Google quantum computer lab to study artificial intelligence

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The search giant's new Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab will be home to a new supercomputer from D-Wave Systems.

Google is opening a new research lab to see if a quantum computer can solve problems too taxing for traditional computers.

Hosted by NASA's Ames Research Center, the new Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab will be home to a quantum computer made by D-Wave Systems. Operated by the Universities Space Research Association, the supercomputer will be available to researchers around the world to work on their own projects.

The goal, as stated in a Google blog posted today, is "to study how quantum computing might advance machine learning."

Traditional computers are limited, as they think in terms of ones and zeros and therefore aren't adept at solving real-world creative problems. In contrast, quantum computers use a single chip to store hundreds or elements known as quantum bits or "qubits." D-Wave's supercomputer houses 512 qubits on a single chip, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Tapping into the often odd world of quantum mechanics, a lone qubit can be a one, a zero, or both at the same time. As such, quantum computers can perform calculations and store information on a level much greater than can conventional computers.

"Machine learning is all about building better models of the world to make more accurate predictions," Hartmut Neven, director of engineering for Google, said in Thursday's blog. "If we want to cure diseases, we need better models of how they develop. If we want to create effective environmental policies, we need better models of what's happening to our climate. And if we want to build a more useful search engine, we need to better understand spoken questions and what's on the Web so you get the best answer."

Installation of the lab has already kicked off at the Ames Research Center, according to D-Wave, which expects its supercomputer to be ready for researchers sometime in the third quarter of 2013.

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Google quantum computer lab to study artificial intelligence

NASA, Google Launch Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab

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While much of the world is locked in a race to harness traditional computers to create the next groundbreaking application, there is another, potentially more powerful option: quantum computers.

One day after kicking off its annual I/O developer conference to much fanfare, Google quietly announced a new partnership with NASA that will use quantum computing to bring an advanced approach to some of the world's most challenging research efforts.

The combined effort will result in a new research facility called the Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab. The device housed inside the lab will be the 512-qubit D-Wave Two from D-Wave Systems, a Vancouver-based company that first made headlines when it sold Lockheed Martin the world's first commercial quantum computer back in 2011. The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) will work with the lab to invite researchers from around the world to share working time on the machine.

"We hope [the lab] helps researchers construct more efficient and more accurate models for everything from speech recognition, to Web search, to protein folding," the lab's director of engineering, Hartmut Neven, said in a blog post. "We actually think quantum machine learning may provide the most creative problem-solving process under the known laws of physics."

Although Google has not revealed the price being paid for its quantum computer, at least one report claimed that Lockheed Martin's equipment cost the company $10 million. Interestingly, D-Wave System counts Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos as a primary investor, throughBezos Expeditions, along with In-Q-Tel, a venture capital firm designed to support the efforts of U.S. intelligence agencies. D-Wave Systems began tackling the arduous task of building a commercial quantum computer way back in the '90s, a process explained in detail by founder Geordie Rose in a new set of video interviews (below) released just yesterday.

As for the technology itself, quantum computing combines the traditional binary dynamic of computing with quantum mechanics. This new approach toward computing allows us to put bits of information into their 0 and 1 states at the same time, essentially allowing researchers to view a number of possibilities simultaneously. Accelerating computation on a massive scale, quantum computing promises to allow researchers to better examine patterns in everything from weather systems to the stock market.

According to Google, the general goal of the Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab will be to examine how quantum computing might advance machine learning. Google recently made a very public commitment to this area of research by hiring inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil as director of engineering.

Google's announcement, meanwhile, comes shortly after it was revealed that a team of researchers at Los Alamos National Labs in New Mexico has been successfully running a mini quantum Internet for 2.5 years.

