Irreversibility and Entropy Production in Transport Phenomena I

*First-principles derivation of the entropy production in erectric static conduction. *The second-order (symmetric) density matrix contributes to the entropy production. *New schemes of steady states formulated using a relaxation-type von Neumann equation. *Stationary temperature is introduced to characterize steady states. *The mechanism of the entropy production in steady states is also clarified.Comment: Physica A (2011) in pres

Optimal control theory for unitary transformations

The dynamics of a quantum system driven by an external field is well described by a unitary transformation generated by a time dependent Hamiltonian. The inverse problem of finding the field that generates a specific unitary transformation is the subject of study. The unitary transformation which can represent an algorithm in a quantum computation is imposed on a subset of quantum states embedded in a larger Hilbert space. Optimal control theory (OCT) is used to solve the inversion problem irrespective of the initial input state. A unified formalism, based on the Krotov method is developed leading to a new scheme. The schemes are compared for the inversion of a two-qubit Fourier transform using as registers the vibrational levels of the $X^1\Sigma^+_g$ electronic state of Na$_2$. Raman-like transitions through the $A^1\Sigma^+_u$ electronic state induce the transitions. Light fields are found that are able to implement the Fourier transform within a picosecond time scale. Such fields can be obtained by pulse-shaping techniques of a femtosecond pulse. Out of the schemes studied the square modulus scheme converges fastest. A study of the implementation of the $Q$ qubit Fourier transform in the Na$_2$ molecule was carried out for up to 5 qubits. The classical computation effort required to obtain the algorithm with a given fidelity is estimated to scale exponentially with the number of levels. The observed moderate scaling of the pulse intensity with the number of qubits in the transformation is rationalized.Comment: 32 pages, 6 figure

Short term outcomes of total arterial coronary revascularization in patients above 65 years: a propensity score analysis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Despite the advantages of bilateral mammary coronary revascularization, many surgeons are still restricting this technique to the young patients. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the safety and potential advantages of bilateral mammary coronary revascularization in patients older than 65 years.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Group I included 415 patients older than 65 years with exclusively bilateral mammary revascularization. Using a propensity score we selected 389 patients (group II) in whom coronary bypass operations were performed using the left internal mammary artery and the great saphenous vein.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The incidence of postoperative stroke was higher in group II (1.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.0111). The amount of postoperative blood loss was higher in group I (908 ± 757 ml vs. 800 ± 713 ml, P = 0.0405). There were no other postoperative differences between both groups.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Bilateral internal mammary artery revascularization can be safely performed in patients older than 65 years. T-graft configuration without aortic anastomosis is particularly beneficial in this age group since it avoids aortic manipulation, which is an important risk factor for postoperative stroke.</p

A Seasonal Decomposition Comparison between Forest and Turf Habitats: Implications for Climate Change

Decomposition is an essential ecosystem service in which microorganisms breakdown organic matter. This process improves soil health and acts as a vital step in global carbon cycles. In this study, we examined decomposition rates and associated soil properties in turf and forest habitats across summer and fall seasons in order to determine how land management practices and climate change may be altering local decomposition regimes. Our study determined that there was a statistically significant difference between decomposition rates in turf and forest ecosystems (P=0.003) and a significant difference in decomposition rate across season (

One Hundred Meatless Dishes

This book was written for the purpose of assisting those who are working towards a meatless diet. Digitized by the Sloan Foundation from the Library of Congress. Full text available at the Internet Archive.https://knowledge.e.southern.edu/foodiesguide-1910/1022/thumbnail.jp