Random-matrix theory for the Lindblad master equation

Open quantum systems with Markovian dynamics can be described by the Lindblad equation. The quantity governing the dynamics is the Lindblad superoperator. We apply random-matrix theory to this superoperator to elucidate its spectral properties. The distribution of eigenvalues and the correlations of neighboring eigenvalues are obtained for the cases of purely unitary dynamics, pure dissipation, and the physically realistic combination of unitary and dissipative dynamics. © 2021 Author(s)

Stoichiometry determination of chalcogenide superlattices by means of X-ray diffraction and its limits

In this paper we explore the potential of stoichiometry determination for chalcogenide superlattices, promising candidates for next-generation phase-change memory, via X-ray diffraction. To this end, a set of epitaxial GeTe/Sb2Te3 superlattice samples with varying layer thicknesses is sputter-deposited. Kinematical scattering theory is employed to link the average composition with the diffraction features. The observed lattice constants of the superlattice reference unit cell follow Vegard's law, enabling a straight-forward and non-destructive stoichiometry determination.Comment: physica status solidi (RRL) - Rapid Research Letters (2019

Review of \u3cem\u3eEnoch and Qumran Origins: New Light on a Forgotten Connection\u3c/em\u3e

The article reviews the book Enoch and Qumran Origins: New Light on a Forgotten Connection, edited by Gabriele Boccaccini

Identification of an active site in the antisecretory factor protein

AbstractThe antisecretory factor (AF) is a new regulatory protein, produced in the human pituitary gland, which reverses intestinal fluid secretion induced by cholera toxin. We have previously described the cDNA-cloning and characterization of the expressed gene. The aim of this study was to identify the region responsible for the antisecretory activity in the AF-molecule. The recombinant full-length AF has an increased ability to inhibit hypersecretion after treatment with trypsin, indicating that the activity of AF is achieved by smaller peptide fragments. To localize the active region of AF, we expressed truncated forms of the recombinant protein and examined their antisecretory activity against cholera toxin-induced fluid secretion in rat. Nine recombinant AF peptides and four smaller peptides made by solid phase synthesis were tested. Five of the peptides lacked all activity, whereas seven of them were highly active, a dose between 4 and 15pmol causing a half-maximal inhibition. All the active peptides contained amino acid 36–42 of the AF sequence, whereas none of the inactive peptides contained this sequence. Our results suggest that the site of the antisecretory activity resides in a small region (I)VCHSKTR between position 35 and 42 of the AF molecule

Proposal for a Precision Measurement of |Vub|

A new method for a precision measurement of the CKM matrix element |Vub| is discussed, which combines good theoretical control with high efficiency and a powerful discrimination against charm background. The resulting combined theoretical uncertainty on |Vub| is estimated to be 10%.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, RevTe

The prognostic value of DLCO and pulmonary blood flow in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Background Cardiac output is a prognostic marker in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary blood flow as a surrogate for cardiac output can be measured non-invasively by inert gas rebreathing. We hypothesized that pulmonary blood flow can predict outcome in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Methods From January 2009 to January 2012, we measured pulmonary blood flow by inert gas rebreathing in outpatients with pulmonary hypertension. Patients with pulmonary hypertension confirmed by right heart catheterization and a valid inert gas rebreathing maneuver were followed until January 2016. The investigated outcome was all-cause mortality. Results We included 259 patients (mean age 65 +/- 13 years, 53% female) with pulmonary hypertension and classified into groups 1 (n = 103), 2 (n = 26), 3 (n = 80), and 4 (n = 50) according to the current pulmonary hypertension classification system. The median time between pulmonary hypertension diagnosis and inert gas rebreathing was 9 (IQR 0; 36) months. During a median follow-up time of 51 (IQR 20; 68) months, 109 patients (42%) died. Parameters significantly associated with survival (in order of decreasing statistical strength) were diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD), age, NTpro-BNP, WHO functional class, group 3 pulmonary hypertension, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), while baseline hemodynamics and pulmonary blood flow were not. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, DLCO, age, 6-MWD, and TAPSE remained significant and independent predictors of the outcome. DLCO as the strongest parameter also significantly predicted survival in aetiological subgroups except for group 4. Conclusions DLCO is a strong and independent predictor for survival in patients with pulmonary hypertension of different aetiologies, while pulmonary blood flow measured by inert gas rebreathing is not

