Introducing the Journal of Deliberative Democracy

This editorial introduction provides a statement of our vision for the Journal of Deliberative Democracy and an overview of the Special Issue on the Frontiers of Deliberative Democracy

Microwave Spectroscopy

Contains research objectives and reports on five research projects

Wigner negativity in the steady-state output of a Kerr parametric oscillator

The output field from a continuously driven linear parametric oscillator may exhibit considerably more squeezing than the intracavity field. Inspired by this fact, we explore the nonclassical features of the steady-state output field of a driven nonlinear Kerr parametric oscillator using a temporal wave packet mode description. Utilizing a new numerical method, we have access to the density matrix of arbitrary wave packet modes. Remarkably, we find that even though the steady-state cavity field is always characterized by a positive Wigner function, the output may exhibit Wigner negativity, depending on the properties of the selected mode

Microwave Spectroscopy

Contains reports on three research projects.United States Army Signal Corps (Contract DA36-039-sc-74895

Numerical study of Wigner negativity in one-dimensional steady-state resonance fluorescence

In a numerical study, we investigate the steady-state generation of nonclassical states of light from a coherently driven two-level atom in a one-dimensional waveguide. Specifically, we look for states with a negative Wigner function, since such nonclassical states are a resource for quantum information processing applications, including quantum computing. We find that a waveguide terminated by a mirror at the position of the atom can provide Wigner-negative states, while an infinite waveguide yields strictly positive Wigner functions. Moreover, our paper reveals a connection between the purity of a quantum state and its Wigner negativity. We also analyze the effects of decoherence on the negativity of a state

SIRT6 polymorphism rs117385980 is associated with longevity and healthy aging in Finnish men

Background: Sirtuin-6 (SIRT6) is involved in various crucial cellular pathways, being a key regulator of telomere structure, DNA repair, metabolism, transcriptional control and the NF-kappa B pathway. Sirt6 knock-out mice have been reported to develop typical features of aging and senescence at the age of 2-3 weeks and die within 4 weeks. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sequence variations of SIRT6 are associated with aging and longevity in Finnish men. Methods: The sample of this study consisted of 43 longer-living and healthy males and 92 male control subjects who have died of natural causes at an average age of 66,6 (+/- 4,1) years and who belonged to the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study (HBCS). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the exons and their surroundings of the SIRT6 were studied using direct PCR sequencing. Results: The SNP rs117385980 (C > T), situated 23 bases downstream of the exon 2 exon/intron border was found in heterozygous form in 1/43 longer-living healthy men (Minor allele frequency (MAF) 0,0116) and in 9/92 controls (MAF 0,0489). To replicate this finding, we studied a group of 63 healthy men at an average age of 83 years from the Helsinki Businessmen Study (HBS)-cohort. The heterozygosity of the same SNP was seen in 2/63 men from the HBS-cohort (MAF 0,0159). Fisher exact test was performed in our two combined study samples. The P-value for all samples combined was 0.07 and the odds ratio 3.53 (95% confidence interval 0.96-13.4). Conclusions: These results suggest an inverse association between the T allele of rs117385980 and longevity. The result needs to be confirmed in a larger study. It remains to be determined whether rs117385980 itself has an effect or if it is a mere genetic marker for some other yet undiscovered sequence variant causing a functional effect.Peer reviewe

Comparison of Oxygen Adsorption and Platinum Dissolution in Acid and Alkaline Solutions Using Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance

Platinum (Pt) is a widely used electrocatalyst material in fuel cells and electrolysers. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and electrolysis operate under highly acidic conditions whereas the more recently developed anion exchange membrane (AEM) processes take place under alkaline conditions. Pt dissolution and Pt oxidation during operation and varying potentials has been studied mainly for the acidic PEM and less for the alkaline AEM. This study presents a comparison of Pt dissolution and Pt oxidation in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M KOH using electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) on Pt thin films. Physical characterisation using electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed small, yet significant differences in the Pt film surface structure, which is related to differences in measured electrochemical surface area (ECSA). The mass increase from adsorption of oxygenated species and Pt oxidation is higher in alkaline conditions compared to in acid while dissolution of Pt is similar

Microwave Spectroscopy

Contains reports on five research projects.United States Army Signal Corps (Contract DA36-039-sc-74895