Review and perspectives in quantum computing for partial differential equations in structural mechanics

Structural mechanics is commonly modeled by (systems of) partial differential equations (PDEs). Except for very simple cases where analytical solutions exist, the use of numerical methods is required to find approximate solutions. However, for many problems of practical interest, the computational cost of classical numerical solvers running on classical, that is, silicon-based computer hardware, becomes prohibitive. Quantum computing, though still in its infancy, holds the promise of enabling a new generation of algorithms that can execute the most cost-demanding parts of PDE solvers up to exponentially faster than classical methods, at least theoretically. Also, increasing research and availability of quantum computing hardware spurs the hope of scientists and engineers to start using quantum computers for solving PDE problems much faster than classically possible. This work reviews the contributions that deal with the application of quantum algorithms to solve PDEs in structural mechanics. The aim is not only to discuss the theoretical possibility and extent of advantage for a given PDE, boundary conditions and input/output to the solver, but also to examine the hardware requirements of the methods proposed in literature.Aerospace Structures & Computational MechanicsNumerical AnalysisAerodynamic

Measurement of TSAb directly in serum using FRTL-5 cells

FRTL-5 cells were shown to be suitable for the measurement of thyroid stimulating antibody (TSAb) present in sera of patients with Graves' disease. Current methods for the assay of TSAb require the separation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from patient sera. In this report the possibility to measure TSAb directly on serum was evaluated using FRTL-5 cells. To this purpose cells were seeded in 96-well plates and cultured for 4 days in medium deprived of TSH. Using this system bovine TSH was able to produce a significant stimulation of cAMP production at 1 microU/ml. Whole normal serum completely inhibited the stimulation of TSH as well as that of TSAb, while diluted serum was devoid of any effect. Heat inactivated sera and IgGs, prepared by DEAE Sephadex separation, were diluted in hypotonic medium and incubated with cells for 1 h at 37 C. After incubation cAMP was measured in the assay medium by RIA. In some experiments the effects of graded dilutions of sera and IgGs with known TSAb activity were compared. Sera as well as IgGs increased the cAMP production, but, at the highest concentrations, an inhibitory effect was evident. For this reason sera were tested after appropriate dilution. Thirteen/27 (48%) sera and 22/27 (81%) IgGs from patients with Graves' disease were TSAb positive. The effect of Graves' sera on adenylate cyclase stimulation was completely inhibited by an anti-human IgG. The results of stimulation produced by Graves' sera and IgGs were highly correlated (r = 0.97, p less than 0.001). In conclusion it is possible to measure TSAb directly in serum using FRTL-5 cells

Risultati preliminari del progetto di screening della patologia tiroidea ‘Ambulatorio Mobile’ su 6153 ecografie tiroidee eseguite in una popolazione di un’area geografica della Bielorussia contaminata dall’incidente di Chernobyl.

Preliminary results of a study conducted on a population living in a rural area exposed to radiation after Chernobyl accident. Ultrasound screening of thyroid gland was performed in 6153 patients and showed no effect on thyroid volume