Emergence of classicality in small number entangled systems

We show the transition from a fully quantized interaction to a semiclassical one in entangled small number quantum systems using the quantum trajectories approach. In particular, we simulate the microwave Ramsey zones used in Rydberg atom interferometry, filling in the gap between the strongly entangling Jaynes Cummings evolution and the semiclassical rotation of the atomic internal states. We also correlate the information flowing with leaking photons to the entanglement generation between cavity field and flying atom and detail the roles played by the strong dissipation and the external driving force in preserving atomic coherence through the interaction.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figure

CD47 expression is decreased in hematopoietic progenitor cells in patients with myelofibrosis

Myelofibrosis (MF) is characterized by increased circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), abnormal cytokine levels, and the survival advantage of neoplastic progenitors over their normal counterparts, which leads to progressive disappearance of polyclonal hematopoiesis. CD47 is a surface glycoprotein with many functions, such as acting as a phagocytosis inhibitor of the expressing cell, that is increased in normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells mobilized into the blood and several human cancer-initiating cells, such as in acute myeloid leukemia. We compared CD47 expression in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells of patients with MF and controls and found it to be decreased in progenitors of MF. Exposure of control HPCs to the cytokines transforming growth factor β and stromal-derived factor 1, which are important regulators of hematopoietic stem cell cycling and are overexpressed in patients with MF, did not modulate CD47 expression

Local seismic cultures: the use of timber frame structures in the south of Portugal

Given the fact that using timber frame structures has proven to improve the seismic behavior of vernacular architecture, as has been reported in past earthquakes in many countries, its preservation as a traditional earthquake resistant practice is important. This paper firstly intends to evaluate whether the use of timber frames as a traditional seismic resistant technique for vernacular architecture in the South of Portugal, traditionally a seismic region, is still active. Secondly, the city of Vila Real de Santo António was selected as a case study because it also followed a Pombaline development contemporary to the reconstruction of Lisbon. The plan included the provision of timber frame partition walls for some of the buildings and, thus, an overview of the type of constructions originally conceived is provided. Finally, the alterations done in the original constructions and the current state of the city center are described and the effect of these changes on the seismic vulnerability of the city is discussed.The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) for the scholarship granted in the scope of the research project 'SEISMIC-V-Vernacular Seismic Culture in Portugal' (PTDC/ATP-AQI/3934/2012)

Three-Dimensional Engineered Bone–Ligament–Bone Constructs for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Replacement

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a major stabilizer of the knee, is commonly injured. Because of its intrinsic poor healing ability, a torn ACL is usually reconstructed by a graft. We developed a multi-phasic, or bone?ligament?bone, tissue-engineered construct for ACL grafts using bone marrow stromal cells and sheep as a model system. After 6 months in vivo, the constructs increased in cross section and exhibited a well-organized microstructure, native bone integration, a functional enthesis, vascularization, innervation, increased collagen content, and structural alignment. The constructs increased in stiffness to 52% of the tangent modulus and 95% of the geometric stiffness of native ACL. The viscoelastic response of the explants was virtually indistinguishable from that of adult ACL. These results suggest that our constructs after implantation can obtain physiologically relevant structural and functional characteristics comparable to those of adult ACL. They present a viable option for ACL replacement.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/98477/1/ten%2Etea%2E2011%2E0231.pd

Seletividade de herbicidas pré e pós-emergentes para o pinhão-manso.