Zufallsmatrixtheorie für die Lindblad-Mastergleichung

Wir wenden die Zufallsmatrixtheorie auf den Lindblad-Superoperator L, d.h. den linearen Superoperator der Lindblad-Gleichung an und untersuchen die Verteilung und die Korrelationen der Eigenwerte von L zur Charakterisierung der Dynamik komplexer offener Quantensysteme. Zufallsmatrixensembles für L werden über Ensembles hermitescher und positiver Matrizen definiert, die alle freien Koeffizienten der Lindblad-Gleichung enthalten. Wir bestimmen Mittelwert und Breiten der Verteilung der von Null verschiedenen Eigenwerte von L in der komplexen Ebene und zeigen, wie diese Verteilung von den Verteilungen und Korrelationen der Eigenwerte der Koeffizientenmatrizen abhängt. In vielerlei Hinsicht ähneln die Ensembles für L dem Ginibreschen orthogonalen Ensemble. Beispielsweise finden wir das gleiche Abstoßungsverhalten zwischen benachbarten Eigenwerten. Alle Ergebnisse werden mit denen einer früheren Zufallsmatrixanalyse von Ratengleichungen verglichen.Random matrix theory is applied to the Lindblad superoperator L, i.e., the linear superoperator of the Lindblad equation. We study the distribution and correlations of eigenvalues of L to characterize the dynamics of complex open quantum systems. Random matrix ensembles for L are given in terms of ensembles of hermitian and positive matrices, which contain all free coefficients of the Lindblad equation. We determine mean and widths of the distribution of the nonzero eigenvalues of L in the complex plane and show how this distribution depends on the distributions and correlations of eigenvalues of the matrices of coefficients. In many respects the ensembles for L resemble the Ginibre orthogonal ensemble. For instance, we find the same repulsion characteristics for neighboring eigenvalues. All results are compared to an earlier work on random matrix theory for rate equations

Deep learning for bias-correcting CMIP6-class Earth system models

The accurate representation of precipitation in Earth system models (ESMs) is crucial for reliable projections of the ecological and socioeconomic impacts in response to anthropogenic global warming. The complex cross-scale interactions of processes that produce precipitation are challenging to model, however, inducing potentially strong biases in ESM fields, especially regarding extremes. State-of-the-art bias correction methods only address errors in the simulated frequency distributions locally at every individual grid cell. Improving unrealistic spatial patterns of the ESM output, which would require spatial context, has not been possible so far. Here, we show that a post-processing method based on physically constrained generative adversarial networks (cGANs) can correct biases of a state-of-the-art, CMIP6-class ESM both in local frequency distributions and in the spatial patterns at once. While our method improves local frequency distributions equally well as gold-standard bias-adjustment frameworks, it strongly outperforms any existing methods in the correction of spatial patterns, especially in terms of the characteristic spatial intermittency of precipitation extremes

Country Report on Organic Food and Farming Research in Germany

Recently, research about organic farming has gained strong impulses in Germany. Schools of higher education, as well as state research centres steadily opened up, and with the funding under the Federal Organic Farming Scheme BÖL1 organic farming research has been strengthened substantially. Research about organic farming has a long tradition in Germany, going as far back as into the twenties of the last century. At that time the first – mainly biodynamic – pioneers started to carry out research on their farms. The Institute for Biodynamic Research IBDF2 founded in 1950, was one of the first private research institutions in the world. Also the first university chair for organic agriculture emerged in Germany, where until today more specific professorships exist than in any other country. Since the beginning of the nineties, the status quo of research in organic farming is regularly documented through the scientific conference on organic farming, which is coordinated by the Foundation Ecology & Agriculture (SÖL. Further, in the context of EU projects, contacts to research colleagues outside of Germany were intensified. Several public bodies with research divisions got involved in organic farming. Through funding within the Federal Organic Farming Scheme (BÖL) organic research experienced a major upswing since 2002. Germany has also played an important role in the development of international organic farming research. In 1984, the 5th International Scientific Conference of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)took place in Witzenhausen. In 2003 the International Society of Organic Agriculture Research (ISOFAR)was founded in Berlin. It promotes and supports research in all areas of organic agriculture by facilitating global cooperation in research, methodological development, education and knowledge exchange; supporting individual researchers through membership services, publications and events, as well as integrating stakeholders in the research process