Engineering massive quantum memories by topologically time-modulated spin rings

We introduce a general scheme to realize perfect storage of quantum information in systems of interacting qubits. This novel approach is based on global external controls of the Hamiltonian that yield time-periodic inversions in the dynamical evolution allowing a perfect periodic quantum state reconstruction. We illustrate the method in the particularly interesting and simple case of spin systems affected by XY residual interactions with or without static imperfections. The global control is achieved by step time inversions of an overall topological phase of the Aharonov-Bohm type. Such a scheme holds both at finite size and in the thermodynamic limit, thus enabling the massive storage of arbitrarily large numbers of local states, and is stable against several realistic sources of noise and imperfections.     

Symmetry classification of quasi-linear PDE’s containing arbitrary functions

We consider the problem of performing the preliminary “symmetry classification” of a class of quasi-linear PDE’s containing one or more arbitrary functions: we provide an easy condition involving these functions in order that nontrivial Lie point symmetries be admitted, and a “geometrical” characterization of the relevant system of equations determining these symmetries. Two detailed examples will elucidate the idea and the procedure: the first one concerns a nonlinear Laplace-type equation, the second a generalization of an equation (the Grad–Schlüter–Shafranov equation) which is used in magnetohydrodynamics.     

A new procedure for the preparation of beta-keto-delta-lactones from sugars and their transformation into glycosyl acceptors in disaccharides synthesis

[reaction: see text] Glycals are effective starting materials for the synthesis of enantiopure beta-ketone-delta-lactones. They are easily transformed, through a two-step, one-pot reaction, into the corresponding alpha,alpha'-dioxothiones which in turn can be quantitatively trapped with dienophiles in inverse electron-demand [4 + 2] cycloadditions. The reaction of dioxothione 8b with endo and exo glucals allowed the elaboration of a new protocol to prepare 2-thio- or 2-deoxydisaccharides stereoselectively.     

Synthesis of fused purinoquinazolines. Three new heterocyclic ring systems

The Ullmann reaction of 8-aminotheophylline or 8-aminocaffeine with 2-chlorobenzoic acid and of 8-bromotheophylline with ethyl-2-aminobenzoate afforded derivatives of three new heterocyclic systems: purino[7,8-α]quinazoline-5,9,11(6H,8H,10H)-trione, purino[8,9-b]quinazoline-2,4,11(1H,3H,5H)-trione and purino[8,7-b]quinazoline-2,4,6(1H,3H,11H)-trione, respectively.     

Characterisation of fresh and aged terpenic resins by micro-FTIR and GC-MS analyses of varnishes in XVI-XVII centuries paintings

Resinous materials, generally added to drying oils, were often employed as final protective films in paintings, both in tempera and oil techniques. Most of the resins used in fine arts come from exudates of plants. Natural resins are mainly composed by terpenoids. Among these resins, dammar, rosin, mastic, elemi gum, Venice turpentine were frequently employed in easel paintings. The aim of this work is the identification of natural resins in samples collected from works of art. In this paper we propose to use micro-FTIR spectrometry as a preliminary and non destructive technique to detect the presence of resinous materials in microsamples collected from paintings, followed by GC-MS analyses to obtain a precise identification of the resin. To reach this aim commercial resins, employed as standard, were analysed previously by micro-FTIR spectrometry and then analysed by GC-MS chromatography, searching characteristic chemical compounds used as "markers" of resins. The results obtained on standards allowed us to successfully analyse samples collected from two works of art: the "Portrait of a Young Gentleman", by Lorenzo Lotto (XVI century), and the "Madonna with the Infant Jesus and Saints": by Carlo Maratta (XVII secolo).     

Derivative-free methods for mixed-integer nonsmooth constrained optimization

Computational Optimization and Applications - In this paper, mixed-integer nonsmooth constrained optimization problems are considered, where objective/constraint functions are available only as the...