Quantum computation with ions in microscopic traps

We discuss a possible experimental realization of fast quantum gates with high fidelity with ions confined in microscopic traps. The original proposal of this physical system for quantum computation comes from Cirac and Zoller (Nature 404, 579 (2000)). In this paper we analyse a sensitivity of the ion-trap quantum gate on various experimental parameters which was omitted in the original proposal. We address imprecision of laser pulses, impact of photon scattering, nonzero temperature effects and influence of laser intensity fluctuations on the total fidelity of the two-qubit phase gate.     

A weak law for normed weighted sums of random elements in rademacher type p banach spaces

For weighted sums Σ_{j = 1}ⁿa_jV_j of independent random elements {V_n, n ≥ 1} in real separable, Rademacher type p (1 ≤ p ≤ 2) Banach spaces, a general weak law of large numbers of the form (Σ_{j = 1}ⁿa_jV_j − v_n)/b_n →^p 0 is established, where {v_n, n ≥ 1} and b_n → ∞ are suitable sequences. It is assumed that {V_n, n ≥ 1} is stochastically dominated by a random element V, and the hypotheses involve both the behavior of the tail of the distribution of |V| and the growth behaviors of the constants {a_n, n ≥ 1} and {b_n, n ≥ 1}. No assumption is made concerning the existence of expected values or absolute moments of the {V_n, n >- 1}.     

A moving grid finite element method applied to a model biological pattern generator

Many problems in biology involve growth. In numerical simulations it can therefore be very convenient to employ a moving computational grid on a continuously deforming domain. In this paper we present a novel application of the moving grid finite element method to compute solutions of reaction–diffusion systems in two-dimensional continuously deforming Euclidean domains. A numerical software package has been developed as a result of this research that is capable of solving generalised Turing models for morphogenesis.     

Peer Interaction in Science Concept Development and Problem Solving

Cooperative learning is commonly advocated as an effective instructional strategy in classrooms. Years of research support this recommendation. Recently, however, cognitive researchers and theorists suggest that peer group work may possibly enhance concept development and problem solving. The effectiveness of group work, including peer tutoring, cooperative learning, and peer collaboration, may be explained using several theoretical perspectives. Piaget theorized that the importance of peers comes from their ability to share ideas and initiate the equilibration process in individuals. Vygotsky argued that learning takes place in social contexts only to be internalized at a later time. He proposed a “zone of proximal development” to describe the difference between a student's ability to solve a problem alone and with the help of a more knowledgeable person. Researchers focusing on both theoretical positions argue that results support both theories. Additionally, researchers suggest that peer collaboration may enhance concept development and problem solving ability. Recommendations are made for incorporating effective peer learning strategies into instruction.     

On the Residues of Binomial Coefficients and Their Products Modulo Prime Powers

In this paper, we show several arithmetic properties on the residues of binomial coefficients and their products modulo prime powers, e.g., for any distinct odd primes p and q. Meanwhile, we discuss the connections with the prime recognitions. Received November 5, 1998, Accepted December 7, 2000.     

Detection of incipient gear failures using statistical techniques

Gears are important components in most power transmission mechanisms.Failures of gears can cause heavy losses in industry. Conditionmonitoring and fault diagnosis of gears is therefore importantto improve safety and reliability of gearbox operations andreduce losses caused by gear failures. This research proposesa new diagnostic approach based on the statistical analysisof data. It investigates the use of Principal Components Analysis(PCA) to detect growing local faults in a two-stage industrialhelical gearbox. In this research, the vibration signal is usedto monitor fault conditions and a broken tooth is simulatedas a local fault. Since the early detection of faults is a challenge,small fault conditions were tested first as well as severe faultconditions. In order to examine the ability of the PCA to detectfault conditions, first the PCA-based model was created fornormal operating conditions. Any unexpected event such as afault condition causes a significant deviation from the PCAmodel, which is obtained from the normal condition data of thegearbox. The Square Prediction Error (SPE) was calculated todetect the fault conditions. When the vibration signal fromthe gearbox is representative of normal operation, the valueof the SPE shows very little fluctuation and remains under acertain threshold value. However, in the presence of the faultthe SPE fluctuates considerably beyond the threshold value.It is shown that the PCA-based statistical approach cannot onlybe used to detect severe fault conditions, but that it alsoreveals small growing fault conditions at very early stage.The technique also provides information about the state of thefault such as the location of the fault as well as its severity. Received 5 March 2001. Revised 12 December 2001. Accepted 17 January 2002.     

NMR chemical shifts in amino acids: effects of environments in the condensed phase

We present calculations of NMR chemical shifts in crystalline phases of some representative amino acids such as glycine, alanine, and alanyl-alanine. We explore the effects of environment on the chemical shifts in selected glycine geometries ranging from the crystalline phase to completely isolated molecules. In the crystalline and dilute molecular limits, the calculated distinct NMR chemical shifts are attributed to intermolecular hydrogen-bonds and dipole electric field effects, respectively.     

Potential flow around obstacles using the scaled boundary finite‐element method

The scaled boundary finite‐element method is a novel semi‐analytical technique, combining the advantages of the finite element and the boundary element methods with unique properties of its own. The method works by weakening the governing differential equations in one co‐ordinate direction through the introduction of shape functions, then solving the weakened equations analytically in the other (radial) co‐ordinate direction. These co‐ordinate directions are defined by the geometry of the domain and a scaling centre. The method can be employed for both bounded and unbounded domains. This paper applies the method to problems of potential flow around streamlined and bluff obstacles in an infinite domain. The method is derived using a weighted residual approach and extended to include the necessary velocity boundary conditions at infinity. The ability of the method to model unbounded problems is demonstrated, together with its ability to model singular points in the near field in the case of bluff obstacles. Flow fields around circular and square cylinders are computed, graphically illustrating the accuracy of the technique, and two further practical examples are also presented. Comparisons are made with boundary element and finite difference solutions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.