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NASA, Google Launch Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab

Swiss British Aerospace Avro RJ100 Arrival and Departure at London City Airport LCY EGLC [1080p HD] – Video

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Swiss British Aerospace Avro RJ100 Arrival and Departure at London City Airport LCY EGLC [1080p HD]
A Swiss Avro RJ100 Landing and Take Off from London City Airport (LCY/EGLC). MORE INFO: Airline: Swiss International Air Lines Aircraft: British Aerospace Av...

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Swiss British Aerospace Avro RJ100 Arrival and Departure at London City Airport LCY EGLC [1080p HD] - Video

Edison Expands International Aerospace & Defence Large Cap Presence With Launch of Full Coverage of Rolls-Royce

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LONDON, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Edison Investment Research, a leading international investment research firm, announces the initiation of full coverage of Rolls-Royce (RR.L), a global power systems business with activities across civil aerospace, defence, marine and energy markets.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130417/608168 )

Edison has recently published a comprehensive report examining the investment merits of Rolls-Royce, focusing on the group's potential to benefit from delivery of its 60bn order book, more than doubling revenues over the next decade. In his report, on the shoulders of giants, Edison's head of Industrials, Roger Johnston, argues that the group is building on its consistent strategy and benefiting from the significant investment in R&D and manufacturing facilities over the past decade to deliver increasing numbers of high-value Trent engines. As a result, Rolls-Royce has the opportunity to deliver significant operational gearing and bottom-line growth. In addition, management focused on ensuring a culture of delivery and on customers (delivering on promises), concentration (where to invest) and cash/cost (improving financial performance) is designed to drive operational margins and cash flow toward best in class across the group over the next decade. Modelling several scenarios by which this strategy could be achieved, Edison values Rolls-Royce between 1,419p/share, a 17% premium to the current share price, and 1,714p/share, a 41% premium to the current share price.

For the full report see: http://www.edisoninvestmentresearch.com/research/company/rolls-royce

The launch of coverage on Rolls-Royce is part of a programme of research initiations on industrials companies exposed to global market opportunities. Edison provides detailed research coverage on more than 50 industrials and support service companies in Europe, North America and Australia. Its industrials team has a range of coverage across small-, mid- and large-cap companies active in subsectors such as Aerospace & defence, Speciality materials, Alternative energy, Building materials and Industrial support services, allowing a complete understanding of industrial supply chains. All reports published by Edison are available to download free of charge from its website http://www.edisongroup.com.

About Edison Investment Research

Edison, the investment intelligence firm, is the future of investor interaction with corporates. Our team of over 100 analysts and investment professionals works with leading companies, fund managers and investment banks worldwide to support its capital markets activity. We provide services to more than 400 retained corporate and investor clients from our offices in London, New York, Berlin, Sydney and Wellington. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (http://www.fsa.gov.uk/register/firmBasicDetails.do?sid=181584).

Edison is not an adviser or broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice. Edison's reports are not solicitations to buy or sell any securities.

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Edison Expands International Aerospace & Defence Large Cap Presence With Launch of Full Coverage of Rolls-Royce

Precision Aerospace Components Inc. Today Reported Financial And Operating Results For The Three Months Ended March 31 …

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BENSALEM, Pa., May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Precision Aerospace Components Inc. (PAOS:OTCQB) is a one-stop source for standard, self-locking, semi-special and special nuts, bolts and washers manufactured to several military, aerospace and industrial specifications. The Company maintains an inventory of approximately 44,000 SKUs comprised of approximately 65 million parts of premium quality, brand name fastener products.

Precision Aerospace Components announces results from operations for the three months ending March 31, 2013. The Company's revenues increased approximately 242% or $5.1 million for the quarter to $7.2 million from $2.1 million in the comparable period last year. This is largely a result of the Fastener Distribution and Marketing Company, Inc., (FDMC) acquisition completed on May 25, 2012.

