Optimal control of a qubit coupled to a non-Markovian environment

A central challenge for implementing quantum computing in the solid state is decoupling the qubits from the intrinsic noise of the material. We investigate the implementation of quantum gates for a paradigmatic, non-Markovian model: A single qubit coupled to a two-level system that is exposed to a heat bath. We systematically search for optimal pulses using a generalization of the novel open systems Gradient Ascent Pulse Engineering (GRAPE) algorithm. We show and explain that next to the known optimal bias point of this model, there are optimal shapes which refocus unwanted terms in the Hamiltonian. We study the limitations of controls set by the decoherence properties. This can lead to a significant improvement of quantum operations in hostile environments.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, improved pulse shape

Evolution récente du régime hydrologique de quelquesrivières de Roumanie Centrale. (Courte note)

L'étude de la stationnarité de séries de débits annuels et saisonniers de 15 rivières roumaines et du Danube à Orsova met en évidence l'existence d'une "phase hydrologique" sèche importante depuis 1983. L'écoulement hivernal a diminué de 50% depuis cette date et semble principalement responsable de cette sécheresse hydrologique. L'extension géographique de cette sécheresse est précisée en Roumanie Centrale. L'analyse des débits du Danube montre qu'une partie importante de son bassin versant est touché par le phénomène.A statistical study of annual and seasonal discharges series for 15 Romanian rivers and the Danube River at Orsova exhibits a very important dry hydrological period which began around 1983. The winter discharge decreased 50% during this period and seems to be the main cause of this hydrological drought. The spatial distribution of this drought is defined in Central Romania. The analysis of the Danube discharge series demonstrates that an important part of its watershed is in the same situation

The Effects of Cinnamon Supplementation on Plasma Lipid Concentrations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Cinnamon is a rich botanical source of polyphenols, whose positive effects on blood lipid concentrations have been hypothesized, but have not been conclusively studied. Objective: To systematically review and evaluate the effect of administration of cinnamon on blood lipid concentrations. Methods: We assessed 13 RCTs with 750 participants investigating the effect of cinnamon supplementation on blood lipid concentrations. A meta-analysis was performed using randomeffect models, with weighted mean differences (with 95% CI) for endpoints calculated using a random-effects model. Results: No statistically significant effect of cinnamon was observed on blood LDL-C (WMD: - 0.16 mmol/L [-6.19 mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.35, 0.03 [-13.53, 1.16], p = 0.10) and HDL-C (WMD: 0.05 mmol/L [1.92 mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.03, 0.12 [-0.03, 4.64], p = 0.21) concentrations. However, a statistically significant reduction in blood triglycerides (WMD: -0.27 mmol/L [- 23.91 mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.39, -0.14 [-34.54, -12.40], p < 0.01) and total cholesterol concentrations (WMD: -0.36 mmol/L [-13.92 mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.63, -0.09 [-24.36, -3.48], p < 0.01) was observed. HDL-C was significantly elevated following the omission of one study (WMD: 0.04 mmol/L [1.54 mg/dL], 95% CI: 0.03, 0.06 [1.16, 2.32], p < 0.01) during our sensitivity analysis. A meta-regression analysis was conducted and no significant association was found between changes in lipid parameters and cinnamon dose. In contrast, changes in blood levels of total cholesterol (slope: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.16; p < 0.01), LDL-C (slope: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.10; p = 0.05) and triglycerides (slope: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.09; p < 0.01) were significantly and positively associated with the duration of supplementation. No statistically significant association was found between blood HDL-C changes and duration of supplementation. Conclusion: Cinnamon supplementation significantly reduced blood triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations without any significant effect on LDL-C and HDL-C

Interaction between static holes in a quantum dimer model on the kagome lattice

A quantum dimer model (QDM) on the kagome lattice with an extensive ground-state entropy was recently introduced [Phys. Rev. B 67, 214413 (2003)]. The ground-state energy of this QDM in presence of one and two static holes is investigated by means of exact diagonalizations on lattices containing up to 144 kagome sites. The interaction energy between the holes (at distances up to 7 lattice spacings) is evaluated and the results show no indication of confinement at large hole separations.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures. IOP style files included. To appear in J. Phys.: Condens. Matter, Proceedings of the HFM2003 conference, Grenobl

