Motivated by recent experimental observations carried out in superconducting transmon circuits, we compare two different charging protocols for three-level quantum batteries based on time dependent ...classical pulses. In the first case the complete charging is achieved through the application of two sequential pulses, while in the second the charging occurs in a unique step applying the two pulses simultaneously. Both protocols are analytically solvable leading to a complete control on the dynamics of the quantum system. According to this it is possible to determine that the latter approach is characterized by a shorter charging time, and consequently by a greater charging power. We have then tested these protocols on IBM quantum devices based on superconducting circuits in the transmon regime. The minimum achieved charging time represents the fastest stable charging reported so far in solid state quantum batteries.
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The Extreme Energy Events Project is an experiment for the detection of Extensive Air Showers which exploits the Multigap Resistive Plate Chamber technology. At the moment 40 EEE muon telescopes, ...distributed all over the Italian territory, are taking data, allowing the relative analysis to produce the first interesting results, which are reported here. Moreover, this Project has a strong added value thanks to its effectiveness in terms of scientific communication, which derives from the peculiar way it was planned and carried on.
SUMMARYTo investigate the prevalence and clinical and genetic patterns of celiac disease (CD) among siblings of CD patients, 103 siblings and one twin of 80 celiac children were evaluated by means of ...their clinical history, physical examination, blood indices of nutritional status, and antigliadin antibodies (AGA). Antiendomysium antibody (AEA) levels were determined in 70 patients and 85 subjects were human leucocyte antigen (HLA) typed. On the basis of clinical or laboratory data or both, 21 siblings (20.2%) were submitted to intestinal biopsy, whereas intestinal biopsy in six siblings with positive serologic screening (AGA lgA or AEA or both) was not performed because of parental refusal. In a high percentage of cases (18%), all on a gluten-containing diet, the intestinal mucosa was atrophic, and CD was subsequently diagnosed. Because we could not submit all the siblings to intestinal biopsy, this figure could underestimate the real prevalence of the disease in our series; consequently, it was not possible to calculate accurately the sensitivity and specificity of AGA and AEA. Nevertheless, AEA (positive in all the nine siblings with mucosal atrophy), followed by AGA IgA, proved to be the best screening for CD. Eighteen of 19 CD siblings showed HLA-predisposing antigens. Among the 19 CD siblings, one showed a typical form with gastrointestinal symptoms, two had short stature, one suffered from recurrent vomiting, and in 15, the disease was clinically silent. On the contrary, among siblings who were first diagnosed (index cases), the majority (73.7%) had a typical from of CD, and no clinically silent cases were observed. We did not find any difference between index cases and CD siblings in food habits and distribution of HLA antigens. In 15 of 18 cases, the sibling diagnosed subsequently was the older one. Finally, the typical form of CD was significantly more frequent among the younger brother than the older. In conclusion, the high prevalence of the silent form of CD in our cases indicates that siblings of CD subjects should always be screened for CD. The combination of AGA IgA and AEA represent a good screening method to use in selecting children for the intestinal biopsy.
The Extreme Energy Events Project (EEE Project) is an innovative experiment to study very high energy cosmic rays by means of the detection of the associated air shower muon component. It consists of ...a network of tracking detectors installed inside Italian High Schools. Each tracking detector, called EEE telescope, is composed of three Multigap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs). At present, 43 telescopes are installed and taking data, opening the way for the detection of far away coincidences over a total area of about 3 × 10
5
km
2
. In this paper we present the Monte Carlo simulations that have been performed to predict the expected coincidence rate between distant EEE telescopes.
Critical current measurements in fields up to 6 T on the prototype cables for LHC detector magnets have been performed using MA.RI.S.A. test facility. Both the Rutherford and the aluminum stabilized ...cables have been tested: the first set are soldered on copper sample holders while the latter are fitted on an aluminium alloy ring using conical clamps. Comparison between the measurements gives information about the critical current degradation due to cabling and to co-extrusion with aluminum.
The usefulness of antigliadin (AGA) and antiendomysium antibodies (EMA) as a screening test for coeliac disease (CD) in 113 Down syndrome (DS) patients (61 children) was evaluated. AGA IgA were ...present in 22.1%, AGA IgG in 48.6%, EMA in 6.2%. Four symptomatic patients, AGA‐ and EMA‐positive, were affected by CD (3.5%). In three AGA‐ and EMA‐positive subjects, permission for intestinal biopsy was refused, while in two AGA‐positive and EMA‐negative children, the intestinal mucosa was normal. Our study confirms the association of CD and DS, and suggests the usefulness of EMA determination as a test for selecting DS patients for intestinal biopsy.
Virgo is designed to detect gravitational waves of both astrophysical and cosmological origin in the frequency range from a few Hz to a few kHz. After the end of the first science run, partially ...overlapped with the LIGO fifth science run, the detector underwent several upgrades to improve its sensitivity. The second Virgo science run started at the beginning of July 2009 in coincidence with LIGO. A further upgrade is planned at beginning of 2010 with the installation of new suspensions for the test masses and of new mirrors. This will lead to a considerable improvement in the sensitivity and represents an intermediate step toward the development of the advanced detectors.
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