The Company's gross profit increased approximately 211% or $1.3 million for the quarter to $1.9 million from $0.6 million in the comparable period last year. The Company believes that its gross profit will remain at the current levels during 2013, based on discussions with its primary customers. The Company's total operating expenses increased 188% or $1.0 million for the quarter to $1.6 million from $0.6 million in the comparable period last year. This is largely a result of the acquisition and costs associated with the acquisition. Net income was $51,373 which was essentially flat compared to the fourth quarter of 2012.

The Company's accounts receivable have increased by approximately $0.5 million to $3.4 million at March 31, 2013 from $3.0 million at December 31, 2012; this difference is due to mainly to sales and normal deviations in customer payments. The Company's inventory levels have remained relatively consistent as of March 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012. Net income was $51,373 which was essentially flat compared to the fourth quarter of 2012.

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company completed the last phase of its relocation and consolidation of the activities of its headquarters operations, as well as the operations of its Freundlich Supply Company Inc. and Tiger-Tight Inc. subsidiaries from Staten Island New York to Bensalem, Pennsylvania, at the present location of its Aero-Missile Components Inc. subsidiary. This relocation allows the Company to better serve its customers through the co-location of its broadened inventory and is enabling the Company to realize additional efficiencies from its recent acquisition. As a result of this relocation, the Company is achieving significant and continuing savings from the elimination of the facilities costs associated with its Staten Island location. Additionally, the lower overall tax environment outside of New York City and State is beneficial to the Company.

During the third quarter of 2013, the Company anticipates starting shipment of a unique sealing product that it has developed in conjunction with one of the major manufacturers and its customer to fulfillspecific customer needs. The product should fulfill similar needs with other customers. The product addresses current product offering technical shortfalls by increasing resistance to torque out and providing an optional self-sealing feature.

The Company's subsidiary, Aero-Missile Components, has been named the Master Distributor by SPS Technologies locatedin Jenkintown, Pennsylvania for its FLEXLOC Locknut product line toward the end of last year. The FLEXLOC Locknut is a premium locknut line with Military, Aerospace and Industrial applications. FLEXLOC locknuts have been designed into challenging joint applications by engineers for over 50 years. The FLEXLOC line enjoys an unequalled history of success in applications where resistance to severe vibration is required. As a Master Distributor, Aero-Missile Components will service a network of SPS Authorized FLEXLOC Distributors. The FLEXLOC Locknut product line is manufactured by SPS Technologies domestically in the United States. FLEXLOC is a registered trademark of SPS Technologies, a PCC Company. The Company anticipates significant additional revenues from sales of the FLEXLOC line as the year progresses.

"First quarter revenues were in line with our expectations and we expect overall product sales to continue to show improvement throughout the coming year. Some of these anticipated sales increases are already being realized, stated Mr. Andrew Prince, President and Chief Executive Officer of Precision Aerospace Components. "During the first quarter Precision was awarded the Silver Distributor award by the Boeing Company which was a significant accomplishment for us. And we began the widespread distribution of our Tiger-Tight lock washers under an exclusive North American distribution agreement. Precision also retained an experienced engineering sales manager to spearhead the sales of this product line.

The Company has realized some significant savings from the elimination of the facilities and costs associated with its Staten Island location which was closed down late last year and recently opened a new warehouse in Denton, Texas to better serve our customers in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

Expanding our sales organizations and presence in these new markets will make a meaningful impact on the rate of growth the Company sees in the coming months and provide logistical support for our current products and the launch of new product lines. We believe all of these new initiatives will improve our overall cost structure, cash flows and provide better service to our network partners and the end customers that we serve."

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Precision Aerospace Components Inc. Today Reported Financial And Operating Results For The Three Months Ended March 31 ...

Research and Markets: Analyzing the Russian Aerospace & Defense Industry in 2013

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/rrjwph/analyzing_the) has announced the addition of the "Analyzing the Russian Aerospace & Defense Industry" report to their offering.

