minor expansion into managed forests. Results further indicate that especially regions of the southern hemisphere i.e. the tropical belt will face controlled forest conversion from unmanaged to sustainably managed as well as increased protection of area for ecosystems services such as biodiversity. The study concludes with the recommendation of increased focus on targeted regional policy design and implementation following integrated global assessments

Current density distribution in cylindrical Li-Ion cells during impedance measurements

In this work, modified commercial cylindrical lithium-ion cells with multiple separate current tabs are used to analyze the influence of tab pattern, frequency and temperature on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In a first step, the effect of different current tab arrangements on the impedance spectra is analyzed and possible electrochemical causes are discussed. In a second step, one terminal is used to apply a sinusoidal current while the other terminals are used to monitor the local potential distribution at different positions along the electrodes of the cell. It is observed that the characteristic decay of the voltage amplitude along the electrode changes non-linearly with frequency, where high-frequent currents experience a stronger attenuation along the current collector than low-frequent currents. In further experiments, the decay characteristic is controlled by the cell temperature, driven by the increasing resistance of the current collector and the enhanced kinetic and transport properties of the active material and electrolyte. Measurements indicate that the ac current distribution depends strongly on the frequency and the temperature. In this context, the challenges for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as cell diagnostic technique for commercial cells are discussed

Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC2) Suppress Beneficial Type 1 Immune Responses During Pulmonary Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen preferentially causing disease in immunocompromised individuals such as organ-transplant-recipients, patients receiving immunosuppressive medications or, in particular, individuals suffering from HIV infection. Numerous studies clearly indicated that the control of C. neoformans infections is strongly dependent on a prototypic type 1 immune response and classical macrophage activation, whereas type 2-biased immunity and alternative activation of macrophages has been rather implicated in disease progression and detrimental outcomes. However, little is known about regulatory pathways modulating and balancing immune responses during early phases of pulmonary cryptococcosis. Here, we analyzed the role of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) for the control of C. neoformans infection. Using an intranasal infection model with a highly virulent C. neoformans strain, we found that ILC2 numbers were strongly increased in C. neoformans-infected lungs along with induction of a type 2 response. Mice lacking ILC2s due to conditional deficiency of the transcription factor RAR-related orphan receptor alpha (Rora) displayed a massive downregulation of features of type 2 immunity as reflected by reduced levels of the type 2 signature cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 at 14 days post-infection. Moreover, ILC2 deficiency was accompanied with increased type 1 immunity and classical macrophage activation, while the pulmonary numbers of eosinophils and alternatively activated macrophages were reduced in these mice. Importantly, this shift in pulmonary macrophage polarization in ILC2-deficient mice correlated with improved fungal control and prolonged survival of infected mice. Conversely, adoptive transfer of ILC2s was associated with a type 2 bias associated with less efficient anti-fungal immunity in lungs of recipient mice. Collectively, our date indicate a non-redundant role of ILC2 in orchestrating myeloid anti-cryptococcal immune responses toward a disease exacerbating phenotype

Energy resilient solutions for Japan - a BECCS case study

The objective of this study is to analyze Japan's BECCS potential. A technical assessment is used to support a policy discussion on the suitability of this mitigation tool for Japan. IIASA's BeWhere Model is used to examine the technical potential of bioenergy including optimal locations and capacities of biomass plants. The plant locations are overlaid with a geological suitability map for carbon storage. Results indicate that there is a substantial potential for bioenergy production which could contribute to substituting emissions from fossil fuels. By further developing the renewable energy pathway, Japan could substantially add to a more resilient and domestic resources-based energy sector. There is limited potential for direct negative emissions from bioenergy, but some of the coastal regions appear suitable for carbon storage. A higher potential could be achieved through off-shore carbon storage and enhanced cross-border collaboration

Time ordering and counting statistics

The basic quantum mechanical relation between fluctuations of transported charge and current correlators is discussed. It is found that, as a rule, the correlators are to be time-ordered in an unusual way. Instances where the difference with the conventional ordering matters are illustrated by means of a simple scattering model. We apply the results to resolve a discrepancy concerning the third cumulant of charge transport across a quantum point contact.Comment: 19 pages, 1 figure; inconsequential mistake and typos correcte