O experimento foi instalado em Prudente de Morais, MG, em 2009, com o objetivo de avaliar a seletividade de herbicidas aplicados em pré e pós-emergência para a cultura do pinhão manso. ° trabalho foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em delineamento em blocos ao acaso com 11 tratamentos e três repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por dez herbicidas, sendo quatro pré-emergentes e seis pós-emergentes e uma testemunha que recebeu apenas água no dia da aplicação dos produtos. Os tratamentos, com as doses em 9 ha-1 de La., foram: s-metolachlor (3.100 g), metribuzin (840 g), oxyfluorfen (1.200 g), trifluralin (2.250 g), bentazon (1.350 g), clethodim (102 g), fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (130,42 g), fluazifop-p-butyl (210 g), sethoxydim (253 g) e tepraloxidim (93,5 g). Os herbicidas foram aplicados utilizando-se um pulverizador pressurizado a CO2, equipado com bico tipo leque Magno 110.03, pressão de 2,75 kgf cm-2, com consumo de calda de 210 L ha-1. Foram avaliados os efeitos fitotóxicos do produto, altura das plantas, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas e a biomassa seca da parte aérea e raizes das plantas colhidas aos 50 dias após a aplicação dos produtos. Os herbicidas que apresentaram maior toxicidade às plantas de pinhão manso foram o metribuzin e o bentazon, comprometendo o desenvolvimento da cultura. Os herbicidas s-metolachlor, oxyfluorfen, trifluralin, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, fluazifop-p-butyl, sethoxydim e tepraloxidim mostraram-se seletivos e foram selecionados para estudos posteriores que contemplem a produção de frutos de pinhão-manso. Esses produtos poderão vir a ser utilizados em um programa de manejo integrado de plantas daninhas em pinhão-manso, pois não existem no Brasil herbicidas seletivos recomendados e disponíveis para essa cultura

Seletividade de herbicidas na cultura do girassol.

O experimento foi instalado em Prudente de Morais, MG, em 2010, com o objetivo de avaliar a seletividade de herbicidas aplicados em pré e pós-emergência na cultura do girassol. O trabalho foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em delineamento em blocos ao acaso com 11 tratamentos e três repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por dez herbicidas, sendo quatro pré-emergentes e seis pós-emergentes e uma testemunha que recebeu apenas água no dia da aplicação dos produtos. Os tratamentos, com as doses em 9 ha-1 de La., foram: alachlor (3.120 g), imazaquin (187,5 g), metribuzin (1.080 g), trifluralin (2.250 g), chlorimuron-ethyl, (18,75 g), fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (131 g), [fluazifop-p + fomesafen) (220 9 + 275 g), imazapyr (625 g), imazethapyr (175 g) e sethoxydim (253 g). Os herbicidas foram aplicados utilizando-se um pulverizador pressurizado a CO2, equipado com bico tipo leque Magno 110.03, pressão de 2,75 kgf cm-2, com consumo de calda de 210 L ha-1. Foram avaliados os efeitos fitotóxicos do produto, altura das plantas, número de folhas e a biomassa seca da parte aérea e raízes das plantas colhidas aos 60 dias após a aplicação dos produtos. Os herbicidas que apresentaram maior toxicidade ao girassol foram: imazaquin, metribuzin, chlorimuron-ethyl, [fluazifop-p + fomesafen), imazapyr e imazethapyr, que causaram morte total das plantas e/ou redução drástica na biomassa seca. Os herbicidas alachlor, trifluralin, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl e sethoxydim mostraram-se seletivos e foram selecionados para estudos posteriores que contemplem a produção de aquênios de girassol. O fenoxaprop-p-ethyl poderá vir a ser utilizado em um programa de manejo integrado de plantas daninhas em girassol, pois apenas o trifluralin, o alachlor e o sethoxidim são herbicidas registrados para esta cultura

Design and operation of the Chicago air shower array

The Chicago Air Shower Array (CASA) is a large‐area surface scintillator array designed to study PeV sources of cosmic rays. The complete detector will consist of 1089 detector stations, distributed on a square 15 m grid. We have operated an array of 49 stations for much of the 1989 calendar year, an array of 529 stations for much of 1990, and the balance of the 1089 stations will be operating in early 1991. This surface array, together with the University of Michigan underground muon detectors (MIA), and the University of Utah atmospheric Čerenkov telescopes and Fly’s Eye air fluorescence detector, constitute a uniquely powerful instrument, dubbed the Utah Michigan Chicago (UMC) experiment, for the study of PeV sources. We report here the performance and current status of these detectors.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87431/2/111_1.pd