Quantum Conservative Gates for Finite-Valued Logics

We introduce some conservative gates for finite-valued logics which are able to realize all the main connectives of the many-valued logics of ?ukasiewicz, the MV-algebras of Chang and Brower–Zadeh algebras. After a brief exposition of the motivations for this work, the gates are defined and their properties are explored. Finally, a possible quantum realization of them is proposed, using three techniques: a “brute force” method--an extension of the Conditional Quantum Control argument, and a new technique which we call the Constants Method. For all these techniques, the unitary operator which describes the gate is a sum of local operators.     

Brouwer-Zadeh (Fuzzy-intuitionistic) posets for unsharp quantum mechanics

The partial ordered structure which plays for unsharp quantum mechanics the same role of orthomodular lattices for ordinary quantum mechanics is introduced. Differently from the unsharp case, in which one can identify quantum propositions (i.e., Hilbert space subspaces) with yes-no devices (i.e., orthogonal projections) they are tested by, in the unsharp case this identification is broken down: every quantum generalized proposition (i.e., pair of mutually orthogonal subspaces) is tested by many different yes-no devices (i.e., Hilbert space effects). The set of all quantum effects has a structure of Brouwer-Zadeh poset, canonically embeddable in a (minimal) Brouwer-Zadeh lattice, whereas the set of all quantum generalized propositions has a structure of Brouwer-Zadeh complete lattice.A Brouwer-Zadeh poset is defined as a partially ordered structure equipped with two nonusual orthocomplementations: a regular degenerate (Zadeh or fuzzy-like) one and a weak (Brouwer or intuitionistic-like) one linked by an interconnection rule. Using these two orthocomplementations it is possible to introduce the two modal-like operators of necessity and possibility.     

Physical content of preparation-question structures and Brouwer-Zadeh lattices

We give a criterion to compare the physical content of different mathematical structures derived from a preparation-question structure. Then this criterion is used in order to compare the physical content of the (Jauch-Piron's) property lattice with the physical content of the poset of testable properties. We prove that for complete preparation-question structures these two structures carry the same physical content; moreover the set of testable properties has the algebraic structure of the Brouwer-Zadeh lattice. For more general preparation-question structures the physical content of the poset of testable property can be larger than that of the property lattice. Physically relevant examples of the possible cases are given.     

Cobalt blood levels after total hip replacement (THR): a new follow-up study in Trieste (Italy)

Cobalt and chromium release in patients undergone a metal-on-metal total hip replacement (THR) is a matter recently discussed and whose we do not have enough information about it yet. In literature there is little data and not completely indicative, in the biological fluids and organs the amounts of released metals are different. This is also due to the fact that cobalt and chromium blood levels can change depending on physical and working activity, individual feeding and metabolism. The results obtained confirm the presence of an increase of cobalt inthe blood of patients after total hip replacement, while the chromium levels are almost alike: average values in patients operated are 4.1 +/- 1.5 microg/L for cobalt (0.3 +/- 0.1 microg/L in the control group) and 4.5 +/- 2.9 microg/L for chromium (4.7 +/- 2.4 microg/L in the control group). In spite of the cobalt values stand below the concentration generally considered dangerous, the difference between the two examined groups points out that a risk exists for the health of these patients. These results must be confirmed by further studies, providing better information and more reliable and biocompatible materials.     

Some results on BZ structures from Hilbertian unsharp quantum physics

Some algebraic structures determined by the class (þ) of all effects of a Hilbert space þ and by some subclasses of (þ) are investigated, in particular de Morgan-Brouwer-Zadeh posets [it is proved that (þ ⁿ )(n<) has such a structure], Brouwer-Zadeh ^* posets (a quite trivial example consisting of suitable effects is given), and Brouwer-Zadeh ³ posets which are both de Morgan and ^*.It is shown that a nontrivial class of effects of a Hilbert space exists which is a BZ ³ poset. An -preclusivity relation on the set of all vectors of þ is introduced, and it is shown that it satisfies the regularity condition also for [1/2, 1].     

Fuzzy quantum logic II. The logics of unsharp quantum mechanics

A survey of the main results of the Italian group about the logics of unsharp quantum mechanics is presented. In particular partial ordered structures playing with respect to effect operators (linear bounded operatorsF on a Hilbert space such that, 0¦F²) the role played by orthomodular posets with respect to orthogonal projections (corresponding to sharp effects) are analyzed. These structures are generally characterized by the splitting of standard orthocomplementation on projectors into two nonusual orthocomplementations (afuzzy-like and anintuitionistic-like) giving rise to different kinds of Brouwer-Zadeh (BZ) posets: de Morgan BZ posets, BZ^* posets, and BZ³ posets. Physically relevant generalizations of ortho-pair semantics (paraconsistent, regular paraconsistent, and minimal quantum logics) are introduced and their relevance with respect to the logic of unsharp quantum mechanics are discussed.     

Quantitative analysis of 2-furfural and 5-methylfurfural in different Italian vinegars by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using isotope dilution

A new method was developed for the determination of 2-furfural (2-F) and 5-methylfurfural (5-MF), two products of Maillard reaction in vinegar, with head-space solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A divinylbenzene (DVB)/carboxen (CAR)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fibre was used and SPME conditions were optimised, studying ionic strength effect, temperature effect and adsorption time. Both analytes were determined by calibration established on 2-furfural-d4 (2-F-d4). The method showed good linearity in the range studied (from 16 to 0.12 mg/l), with a regression coefficient r2 of 0.9999. Inter-batch precision and accuracy were found between 14.9 and 6.0% and between -11.7 and 0.2%, respectively. Detection limit was 15 microg/l. The method is simple and accurate and it has been applied to a series of balsamic and non-balsamic vinegars.