High-dimensional quantum key distribution based on mutually partially unbiased bases

We propose a practical high-dimensional quantum key distribution protocol based on mutually partially unbiased bases utilizing transverse modes of light. In contrast to conventional protocols using mutually unbiased bases, our protocol uses Laguerre-Gaussian and Hermite-Gaussian modes of the same mode order as two mutually partially unbiased bases for encoding, which leads to a scheme free from mode-dependent diffraction in long-distance channels. Since only linear and passive optical elements are needed, our experimental implementation significantly simplifies qudit generation and state measurement. Since this protocol differs from conventional protocols using mutually unbiased bases, we provide a security analysis of our protocol

Measurement signal quality assessment on all available and new signals of multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, and QZSS) with real data

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Carrier Phase (CP)-based high-precision positioning techniques have been widely used in geodesy, attitude determination, engineering survey and agricultural applications. With the modernisation of GNSS, multi-constellation and multi-frequency data processing is one of the foci of current GNSS research. The GNSS development authorities have better designs for the new signals, which are aimed for fast acquisition for civil users, less susceptible to interference and multipath, and having lower measurement noise. However, how good are the new signals in practice? The aim of this paper is to provide an early assessment of the newly available signals as well as assessment of the other currently available signals. The signal quality of the multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS and QZSS) is assessed by looking at their zero-baseline Double Difference (DD) CP residuals. The impacts of multi-GNSS multi-frequency signals on single-epoch positioning are investigated in terms of accuracy, precision and fixed solution availability with known short baselines

A Cell Electrofusion Microfluidic Device Integrated with 3D Thin-Film Microelectrode Arrays

A microfluidic device integrated with 3D thin film microelectrode arrays wrapped around serpentine-shaped microchannel walls has been designed, fabricated and tested for cell electrofusion. Each microelectrode array has 1015 discrete microelectrodes patterned on each side wall, and the adjacent microelectrodes are separated by coplanar dielectric channel wall. The device was tested to electrofuse K562 cells under a relatively low voltage. Under an AC electric field applied between the pair of the microelectrode arrays, cells are paired at the edge of each discrete microelectrode due to the induced positive dielectrophoresis. Subsequently, electric pulse signals are sequentially applied between the microelectrode arrays to induce electroporation and electrofusion. Compared to the design with thin film microelectrode arrays deposited at the bottom of the side walls, the 3D thin film microelectrode array could induce electroporation and electrofusion under a lower voltage. The staggered electrode arrays on opposing side walls induce inhomogeneous electric field distribution, which could avoid multi-cell fusion. The alignment and pairing efficiencies of K562 cells in this device were 99% and 70.7%, respectively. The electric pulse of low voltage (~9 V) could induce electrofusion of these cells, and the fusion efficiency was about 43.1% of total cells loaded into the device, which is much higher than that of the convectional and most existing microfluidics-based electrofusion devices. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics

Magnetic flux penetration in polycrystalline SmFeO0.75F0.2As

The recently discovered Fe–As superconducting materials which show high potential ability to carry current due to their low anisotropy have attracted a great number of attentions to understand their superconductivity mechanism and explore their applications. This paper presents a method to synthesis SmFeO0.75F0.20As polycrystalline by hot press in detail. The magnetization at different temperatures and applied fields obtained by a superconducting quantum interference device are also discussed. In addition, the local magnetization process is presented by magneto-optical imaging technique at the conditions of zero-field-cooling and field-cooling. It is found that the collective magnetization process of the newly discovered Fe–As superconductors is very similar to that of high-Tc cuprates. For instance, the Fe–As superconductors and high-Tc cuprates have the same magnetization features due to strong pining and intergrain weak link. The global supercurrent is significantly lower than local grain supercurrent due to the weak line between the grains

Oxygen-vacancy effect on structural, magnetic, and ferroelectric properties in multiferroic YMnO3 single crystals

