Parallel repetition for entangled k-player games via fast quantum search

We present two parallel repetition theorems for the entangled value of multi-player, one-round free games (games where the inputs come from a product distribution). Our first theorem shows that for a $k$-player free game $G$ with entangled value $\mathrm{val}^*(G) = 1 - \epsilon$, the $n$-fold repetition of $G$ has entangled value $\mathrm{val}^*(G^{\otimes n})$ at most $(1 - \epsilon^{3/2})^{\Omega(n/sk^4)}$, where $s$ is the answer length of any player. In contrast, the best known parallel repetition theorem for the classical value of two-player free games is $\mathrm{val}(G^{\otimes n}) \leq (1 - \epsilon^2)^{\Omega(n/s)}$, due to Barak, et al. (RANDOM 2009). This suggests the possibility of a separation between the behavior of entangled and classical free games under parallel repetition. Our second theorem handles the broader class of free games $G$ where the players can output (possibly entangled) quantum states. For such games, the repeated entangled value is upper bounded by $(1 - \epsilon^2)^{\Omega(n/sk^2)}$. We also show that the dependence of the exponent on $k$ is necessary: we exhibit a $k$-player free game $G$ and $n \geq 1$ such that $\mathrm{val}^*(G^{\otimes n}) \geq \mathrm{val}^*(G)^{n/k}$. Our analysis exploits the novel connection between communication protocols and quantum parallel repetition, first explored by Chailloux and Scarpa (ICALP 2014). We demonstrate that better communication protocols yield better parallel repetition theorems: our first theorem crucially uses a quantum search protocol by Aaronson and Ambainis, which gives a quadratic speed-up for distributed search problems. Finally, our results apply to a broader class of games than were previously considered before; in particular, we obtain the first parallel repetition theorem for entangled games involving more than two players, and for games involving quantum outputs.Comment: This paper is a significantly revised version of arXiv:1411.1397, which erroneously claimed strong parallel repetition for free entangled games. Fixed author order to alphabetica

MEMS flow sensors for nano-fluidic applications

This paper presents micromachined thermal sensors for measuring liquid flow rates in the nanoliter-per-minute range. The sensors use a boron-doped polysilicon thinfilm heater that is embedded in the silicon nitride wall of a microchannel. The boron doping is chosen to increase the heater’s temperature coefficient of resistance within tolerable noise limits, and the microchannel is suspended from the substrate to improve thermal isolation. The sensors have demonstrated a flow rate resolution below 10 nL/min, as well as the capability for detecting micro bubbles in the liquid. Heat transfer simulation has also been performed to explain the sensor operation and yielded good agreement with experimental data

Squeezing spectra of the output field by high density exciton laser

The effect of the non-linear interaction between the high density Wannier excitons is analysed. We use the Fokker-Planck equation in the positive P presentation and the corresponding stochastic differential equation to study the composite system of a single mode cavity field and exciton under classical field pumping. The small fluctuation approximation is made to get the quadrature squeezing spectra of the output light field. The conditions for the squeezing of the either quadrature component of the output light are given.Comment: 12 pages, no figure

A Journey Across Rivers and Lakes: a Look at the Untranslatable 'Jianghu' in Chinese Culture and Literature

This paper sets out to explore the possibility as well as the impossibility of representing a seemingly untranslatable term: jianghu (江湖), which literally means “rivers and lakes” in the Chinese language. The paper discusses how the term evolves almost like an organic entity of its own, stretching from Chinese literature, cinema to the everyday use of the term as slangs and idioms. By looking at how the term is translated from one language to another, from an ancient context to a (post)modern context, and further away from one generation to another, this paper attempts to study the process of adaptation and translation beyond a linguistic scope, but towards a broader field of literary, cultural and film studies. The paper also examines how the process of translating, adapting and imagining jianghu can be deemed a manifestation of the Derridian concept of “supplementarity”

Chinese Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale: translation and psychometric evaluation

None of the quantitative scale for public attitudes toward epilepsy was translated to Chinese language. This study aimed to translate and test the validity and reliability of a Chinese version of the Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale. Methods: The translation was performed according to standard principles and tested in 140 Chinese-speaking adults aged more than 18 years for psychometric validation. Results: The items in each domain had similar standard deviations (equal item variance), ranged from 0.85-0.95 in personal domain and 0.75-1.04 in general domain. The correlation between an item and its domain was 0.4 and above for all, and higher than the correlation with the other domain. Multitrait analysis showed the Chinese PATE had a similar variance, floor and ceiling effects, and relative relationship between the domains, as the original PATE. The Chinese PATE scale showed a similar correlation with almost all demographic variable except age. Item means were generally clustered in the factor analysis as hypothesized. The Cronbach’s α values was within acceptable range (0.773) in the personal domain and satisfactory range (0.693) in the general domain. Conclusion: The Chinese PATE scale is a validated and reliable translated version in measuring the public attitudes toward epilepsy

On a discrete-time risk model with delayed claims and dividends

In this paper, we study the discounted free Gerber–Shiu function for the compound binomial risk model with by-claims and randomized dividend policy. Specifically, explicit expression for the discounted free Gerber–Shiu function is obtained. This result allows us to derive formulae for some useful insurance quantities, including the ruin probability, the probability function of the deficit at ruin, the joint probability function of the surplus immediately before ruin and the deficit at ruin, and the probability function of the claim causing ruin.postprin

Local Heat Transfer Measurements on a Rotating Flat Blade Model with a Single Film Hole

An experimental study was performed to measure the heat transfer coefficient distributions on a flat blade model under rotating operating conditions. A steady-state thermochromic liquid crystal technique was employed to measure the surface temperature, and all the signals from the rotating reference frame were collected by the telemetering instrument via a wireless connection. Both air and CO2 were used as coolant. Results show that the rotational effect has a significant influence on the heat transfer coefficient distributions. The profiles of hg/h0, which is the ratio of heat transfer coefficient with film cooling to that without film cooling, deflect towards the high-radius locations on both the pressure surface and suction surface as the rotation number (Rt) increases, and the deflective tendency is more evident on the suction surface. The variations in mainstream Reynolds number (ReD) and blowing ratio (M) present different distributions of hg/h0 on the pressure and suction surfaces, respectively. Furthermore, the coolant used for CO2 injection is prone to result in lower heat transfer coefficients.Peer reviewe