Low Timing Jitter Detector for Gigahertz Quantum Key Distribution

A superconducting single-photon detector based on a niobium nitride nanowire is demonstrated in an optical-fibre-based quantum key distribution test bed operating at a clock rate of 3.3 GHz and a transmission wavelength of 850 nm. The low jitter of the detector leads to significant reduction in the estimated quantum bit error rate and a resultant improvement in the secrecy efficiency compared to previous estimates made by use of silicon single-photon avalanche detectors.Comment: 11 pages, including 2 figure

Orbital moment in CoO and in NiO

The total, orbital and spin moment of the Co2+ ion in CoO has been calculated within the quasi-atomic approach with taking into account strong correlations, crystal-field interactions and the intra-atomic spin-orbit coupling. The orbital moment of 1.39 \mu B amounts at 0 K, in the magnetically-ordered state, to more than 34% of the total moment (4.01 \mu B). The same calculations yield for NiO the orbital and total moment of 0.46 \mu B and 2.45 \mu B, respectively. PACS No: 71.70.E; 75.10.D Keywords: 3d magnetism, crystal field, spin-orbit coupling, orbital moment, CoO, NiOComment: 6 pages in tex+3 figs, submitted for PNSXM-03, Venic

A test generation framework for quiescent real-time systems

We present an extension of Tretmans theory and algorithm for test generation for input-output transition systems to real-time systems. Our treatment is based on an operational interpretation of the notion of quiescence in the context of real-time behaviour. This gives rise to a family of implementation relations parameterized by observation durations for quiescence. We define a nondeterministic (parameterized) test generation algorithm that generates test cases that are sound with respect to the corresponding implementation relation. Also, the test generation is exhaustive in the sense that for each non-conforming implementation a test case can be generated that detects the non-conformance

Are Occupation Numbers Observable?

The question of whether occupation numbers and momentum distributions of nucleons in nuclei are observables is considered from an effective field theory perspective. Field redefinitions lead to variations that imply the answer is negative, as illustrated in the interacting Fermi gas at low density. Implications for the interpretation of (e,e'p) experiments with nuclei are discussed.Comment: 8 pages, revtex4, 4 ps figure

Analyzing carbon emissions policies for the Bolivian electric sector

editorial reviewedA transition of the Bolivian power sector towards a renewable energy-dominated system has been inhibited by a series of laws and policies including heavy subsidies for power generation using domestic natural gas. Within this context, alternative techno-economic scenarios are designed based on key characteristics of the system, and a series of six policy levers are used to analyze impacts on the development of the power sector. The energy-system optimization modeling framework OSeMOSYS is utilized to analyze power sector transition pathways. Techno-economic characteristics and policies are combined to develop bracketing scenarios for the future energy system, contrasting business-as-usual with an ambitious renewable energy policy scenario. Results from the analyzed scenarios show that achieving significant reductions of GHG emissions in the Bolivian electric system will heavily depend on:1) reducing the artificial competitiveness of thermal power plants through subsidies, but also a price on carbon emissions; 2) banning high impact power plants (mainly very large hydropower plants); and 3) defining clear long-term objectives for the participation of renewables in the system, starting with objectives in current short-term plans. By examining several scenarios, relative system costs as a function of emissions reductions are determined as well. For high penetration of variable renewable energy, addition of storage will eventually be needed as dispatchable renewable resources are limited.7. Affordable and clean energ

Fiber Bragg gratings of type I in SMF-28 and B/Ge fibre and type IIA B/Ge fibre under gamma radiation up to 0.54 MGy

The sensitivities of type I and IIA fibre Bragg gratings written to different reflectivities in SMF-28 and B/Ge fibres to ionizing radiation up to 0.54MGy are investigated. The Bragg wavelength shows a small and rapid increase at the start of irradiation followed by either a plateau (type I) or a decrease (type IIA)

A noninvasive multi-analyte diagnostic assay: Combining protein and DNA markers to stratify bladder cancer patients

Purpose: The authors recently reported the development of a noninvasive diagnostic assay using urinary matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as monitors of disease-free status and bladder cancer in high-risk populations. Using an approach called clinical intervention determining diagnostic (CIDD), they identified with high confidence those patients who could be excluded from additional intervention. To maximize performance, MMPs were combined with DNAbased markers and CIDD was applied to a population of patients undergoing monitoring for recurrence. Patients and methods: Urine samples were obtained from 323 patients, 48 of whom had a recurrence and 275 of whom did not have cancer upon cytoscopic evaluation. Twist1 and Nid2 methylation status was determined using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, FGFR3 mutational status by quantitative PCR, and MMP levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Using a combination of these DNA and protein markers, the authors identified with high confidence (97% negative predicted value) those patients who do not have cancer. Cutoffs were adjusted such that at 92% sensitivity, 51% of disease-free patients might be triaged from receiving further tests. Conclusion: The multi-analyte diagnostic readout assay described here is the first to combine protein and DNA biomarkers into one assay for optimal clinical performance. Using this approach, the detection of FGFR3 mutations and Twist1 and Nid2 methylation in the urine of patients undergoing bladder cancer recurrence screening increase the sensitivity and negative predictive value at an established MMP protein cutoff. This noninvasive urinary diagnostic assay could lead to the more efficient triage of patients undergoing recurrence monitoring

Short-term post-harvest stress that affects profiles of volatile organic compounds and gene expression in rocket salad during early post-harvest senescence

Once harvested, leaves undergo a process of senescence which shares some features with developmental senescence. These include changes in gene expression, metabolites, and loss of photosynthetic capacity. Of particular interest in fresh produce are changes in nutrient content and the aroma, which is dependent on the profile of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Leafy salads are subjected to multiple stresses during and shortly after harvest, including mechanical damage, storage or transport under different temperature regimes, and low light. These are thought to impact on later shelf life performance by altering the progress of post-harvest senescence. Short term stresses in the first 24 h after harvest were simulated in wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia). These included dark (ambient temperature), dark and wounding (ambient temperature), and storage at 4 \ub0C in darkness. The effects of stresses were monitored immediately afterwards and after one week of storage at 10 \ub0C. Expression changes in two NAC transcription factors (orthologues of ANAC059 and ANAC019), and a gene involved in isothiocyanate production (thiocyanate methyltransferase, TMT) were evident immediately after stress treatments with some expression changes persisting following storage. Vitamin C loss and microbial growth on leaves were also affected by stress treatments. VOC profiles were differentially affected by stress treatments and the storage period. Overall, short term post-harvest stresses affected multiple aspects of rocket leaf senescence during chilled storage even after a week. However, different stress combinations elicited different responses