Aruvians Rsearch's Analyzing the Russian Aerospace and Defense Industry provides a well grounded research analysis of the Russian Aerospace & Defense Industry. This report aims to help investors and analysts understand the emergence of the Russian Aerospace and Defense Industry. Giving an overview of the industry, market statistics, looking at the issues and challenges faced by the industry, the report explores all the facets of the Russian Aerospace and Defense Industry. The leading players, their products, and their role in Russia's Aerospace and Defense Industry are all described in details in Aruvians' Analyzing the Russian Aerospace and Defense Industry research report. An in-depth analysis of the Sukhoi company and its various products of strategic military importance makes this research report different from the others available today.

As the Russian aerospace and defense industry consolidates, it is integrating more and more into the world market. The most important factors are:

- Dramatic decrease in domestic defense orders;

- Decrease in acquisition potential of the Russian air carriers following the collapse of Aeroflot monopoly;

- Absence of a well-organized leasing system;

- Significant reduction in state investments into research and development;

- Certification of foreign aircraft that opened the way to upgrade the Russian fleet with Western aircraft.

Key Topics Covered:

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Research and Markets: Analyzing the Russian Aerospace & Defense Industry in 2013

Canada’s national lab has sample of new coronavirus

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TORONTO -- Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg has a sample of the new coronavirus that is causing infections in a number of countries, most notably Saudi Arabia.

Scientific director Dr. Frank Plummer says the lab obtained the virus from the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The Dutch lab was the one that first identified the new virus last June in a sample from a Saudi man who had died of a mysterious illness.

Plummer says the coronavirus arrived at the Winnipeg facility on May 4.

He says the lab is growing up stocks of the virus and will use it to assess diagnostic tests being used in Canada.

As well Winnipeg scientists plan to do some work to see which animal species can be infected with the new virus.

That research will be done in conjunction with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's national lab, the National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases. The animal lab is housed in the same complex as the National Microbiology Laboratory.

The Winnipeg lab made diagnostic tests months ago, based on genetic sequence data of the new virus. Those tests have been in the hands of provincial labs since last fall, Plummer says.

To date about a handful of people have been tested for the infection in Canada, but all the tests have come back negative.

But having the actual virus to work with will allow the Winnipeg scientists to start developing a blood test to look for past infection with the virus, Plummer says.

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Canada's national lab has sample of new coronavirus

Canada’s national lab has new sample of coronavirus, planning studies

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TORONTO - Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg has a sample of the new coronavirus that is causing infections in a number of countries, most notably Saudi Arabia.

Scientific director Dr. Frank Plummer says the lab obtained the virus from the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The Dutch lab was the one that first identified the new virus last June in a sample from a Saudi man who had died of a mysterious illness.

Plummer says the coronavirus arrived at the Winnipeg facility on May 4.

He says the lab is growing up stocks of the virus and will use it to assess diagnostic tests being used in Canada.

As well Winnipeg scientists plan to do some work to see which animal species can be infected with the new virus.

That research will be done in conjunction with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's national lab, the National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases. The animal lab is housed in the same complex as the National Microbiology Laboratory.

The Winnipeg lab made diagnostic tests months ago, based on genetic sequence data of the new virus. Those tests have been in the hands of provincial labs since last fall, Plummer says.

To date about a handful of people have been tested for the infection in Canada, but all the tests have come back negative.

But having the actual virus to work with will allow the Winnipeg scientists to start developing a blood test to look for past infection with the virus, Plummer says.

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Canada's national lab has new sample of coronavirus, planning studies

Easton businesses honored for their longevity

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Chuck Adams wasn't looking for accolades.

But when the mayor's office contacted his business, Easton Upholstery, about being honored for its longevity in the Downtown area, Adams agreed to participate.

He wasn't the only one.

Easton on Tuesday night paid tribute to Downtown businesses established 20 years ago or longer -- 45 in all.

Adams is the third generation of his family to preside over the upholstery business, which was founded by his grandfather Stephen Adams in 1926.

