Point Estimation of States of Finite Quantum Systems

The estimation of the density matrix of a $k$-level quantum system is studied when the parametrization is given by the real and imaginary part of the entries and they are estimated by independent measurements. It is established that the properties of the estimation procedure depend very much on the invertibility of the true state. In particular, in case of a pure state the estimation is less efficient. Moreover, several estimation schemes are compared for the unknown state of a qubit when one copy is measured at a time. It is shown that the average mean quadratic error matrix is the smallest if the applied observables are complementary. The results are illustrated by computer simulations.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figure

The Role of Seismic Stratigraphy in Understanding Biological Evolution in the Pannonian Lake (SE Europe, Late Miocene)

The combined use of seismic stratigraphy and mollusc biostratigraphy in Late Neogene lacustrine deposits of the Pannonian basin offers three new approaches: First, the comparison of seismic facies and biofacies facilitates to make a distinction between biostratigraphic units and biofacies. Second, seismic datum levels permit crosschecking of discrete (magnetic, radiometric, and biostratigraphic) data, thus dating evolutionary events. Third, seismic monitoring of the sedimentary history of the basin helps in the understanding of the geographic distribution of molluscs (areals of younger forms are more and more restricted, due to progradation)

3D printing-assisted interphase engineering of polymer composites: Concept and feasibility

We introduced a general concept to create smart, (multi)functional interphases in polymer composites with layered reinforcements, making use of 3D printing. The concept can be adapted for both thermoplastic and thermoset matrix-based composites with either thermoplastic- or thermoset-enriched interphases. We showed feasibility using an example of a composite containing a thermoset matrix/thermoplastic interphase. Carbon fiber unidirectional reinforcing layers were patterned with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) through 3D printing, then infiltrated with an amine-cured epoxy (EP). The corresponding composites were subjected to static and dynamic flexure tests. The PCL-rich interphase markedly improved the ductility in static tests without deteriorating the flexural properties. Its effect was marginal in Charpy impact tests, which can be explained with effects of specimen and PCL pattern sizes. The PCL-rich interphase ensured self-healing when triggered by heat treatment above the melting temperature of PCL

Two-photon interference with two independent pseudo-thermal sources

The nature of two-photon interference is a subject that has aroused renewed interest in recent years and is still under debate. In this paper we report the first observation of two-photon interference with independent pseudo-thermal sources in which sub-wavelength interference is observed. The phenomenon may be described in terms of the classical statistical distribution of the two sources and their optical transfer functions.Comment: Phys. Rev. A 74, 053807 (2006

A 2-year prospective study of patient-relevant outcomes in patients operated on for knee osteoarthritis with tibial osteotomy

BACKGROUND: Tibial osteotomy is a treatment for younger and/or physically active patients suffering from uni-compartmental knee osteoarthritis. The open wedge osteotomy by the hemicallotasis technique includes the use of external fixation. The use of external fixation has several advantages, as early mobilization and the opportunity for optimal correction. However, the hemicallotasis technique has also been described as a cumbersome procedure for the patient. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate patient-relevant outcomes during the first 2 post-operative years. Especially the treatment period, during which external fixation was used, was closely monitored. METHODS: In an uncontrolled study, fifty-eight consecutive patients, 30 men and 28 women (mean age 54 years) were operated on by the hemicallotasis technique were evaluated with the patient-relevant outcome measure Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) preoperatively, during the treatment with external fixation, one week after removal of the external fixation, at 6 months, and at one and two years postoperatively. RESULTS: At the 2-year postoperative follow-up, all subscales of the KOOS were improved (p < 0.001), mostly in pain (41–80 on a 0–100 worst to best scale) and knee-related quality of life (21–61 on a 0–100 worst to best scale), compared to the preoperative status. Significant improvements in pain and other symptoms, function of daily life and quality of life were seen already during the treatment period (mean 98 ± 18 days) with the external fixation. More demanding functions such as kneeling, squatting, jumping and running, were improved first after extraction of the external fixation device and the pins. CONCLUSION: Tibial osteotomy by the hemicallotasis technique yields large improvement in self-rated pain, function and quality of life, which persists over two years. Surprisingly, large improvements occurred already during the immediate post-operative period when the external fixation was still used

Preliminary Thesis on the First and Second Part of the ALLEGRO CFD Benchmark Exercise

At BME (Budapest University of Technology and Economics) NTI (Institute of Nuclear Technics), a 7 pin rod bundle test section has been built in order to investigate the hydraulic behavior of the coolant in such design and to develop CFD models that could properly simulate the flow conditions in the ALLEGRO core. PIROUETTE (PIv ROd bUndlE Test faciliTy at bmE) is a test facility, which was designed to investigate the emerging flow conditions in various nuclear fuel assembly rod bundles. The measurement method is based on Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) with Matching of Index of Refractory (MIR) method. In the test loop, it was necessary to install a flow straightener that was able to condition the velocity field before the rod bundle. The results of CFD simulations could be used to improve the understanding of the inlet conditions in the rod bundle test section.The second part of the benchmark deals with the 3D CFD modeling of the velocity field within the 7 pin rod bundle placed in the test section. The geometry of the test section will be given to the participants in an easy-to-use 3D format (.obj, .stp or .stl).Comment: 25 pages, 14 Figure, 6 Tables, Ancillary files are online availabl