Strong coupling from the Hubbard model

It was recently observed that the one dimensional half-filled Hubbard model reproduces the known part of the perturbative spectrum of planar N=4 super Yang-Mills in the SU(2) sector. Assuming that this identification is valid beyond perturbation theory, we investigate the behavior of this spectrum as the 't Hooft parameter \lambda becomes large. We show that the full dimension \Delta of the Konishi superpartner is the solution of a sixth order polynomial while \Delta for a bare dimension 5 operator is the solution of a cubic. In both cases the equations can be solved easily as a series expansion for both small and large \lambda and the equations can be inverted to express \lambda as an explicit function of \Delta. We then consider more general operators and show how \Delta depends on \lambda in the strong coupling limit. We are also able to distinguish those states in the Hubbard model which correspond to the gauge invariant operators for all values of \lambda. Finally, we compare our results with known results for strings on AdS_5\times S^5, where we find agreement for a range of R-charges.Comment: 14 pages; v2: 17 pages, 2 figures, appendix and references added; typos fixed, minor changes; v3 fixed figures; v4 more references added, minor correctio

Chord length distribution based modeling and adaptive model predictive control of batch crystallization processes using high fidelity full population balance models

The control of batch crystallizers is an intensively investigated topic as suitable crystallizer operation can reduce considerably the downstream operation costs and produce crystals of desired properties (size, shape, purity, etc.). Nevertheless, the control of crystallizers is still challenging. In this work the development of a fixed batch time full population balance model based adaptive predictive control system for cooling batch crystallizers is presented. The model equations are solved by the high resolution finite volume algorithm involving fine discretization, which provides a high fidelity, accurate solution. A physically relevant crystal size distribution (CSD) to chord length distribution (CLD) transformation is also developed making possible the direct, real-time application of the focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) probe in the control system. The measured CLD and concentration values are processed by the growing horizon estimator (GHE), whose roles are to estimate the unmeasurable system states (CSD) and to readjust the kinetic parameters, providing an adaptive feature for the control system. A repeated sequential optimization algorithm is developed for the nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) optimization, enabling the reduction of sampling time to the order of minutes for the one-day long batch. According to the simulation results, the strategy is highly robust to parametric plant-model mismatch and significant concentration measurement noise, providing very good control of the desired CLD

Bioresorbable scaffold - A magic bullet for the treatment of coronary artery disease?

Today, drug-eluting metal stents are considered the gold standard for interventional treatment of coronary artery disease. While providing inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia, drug-eluting metal stents have many limitations such as the risk of late and very late stent thrombosis, restriction of vascular vasomotion and chronic local inflammatory reaction due to permanent implantation of a 'metallic cage', recognized as a foreign body. Bioresorbable scaffold stents (BRS) are a new solution, which is trying to overcome the limitation of the 'metallic cage'. This structure provides short-term scaffolding of the vessel and then disappears, leaving nothing behind. The purpose of this review is to present the theoretical rationale for the use of BRS and to outline the clinical outcomes associated with their use in terms of data obtained from RCTs, clinical trials, registries and real life use. We have also tried to answer all questions on this intervention based on available data, with a focus on ABSORB BVS (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, USA). We consider that this new technology can be the "magic bullet" to treat coronary artery disease

The relationship between gut microbiota and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with liver cirrhosis - a literature review

Gut microbiota is an essential component in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis and its complications. There is a direct relationship between the gut and the liver called the gutliver axis through which bacteria can reach the liver through the portal venous blood. However, it remains unclear how bacteria leave the intestine and reach the fluid collection in the abdomen. A series of mechanisms have been postulated to be involved in the pathogenesis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and other complications of liver cirrhosis, including bacterial translocation, bacterial overgrowth, altered intestinal permeability and dysfunctional immunity. The hepatic function may also be affected by the alteration of intestinal microbiota composition. Current treatment in SBP is antibiotic therapy, but lately, probiotics have been the useful treatment suggested to improve the intestinal barrier and prevent bacterial translocation. However, studies are contradictory regarding their usefulness. In this review, we will summarize the literature data on the pathogenesis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis concerning the existence of a relationship with the microbiota and the useful use of probiotics