It's been in the 500 block of Northampton Street the whole time, keeping customers growing with sharp customer service and attention to detail, Adams said.

"This was fantastic for every one of the grassroots businesses of Downtown, which have been through the high spots and low spots," Adams said. "As a small business, you have to stick it out."

About 125 people attended a recognition ceremony and reception at the Sigal Museum in the 300 block of Northampton Street.

Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said it was designed to recognize business owners who laid the groundwork for recent successes that have lifted Easton's profile and helped lure people to rediscover Downtown.

"There are a lot of people that we forget paved the way," Panto said. "We make a big deal of new businesses, and believe me it's nice to have them, but it's also important to recognize the ones who stayed and got it all started."

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Easton businesses honored for their longevity

Family longevity may lessen early onset of dementia

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The sons and daughters of people who live very long lives tend to get the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease later than others, but they're not immune from the memory-robbing disease, according to a new study.

Based on comparisons of people in their 90s, their spouses, siblings, children and their children's spouses, researchers found that the offspring of people with exceptional longevity were about 40 percent less likely than peers to be cognitively impaired between ages 65 and 79.

It's not necessarily that these individuals never become cognitively impaired, but what it seems like is that there is a delayed onset of cognitive impairment, said Stephanie Cosentino of the Columbia University Medical Center in New York.

By the time the older generation of study volunteers were in their 90s, however, their risk of being cognitively impaired was fairly high.

So Cosentino's team projects that the kids of these long-lived individuals will have the same risk level as their parents if they enjoy similar longevity -- that is, they'll no longer be protected.

Loosely defined, longevity means living beyond the average age of death among peers. In the U.S. today, for instance, a 65-year-old man can expect to live to age 83, on average, and a woman to age 85.

As life expectancies continue to rise, few have investigated whether that means people live to those old ages cognitively intact, Cosentino and her colleagues write in JAMA

Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed in about 5,000 Americans each year. It's the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 5 million Americans, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Both longevity and dementia risk have some degree of heritability.

For the new study, the researchers used data on cognitive impairment from 1,870 people who are part of the Long Life Family Study, which includes volunteer participants in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Denmark.

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Family longevity may lessen early onset of dementia

Council suspends longevity pay

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PARKERSBURG - Following a lively debate, a divided Parkersburg City Council approved the final reading of an ordinance suspending longevity pay for employees on Tuesday.

Councilmembers split 6-3 on the vote, with the majority approving a plan to indefinitely suspend planned yearly pay increases for employees. The ordinance would allow council to bring longevity pay back to the table at a later time.

Longevity pay had been suspended on an annual basis by council in recent years due to economic issues. Under longevity pay, employees received annual 30 cent pay increases, but the program caused issues when positions were vacated and base pay was under market price for new employees.

Photo by Michael Erb Parkersburg City Council President Jim Reed, left, speaks to council members J.R. Carpenter, center, and Mike Reynolds, right, during Tuesdays council meeting.

Councilman John Kelly, who unsuccessfully tried to have the ordinance repealed last month, renewed arguments against the suspension Tuesday, asking for the ordinance to instead be sent to the city's Personnel Committee for review.

"Suspending it just postpones an action we need to take," he said. "We are passing our problem on to future councils and administrations."

Mayor Bob Newell argued against the action, saying the Personnel Committee already is obligated to review employee pay, including longevity, prior to Nov. 30 each year. By suspending longevity now, it would remain an option for council in the future and could be revised if needed.

City attorney Joe Santer urged council to act definitively Tuesday evening, saying longevity pay would go back into effect July 1 if no action was taken.

"You need to repeal or suspend it tonight, or on July 1 something is going to happen you don't want," Santer said.

Kelly's motion to send the ordinance to committee was defeated 3-6, with Kelly, Roger Brown and J.R. Carpenter voting in favor of the motion. Those three then voted against suspending longevity pay, which passed by a 6-3 vote.

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Council suspends longevity pay