On Duality between Quantum Maps and Quantum States

We investigate the space of quantum operations, as well as the larger space of maps which are positive, but not completely positive. A constructive criterion for decomposability is presented. A certain class of unistochastic operations, determined by unitary matrices of extended dimensionality, is defined and analyzed. Using the concept of the dynamical matrix and the Jamiokowski isomorphism we explore the relation between the set of quantum operations (dynamics) and the set of density matrices acting on an extended Hilbert space (kinematics). An analogous relation is established between the classical maps and an extended space of the discrete probability distributions.     

Adrenergic and Cholinergic Nerves of the Human Urethra and Urinary Bladder. A histochemical study

The occurrence and distribution of adrenergic and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) positive nerves in the human urethra and urinary bladder were studied histochemically with the fluorescence method of Falck and Hillarp, and the copper thiocholine method of Koelle and Friedenwald. Both types of nerves were mainly confined to the layers of smooth muscle cells in the walls of the organs. In all parts of the urethra, there was a scanty supply of adrenergic nerves. Few adrenergic nerves were also found in the urinary bladder, except in the trigone area, where they were abundant. AChE-positive nerves were uniformly and richly distributed in the urinary bladder. Throughout the urethra the distribution of AChE-positive nerve fibres was uniform, but the number was clearly less than in the urinary bladder. No intrmurally located adrenergic or AChE-Positive ganglion cells could be demonstrated.     

Water and Solute Movement in Air Pollution Control Residues Measured by Time-Domain Reflectometry

The mobility of pollutants from air pollution control (APC) residues is strongly influenced by its contact with water. This study aims to verify the applicability of time-domain reflectometry (TDR) to infer water and solute movement in situ in an APC residue–compost mixture in a laboratory column. The calibrated dielectric permittivity–volumetric water content relationship (K?θv) for the material shows a distinct plateau at midrange volumetric water contents, which are underestimated by Topp’s K?θv model throughout the studied range. The coating of probes enables a clear TDR signal collection and analysis up to electrical conductivity values of 280?mS?cm?1. Heterogeneities in packing and channel flow in the column are revealed by TDR measurements. Water contents inferred by TDR signal analysis require careful interpretation when used in materials such as APC residues, due to the high amount of water bound in the hydration shells of ions released into the pore water.     

States of excellence.

Research from the individual-differences tradition pertinent to the optimal development of exceptional talent is reviewed, using the theory of work adjustment (TWA) to organize findings. The authors show how TWA concepts and psychometric methods, when used together, can facilitate positive development among talented youth by aligning learning opportunities with salient aspects of each student's individuality. Longitudinal research and more general theoretical models of (adult) academic and intellectual development support this approach. This analysis also uncovers common threads running through several positive psychological concepts (e.g., effectance motivation, flow, and peak experiences). The authors conclude by underscoring some important ideals from counseling psychology for fostering intellectual development and psychological well-being. These include conducting a multifaceted assessment, focusing on strength, helping people make choices, and providing a developmental context for bridging educational and industrial psychology to facilitate positive psychological growth throughout the life span. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On-line optical process control in steelmaking

Recent work shows that modern optical techniques, in conjunction with atomic and molecular spectroscopy, are valuable tools for on-line control of the Creusot-Loire-Uddeholm converter for alloy steelmaking. The optical technique has been closely investigated in relation to the reduction step of the process, and the resultant observations point towards a variety of applications in several steelmaking processes.