Achievable efficiencies for probabilistically cloning the states

We present an example of quantum computational tasks whose performance is enhanced if we distribute quantum information using quantum cloning. Furthermore we give achievable efficiencies for probabilistic cloning the quantum states used in implemented tasks for which cloning provides some enhancement in performance.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figure

About the screening of the charge of a proton migrating in a metal

The amount of screening of a proton in a metal, migrating under the influence of an applied electric field, is calculated using different theoretical formulations. First the lowest order screening expression derived by Sham (1975) is evaluated. In addition 'exact' expressions are evaluated which were derived according to different approaches. For a proton in a metal modeled as a jellium the screening appears to be 15 +/- 10 %, which is neither negligible not reconcilable with the controversial full-screening point of view of Bosvieux and Friedel (1962). In reconsidering the theory of electromigration, a new simplified linear-response expression for the driving force is shown to lead to essentially the same result as found by Sorbello (1985), who has used a rather complicated technique. The expressions allow for a reduction such that only the scattering phase shifts of the migrating impurity are required. Finally it is shown that the starting formula for the driving force of Bosvieux and Friedel leads exactly to the zero-temperature limit of well-established linear response descriptions, by which the sting of the controversy has been removed.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figure

Micromagnetic simulations of sweep-rate dependent coercivity in perpendicular recording media

The results of micromagnetic simulations are presented which examine the impact of thermal fluctuations on sweep rate dependent coercivities of both single-layer and exchange-coupled-composite (ECC) perpendicular magnetic recording media. M-H loops are calculated at four temperatures and sweep rates spanning five decades with fields applied normal to the plane and at 45 degrees. The impact of interactions between grains is evaluated. The results indicate a significantly weaker sweep-rate dependence for ECC media suggesting more robustness to long-term thermal effects. Fitting the modeled results to Sharrock-like scaling proposed by Feng and Visscher [J. Appl. Phys. 95, 7043 (2004)] is successful only in the case of single-layer media with the field normal to the plane.Comment: 7 pages, 14 figure

Analysis and synthesis of Markov Jump Linear systems with time-varying delays and partially known transition probabilities

In this note, the stability analysis and stabilization problems for a class of discrete-time Markov jump linear systems with partially known transition probabilities and time-varying delays are investigated. The time-delay is considered to be time-varying and has a lower and upper bounds. The transition probabilities of the mode jumps are considered to be partially known, which relax the traditional assumption in Markov jump systems that all of them must be completely known a priori. Following the recent study on the class of systems, a monotonicity is further observed in concern of the conservatism of obtaining the maximal delay range due to the unknown elements in the transition probability matrix. Sufficient conditions for stochastic stability of the underlying systems are derived via the linear matrix inequality (LMI) formulation, and the design of the stabilizing controller is further given. A numerical example is used to illustrate the developed theory. © 2008 IEEE.published_or_final_versio

Minimally Invasive Incision Debridement in Combination with Continuous Closed Negative Pressure Drainage for More-Lavallée Lesion

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Contraceptive Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitudes in Rural Malawi: Misinformation, Misbeliefs and Misperceptions

IntroductionThe objective of the study was to find out factors that affect the intentions of men and women to use family planning methods.MethodsThe study was conducted in Mangochi district, the southern regionof Malawi in 2006. About 60 Focus group discussions were conducted to identify the attitudes and beliefs of 30 male and 30 female participantsregarding family planning methods. The data was then transcribed and analyzed manually identifying central themes and relationships across the cases and narratives.ResultsMost of the respondents knew the different types of family planning methods and reported that health facilities had adequate stock of family planning supplies. However, it was found that most of the women and men were not using any modern family planning methods. Reasons included: family planning methods were perceived side effects, such as prolonged menstruation, men’s concerns about impotence and genital sores, weight gain or loss, and subsequent infertility. Traditional family planning methods were mostly used for infertility problems.ConclusionDespite knowing about the different types of family planning methods, and awareness of their ready availability in health facilities, use of these methods is low because considerable misinformation still prevails regarding contraceptive methods’ side effects