We have investigated the structural, magnetic, and ferroelectric properties of magnetically frustrated multiferroic YMnO3 single crystals. The ferroelectric domain structures of YMnO3 samples were studied by piezoresponse force microscopy. Instead of domain vortex structure in stoichiometric crystals, YMnO3-delta exhibits a random domain configuration with straight domain walls. In magnetic measurements, the YMnO3-delta crystal shows typical antiferromagnetic behavior with higher Neel temperature and lower magnetization compared to the stoichiometric sample. The ordered oxygen vacancies dominate multiferroicity through tailoring the domain wall structure. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3676000

Oxygen-vacancy effect on structural, magnetic, and ferroelectric properties in multiferroic YMnO3 single crystals

We have investigated the structural, magnetic, and ferroelectric properties of magnetically frustrated multiferroic YMnO3 single crystals. The ferroelectric domain structures of YMnO3 samples were studied by piezoresponse force microscopy. Instead of domain vortex structure in stoichiometric crystals, YMnO3-delta exhibits a random domain configuration with straight domain walls. In magnetic measurements, the YMnO3-delta crystal shows typical antiferromagnetic behavior with higher Neel temperature and lower magnetization compared to the stoichiometric sample. The ordered oxygen vacancies dominate multiferroicity through tailoring the domain wall structure. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3676000

A significant improvement in both low- and high-field performance of MgB2 superconductors through graphene oxide doping

The effects of graphene oxide (GO) doping on the superconducting properties of MgB2 were studied using bulk samples made by the diffusion method. Homogeneous dispersions of GO in tetrahydrofuran were obtained through a novel synthesis method, which is then chemically doped with MgB2. It was found that GO doping significantly improves the critical current density, under both low and high magnetic fields, which distinguishes GO from all the other elements doped into MgB2 so far. 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Osteocytes mediate the anabolic actions of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in bone

Osteocytes, >90% of the cells in bone, lie embedded within the mineralized matrix and coordinate osteoclast and osteoblast activity on bone surfaces by mechanisms still unclear. Bone anabolic stimuli activate Wnt signaling, and human mutations of components along this pathway underscore its crucial role in bone accrual and maintenance. However, the cell responsible for orchestrating Wnt anabolic actions has remained elusive. We show herein that activation of canonical Wnt signaling exclusively in osteocytes [dominant active (da)βcat(Ot) mice] induces bone anabolism and triggers Notch signaling without affecting survival. These features contrast with those of mice expressing the same daß-catenin in osteoblasts, which exhibit decreased resorption and perinatal death from leukemia. daßcat(Ot) mice exhibit increased bone mineral density in the axial and appendicular skeleton, and marked increase in bone volume in cancellous/trabecular and cortical compartments compared with littermate controls. daßcat(Ot) mice display increased resorption and formation markers, high number of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in cancellous and cortical bone, increased bone matrix production, and markedly elevated periosteal bone formation rate. Wnt and Notch signaling target genes, osteoblast and osteocyte markers, and proosteoclastogenic and antiosteoclastogenic cytokines are elevated in bones of daßcat(Ot) mice. Further, the increase in RANKL depends on Sost/sclerostin. Thus, activation of osteocytic β-catenin signaling increases both osteoclasts and osteoblasts, leading to bone gain, and is sufficient to activate the Notch pathway. These findings demonstrate disparate outcomes of β-catenin activation in osteocytes versus osteoblasts and identify osteocytes as central target cells of the anabolic actions of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in bone

Lattice and Magnetic structures of PrFeAsO, PrFeAsO0.85F0.15 and PrFeAsO0.85

We use powder neutron diffraction to study the spin and lattice structures of polycrystalline samples of nonsuperconducting PrFeAsO and superconducting PrFeAsO0.85F0.15 and PrFeAsO0.85. We find that PrFeAsO exhibits an abrupt structural phase transitions at 153 K, followed by static long range antiferromagnetic order at 127 K. Both the structural distortion and magnetic order are identical to other rare-earth oxypnictides. Electron-doping the system with either Fluorine or oxygen deficiency suppresses the structural distortion and static long range antiferromagnetic order, therefore placing these materials into the same class of FeAs-based superconductors.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl